National Oral Health Research Articles

Oral Health Status of Health Care Workers in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Rawalpindi, Islamabad Pakistan

Studies from all around the world have shown that healthcare professionals may encounter a number of obstacles to receiving dental care, which raises the prevalence of oral disorders in this population. In recent years, Pakistan has not done a national oral health assessment on the state of oral health among healthcare workers. Objective: To determine the oral health status of health care workers in tertiary care hospitals using Decayed, Missed, Filled tooth Index. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing a simple random selection and 385 healthcare workers between the ages of 20-50 years. Healthcare workers were assessed in tertiary care hospitals, and information on caries and gingival health was gathered. For the oral examination, the standards and procedures of the WHO were applied. Results: Only 9.8% of the respondents were healthy and mean DMFT score came out to be 3.28 ± 1.12. Conclusions: Healthcare workers in tertiary have unsatisfactory dental practices, poor attitude related to oral health and general lack of awareness about oral health.

The Brazilian National Oral Health Policy and oral cancer mortality trends: An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model.

This study analyzes the effect of the Brazilian National Oral Health Policy (NOHP) on oral cancer mortality rates (OCMR). This is an ecological study with secondary oral cancer death data, using interrupted time series analysis (ARIMA, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average). Annual death data were collected from the Mortality Information System (1996-2019). The outcome was the OCMR, standardized by gender and age We considered the NOHP, categorized as "0" (before its implementation), from 1996 to 2004, and "1 to 15", from 2005 to 2019. ARIMA modeling was carried out for temporal analysis, and regression coefficient estimation (RC). The Brazilian NOHP implementation was associated with an increase in OCMR in the North region (CR = 0.16; p = 0.022) and with a decrease in the Southeast region (CR = -0.04; p<0.001), but did not affect the other macro-regions nor Brazil. The forecast models estimated an increase in OCMR for the North, and Northeast, a decrease for the Southeast, and stability for the South and Brazil. The Brazilian NOHP is not being effective in reducing the OCMR. The trends behaved differently in the Brazilian territory, highlighting health inequities. We recommend that the NOHP strengthen the oral health care network, incorporating oral cancer as a notifiable disease, adopting strategies for prevention, screening, and providing opportunities for early treatment of the disease.

Driving oral-health transformation in South Africa: The need for a roadmap to implementing the WHO Resolution

The World Health Assembly’s adoption of the Resolution on oral health in 2021 was a turning point in the worldwide effort to advance oral health outcomes. The resolution underlines the significance of promoting oral health, integrating oral health care within the primary health-care system, and ensuring universal coverage, shifting the paradigm from a curative to a preventive approach. In this editorial, a prospective action plan is explored that would include a national oral health survey, short-, medium-, and long-term goals, as well as appropriate regulations and procedures to fulfill the WHO’s 2030 target. With the roll-out of the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill, complying with these resolutions are becoming more important and urgent.

Heavy metals in drinking water and periodontitis: evidence from the national oral health survey from China

BackgroundPeriodontitis has become an increasingly important public health issue, coupled with a high economic burden for prevention and treatment. Exposure to essential trace heavy metals has been associated with various diseases; however, the relationships between essential trace heavy metals and periodontitis remain inconclusive.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between essential trace heavy metals in tap water and periodontitis in a nationally representative sample in China.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide study including 1348 participants from the Fourth National Oral Health Survey in the 2015–2016 period. The trace heavy metals concentration was measured in the local pipeline terminal tap water. Periodontitis was diagnosed according to the classification scheme proposed at the 2018 world workshop on the classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. We used weighted multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association between essential trace heavy metals and the risk of periodontitis. We additionally used spline analysis to explore the possible nonlinear dose-response associations.ResultsPeriodontitis patients were exposed to higher concentrations of essential trace heavy metals. In adjusted models, for 1 SD increase in the concentration of iron, manganese, and copper in tap water, the risk of periodontitis increased by 30% (OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.12–1.50), 20% (OR: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.03–1.41), and 20% (OR: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.04–1.39), respectively. Stratified analyses demonstrated that the associations between essential trace heavy metals and periodontitis were higher in females, elders, and rural residents. Spline analysis revealed nonlinear exposure-response relationships between periodontitis and exposure to iron, manganese, and copper in tap water.ConclusionsExposures to essential trace heavy metals in drinking water were associated with greater odds of periodontitis. Given the growing burden of periodontitis, our study sheds light on tailored public health policies for improving drinking water standards to alleviate periodontitis impairment.

