Dental Records Research Articles

Characterizing clinical findings of Sjögren's Disease patients in community practices using matched electronic dental-health record data.

Established classifications exist to confirm Sjögren's Disease (SD) (previously referred as Sjögren's Syndrome) and recruit patients for research. However, no established classification exists for diagnosis in clinical settings causing delayed diagnosis. SD patients experience a huge dental disease burden impairing their quality of life. This study established criteria to characterize Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) patients' SD based on symptoms and signs in the electronic health record (EHR) data available through the state-wide Indiana health information exchange (IHIE). Association between SD diagnosis, and comorbidities including other autoimmune conditions, and documentation of SD diagnosis in electronic dental record (EDR) were also determined. The IUSD patients' EDR were linked with their EHR data in the IHIE and queried for SD diagnostic ICD9/10 codes. The resulting cohorts' EHR clinical findings were characterized and classified using diagnostic criteria based on clinical experts' recommendations. Descriptive statistics were performed, and Chi-square tests determined the association between the different SD presentations and comorbidities including other autoimmune conditions. Eighty-three percent of IUSD patients had an EHR of which 377 patients had a SD diagnosis. They were characterized as positive (24%), uncertain (20%) and negative (56%) based on EHR clinical findings. Dry eyes and mouth were reported for 51% and positive Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) for 17% of this study cohort. One comorbidity was present in 98% and other autoimmune condition/s were present in 53% respectively. Significant differences were observed between the three SD clinical characteristics/classifications and certain medical and autoimmune conditions (p<0.05). Sixty-nine percent of patients' EDR did not mention SD, highlighting the huge gap in reporting SD during dental care. This study of SD patients diagnosed in community practices characterized three different SD clinical presentations, which can be used to generate SD study cohorts for longitudinal studies using EHR data. The results emphasize the heterogenous SD clinical presentations and the need for further research to diagnose SD early in community practice settings where most people seek care.

Influence of Practice Characteristics on the Adoption of Electronic Dental Records in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The adoption of electronic dental records (EDRs) is less extensively studied than electronic medical records (EMRs) in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, a multivariate analysis was conducted to calculate the adoption of EDRs and determine the practice characteristics that influence adoption. An online survey was conducted with 220 dental practices in Jeddah from August to December 2021. The questionnaire contained 10 items that measured the adoption of EDRs and identified the region, district, practice characteristics, and practice size. A regression analysis was used to ascertain the relationships between EDR adoption and the predictor variables. About 93% of the dental practices, we surveyed in Jeddah had adopted EDRs. Public dental practices and large practices were associated with higher rates of adoption (respectively, 97.0%, p = 0.016; 97.8%, p = 0.009). The logistic regression model showed statistically significant results regarding practice characteristics, practice size, and the acceptance of insurance patients. EDR adoption was 89% less likely for private dental practices, 99% less likely for smaller dental practices (≥2 dentists), and 98% less likely in dental practices that did not treat patients with insurance. Our study sample showed a high rate of EDR adoption. Among the participants, public practices, large practices, and practices that treat patients with insurance were the most positively inclined toward EDR adoption.

Odontoma and other congenital dental anomalies: Implications for forensic identification.

Forensic odontology plays a crucial role in establishing the identity in mass disasters and criminal cases with high accuracy. Dental anomalies and features help in such situations. Congenital and developmental dental anomalies can be easily documented to establish distinctive and individualistic characteristics of an individual. The location, number of teeth involved, and the type of anomaly vary between individuals. Similarly, dental malformations also assist greatly in the identification process. Many types of dental anomalies have been studied in the past for their individualistic characteristics in forensic examinations. One such dental anomaly is odontoma, which is a benign odontogenic malformation. This malformation may also help in the identification of the deceased, when recorded and examined accurately. An odontome is a malformed teeth-like structures consisting of enamel, dentin, and pulpal tissue, formed due to the growth of completely differentiated epithelial and mesenchymal cells. If antemortem (AM) dental records incorporate information regarding odontomes and other dental anomalies, including in radiographs, orthopantomograms or microradiographs, positive identification may be established by comparison of these records with postmortem (PM) records. In the present communication, a rare case of compound composite odontoma in the anterior mandible with multiple denticles has been discussed with a brief overview of congenital and developmental dental anomalies. The authors emphasize the importance of such rare dental anomalies and malformations which may be used for identifying the deceased in mass disasters and forensic identification.

