Dental Health Research Articles

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Mouth Wash

The importance of oral and dental hygiene has been known from the beginning of civilization to the 21st century. Patients and dentists are faced with a wide variety of mouthwash products containing a variety of active and inactive ingredients. Making an informed decision about the suitability of a particular product for a particular patient can be a complex task. Many popular herbal products help fight plaque and periodontal disease, but they have only been used for a short time and only as an adjunct to other oral hygiene measures such as brushing and flossing. Natural mouthwashes may offer significant advantages over chemical mouthwashes. If a mouthwash can be developed using natural products that can be easily prepared at home and is safe to use, it could lead to an improvement in people's overall dental health. A variety of natural ingredients and materials have been used in this study. Thin layer chromatography was then performed to confirm the quality of the materials used. Subsequently, physical evaluation, pH measurement, stability studies, thin layer chromatography and antibacterial studies were carried out. The study concluded that the developed herbal mouthwash is a significant, therapeutically effective and suitable drug delivery agent with undoubtedly high potential, albeit at a low cost. Therefore, increased use of herbal preparations is necessary to avoid side effects. This study is an attempt to outline natural substances that can be used as effective mouthwashes.

A Narrative Review on the Conceptual and Methodological Advancements in Digital Disruption: A Way to Improved Quality of Services in Health Care

Background: The adoption and successful implementation of digital health solutions heavily depend on digital health literacy, which is particularly critical in the current COVID-19 era. Low levels of digital health literacy are associated with poor preventative practices, the spread of inaccurate information, vaccine hesitancy, and reduced subjective well-being. Thus, the aim of this review was to highlight areas of current scholarly interest and identify any gaps in the literature regarding conceptual and methodological advancements in digital disruption. Methods: The authors conducted a literature search using the databases Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, focusing on papers released between 2003 and October 2023. The following keywords were used to conduct a thorough literature search: ((digital health OR digital disruption OR digital dental health)) AND (medical health OR telemedicine)), ((online doctor OR online consultation OR online health app)) AND (COVID-19 OR pandemic)). A total of 1,244 studies were screened, including duplicates and non- English research. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 72 articles were selected for the review. Results: A total of 72 articles were included in this review. The studies discussed the potential reasons for disrupted access to healthcare, which is linked to avoidable hospital admissions. Delayed care due to disruptions can lead to disease progression, the exacerbation of existing conditions, and chronic ambulatory care-sensitive conditions. Digital health innovations were presented as solutions to enhance care, reduce clinical workload, and promote independent living. Conclusions: In conclusion, this narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the conceptual and methodological advancements in digital technology related to healthcare. It demonstrates the potential of digital technology to revolutionize both medical and dental education.

Oral health knowledge and attitude among nursing students and staff in Mahasamund City, India

Oral health is a human right, an integral part of general health and essential for overall wellbeing and quality of life. Proper oral health care reduces premature mortality Nurses act as a link between admitted patients and doctors in the hospital. Public health nurses can educate people about health subjects. The study was conducted to assess oral health knowledge and attitude among nursing students and staff in Mahasamund city, India.To assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding oral health among nursing students and staff in Mahasamund City, India and to identify gaps that can be addressed through targeted educational interventions.The study was conducted at five nursing colleges in Mahasamund city, India. A total of 281 nursing students and staff from nursing colleges were included and requested to complete 25 closely ended questionnaires. A written informed consent was taken. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 16.0 and frequencies were calculated for each item in the questionnaire. 53% were of the view that toothpaste and brush is an ideal material for brushing. More than (73%) participants responded that gum infections were responsible for bleeding from gums. Almost 6.4% reported that brushing should be done twice daily. The majority of those (65%) had sufficient knowledge for detection of Dental Caries. Almost 66% had sufficient knowledge about Public Health Dentistry. Most of the (70%) were interested in doing work at the Public Health Dentistry.The overall oral health knowledge and attitude of nursing students and staff was insufficient. Only half of the study participants were aware of various aspects of oral health. Nurses should have basic knowledge about oral health and disease. It is recommended that a dental curriculum should be introduced in the nurses undergraduate training program which can be housed in Public Health Dentistry department as a part of community nursing.