Caries clusters at lesion-severity thresholds: A Sierra Leone case study.

Despite being almost entirely preventable, globally, dental caries is extremely prevalent. Moreover, dental caries will continue to present an even larger challenge for lower income countries, particularly those in the African context, as they transition to a more Western diet. Hence, epidemiological data providing insight into disease patterns and trends is critical to inform public health action. The purpose of this study was to examine dental caries clusters by caries detection threshold among 15-year-old adolescents in Sierra Leone, using data from the latest national survey, and to explore associated sociodemographic factors. This paper presents a secondary analysis of oral health data on 490 15-year-olds from the Sierra Leone national oral health survey of schoolchildren. Hierarchical cluster analysis of dental caries experience was conducted across all surfaces at four decay detection thresholds using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) (clinical: ICDAS 2-6, cavitated: ICDAS 3-6, obvious: ICDAS 4-6 and extensive obvious: ICDAS 5-6 decay) across the four regions of Sierra Leone. Ordered logistic regression was used to estimate the association of sociodemographic factors with generated clusters relating to clinical and obvious decay experience. These are of both clinical and epidemiological relevance. A 3-cluster decay pattern representing a 'low' to 'high' decay experience distribution was observed under each decay detection threshold across surfaces. For clinical decay (including visual enamel caries), 28.8% had low, 55.1% medium and 15.9% high caries status. In the adjusted model, the only significant risk factor across obvious and clinical decay thresholds was region, with adolescents outside the Western region more likely to experience decay. This study suggests that adolescents in Sierra Leone fall into three distinct caries clusters: low, medium to high decay experience distribution, regardless of decay threshold. It reinforces the importance of recognizing dental caries detection thresholds and the use of contemporary epidemiological methodology. This suggests that adolescents outside the Western region are likely to have higher caries experience. The data also provides insight to the nature of adolescents in each cluster and should help to inform policy and planning of the integration of oral health into primary care and school systems.

National and Subnational Trend of Dental Caries of Permanent Teeth in Iran, 1990–2017

ObjectiveThere are currently no integrated data on the trend of dental caries amongst distinct age groups in Iran. We aimed to assess the national and subnational trend of dental caries of permanent teeth in Iran from 1990 to 2017. MethodsA literature search about dental caries and the decayed-missing-filled teeth index (DMFT) was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and 3 national databases (in Persian). All eligible national oral health surveys in these 28 years were included. We categorised and aggregated the DMFT values and their components based on age (5-year-based groups from 5 to 9 to 60+ years), sex, year, and province. The data for missing spots were estimated using the spatiotemporal Bayesian hierarchical model. We used the bootstrap method in multilevel models to predict the uncertainty interval (UI) of the modelled results. ResultsNationally, the all-ages mean DMFT increased by nearly 58.0% (6.8 [95% UI, 4.1–10.5] in 1990 to 10.8 [95% UI, 7.5–14.5] in 2017). Decayed teeth (DT) and missing teeth (MT) rose by 84.5% and 31.6% during this period, respectively. Filled teeth (FT) showed almost a 2.6-fold increase in the same period from 0.6 (95% UI, 0.01–1.6) in 1990 to 1.7 (95% UI, 0.6–2.8) in 2017. The proportion of DT and FT continuously increased in both sexes. In 2017, the highest DT, MT, and FT were estimated in the 25–29 (4.9 [95% UI, 2.5–7.2]), 60+ (21.5 [95% UI, 17.5–25.4]), and 35–39 (2.6 [95% UI, 1.3–4.0]) year age groups. ConclusionsCaries of permanent dentition levies a growing burden on the Iranian population. Considering the continuous increase in caries during the 1990–2017 period, Iranian policymakers should pay heed to these findings and react more proactively to mitigate this perpetuating issue. Implementing nationwide interventions such as sugar consumption management should be encouraged to achieve sustainable outcomes in this regards.