Impairment of oral health and its impact on the quality of life of patients with Sjögren's syndrome

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the clinical profile and the oral health status and their impact on the quality of life of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS).MethodsThrough a cross‐sectional study, patients with SS were compared with those with dry symptoms with no conclusive diagnosis of SS (non‐SS) and patients without complaints of dryness, matched for sex and age (control group). Data related to classification of SS, focus score, unstimulated whole salivary flow (UWSF), dental plaque index, periodontal screening and recording (PSR), decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), and clinical signs of candidiasis were assessed. Colony‐forming units (CFU) of Candida spp were assessed and saliva biochemical analysis was also performed. The Xerostomia Inventory (XI) and Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP‐14) questionnaire were applied to assess the severity of xerostomia and quality of life.ResultsThirty‐three patients with primary SS, 22 with secondary SS, nine non‐SS, and 23 from control group were included. Patients with primary SS, secondary SS and non‐SS had lower UWSF and higher rates of plaque, PSR and DMFT than the control group. Candida spp. count was also higher in SS groups. Osmolality, buffering capacity and protein concentration in saliva were similar between groups. The scores of XI and OHIP‐14 were higher in the SS and non‐SS groups and showed positive correlation with PSR and DMFT and negative correlation with UWSF.ConclusionSS is associated with poor oral health, mainly related to dental and periodontal problems, which exert a negative impact on quality of life.

Artificial intelligence in forensic odontology – A review

Revolutionary advancements in dentistry have been brought about by robotic advancements that mimic the functions of the human brain. Over an extended period, both dental and medical documentation has undergone computerization, with cloud servers serving as reliable backups. These records have played a crucial role in identifying victims of major catastrophes such as the World Trade Centre disaster and the Indian Ocean tsunami. Often, in these cases, the bodies are severely damaged and unidentifiable, except for the remaining teeth and the resilient jawbone, which exhibit remarkable resistance to harsh conditions. These elements have proven to be vital in the process of identifying disaster victims. To conduct the present review, extensive online research was performed using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and IEEE Xplore, up until December 2022.

Tongue prints- Unique as well as potential forensic tool for biometric authentication

Forensic odontology proves to be an important branch of science when it comes to solve various criminal cases as well as in person identification by providing dental expertise in the court of law so that proper justice can be delivered. Tongue is an important vital organ of human body which is protected from outer environment as it is well encased within the oral cavity. Tongue has very unique features which differs from individual to individual, even in identical twins. For this reason, tongue prints can be used nowadays as a method of biometric authentication in Forensic Odontology. It also aids in identification of person as tongue exhibits sexual dimorphism. As a result of all this, tongue prints has emerged as a promising forensic tool nowadays.

Digital forensics – A gain to dentistry

The ability of machines to carry out tasks that typically involve human intelligence is known as artificial intelligence (AI). It is a development in computer science that solves a number of intricate problems that are currently plaguing society. These models have shown to be a breakthrough in terms of delivering trustworthy information for decision making, and their main benefit is that they offer logic for clinical decision making. Consequently, AI may play a big part in forensic dentistry (FO). In order to serve the welfares of justice, FO entails the examination, assessment, administration, and presentation of dental evidence in criminal or civil cases. It is an essential component of forensic science that is key to the identification of people, whether they are living or dead. In terms of gathering, evaluating, and reporting evidence, digital forensics has successfully and consistently supplanted traditional forensic investigations. Therefore, learning and understanding in this area are necessary.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Interest in Forensic Odontology Among the Dental Teaching Staffs in the Dental Colleges of Jharkhand.

