National Dental Health Research Articles

The dentinal caries experience of children in the United Kingdom, 2003

The 2003 Children's Dental Health Survey is the fourth in a series of decennial national children's dental health surveys. This paper reports the survey-derived estimates of dentinal caries experience of children aged five, eight, 12 and 15 years, considering the trends over recent decades and the position in 2003 following changes in disease presentation and the use of additional criteria. A representative UK sample of children in the four specified age groups were invited to participate in a clinical dental examination in school. A total of 12,698 children were sampled and 10,381 were examined (82%). Examinations were undertaken in school by trained and calibrated examining teams using reclining chairs and portable lights, the criteria were visual, limited to dentine caries and no diagnostic aids were employed. In order to compare trend data with 1993 and earlier surveys the criteria allowed the re-classification of the full 2003a results (those including cavities and visual dentine caries - D(3cv)MFT/d(3cv)mft) according to the previous criteria to produce results labelled 2003b (those restricted to dentinal cavities--D(3c)MFT/d(3c)mft). The experience of obvious dentinal caries in children within the UK has continued to change over the last decade and patterns are different for the two dentitions. While continuing overall improvements are evident for permanent teeth across the UK (D(3c) for 15-year-old children falling from 42% in 1983, via 30% in 1993 to 13% in 2003 for example), trends amongst those experiencing dentinal caries are more concerning and there have been no statistically significant improvements for primary teeth (the mean number of teeth with obvious dentine decay (d(3c)) at age five years being 1.3 in 1983 and 1.4 in both 1993 and 2003). The inclusion in the criteria of visual dentinal caries resulted in higher estimates of mean caries and mean caries experience in the permanent dentition (at age 15 years D(3) increasing from 0.2 to 0.8, D(3)MFT increasing from 1.6 to 2.0 for example) but not the primary dentition (where the estimates for % d(3)mft at age five years were identical at 43%). Geographic variations also persist across the UK (% with D(3cv)MFT at 12 years being 41% for England, 54% Wales, 73% Northern Ireland and 43% for the UK; % with d(3cv)mft at age 5 years: 41% for England, 52% Wales, 61% Northern Ireland and 43% for the UK). These survey results have implications for planning and for daily practice, but must be interpreted carefully acknowledging the specific survey conditions and diagnostic criteria employed.

Causes of pattern of missing permanent teeth among Kenyans

To determine the causes and pattern of missing permanent teeth among Kenyans. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Five districts in Kenya. Seven hundred and twenty two persons aged 6-85 years (346 males and 376 females). This study was undertaken in October 2001 during the National Dental Health Action Month organised by the Kenya Dental Association. Six centres in five districts were identified and subjects randomly selected. Intra- oral examination was done visually and results were recorded on specially designed clinical examination forms. The mean number of missing teeth in the population was 1.60. Among those with missing teeth, the mean number of missing teeth was 3.35. The most commonly missing teeth were lower molars followed by upper molars. No record of complete edentulousness in both jaws was encountered. Dental caries was the commonest cause of tooth loss (52.6%), followed by periodontal disease (27.6%). Extractions, as a form of traditional practice, accounted for 12.3% of total tooth loss. Orthodontic treatment and trauma accounted for 2.2% and 2.0% respectively of total tooth loss. The upper and lower posteriors were the commonest teeth lost due to dental caries and periodontal disease. Teeth lost due to trauma were mostly upper anteriors, whereas those extracted due to traditional practices were exclusively lower anteriors. The findings of this study show that the commonly lost teeth are molars and the principal cause of tooth loss is dental caries followed by periodontal disease. Overall, very few extractions had been done for orthodontic reasons.

Changing dentate status of adults, use of dental health services, and achievement of national dental health goals in Denmark by the year 2000.