THE IMPACT OF STRESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE DENTAL HEALTH OF MU-VARNA EMPLOYEES

Introduction: One of the negative manifestations of stress and anxiety related to dental health is the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth, which gradually leads to tooth wear. Aim: The aim of this article is to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dental health of MU-Varna employees, to follow up on the therapeutic effect of wearing a bruxism mouthguard, and for the results to be applied in preparing a model for health promotion based on a multidisciplinary approach. Materials and Methods: From July 2022 to now, 995 patients have been examined, and 40 of them, university lecturers and administrative staff at MU-Varna, Bulgaria, have been prescribed a bruxism mouthguard. The following instruments were used: a unified form for defining the dental status and a survey about the therapeutic effect of the bruxism mouthguard. Results and Discussion: A voluntary, anonymous survey was conducted among MU-Varna employees in October 2023. The SPSS (version 22) software was used to process the data from the survey. The assessment of the therapeutic effect of the mouth guard was based on the results from the secondary exam at the clinician’s office and those from the conducted individual survey among the people wearing mouth guards for a specified period of time. Conclusion: The analysis indicates that the employees have a positive attitude toward wearing the mouthguard in the future. Its use helped decrease the frequency of conditions such as affect, anxiety, and quick tiredness.

Assessment of oral disease burden among head and neck cancer patients in the Merseyside region.

Introduction Head and neck cancer (HANC) significantly impacts the oral cavity and dental health issues may complicate cancer treatment and post-treatment quality of life. Pre-treatment dental evaluation is critical for identifying and managing existing oral health problems. However, limited literature exists on the dental health status of patients at the time of HANC diagnosis. This study aims to address this gap and emphasise the importance of dental care in the management of HANC.Methods A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted on patients scheduled for radiotherapy for HANC. Data on demographic characteristics, tumour characteristics and dental exam findings were extracted from the patient record.Results Of the 191 included patients, the average age was 62.9 years (SD: 10.09), with 80% being men. The prevalence of dental disease revealed 59% of cases presenting with unstable periodontal disease and an average decayed, missing, and filled teeth score of 19.9. Two-thirds of patients exhibited one or more carious lesions.Conclusion This retrospective study sheds light on the dental health status of patients with HANC at their pre-treatment evaluation. The high prevalence rates of dental caries and unstable periodontal disease highlight the importance of dental evaluation and intervention as part of the overall management of HANC patients.

Gender differences in periodontal pocket microflora in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis

Background: Periodontal disease, the primary cause of tooth loss, is a critical public health concern with a considerable impact on quality of life. It is of interest to explore gender differences in the course of inflammatory periodontal diseases, as well as the prospects of their personalized treatment and prevention in males and females. Aim: To assess the dental health and quantitative composition of periodontal pocket microflora in periodontitis patients, taking into account gender differences. Materials and Methods: The study included 39 patients with moderate chronic generalized periodontitis aged 40–60 years. The diagnosis was made using both primary and secondary dental diagnostic tools. The study had two groups: males (41%, n=16) and females (59%, n=23). The following parameters were assessed: oral hygiene index (OHI-S), severity of gingival inflammation (PMA), and quantitative composition of periodontal pocket microflora (DENTOSCREEN, “Lytech” Co. Ltd., Russia), taking into account gender differences. The study findings were statistically processed using Microsoft Office Excel 2016 with Data Analysis and AtteStat 12.0.5 add-ins. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used. The data are presented as median and interquartile range: Me [Q1; Q3]. The frequency of microorganisms is presented as percentage of the mean and standard error of the mean. The confidence interval was calculated using the Wald method, according to the formula for proportions and frequencies. For small values, the Wald method with Agresti–Coull correction was used. Samples were compared using the following tests: the Mann–Whitney U test was used for quantitative data and Fisher’s angular transformation (φ*emp) for frequency (nominal) attributes. Significant differences were defined as a probability 95% (p 0.05). Results: The quantitative composition of periodontal pocket microflora in patients with moderate periodontitis revealed significant gender differences, as demonstrated by an increase in the count of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia, as well as the frequency of Porphyromonas gingivalis, in males compared to females (φ*emp=1.736; p 0.05). Dental health indices confirmed the hypothesis of significant differences between males and females in terms of plaque index (OHI-S) and РМА. In males, poor oral hygiene was reported in 93.7% cases, which was significantly higher (φ*emp=2.04; p 0.05) than in females (69.6%). Moderate gingival inflammation was more prevalent in males, while mild gingival inflammation was more prevalent in females (p 0.05). Conclusion: The study findings emphasize the importance of oral hygiene in the prevention of chronic periodontitis and can be used to improve complex treatment algorithms for patients with periodontal diseases. This includes more frequent dental check-ups and professional oral care sessions, as well as oral hygiene training and monitoring, in males compared to females. Diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction allows for the identification and quantitative determination of DNA from periodontopathogenic bacteria at low concentrations, as well as the justification of treatment algorithms and prediction of treatment outcomes.

