bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Cancer Knowledge and Opinions Among Maryland Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Siriphant Piya , Drury Thomas F. , Horowitz Alice M. , Harris Ruth M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives: As part of a Maryland statewide oral cancer needs assessment, a census of adult and family practice nurse practitioners was conducted to determine their knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, diagnostic procedures and related opinions. Methods: Information was obtained through a pretested, 40‐item, self‐administered mail questionnaire of 389 nurse practitioners. A second complete mailing was sent three weeks after the initial mailing; two postal card reminders were mailed at 10 and 17 days after the second mailing, which yielded a response rate of 56 percent. Results: Most nurse practitioners identified the use of tobacco, alcohol, and prior oral cancer lesions as real risk factors. But only 35 percent identified exposure to the sun as a risk for lip cancer. Respondents were not overly knowledgeable about the early signs of oral cancer, most common forms, or sites for oral cancer. Only 19 percent believed their knowledge of oral cancer was current. Nurse practitioners who reported having a continuing education course on oral cancer within the past two to five years were 3.1 times more likely to have a high score on knowledge of risk factors and 2.9 times more likely to have a high score on knowledge of both risk factors and of diagnostic procedures than were those who had never had a continuing education course. Conclusions: The reported knowledge of oral cancer, in conjunction with opinions about level of knowledge and training, point to a need for systematic educational updates in oral cancer prevention and early detection.
Dental Caries Experience, Tooth Loss, and Factors Associated with Unmet Needs of Haitian Immigrants in New York City
Authors: Cruz Gustavo D. , Xue Xiaonan , LeGeros Racquel Z. , Halpert Nandor , Galvis Diana L. , Tavares Mary 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to characterize the dental caries experience, tooth loss, and unmet need of a group of Haitian immigrant residents of New York City. Methods: A purposive sample of 523 adults was obtained through community outreach activities during 1997–98. Clinical examinations were performed by calibrated examiners, according to NIDCR criteria. A comprehensive survey also was administered to all the participants. Results: For the whole group, the mean number of missing teeth was 2.64 (SD=4.72), the mean DMFT=6.05 (SD=5.26), the mean DMFS=18.80 (SD=21.04), and the mean DFS=5.58 (SD=6.17). Seventeen percent of the subjects had all their teeth sound, 59 percent had at least one tooth missing, 60 percent had at least one decayed tooth, and only 38 percent had restorations. Multivariate analyses showed that age, sex, education, dental insurance, frequency of dental visits, and dental floss use were predictors of unmet need. Conclusions: Although results showed a relatively low caries experience among this group of Haitian immigrants, the unmet need was very high. Furthermore, the tooth loss experience was relatively high for all age groups, further denoting a lack of access to preventive and restorative services.
Developing Short‐form Measures of Oral Health‐related Quality of Life
Authors: Locker David , Allen P. Finbarr 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives: Using the item‐impact method, we developed an alternative short‐form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) that has good psychometric properties and minimal floor effects. Methods: OHIP data were collected from a sample of older Canadians at two points in time. Data from the first administration were used to develop a 14‐item short‐form measure; data from the second compare :he latter's psychometric properties with those of the original short form developed by Slade (1997), who used a controlled regression procedure. Results: The short form based on the item‐impact method had only two items in common with the short form derived from the regression approach and contained more high‐prevalence items. The regression short form was subject to marked floor effects, while the impact short form had floor effects comparable to those of the full 49‐item OHIP. The former discriminated between dentate and edentulous subjects, while the latter did not. Both discriminated between dentate subjects who did and did not wear dentures, those with and without dry mouth, and those with and without chewing problems. Both were also significantly associated with self‐ratings of oral health, satisfaction with oral health, and self‐perceived need for dental treatment. The strength of the associations was somewhat stronger with the regression short form, indicating that it performed better as a discriminatory instrument. However, because of its floor effects, it was markedly less sensitive to change than the impact short form. There was an indication that item‐impact methods of shortening oral health‐related quality of life measures produced more stable results across samples than the statistical approach. Conclusions: Because the content validity of shotf‐form measures is always compromised, different short forms are required for different purposes and different patient populations. The regression short form developed by Slade (1997) is likely to be better when the aim is to discriminate, while the impact short form developed here may be preferable when the aim is to describe the oral health‐related quality of life of populations or to detect change.