This study analyzes the current profile of dentate status and use of dental health services among adults in Denmark at the turn of the millennium, assesses the impact on dentate status of sociodemographic factors and use of dental health services in adulthood and in childhood, and highlights the changes over time in dental health conditions among adults. Finally, the intention of the study was to evaluate the Danish dental health care system's level of achievement of the official goals for the year 2000 as formulated by the World Health Organization and the National Board of Health. The subjects of this study included a national representative sample of 16,690 Danish citizens aged 16 years and older (response rate=74.2%). A subsample (n=3,818) took part in a survey of dental care habits in childhood and prevalence of removable dentures; 66 percent of persons selected responded. Personal interviews were used to collect information on dentate status, use of dental health services and living conditions; data on dental care habits in childhood and prevalence of removable dentures were collected by self-administered questionnaires. In all, 8 percent of interviewed persons were edentulous, while 80 percent had 20 or more natural teeth. At age 65-74 years, 27 percent were edentulous and 40 percent had 20 teeth or more; 58 percent wore removable dentures. Dentate status and prevalence of dentures were highly related to educational background and income, particularly for older age groups. Among persons interviewed, 80 percent paid regular dental visits and visits were most frequent among persons of high education and income. At age 35-44 years 95 percent had participated in regular dental care in childhood compared to 49 percent of 65-74-year-olds. Multivariate analyses revealed that sociobehavioral factors had significant effects on dentate status. Compared to similar studies carried out in 1987 and 1994, the present survey indicates a positive trend of improved dentate status in adult Danes in general and regular use of dental health services increased considerably over time. The WHO goals for better dental health by the year 2000 were achieved for 35-44-year-olds, whereas the goal of more people with functional dentitions at age 65 years or older was not achieved. It remains a challenge to the Danish dental health system to help even out the social inequalities in dental health.

Promotion of orodental health in adolescents in Africa

Bad dental hygiene in adults is usually the result of bad care during childhood. Within the framework of Health for All, WHO and the International Dental Federation defined global objectives for dental health which allow for monitoring progress in different countries. The most common dental problems, such as dental cavities, can be prevented by simple and inexpensive methods. Dental health is based on dental hygiene, nutrition, fluoride intake and dental service utilisation. Dental health promotion aims to create an environment favourable to the adoption of these healthy behaviours. The principle recommended dental health measures are through fluoridation of water, salt, and milk, a low consumption of sweets, and modification of the amount of sugar in the diet; implementation of monitored dental hygiene activities in schools; the organisation of regular dental services in schools/workplaces; and adopting legislative texts or laws requiring certain measures of prevention. In the past several years, certain African countries have set up national dental health programmes (there were 12 in 1993), However, the implementation of dental health promotion generally doesn't result from a national initiative, but from a regional or local scale. This is largely due to the lack of integration of dental health in activities of education and health promotion in general. Programmes planned at a national level and then implemented at a local level on a multisectoral base have had more success. This article presents examples of dental health promotion activities in several African countries, mainly focusing on programmes aimed at 12-13 year olds in primary school. Programmes from Morocco, Kenya, Madagascar, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, and Tanzania are briefly presented and show that in Africa, dental health promotion has mostly consisted of the implementation of health education actions and that there are no consistent policies, unlike in other developing countries, for fluoridation of water, salt, and milk. In terms of dental health promotion, WHO recommends the promotion of traditional methods of dental hygiene (such as plants or sticks for cleaning), especially among adolescents living in rural and low income communities. In turn, the identification and promotion of the positive aspects of hygiene and traditional care will allow for the implementation of more culturally acceptable approaches.

Dental Health Promotion for Adolescents in Africa

Poor dental health in adults is usually due to poor dental care in childhood. The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Federation have defined objectives for dental health that will allow monitoring of progress in different countries. The WHO has encouraged all countries to develop programs of dental health promotion and education adapted to local conditions. health depends on oral hygiene nutrition continuous intake of fluoride and use of dental services. The main measures recommended are fluoridation of water salt and milk; reduced consumption of sweets and sugar; encouragement of dental hygiene practices and provision of regular dental care in schools or workplaces; and adoption of legislation to make some preventive measures mandatory. 12 African countries had national dental health programs by 1993. But dental health is seldom integrated into national health education policies and promotion of dental health usually results from local or regional initiatives at the instigation of professional associations. health promotion programs in Morocco Kenya Madagascar Ivory Coast Benin and Tanzania are briefly described. Moroccos IEC (information education and communication) program includes radio and television spots and various forms of written promotion. The Kenyan Association provides free dental care in schools and a media campaign during Dental Health Action Month. offices have been established in some 15 schools in a pilot program in Madagascar and dental education and screening benefited 27000 schoolchildren in the Ivory Coast between 1983 and 1996. Benin and Tanzania have opted for dental health promotion through primary health care programs. Few African countries have adopted community measures like fluoridation of the water supply. The WHO recommends promotion of traditional methods of dental hygiene where appropriate.

The oral health of minority ethnic communities in the United Kingdom.