Forensic dentistry is a subspecialty of forensic science that handles, examines, and presents evidence from teeth in the most ethical manner possible. In addition to doing research, forensic odontology (FO) entails managing, examining, assessing, and presenting evidence from dentistry in civil or criminal investigations. In these circumstances, the forensic odontologist aids the court system by reviewing the dental findings. The present investigation was carried out to assess the dental faculty member's awareness, interest, and knowledge of FO at dental educational institutions in Jharkhand, India. The sample size calculation assumes a simple random sampling technique and a large population size using the formula E=sqrt((Z^2*p*(1-p))/n).A total of 102 dental teachingfaculty members from diverse dental specialties participated in the survey. Utilizing a validated questionnaire that was sent directly after receiving approval from the institutional ethics committee in January 2023, data were gathered in a tailored manner. The questionnaireincluded 12 questions to gauge the dental teachingfaculty members' awareness, knowledge, and interest in FO. Closed-ended questions were included. The outcomes were computed using a percentage system. In this study, 95% of study participants agreed with the fact that teeth are a possible source of DNA, while 5% were unaware of this fact. 68% of study participants said that visual examination constitutes the initial stage in the identification process for unidentified bodies while 8% of study participants said that DNA fingerprinting constitutes the initial stage in the identification process for unidentified bodies. However, 8% of study participants didn't know anything about this aspect. 72% of dental teaching faculty members agreed to the fact that Barr bodies should be used to determine sex. 89% of study participants responded positively to the question"Can teeth or enamel serve as a tool for determining age?" 11% of study participants did not know that teeth or enamel can serve as a tool for determining age. 41% of study participants had the correct information that FO instruction for bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) students takes place and, as per Dental Council of India (DCI) standards, should be given in both BDS second and third years. The results of the current survey provided information on FO practices among Jharkhand dental institutes' dental faculty. The poll revealed that they have the necessary information, which they must have learned either while studying, participating in continuing dental education, or teaching.

Associations Between Oral Health Literacy and Oral Health Status Among Patients Attending Comprehensive Dental Clinic

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association between oral health literacy (OHL), oral health status (OHS), and utilization of dental services among maintenance patients. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study. Participants were maintenance patients attending the Comprehensive Dental Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University from January to April 2021. Information about the participant’s demographic details, including education, and income were collected using a questionnaire. The Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth index (DMFT), Plaque Index (PI), and utilization of dental service were obtained from the electronic dental record. OHL was assessed using the Thai Version of Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (ThREALD-30). Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 130 participants were recruited for this study. The mean age of participants was 51.1 years. The mean ThREALD-30 score was 26.7±3.76. The OHL scores were significantly negatively correlated with DMFT (r=-0.356; p= 0.002), PI (r=-0.398; p&lt;0.001), and utilization of dental services (r=-0.35, p&lt;0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, education and income, OHL was significantly associated with DMFT (OR=1.36; p=0.001), and PI (OR=1.26; p=0.006). Conclusions: OHL was associated with OHS. Patients with high OHL had good OHS with regular annual dental examinations. An understanding of the OHL of patients is crucial for designing effective oral health education and creating intervention programs to promote oral health

Preventive program based on multiple intelligences to promote oral health in disabled children from Chiclayo, Peru

Introduction: Children with physical disabilities often present deficient oral hygiene and eating habits that threaten optimal oral health. Objective: To evaluate the result of a preventive program based on multiple intelligences to pro-mote oral health care in children with physical disabilities in Chiclayo - Peru. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental, quan-titative, prospective and longitudinal study was carried out from the year 2020, to test a preventive intervention based on multiple intelligences (MI), comparing it with an intervention with traditional methodology, whose purpose was in both cases promote preventive oral health care in 167 boys and girls with physical disabilities from four Special Basic Education Centers (CEBES) in Chiclayo. For the pre- and post-test evaluation using a dental record of oral hygiene practices, oral hygiene index and dietary exposure to sugary carbohydrates, the Mann Whitney U test was required, with a confidence level of 95%. Results: After not very encouraging findings in the pretest for both groups, significant changes were observed in the posttest in favor of the IM-based program, for which 58% of schoolchildren registered an adequate oral hygiene index, 69.2% brushed twice to three times a day and that only 35.8% present regular exposure to carbohydrates. Statistical significance was evidenced in favor of the MI-based intervention for the three indicated variables (p= 0.000). Conclusions: The application of the IM-based program achieved better results in the significant promotion of oral hygiene practices with a favorable record of the IHO and by reducing the exposure to carbohydrates in a vulnerable population. Keywords: Health promotion; Oral health; Preventive dentistry; Health education; Children with disabilities.