The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Lebanese Mothers Toward Their Children's Oral Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Lebanese mothers toward their children's oral health, examine the association between the three variables, and identify their predictors. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to Lebanese mothers residing in Lebanon with children aged six months to 12 years between April and May 2022. The survey was administered to mothers from various geographical areas who presented to academic medical centers, private clinics, and dispensaries. The survey gathered sociodemographic data as well as assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the participating mothers toward their children's oral health. A total of 357 responses were included in the final analysis.The mean age of mothers was 32.67 years +/- 6.35. The majority of mothers had one or two children (35.8% and 37.5%, respectively). More than two-thirds of the mothers were unemployed. Only 13% of the mothers followed best practices for their children's dental health, while 48.6.2% possessed above-average knowledge and 88.9% had great attitudes. Mothers with a university education had higher knowledge, better attitudes, and practice scores than those with school-level education (elementary, high school). Employed mothers had a significantly better knowledge score (p=0.036) and practice score (p=0.043) than unemployed mothers. The decrease in the number of children was associated with an increase in the maternal knowledge score. An increase in the mother's age was associated with a higher knowledge score. The findings of this study suggest the need for targeted oral health education programs for Lebanese mothers to enhance their attitudes and practices toward their children's oral health. It highlights the importance of early oral health interventions and emphasizes the significant role of mothers in promoting good oral health practices for their children. Further research is needed on a larger scale to comprehensively understand these variables and inform the development of appropriate national oral health programs for children in Lebanon.

Dental caries in the Myanmar population: Findings from the first national oral health survey in 2016-2017.

This study aimed to investigate the dental caries status of indicator age groups as mentioned in the WHO pathfinder methodology, compare caries experiences among those age groups according to gender and geographical location, and assess the association between dental caries and related risk factors in primary and permanent dentition. A sample of 5928 participants aged 6, 12, 15-18, 35-44 and 60-74 years were recruited from 21 selected townships in the first Myanmar national oral health survey. Clinical oral examinations and questionnaire-based surveys were conducted from December 2016 to January 2017. The prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth was 85.3% with a mean dmft of 5.7 at age 6 years. The prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth and mean DMFT were 36.5% and 0.8 at 12 years, 43.8% and 1.1 at 15-18 years, 64.7% and 3.0 at 35-44 years, and 93.6% and 11.5 at 60-74 years. Missing teeth were higher in 60-74-year-olds, with 27 participants being fully edentulous. There were significant differences in caries experiences between males and females aged 15-18, 35-44 and 60-74 years. In the adjusted logistic regression, consumption of sweets or candies three times or more a day showed significantly higher risks of dental caries in primary teeth. Age, gender, consumption of sweets or candies and consumption of sweet drinks were associated factors for dental caries in permanent teeth. The findings from the first national oral health survey indicate that caries in primary teeth is an important oral health problem for Myanmar children. Tooth loss was also found to be a concern in the aging population. National oral health policies and strategies need to be developed to promote awareness and understanding of oral health, in particular the role of risk factors such as sugary foods and drinks in tooth decay in children and adults.

Oral Health Inequities among CALD and Non-CALD Older Australians: A Decomposition Analysis.

Among Australia's older population, the burden of oral disease is disproportionality borne by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. This study aims to examine changes in untreated decay surfaces (DS) between 2004-2006 and 2017-2018 among older CALD and non-CALD Australians. Data were sourced Australian national oral health surveys conducted in 2004-2006 and 2017-2018. An Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition analysis was used to assess the contribution of socio-demographics and dental behaviours. A total of 246 CALD and 2853 non-CALD dentate participants aged 60+ years took part in 2004-2006, and 363 and 4278 in 2017-2018, respectively. There were increases in mean DS for both CALD (0.74 to 1.42) and non-CALD (0.72 to 1.50) groups between 2004-2006 and 2017-2018. The decomposition model showed that, for CALD participants in 2004-2006 with untreated DS, 40% of the contribution was from not having dental insurance; nearly three-quarters of the contribution was from last dental visit being over one year ago (72.9%) in 2017-2018. Among non-CALD participants in 2017-2018 with untreated DS, 42.5% of the contribution was from the last dental visit being over one year ago. Our findings suggest that social determinants, including increased access to dental insurance, could mitigate the oral health inequities observed.