Risk Indicators for Periodontal Disease in a Remote Canadian Community—a Dental Practice‐based Study
Authors: Sbaraglia Mandy , Turnbull Robert S. , Locker David 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives: The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to identify risk markers and risk indicators for periodontal attachment loss in a remote Canadian community. Of special interest was the association between smoking and periodontal disease experience. Methods: Data were collected from a convenience sample of 187 adult patients attending a dental office in a rural community located in Northern Ontario. Information was obtained via a questionnaire and a periodontal examination. The questionnaire included the use of dental services, self‐care behaviors, general health status, smoking, and personal characteristics. Periodontal health was assessed using the mean periodontal attachment loss (MPAL), measured at two sites on all remaining teeth and the proportions of sites examined with loss of 2 mm or more and 5 mm or more. Plaque scores and measures of the number of missing teeth also were obtained. The relationships between mean periodontal attachment loss, the proportion of sites with 5 mm or more of loss and independent variables such as age, sex, current smoking status, mean tooth plaque scores, flossing frequency, and regularity of preventive dental visits were examined in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The data revealed a mean periodontal attachment loss of 3.9 mm (SD=1.5). The mean proportion of sites examined with loss of 2 mm or more was 0.89 and the mean proportion with loss of 5 mm or more was 0.35. In linear regression analysis, plaque scores, the number of missing teeth, age, current smoking status, regularity of dental visits, and flossing frequency had statistically significant independent effects and explained 60.0 percent of the variance in mean periodontal attachment loss. Just over 30 percent of subjects had severe periodontal disease, defined as 50 percent or more of sites examined with loss of 5 mm or more. In logistic regression analysis, missing teeth, dental visiting, smoking status, age, and flossing frequency had significant independent effects. The strongest association observed was with smoking, which had an odds ratio of 6.3. The logistic regression model correctly predicted 64.3 percent of cases with severe disease. Conclusions: The data indicate that the periodontal health of these patients is poor. Risk indicators or markers of poor periodontal health in the population studied included missing teeth, plaque scores, age, current smoking status, regularity of dental visits, and flossing frequency. This supports previous findings that behavioral factors play an important role in periodontal disease.
Translation and Validation of the Chinese Version of GOHAI
Authors: Wong May C. M. , Liu Jerry K. S. , Lo Edward C. M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective: To translate and validate the Chinese version of General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) for elderly in Hong Kong and to investigate factors that possibly may influence the GOHAI scores. Methods: The English version of GOHAI was translated into Chinese. Persons aged 60–80 years were interviewed by two trained interviewers and clinically examined by a dentist. Information on subjects' demographic background and oral health conditions was collected. Results: Altogether 1,023 elderly were interviewed and clinically examined. The mean GOHAI score was 48.9 (SD=7.2). Cronbach's alpha of the translated GOHAI was 0.81; item‐scale correlation ranged from 0.28–0.61. It was found that the mean GOHAI scores were lower for subjects with poorer perceived oral health (rs=0.57, P<.001). Elderly who had perceived dental treatment need had a lower mean GOHAI score than those who did not (P<.001). It was also found that elderly who lived in elderly homes, those who received social welfare assistance, those who had recent dental visits, and those with higher DMFT scores had higher mean GOHAI scores. Conclusion: The translated Chinese version of GOHAI demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. It is available for use by researchers in oral health‐related quality of life studies on Chinese elderly population.
Integrity of Powdered and Powder‐free Latex Examination Gloves
Authors: Calhoun Andrew J. , Rodrick Gary E. , Brown Frederic H. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives: The difference in permeability between one brand of powdered and another of powder‐free latex examination gloves was evaluated to determine leak rates. Methods: Thirty‐one of each type of glove were tested for each of three different conditions: usage by dental personnel (1) for 15 minutes or longer, (2) for less than 15 minutes, and (3) directly from the manufacturer's packaging (zero usage time). Each glove was evaluated in the fingers and the palm. The phiX‐174 viral solution in the glove was allowed to penetrate for 15 minutes. Powder (cornstarch) was subsequently added to 20 powder‐free gloves, and 15 of these were pierced with a 30‐gauge needle. Results: Powdered gloves showed no leakage rates. Because of this, 30‐, 27‐, and 25‐gauge needles were used to pierce five gloves each. One glove with 27‐ and 25‐gauge needle holes showed leakage. Leakage rates for powder‐free gloves: 45.1 percent for more than 15 minutes of use, 25.8 percent for less than 15 minutes of use, and 16.1 percent for zero minutes of use. Two of the 20 pierced and one of the five unpierced powder‐free gloves with added cornstarch leaked. Conclusion: Significant differences in leak results between powdered and powder‐free gloves suggest further study is needed.
A Systematic Review of the Performance of Methods for Identifying Carious Lesions
Authors: Bader James D. , Shugars Daniel A. , Bonito Arthur J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis systematic review evaluates evidence describing histologically validated performance of methods for identifying carious lesions. A search identified 1,407 articles, of which 39 were included that described 126 assessments of visual, visuaVtactile, radiographic (film and digital), fiber optic transillumination, electrical conductance, and laser fluorescence methods. A subsequent update added four studies contributing 10 assessments. The strength of the evidence was judged to be poor for all applications, signifying that the available information is insufficient to supporf generalizable estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of any given application of a diagnostic method. The literature is problematic with respect to complete reporting of methods, variations in histological validation methods, the small number of in vivo studies, selection of teeth, small numbers of examiners, and other factors threatening both internal and external validity. Future research must address these problems as well as expand the range of assessments to include primary teeth and root surfaces.