Forensic Dentistry - The Role of the Dentist in Human Identification

Forensic Dentistry - The Role of the Dentist in Human Identification

Tingkat Pengetahuan Dokter Gigi Mengenai Radiologi Forensik Kedokteran Gigi (Kajian pada Dokter Gigi di Jakarta Barat)

Background: A dentist is able to be requested for help investigating a crime handled by the authorities. Hence, the knowledge of forensic odontology has to be possessed by not only forensic dentists but also all practicing dentists require having the knowledge. Dental identification is the most general method used in forensic odontology, not only tooth; dental radiology can also be used. Radiographic methods are often used because this method is relatively easy, the technique is efficient, recordings can be obtained both on and off, and it is more economical than DNA technology. Radiographs have been proven and considered valid in court. Purpose: To obtain an overview of the knowledge of dentists in West Jakarta regarding the use of radiology on forensic odontology. Method: Descriptive observational study with cross sectional design conducted through online. The data collected from 99 respondents, all are dentists who practice in West Jakarta. A questionnaire used to measure the dentists’ knowledge. It consists of 11 closed-ended questions; score 2 given for correct answer, score 1 given for incorrect answer. Result: The result of data calculation from respondents’ answers was divided into three knowledge categories. The study obtained 30.3 % respondents have good knowledge, 36.4% respondents have adequate knowledge, and 33.3% respondents have lack knowledge. Conclusion: Based on the research data calculation, 36 respondents (36.4%) have adequate knowledge (56%-75%).

Gambaran pengetahuan dokter gigi di rsgm ladokgi Tni al r.e martadinata dalam ketepatan penulisan odontogram

Background: All medical practitioners and dentists are required to create medical records. Medical record writing must be in accordance with established regulations, because it has a very important role as written evidence in court. Odontogram is a part of the dental medical record which contains information about a person's teeth and is a reliable means of identifying teeth. At present not all dentists and dental nurses in Indonesia have properly recorded odontogram medical records, there is still no uniformity in writing or terminology used in odontograms. Purpose: This study aims to obtain an overview of the level of knowledge of dentists at RSGM LADOKGI TNI AL R.E MARTADINATA in odontograms writing accuracy. Method: Descriptive observational study with cross sectional design conducted through online. The data collected from 47 respondents, all are dentists who working in RSGM LADOKGI TNI AL R.E MARTADINATA. A questionnaire used to measure the dentists’ knowledge, it consists of 15 closed-ended questions. Result: Based on the result of research data calculation, 30 respondents (63,8%) have good knowledge (76%-100%), 12 respondents (25,5%) have sufficient knowledge (56%-75%), and 5 respondents (10,7%) have deficient knowledge (less than 55%). Conclusion: Most of the dentists at RSGM LADOKGI TNI AL R.E MARTADINATA have a good knowledge in odontograms writing accuracy.

Photography and three-dimensional digital scans for forensic human identification cases using odontology: five case studies

Antemortem photographs can be useful for forensic odontology purposes. Five case studies demonstrate how antemortem photographs (including selfies and dental intra-oral photographs) and 3D scans have been used successfully in human identification. evidence, implementation is limited in the UK, and this appears to be due an inconducive political environment, although this is improving. CPD/Clinical Relevance: While accurate dental records are essential for successful human identification using odontology, antemortem photographs of the teeth and 3D scans may also be useful.

Ameloglyphics: A Forensic Tool for Human Identification.

Crime rates in our contemporary technological age have been rising at an alarming pace. Newer methods are needed to determine who the perpetrator and victim are in these situations. By comparing a person's recorded information with their own unique characteristics, automated biometric systems may determine who they are. Biometric identifiers like fingerprint and iris scanning are among the most reliable ways. Due to the vulnerability of soft tissues, these procedures cannot be depended on in the event of widespread calamities such as fires or gas leaks. Therefore, improved individual identification necessitates a biometric system based on the hard tissue. Thus, ameloglyphics was created to serve as a key tool in forensic odontology, particularly in the case of huge fatalities caused by natural catastrophes.

Multiple Methods of Dentin Translucency for Age Estimation.