The oral health status of minority ethnic groups is a critical issue for practitioners in today's multicultural society. The National Dental Health survey, conducted by the OPCS, provides baseline information on the oral health and oral health related behaviour of the population in the United Kingdom but not specifically relating to the minority ethnic communities. To date, little is known concerning oral health status and self-reported oral health related behaviours among minority ethnic communities in this country. Following a review of the published literature, this paper will address two questions: how has ethnicity been used as a variable by dental researchers and, what is known of the oral health status of minority ethnic groups? Other background variables are considered which might explain the differences in oral health status between these communities and the indigenous population, and recommendations are made concerning further research in this area.

Utilization of dental care after the introduction of the Swedish dental health insurance.

The dental care utilization rate in an urban Swedish population over an 11-year period was studied, starting at the time of the introduction of a national dental health insurance. The systematically selected samples comprised, for each calendar year of the period, approximately 11,000 inhabitants more than 20 years of age in the city of Göteborg. In 1976 and 1984 information on utilization was coupled to information about various demographic, socioeconomic, and disablement factors. In addition, a longitudinal study was performed of 8012 people who resided in Göteborg in 1976 and 1984, correlating dental attendance rates with the same factors. The results showed that dental care utilization increased among both men and women, mostly in age groups more than 65 years of age. Utilization rate in 1976 and in 1984 was independently associated with age, sex, income, marital status, disablement, and regions of the city, and it is concluded that the goal of the dental insurance act, which was, among other things, to contribute to a more equitable distribution of dental care, in many respects has not been achieved. Early identification of people with low utilization may provide a means to obtain the most pronounced improvement in dental health.

Survey of Dental Health Week in Queensland 1985 and 1986.

AbstractA survey of public dental patients and Queensland dentists was performed to gauge the response to the 1985 and 1986 national Dental Health Week (DHW) promotions. The theme for DHW 1985 was ‘Interdental cleaning’ and the official slogan was ‘Clean between’ The 1986 slogan was ‘A lovely smile makes it all worthwhile’. Of the public patients surveyed in 1985, 48.1 per cent knew the dates of DHW, none knew the slogan and only 5.1 per cent were familiar with the theme. Of those aware of DHW, the majority (34.1 per cent) learnt about DHW through television. The 1986 results followed a similar pattern, although the responses indicated the campaign had less impact, as only 32.8 per cent knew the dates of DHW and 4.4 per cent of the public knew the slogan. In both years approximately one‐third to one‐half of the public thought that DHW made them more aware of their oral health. Of the dentists surveyed, about half believed that DHW increased public awareness of dental health although only 1.9 per cent (1985) and 14.9 per cent (1986) thought that more patients visited them as a result. In both years the majority of dentists (>80 per cent) thought that DHW should continue but less than half thought that it should continue in its present format.

Use of mass-media and active involvement in a national dental health campaign in Scotland.

This paper describes the evaluation of a Dental Health Mass-Media Campaign directed at 5-7-yr-old children and their mothers. It aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of dental health by making use of three different components: inserts in women's magazines; television commercial; material for home use distributed at schools. In order to study the relative recollection of the three components a representative quota sample of 164 mothers and 164 children were interviewed. The analysis of the results showed a high degree of recollection of the campaign in general. The material for use at home, distinguished from the other two components by demanding an active involvement of the participants, had the largest impact. The television commercial, merely demanding a passive involvement of the participants, was less well remembered, and the magazine insert had the lowest recollection. It is suggested that future national health education campaigns combine the mass-media approach to increase health awareness with active involvement activities to stimulate behavioural changes.

The Swedish National Dental Insurance and Dental Health Care Policy

Sweden instituted a national dental insurance program in 1973. The program is outlined; current problems and political issues are described; the benefits and limitations are discussed.

National Dental Health Conference Explores Peer Review, Manpower Planning, Responsibility to Consumers

National Dental Health Conference Explores Peer Review, Manpower Planning, Responsibility to Consumers

Understanding pretreatment review: C. A. BetheaTransactions of the 23rd National Dental Health Conference, American Dental Association, Chicago, Ill., April 24–26, 1972

Understanding pretreatment review: C. A. BetheaTransactions of the 23rd National Dental Health Conference, American Dental Association, Chicago, Ill., April 24–26, 1972

Association Affairs/Annual Session/Dental Education/Dental Societies/New Dimensions of Dental Care Delivery Reported at National Dental Health Conference/Dental Research/Public Health/National Defense/International/General

Association Affairs/Annual Session/Dental Education/Dental Societies/New Dimensions of Dental Care Delivery Reported at National Dental Health Conference/Dental Research/Public Health/National Defense/International/General

The projected financial savings in dental restorative treatment; the result of consuming fluoridated water.