Early Childhood Caries‐related Visits to Hospitals for Ambulatory Surgery in New York State
Authors: Wadhawan Sangeeta , Kumar Jayanth V. , Badner Victor M. , Green Elmer L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives: The objective of this study was to assess the utilization of ambulatory surgery at hospitals for the treatment of early childhood caries in New York State. Methods: Data for this study came from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System in New York State. We analyzed 16,149 oral health‐related ambulatory surgeries performed between 1996 and 1999 in children younger than 6 years of age. Results: Between 1996 and 1999, the rate of hospitalization for dental caries in children younger than 6 years of age ranged from 180 to 193 cases per 100,000. Approximately two‐thirds of the visits by children younger than 6 years old were due to dental caries. The highest rate was observed in 3‐year‐old children (346.5). The most frequent type of procedure performed was placement of stainless steel crowns. Medicaid was the primary source of reimbursement. Conclusions: These data illustrate that, although dental caries is preventable, it continues to be a significant problem in young children and results in a large number of ambulatory surgery visits.
The Relationship Between Amalgam Restorations and Mercury Levels in Male Dentists and Nondental Health Professionals
Authors: Joshi Anil , Douglass Chester W. , Kim Hyun‐Duck , Joshipura Kaumudi J. , Park M. Chu , Rimm Eric B. , Carino Michael J. , Garcia Raul I. , Morris J. S. , Willett Walter C 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare the mercury levels in general dentists with the mercury levels in other health professionals using toenail clippings as a biomarker, (2) to identify risk factors associated with high mercury levels, and (3) to compare practice characteristics of dentists with high and low mercury levels. Methods: A sample of 579 men was randomly selected from the 33,737 men participating in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study who had provided toenail samples in 1987. A questionnaire was sent to these male subjects in 1991 to obtain information on fish consumption, tooth‐brushing frequency, number of teeth, number of amalgam restorations, general practice or specialty status, number of amalgam restorations placed and removed per week, mercury storage and handling procedures, and mercury spillage incidents. A measure of long‐term mercury exposure was obtained from toenail samples using neutron activation analysis for the 410 respondents (71% response rate). The 90th percentile mercury level in toenails (0.88 ppm) was selected as the threshold for elevated toenail mercury level. Results: No relationship was found between the number of dental amalgams and toenail mercury levels among general dentists, dental specialists, and nondental health professionals. General dentists were found to have more than twice the level of mercury in toenails than nondental health professionals (mean level=0.94 vs 0.45) and 60 percent higher than dental specialists (mean=0.59). The combined use of disposable capsules and water storage of scrap amalgam appeared to reduce the risk of elevated mercury levels. Regardless of professional status, consumption of tuna and saltwater fish were the primary exposure factors that were positively associated with toenail mercury levels. Conclusions: As shown by the associations with dental profession and fish consumption, the mercury content of toenails is a stable biomarker of cumulative long‐term mercury exposure. The lack of association between nail mercury levels and number of amalgam restorations suggests that avoidance of mercury amalgam restorative materials cannot be justified by the presence of mercury released from dental amalgams.
Seropositivity of the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test in a Dental School Patient Population: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Cade James E. , Boozer Charles H. , Leigh Janet E. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the seropositivity of the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) in a dental school patient population. Methods: Blood was drawn on 20,844 subjects registering for treatment at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. All subjects who are admitted to the dental school are submitted to RPR screening (Macro‐Vue‐RPR Card, Becton Dickinson), blood indices, and serum chemistries. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL), microhemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum (MHA‐TP) and/or fluorescent treponemal absorption test for Treponema pallidum (FTA‐ABS) were also run on the positive RPR results. Results: Two hundred seventy‐nine (1.34%) of the 20,844 were RPR‐positive. Sixty‐two subjects (0.30%) of this total population from the RPR‐positive findings were nonreactive (biological false positives or BFP) to the MHA‐TP and FTA‐ABS. This left 217(1.04%) subjects of the 20,844 screened who were seropositive on both the RPR and the FTA‐ABS or MHA‐TP. Conclusions: Since this study has not been performed in a dental school patient population setting, comparison with other institutions is difficult. The authors agree that routine RPR testing is helpful and cost effective to detect patients possibly infected with Treponema pallidum in a large patient population.