Twelve-Year Changes in Pre-Schoolers’ Oral Health and Parental Involvement in Children’s Dental Care: Results from Two Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys in Lithuania

Background and objectives: The role of parents and the family in promoting children’s oral health is increasingly acknowledged in the dental literature. This study aimed to investigate twelve-year changes in pre-schoolers’ oral health and parental involvement in children’s dental care using data from two repeated cross-sectional surveys. The objectives were (1) to assess the temporal changes in children’s dental health status and oral health-related behaviours, (2) to examine temporal changes in parental attitudes toward their children’s oral health care, and (3) to analyze the associations between observed changes. Materials and methods: Two identical cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2010/2011 (n = 294) and 2023 (n = 304). In both surveys, parents answered questions regarding their children’s oral health care and completed the 38-item ‘Parental Attitudes toward Children’s Oral Health’ (PACOH) scale, while the dental health of their 3–7-year-old children was clinically assessed. Changes in the examined characteristics were analyzed using general linear models. Results: Significant positive changes (p < 0.001) were observed when comparing the surveys: the dmf-t (decayed, missing, filled teeth) score for deciduous teeth decreased from 5.56 to 3.31; the Silness–Löe Plaque Index decreased from 1.45 to 1.15; the percentage of children brushing their teeth regularly increased from 33.0% to 55.3%; the percentage of parents assisting their child with tooth brushing increased from 19.2% to 85.1%; and regular visits to a children’s dentist increased from 36.4% to 85.1%. Moreover, the study revealed better parental attitudes toward their children’s oral health care, as reflected by a change in the total score of the PACOH scale from 112 to 122. Conclusions: It was concluded that changes in parental attitudes played a crucial role in driving positive trends in oral health-related behaviours, which likely contributed to the improvement of dental health in children. Therefore, understanding and influencing parental attitudes can be essential for promoting good oral health skills and good oral health in young children.

A Conversation with Dental Health Leader Frank Courts, DDS, PhD

A Conversation with Dental Health Leader Frank Courts, DDS, PhD

Oral health inequities over time among older adults of different racial/ethnic backgrounds: a comparative decomposition analysis across Australia and the United States.

Although the prevalence of poor oral health among older populations in Australia and the United States is higher, the contribution of ethnicity status is unknown. We aimed to estimate the contribution of social inequalities in oral health among older populations in Australia and the United States. Cross-sectional study design using data from Australia's National Survey of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH 2004-06 and 2017-18) and the United States' National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2003-04 and 2011-16). Participants included in the analysis were aged 65 + years. Oaxaca-Blinder type decomposition analysis was used to assess the contribution of demographic (age, sex), socioeconomic position (educational attainment, household income) and dental behaviors (last dental visit) to changes in prevalence of edentulism and non-functional dentition, and mean number of missing teeth by ethnicity status over time in Australia and the United States. The number of participants aged 65 + years who provided clinical and sociodemographic/dental behaviour data was 1043 and 1269 in NSAOH 2004-06 and 2017-18, and 1372 and 1328 in NHANES 2003-04 and 2011-16 respectively. The prevalence of edentulism was from 13 percent (NHANES 2011-16) to 28 percent (NSAOH 2004-06), while the prevalence of non-functional dentition was from 41 percent (NSAOH 2017-18 and NHANES 2011-16) to 61 percent (NHANES 2003-04). The mean number of missing teeth was from 11 (NSAOH 2017-18) to 18 (NHANES 2003-04). The prevalence of edentulism and non-functional dentition, and the mean number of missing teeth were higher among older Australians identifying as White and the opposite results were observed among older Americans identifying as Non-White. For older adults in Australia, risk factors with the greatest impact on oral health outcomes by ethnicity status were educational attainment and household income. For older adults in the United States, the most dominant risk factor for non-optimal oral health outcomes by ethnicity status was last dental visit. There are important policy translation implications from our findings, as they indicate that social and structural systems in Australia and the United States operate differently in the context of oral health over time among culturally diverse older citizens. This information will help inform initiatives that both target effective oral health promotion for older, culturally-diverse populations and provide evidence for the distribution of resources in the public dental health setting for this age group and cultural demographic.