Trajtimi atraumatik restaurues në stomatologjinë e fëmijëve

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent multifactorial diseases in the world. In the field of dental caries manage- ment, Atraumatic Restorative Treatment is known as a minimal intervention and minimally invasive procedure and has shown to be successful in both, developed and devel- oping countries. The Atraumatic Restorative Treatment is the technique that involves removing carious tooth tissues using hand instruments only, without the use of anesthesia and electrically-driven equipment and restoring the cavity with adhesive restorative material usually a high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement. The Atraumatic Restorative Treat- ment in the single-surface restorations presented high sur- vival percentages in both primary and permanent posterior teeth, while in the multiple-surface restorations presented lower survival percentages. Researchers should focus on im- proving the materials of atraumatic restorative treatment restoration, extending the knowledge of the technique in association with pain and anxiety and encouraging the use of this approach in national oral health care systems.

Periodontal Status and Potential Risk Factors in the Myanmar Population: Data from the First National Oral Health Survey in 2016–2017

Abstract Periodontal disease is quite common in many developing countries, but no nationally representative data on periodontal disease is available in Myanmar until 2016. A nationwide cross-sectional survey with a stratified two-stage sampling method was conducted among 4668 participants aged 12–74 years. Periodontal assessments and self-administered questionnaire surveys were conducted to assess the periodontal status and risk factors in the Myanmar population using data from the first national oral health survey in 2016–2017. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the prevalence of periodontitis and its association with potential risk factors. The prevalence of gingivitis was 38.2%, 41.5%, 44.4%, and 43.7% in 12, 15–18, 35–44, and 60–74 year-olds, respectively. The prevalence of periodontitis in the latter three age groups was 2.3%, 16.3%, and 35.2%, respectively. After adjusting for other risk factors, younger participants aged 15–18 years (odds ratio [OR]: 0.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.0–0.2) and aged 35–44 years (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3–0.5) were less likely to have periodontitis. Moreover, participants educated upto junior high school level (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.7), primary school and below level (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–3.2), everyday smokers (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3–2.0), and everyday tobacco chewers (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2–1.8) were associated with increased risk of periodontitis. Periodontal complications were prevalent in Myanmar older adults. Prevention efforts should focus on tobacco control and oral hygiene.

Inequalities in dental service utilization among Thai adults from 2000 to 2017.

The Universal Coverage Health Scheme (UCS) was implemented in Thailand in 2002 to increase access to health services among the Thai population. This study aimed to evaluate socioeconomic inequalities in dental service utilization (DU) before and after UCS implementation and to assess factors associated with DU among Thai adults. This study is based on secondary data from four Thai national oral health surveys in 2000-2001, 2006-2007, 2012 and 2017. Whether an individual from a nationally representative sample of Thai adults aged 35-44 went to see the dentist during the past year was used to define DU. The slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were used to assess and compare education and income-related inequalities in DU. Poisson regression was used to assess factors associated with DU. Income inequalities were not reported for the year 2001 (Income data not available). Although DU increased after UCS implementation, socioeconomic inequalities persisted. DU was concentrated among high-education and income groups. Absolute educational inequalities were 0.16 (95% CI: 0.09-0.22), 0.21 (95% CI: 0.10-0.32), 0.26 (95% CI: 0.14-0.38) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.18-0.32) in 2001, 2007, 2012 and 2017, respectively. Absolute income inequalities were 0.15 (95% CI: 0.04-0.26), 0.07 (95% CI: -0.04-0.18) and 0.12 (95% CI: 0.05-0.19) in 2007, 2012 and 2017, respectively. Occupation, type of health insurance scheme, sex and oral health-related behaviour were associated with DU. UCS has improved accessibility to dental services, but UCS alone might not narrow the inequalities gap for Thai adults.