The writers of this report provide readers with an interesting estimate of the savings that might accrue in a national dental health program when universal fluoridation of drinking water maintains.

Listening to the Consumers from the Inner City: A Report from the 21st National Dental Health Conference

Listening to the Consumers from the Inner City: A Report from the 21st National Dental Health Conference

NATIONAL DENTAL HEALTH

Australian Dental JournalVolume 12, Issue 6 p. 591-592 NATIONAL DENTAL HEALTH First published: December 1967 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1834-7819.1967.tb00889.xRead the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume12, Issue6December 1967Pages 591-592 RelatedInformation

GUEST EDITORIAL

The directives of the 1966 National Dental Health Assembly‐ Emphasis Fluoridation—seemed so good that they have been published here as a guest editorial.

Orthodontics in the American Dental Association's national dental health program for children

Une consultation d’ophtalmologie a été établie à l’Hôtel-Dieu pour faciliter la prise en charge dans cette spécialité des patients en situation de précarité adressés par la PASS de médecine générale (permanence d’accès aux soins de santé) du même hôpital.Cent cinquante patients ont été vus entre janvier 2012 et juin 2013 dans une consultation hebdomadaire. Un examen standard a été pratiqué chez ces patients munis d’une fiche de liaison à laquelle une réponse a été adressée à la PASS. Si nécessaire, une ordonnance était rédigée à l’intention des patients.Sur 150 patients, 89 étaient des sujets migrants d’Afrique sub-saharienne. Les Européens étaient peu nombreux (25) avec seulement 5 français. On a dénombré 90 hommes pour 60 femmes. L’âge moyen était de 41 ans. Des affections générales furent observées avec notamment 13 cas d’hypertension artérielle, 6 cas de diabète et 6 cas d’hépatite. L’acuité visuelle moyenne corrigée excédait un peu les 8/10 (mesurable dans 143 cas). La réfraction (mesurée dans 129 cas) a trouvé 46 myopies, 41 hypermétropies, 26 astigmatismes et 28 emmétropies. Une correction optique a été prescrite 87 fois. Des affections pathologiques oculaires ont pu être décelées dont 19 cataractes (19 patients), 13 traumatismes oculaires dont 4 patients monophtalmes, 19 patients avec pinguécula et 9 avec ptérygion.Les troubles de la réfraction constituent la principale anomalie retrouvée chez ces patients en situation précaire. L’examen des patients a révélé une incidence notable des cataractes, des altérations de surface et des atteintes traumatiques, ces deux dernières affections étant d’observation fréquente dans les populations d’Afrique tropicale qui constituent la majorité des patients étudiés. Cette étude soulève la question plus générale de l’accès aux soins ophtalmologiques pour l’ensemble des patients en situation de précarité.An ophthalmology consultation was carried out at the Hôtel-Dieu to facilitate eye care in underprivileged patients referred by the general medicine PASS (socialized health care) of the same hospital.The files of 150 consecutive patients examined by a single ophthalmologist between January 2012 and June 2013 were reviewed. A standard examination was performed in these patients, sent with a consult sheet, to which a response was sent to PASS. As necessary, prescriptions were also written for the patients.Most patients (89/150) were immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, there were 25 Europeans with only 5 French, and 17 Asians. The mean age was 41 years with 90 men (mean age 43) and 60 women (mean age 36). The most common systemic diseases observed were hypertension, (13), diabetes (6), and hepatitis (6). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (129 patients) was a slightly more than 8/10 (16/20) (measurable in 143 patients). Refractive state (measured in 129 patients) was myopia (46), hyperopia (41), presbyopia (isolated in 12 cases), astigmatism (26), and emmetropia (28). Optical correction was prescribed in 87 patients. The main pathological conditions included pingueculae (19), cataracts (19), trauma (13) of which 4 patients were monocular, and pterygia (9).Refractive errors were the main abnormality observed in these underprivileged patients. Apart from cataract as a pathologic condition observed in the general population, more characteristic of this sub-Saharan population were pinguecula, pterygium and trauma. This study highlights the more general question of access to eye care for all underprivileged patients.

National Dental Health Program for Children

National Dental Health Program for Children

First National Dental Health Assembly Emphasis: Fluoridation: Conference Report

First National Dental Health Assembly Emphasis: Fluoridation: Conference Report