The Diagnosis and Management of Infraoccluded Deciduous Molars: A Systematic Review

The infraocclusion (IO) of primary molars, often seen in retained deciduous teeth, is a common condition that presents significant challenges for pediatric oral health. It occurs when primary molars are positioned below the occlusal plane due to the absence of permanent successors, leading to complications such as misaligned teeth, impaired chewing, and long-term dental health issues. Objectives: This study examines IO prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles from the last 15 years. Nine articles were included for qualitative analysis. Results: IO was associated with several complications, including root resorption, altered eruption of adjacent teeth, and space loss within the dental arch. Clinical and radiographic evaluations are key to early detection. Severe cases often require invasive treatments, such as tooth extraction and space maintenance, while mild cases could be monitored. Conclusions: IO is prevalent in pediatric dentistry and can lead to significant dental issues if untreated. Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing complications like tooth misalignment and impacted premolars. Tailored treatment strategies based on severity, along with increased awareness among dental practitioners, are essential to improve long-term outcomes for affected children.

Developing and implementing a teledentistry educational model in a predoctoral dental program.

Teledentistry (TD) education has become essential to ensure that future dentists acquire the requisite competencies to navigate the evolving landscape of dental care. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive prior research that outlines a specific pedagogy for integrating TD education and training into the predoctoral dental curriculum. This article describes the development and implementation of an innovative TD educational model for predoctoral dental students. The dental public health course for fourth and fifth-year students was redesigned to include a TD educational model, comprising four components: foundational knowledge and case discussions, critical thinking activities, designing TD programs, and hands-on and field training. Student feedback was gathered through a questionnaire. Out of 47 students enrolled in the course, 39 responded to the questionnaire. The feedback was predominantly positive, with most students expressing satisfaction with the instructor's performance, particularly in providing adequate help and feedback. Students felt the TD sessions gave them a solid foundational understanding of TD and helped them grasp its various modalities. However, some students desired more hands-on clinical training and faced time constraints that affected their ability to fully understand the material and complete assignments. Integrating the TD educational model into the predoctoral dental curriculum has significantly improved the learning experience. This model has equipped students with essential practical and hands-on TD experience, preparing them for the dynamic field of dental practice and enabling them to meet the diverse needs of patients in various settings.

Identification of Veillonella parvula and Streptococcus gordonii adhesins mediating co-aggregation and its impact on physiology and mixed biofilm structure.

Our research explores the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion within the dental plaque, focusing on Veillonella parvula, a key player in the oral microbiome. Dependent on lactate from streptococci, V. parvula plays a crucial bridging role in the formation of dental biofilms by co-aggregating with other bacteria. Despite its importance, the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of co-aggregation remains limited. Our study shows that V. parvula uses different trimeric autotransporters to adhere to oral Streptococci and Actinomyces. We additionally identify a novel adhesin from S. gordonii, VisA (SGO_2004) facilitating this interaction. We found that although co-aggregation does not affect cell-cell communication, it is critical for biofilm structure and species distribution. This research opens up new avenues for exploring microbial interactions in dental health and diseases.