Age estimation is an essential part of forensic odontology and many methods are available with variable accuracy. However, the research is going on to find the simple and most reliable method. By measuring the length and area of root dentin translucency in extracted tooth specimens manually and digitally, and comparing them, this study aims to find the most reliable technique of age assessment. One-hundred and twenty-five single-rooted extracted human permanent teeth were selected for the study. In both unsectioned and sectioned teeth, the total length of root dentin translucency was manually measured using a digital vernier caliper. Then, in a ground-sectioned tooth specimen, the total length and area of root dentin translucency were measured digitally using a scanner scale and computer software. Both the methods were compared. In both manual and digital approaches, the length and area of root dentin translucency grew with age, from younger to older age groups. On comparing the measurements, the correlation coefficient was somewhat higher for digital area measurements than other measurements (r = 0.985). The digital technique outperforms the traditional way for calculating age, and furthermore, measuring the area in the digital method for age estimation has shown to be more accurate.

Role of Dental Evidences in Persons Forensic Identification in Nineveh Province

Aim of this Study: Underlining the method used in Ninevah as individual’s identification and to emphasize the importance of dental components for person identification. Methodology: ethically approved by the ethical research committee in the Nineveh Health Directorate/Ministry of Health. Modified questionnaire study formed to assess the role of forensic odontology in Ninevah and knowledge of the forensic medicine staff Result: Demographical section shows thirteen’s male group. In regard to specific unit positions in the FMD doctors form (15%), laboratory assistance (35%). In the specific knowledge questions about forensic medicine results where visual examination is the first step to identifying unclaimed bodies (45%), bone samples are the chosen answer (52%), in comparison to teeth (42.5%) used to estimate age. More than fifty percent claimed that forensic odontology is for dead person identification only. The respondents consider tooth structure to be the main part used (42.5%). More than 75% agreed that dentists have a great role in forensic odontology (33, 82.5%). The highest percentage gathers information from electronic sources: television, mobile phones, and radio (19, 47.5%). Thirty questions about forensic dentistry knowledge with one answer either yes or no or I don’t know. Twenty-one answers show the highest agreement of the respondents on YES, while 7 answers show the highest percent of applicants disagreeing with the questions. Conclusion: Forensic odontology provides a quick means of identification based on dental characteristics, treatment, and pathology in the context of comparative identification. Although FMD in Nineveh understands the significance of FD, they are not permitted to perform routine analyses of the remains; instead, they collect samples and send them to Baghdad, the primary center of forensic medicine.

American Board of Forensic Odontology Standards and Guidelines for Evaluating Bitemarks

American Board of Forensic Odontology Standards and Guidelines for Evaluating Bitemarks

Application of Data Science to Discover the Relationship Between Dental Caries and Diabetes in Dental Records

Diabetes is a chronic and metabolic disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 422 million adults suffer from diabetes worldwide. In fact, in 2012 diabetes caused 1.5 million deaths in the world. In Mexico, our country, diabetes is a highly relevant public health problem. For example, in 2015 there were 11 million cases of diabetes. Our contribution is to apply novel data science techniques to medical records at a dental clinic in Northeast Mexico to discover the relationship between diabetes and dental caries. Our research work follows IBM’s data science methodology. The analysis of data was carried out with machine learning. Five experiments were carried out on 193 dental records. Our findings corroborate the results found in related work.

Understanding the challenges of disaster victim identification: perspectives of Australian forensic practitioners.

Disaster victim identification (DVI) is an important process in the aftermath of disasters to provide answers for the families and communities of victims. Australian forensic practitioners contribute to such processes internationally under difficult post-disaster circumstances. The aim of the study was to better understand the challenges experienced by forensic practitioners in international DVI operations. Participants (N = 20) included DNA analysts, fingerprint examiners, forensic odontologists, forensic pathologists, and mortuary technicians who had experience in DVI operations. Participants were interviewed about their experiences and perceptions of the challenges of DVI. The findings provide valuable insights into the types of DVI operations in which Australian forensic practitioners have been involved internationally. Thematic analysis of interview data resulted in five main themes: the post-disaster work environment; DVI management and processes; political and financial influences; teamwork in intercultural and interdisciplinary contexts; and confronting the emotional realities of DVI work. The analysis highlights the interrelated challenges associated with DVI operations in international contexts. Practitioners also provided suggestions for improvement, which generally aligned with the themes and reflected an ethos of learning and continuous improvement in DVI. Further research on education and training and capacity-development initiatives is warranted.