Dental Caries Experience in Northern Manhattan Adolescents
Authors: Mitchell Dennis A. , Ahluwalia Kavita P. , Albert David A. , Zabos Georgina P. , Findley Sally E. , Trinh‐Shevrin Chau B. , Marshall Stephen E. , Lamster Ira B. , Formicola Allan J. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Objective The study sought to document dental caries among adolescents residing in northern Manhattan, New York, by race, sex, and community. Methods: Clinical and demographic data were collected from children aged 12‐17 years at five school‐based dental clinics in northern Manhattan. Data on dental caries were collected by calibrated examiners using the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research criteria for oral examinations. Results: A total of 566 children participated in the study. They were predominantly Hispanic (64%) or African American (28%). Compared to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, mean DMFT (3.36 vs 2.53; P<.01) and the prevalence of untreated disease (36% vs 16%; P<.01) were significantly higher for northern Manhattan adolescents. Of the adolescents evaluated, 13 percent had at least one severely carious tooth with pulpal in volvement that required either extraction or endodontic therapy. Conclusions: Adolescents in northern Manhattan have higher caries prevalence and higher levels of untreated caries than their national counterparts. Carious lesions progress to pulpal involvement in a high percentage of northern Manhattan children and require extraction or root canal therapy as treatment. There is an urgent need for affordable and available dental primary care services targeted to economically disadvantaged communities.
Australian Dental Students' Views about Smoking Cessation Counseling and Their Skills as Counselors
Authors: Rikard‐Bell Glenys , Groenlund Catherine , Ward Jeanette 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Objective: This paper seeks to determine Australian dental students' views about and skills to provide smoking cessation counseling. Methods: In 2000, we surveyed dental students enrolled in all five years of the undergraduate degree course at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney, Australia. Results: We obtained 248 questionnaires (response rate=88%). Of our sample, 31 (13%) were self‐reported current smokers. Most students (n=203; 82%) indicated they were expected to give smoking cessation counseling to patients. While the majority responded they had been taught the risks from tobacco in the etiology of oral cancer (n=180; 73%), significantly fewer (n=111; 45%) indicated they were taught smoking cessation counseling (McNemars chi‐square=41.66; df=1; P<.001). Independent of their own smoking status, most planned to advise patients about tobacco use in their graduate careers (n=219;91%). However, significantly fewer (n=129; 54%) indicated that such counseling would be effective (McNemars chi‐square‐9.95; df=1; P<.04). Students' confidence to counsel smokers to quit was low and did not differ significantly by year (chi‐square=3.90; df=4; P=.42). Resources highly ranked for inclusion in the undergraduate curriculum were seminars with experts (50%) and practical skills training (49%). Conclusions: Dental students' low perception of the effectiveness of smoking cessation counseling and the inadequacies of the current evidence‐base invite more convincing research about dentists' role in tobacco control and better skills training in response.
The Dynamics of Toothache Pain and Dental Services Utilization: 24‐Month Incidence
Authors: Duncan R. Paul , Gilbert Gregg H. , Peek Chuck W. , Heft Marc W. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives: The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to describe patterns of change in reported toothache pain, and (2) to examine the impact of toothache pain on dental care utilization and vice versa. Methods: Data from the Florida Dental Care Study (FDCS), a longitudinal study of oral health and dental service utilization conducted in north Florida, were used to measure self‐reported toothache pain among dentate adults at baseline and four subsequent times during a 24‐month period. Only persons 45 years of age or older with at least one remaining natural tooth at baseline were eligible. A total of 873 subjects participated, 764 of whom participated through 24 months. The analysis is focused on modeling transitions in the reported experience of toothache pain during intervals of six months. Results: At the time of the baseline interview, 11.5 percent of subjects reported current toothache pain. During subsequent six‐monthly interviews, from 13.4 percent to 21.6 percent of subjects reported having experienced toothache pain during the prior six‐month interval. Among those with no toothache pain at baseline (n=772), 31.2 percent experienced toothache pain at some time during the 24‐month study period. The six‐month incidence probability reflects the likelihood of developing toothache pain by estimating the conditional probability of reporting a toothache in a later interval given that this problem was not reported in the earlier one (for consecutive pairs of intervals). Overall, the six‐month incidence probability for toothache pain in this study was. 11. Significantly higher 24‐month incidence was observed for African‐American subjects, those with less formal education, those in poorer financial circumstances, and problem‐oriented dental attenders. Conclusions: In this diverse sample of adults, toothache pain occurs frequently and is quite variable overtime. Toothache occurs in conjunction with various forms of self‐reported oral disease (e.g., abscess, cavities) or tissue damage (e.g., loose tooth, broken tooth, bleeding gums). Subjects who experience toothache are slightly more likely than others to utilize dental services in the time period proximate to the toothache pain.