Quality of Life in Patients with Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Retrospective Study at an Educational Hospital

Background/Objectives: Root canal treatment (RCT) is a crucial procedure for preserving dental health. While its clinical success rates are well documented, patient-reported outcomes regarding quality of life remain less explored. This study aimed to assess the long-term impact of RCT performed in an educational hospital on patients’ oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Methods: A total of 1500 patients who underwent non-surgical RCT between April 2018 and February 2023 were called and invited for a follow-up visit. During the visit, all teeth that had undergone RCT were assessed clinically and radiographically by two calibrated examiners to evaluate RCT quality and pre- and post-treatment periapical index (PAI) scores. Demographic information and OHIP-14 responses were collected, and the data were recorded. Results: Patients reported high levels of satisfaction (95%) and no negative impact on their OHRQoL. Statistical analysis revealed that post-operative periapical index (PAI) scores (p < 0.001), patient gender (p = 0.003) and nationality (p = 0.029) significantly influenced OHRQoL perceptions; Conclusion: These findings emphasize the effectiveness of RCT in enhancing patients’ quality of life and highlight the impact of demographic factors—such as gender and whether the patient is a resident or a national of the country, along with post-treatment severity of the disease—on patient-reported outcomes.

Impact of Dental Anxiety on the Dental Health Status of Nepali Adult Patients.

Patients with high dental anxiety are found to visit dental offices less frequently and have a higher number of severely diseased teeth so they are at a greater need for intensive oral care and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental anxiety and its impact on the dental status of Nepali adult patients. A semi-structured questionnaire of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) in the Nepali version was used for data collection. The data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS IBM, Chicago, IL, USA, version 24). Variables were calculated as frequency and percentage, while the comparisons of different factors were done using the ANOVA and t-test. A difference with p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study population consisted of 446 subjects, among them 205 were male (45.96%), 241 were female (54.04%), 357 (80.04%) were married, and 222 (49.78%) were employed. The mean age of the patients was 41.24 years (ranging between 18 and 79 years). Only 41 subjects (9.19%) showed high dental anxiety (MDAS ≥ 19). The mean MDAS for the total study population was 10.81. The highest mean MDAS was seen in the age group 30-39 (11.78) and the lowest mean MDAS was seen in the age group 40-49 (9.64). While comparing dental anxiety among genders, dental anxiety was higher in females (mean MDAS = 11.78) compared to males (mean MDAS = 9.67). Patients having high dental anxiety had a significantly higher number of decayed teeth (p-value = 0.001, t-test). Oral health and dental status both are negatively affected by dental anxiety. It interferes with dental attendance, service delivery, prevention of dental diseases, and early diagnosis. Thus, dental practitioners have a major role to play in the management of dental anxiety.

Evaluating Tobacco Cessation Readiness in OPMD Patients Using the Transtheoretical Model in a tertiary care setting in Northeast India

Background: Oropharyngeal cancers pose significant global health challenges and addressing public awareness, early symptoms, and risk factors, alongside promoting tobacco cessation among individuals with potentially malignant oral disorders, is crucial for reducing the disease burden.Objective: Evaluating the degree of public knowledge of oral malignancy &amp; OPMD, initial signs &amp; risk factors amongst patients going to a dental college in North East India, as well as readiness to quit tobacco amongst OPMD patient.Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was undertaken at the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tertiary care Hospital in Guwahati. 200 participants aged 15-65 years who consented were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Collected data underwent thorough checks for completeness and accuracy. To determine the odd's ratio (OR) and to summarise the data, descriptive &amp; inferential statistics were used. To test the relationship, data were dichotomised. Oral lesions present or absent; behavioural phases were divided into two categories: (preparation + action) &amp; (precontemplation + contemplation). P &lt; 0.05 was used as the statistical significance threshold.Results: Most participants were in the contemplation stage regarding tobacco's risks, neglecting other risk factors like alcohol &amp; inadequate dental hygiene for oral malignancy/OPMD development.Conclusions: The lack of knowledge of oral malignancy &amp; potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) amongst North Eastern Indian communities, underscores the immediate demand for targeted education and health promotion campaigns. Emphasizing early symptom recognition, risk factors, and prevention measures, tailored to diverse communication preferences, is crucial.

Dental Health Literacy among Highly Skilled Professionals in India: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Research in medical settings has consistently demonstrated that health literacy is essential for patient adherence and comprehension to medical/dental instructions including prescriptions and improving positive holistic health outcomes. Despite its recognized importance, the role of literacy in dentistry has received limited focus. This study aimed to assess the level of oral health literacy among professionals in a multinational company, using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-30 (REALD-30) as the measurement tool. Methods: A convenience sample of 111 adults was recruited from a dental camp held at two locations within an IT firm. Oral health literacy was measured and analysed using the REALD-30 scale. Participants also participated in interviews to collect sociodemographic information, dental visit history, dental needs, global oral health ratings, dental knowledge, practices, and comprehension. Additionally, clinical examinations were conducted to record the DMFT index (Decayed; D component, Missing; M component, and Filled; F component Teeth), as well as the presence of dental stains and calculus. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13. Results: REALD-30 scores ranged from a low of 8 to a high of 25. Participants who had decayed, missing, or filled teeth, or a DMFT score higher than one, exhibited lower oral health literacy compared to the reference group. Similarly, lower oral health literacy was observed in participants with dental stains or calculus. Conclusions: Effective communication with patients is crucial for delivering high-quality dental care. The study concluded that a significant proportion of the highly educated professional group of people has less oral health literacy, which may obstruct their basic ability to understand and process the fundamental oral health information.

Geometric morphometric approach to dental health in an 18th‐ to 19th‐century English infirmary

AbstractThis study evaluated correlations between poor dental health and craniomandibular morphology for the Radcliffe Infirmary population buried between 1770 and 1855. The Radcliffe Infirmary is situated in Oxford, 90 km northwest of London, in what used to be a rural area. The original report for this population observed high prevalence rates of dental caries, antemortem tooth loss (AMTL), and periodontal disease. Industrial societies are acknowledged to have highly processed foods that not only are detrimental to dental health but also require less mastication. This softening of diet is suggested to be the leading influence on the modern morphology of the skull. By using two‐dimensional geometric morphometrics (GM) and linear measurements of the skull, the Radcliffe population was evaluated for the effects of poor dental health and decreased wear on the masticatory structures. High frequencies of AMTL, periodontal disease, and caries and low amounts of dental wear were observed in this sample population. Caries and AMTL showed weak correlations with skull shape and craniomandibular dimensions according to the results of the morphometric analysis and Kendall's tau. Dental wear correlated with a wide bizygomatic breadth and a long narrow skull shape for the males only. Periodontal disease was the only dental health variable not correlated with shape or size. This study confirmed that the Radcliffe population ate a cariogenic diet and suggests that dental wear and pathology weakly correlates with craniomandibular shape and size. This unpredicted finding may be due to the limitations of two‐dimensional shape analysis, a small sample size, and the sampling strategy. Future research is highly encouraged to better understand the consequences of poor dental health for skull morphology.

How to ensure an appropriate oral health workforce? Modelling future scenarios for the Netherlands

BackgroundCurrent methods for oral health workforce planning lack responsiveness to dynamic needs, hampering efficiency, equity and sustainability. Effective workforce planning is vital for resilient health care systems and achieving universal health coverage. Given this context, we developed and operationalised a needs-adaptive oral health workforce planning model and explored the potential of various future scenarios.MethodsUsing publicly available data, including the Special Eurobarometer 330 Oral Health Survey, we applied the model in a hypothetical context focusing on the Dutch population’s dental needs from 2022 to 2050. We compared current and future provider supply and requirement and examined, in addition to a base case scenario, several alternative scenarios. These included epidemiological transition scenarios with different oral health morbidity trajectories, skill-mix scenarios with independent oral hygienists conducting check-ups and multiple dental student intake and training duration (5 instead of 6 years) scenarios.ResultsBased on the aforementioned historical data, our model projects that provider requirement will exceed supply for the planning period. If the percentage of people having all natural teeth increases by 10% or 20% in 2032, 34 or 68 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) dentists will be required, respectively, compared to the base case scenario. In the skill-mix scenario, the model indicates that prioritising oral hygienists for check-ups and shifting dentists’ focus to primarily complex care could address population needs more efficiently. Among the student intake and training duration scenarios, increasing intake to 375 and, to a lesser extent, reducing training to 5 years is projected to most effectively close the provider gap.ConclusionsThe study underscores the importance of understanding oral health morbidity trajectories for effective capacity planning. Due to limited dental epidemiological data, projections carry substantial uncertainty. Currently, demand for FTE dentists seems to exceed supply, though this may vary with epidemiological changes. Skill-mix strategies could offer efficiency gains by redistributing tasks, while adjustments in dental intake and training duration could also help address the requirement-supply gap. Resolving dentistry workforce challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening oral epidemiology projections, addressing the root causes of dental health issues and prioritising harmonious dental public health and general practice prevention measures.

Dental Health Adjuncts and Care: Exploring Access Among Asylum Seekers and Refugees in London, United Kingdom.

This work examines and describes dental health among people seeking asylum and refugees (PSAR) who are evaluated by the Respond service. This includes access to and use of oral health products, access to dental care, and experience of dental pain. The Respond service pilot offered holistic health assessments to PSAR in temporary accommodation within North Central London between July 2021 and March 2023. Relevant data were extracted from anonymized health records of individuals seen by Respond. Data were analyzed with SPSS (version 28.0.0.0; IBM) to produce descriptive statistics and regression models. An overall 1,390 PSAR were included; 78.7% were male. The mean ages of adults and children were 31.6 and 6.8 y. Seventy-seven countries of birth were reported, most commonly Iran (23.1%). Over two-thirds (67.1%) of PSAR were not accompanied by family members; only 17.2% had UK family links. The mean travel duration was 769.3 days; migration reasons were multifactorial, including persecution (31.2%) and conflict (20.5%). In addition, 77.3% of PSAR reported having access to a toothbrush; only 50.8% indicated routinely brushing their teeth, with 38.9% having seen a dentist in <36 mo. Dental pain was common (28.8%). Only 45.8% of children (<16 y) had access to a toothbrush, 32.3% were brushing their teeth twice daily, and 9.7% cited dental pain. Logistic regression identified significant predictors of routine toothbrushing, access to dental care, and dental pain. Female PSAR were more likely to routinely brush their teeth (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.19; P < 0.001) and access dental care (adjusted OR, 0.57; P < 0.05). PSAR aged 30 to 39 y (adjusted OR, 1.97; P < 0.05) and those with informal travel modes (adjusted OR, 1.82; P < 0.001) were more likely to experience pain. There is variation in the dental experience of PSAR, but a significant proportion are failing to perform routine toothbrushing, are not regularly accessing dental care, and are experiencing dental pain.Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this analysis suggest that there is variation in the dental experience of people seeking asylum and refugees, but many are failing to perform routine toothbrushing, are not regularly accessing dental care, and are experiencing dental pain.

Implementation and Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Oral Hygiene Program for Schoolchildren: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Good oral hygiene is essential for schoolchildren's well-being. However, lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor oral hygiene practices may predispose to oral-related diseases. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led oral hygiene program on schoolchildren's knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A quasi-experimental design with pre-and-post-test was used. Using the convenience sampling technique, we recruited 400 schoolchildren, aged 11-12 and in grades 5-6, from two primary schools in Egypt. The study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023. The Oral Hygiene Program served as the primary intervention. This program contains health education topics (e.g., the importance of oral hygiene, techniques for effective tooth brushing, and dietary choices that promote dental health). Three visits were conducted (Visit 1: introduction of the program purpose and objectives and pre-test scores collection, Visit 2: implementation of oral hygiene topics, and Visit 3: post-test scores collection). We used three self-report instruments (Oral Health Knowledge Questionnaire, Hiroshima University's Dental Behavioral Inventory, and Oral Health Practice Questionnaire) for pre- and post-test. Paired T test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. After the intervention program, the oral hygiene program effectively enhanced schoolchildren's knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The post-intervention mean scores were 7.83±0.488 (knowledge), 6.63±1.7 (practices), and 9.33±1.1 (attitudes). High statistically significant differences were noted between schoolchildren's oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices before and after implementing the program (p=0.000). There were enhancements in the level of knowledge, with improved positive attitudes and satisfactory practices among schoolchildren after the implementation of the oral hygiene program. Integrating oral hygiene programs into the general curriculum in primary schools and training school nurses, caregivers, and teachers in implementing oral hygiene programs could improve oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices for preventing oral problems.