Assessing Malawi’s recent development of a National Oral Health Policy – learning for the future

Assessing Malawi’s recent development of a National Oral Health Policy – learning for the future

Dental Caries Pattern Amongst Tanzanian Children: National Oral Health Survey

BackgroundDental caries in young children and adolescents is a public oral health challenge in countries with developing economies and economic transition. This study presents a demographic pattern of dental caries in primary and permanent dentition of 5-, 12-, and 15-year-old Tanzanians based on the 2020 National Oral Health Survey findings. MethodsThis is a cross-section study based on data from Tanzania's 5th National Oral Health Survey. Data on dental caries and basic demographics were collected employing World Health Organization Oral Health Survey protocols. Analysis was done using the SPSS computer programme version 23, and proportions and mean dental caries experiences in Decayed extracted filled teeth in primary dentition/Decayed Missing Filled Teeth in permanent dentition were summarised and chi-square statistics and binary logistic regression assessed the differences and determined the association between dental caries and the selected demographic characteristics. ResultsThe survey included 2187 participants; 42.4% were from rural areas and 50.7% were female. Overall caries prevalence was 17%, specifically 43.2%, 20.5%, and 25.5% amongst 5-, 12- and 15-year-olds, respectively. Decayed teeth components were 98.4%, 89.8%, and 91.4% amongst 5-, 12-, and 15-year-olds, respectively. Overall mean (SD) DMFT amongst 12- and 15-year-olds were 0.40 (0.27) and 0.59 (1.35), respectively. Urban participants had significantly lower odds of dental caries experience (odds ratio, 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.45–0.84) compared with rural participants, whilst the 15-year-olds had higher odds of dental caries experience than the 12-year-olds. ConclusionDental caries prevalence in primary dentition was high. The proportion of decayed teeth components of def/DMFT was the highest compared with that of missing and filled teeth components. Older adolescents and those from rural areas had higher odds of dental caries experience.

Regulation of dental consultations in primary health care and performance of services in dental speciality centers

ObjectiveThis study analyzed the regulation of dental specialty centers (CEOs) coordinated exclusively by Primary Health Care (PHC) in four primary outcomes: access and dental consultation, reception services, bonding and responsibility, and social participation.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out using secondary data from the National Program for the Improvement of Access and Quality of Dental Specialty Centers (PMAQ-CEO): second cycle, using multilevel logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and individual covariates.ResultsThe analytical sample consisted of 9,599 CEO users who had completed all the variables analyzed. Of these, 63.5% were referred to the CEO by PHC. Dental care regulated by PHC was related to better access (OR 1.36, CI 95% 1.10–1.68), better reception (OR 1.33, CI 95% 1.03–1.71), better bonding and responsibility (OR 1.36, CI 95% 0.91–2.04), and social participation (OR 1.13, CI 95% 0.93–1.35) compared to those not regulated by primary health care as the exclusive pathway.ConclusionThe regulation of access to the CEO coordinated by PHC presented the best performance. It is suggested that this form of PHC regulation, as a route for dental specialty centers, can be established in the national oral health care policy for better service performance.

Decomposing socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries among Chinese adults: findings from the 4th national oral health survey

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to investigate socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries among adults (35 years and older) in China and explore the contributions of various factors to these inequalities.MethodsThis study included 10,983 adults (3,674 aged 35–44 years, 3,769 aged 55–64 years and 3,540 aged 65–74 years) who participated in the 4th National Oral Health Survey (2015–2016) in China. Dental caries status was evaluated by the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Concentration indices (CIs) were applied to quantify the different degrees of socioeconomic-related inequality in DMFT, decayed teeth with crown or root caries (DT), missing teeth due to caries or other reasons (MT), and filled teeth without any primary or secondary caries (FT) among adults of different age groups. Decomposition analyses were conducted to identify the determinants and their associations with inequalities in DMFT.ResultsThe significant negative CI indicated that DMFT for the total sample were concentrated among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults (CI = − 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], − 0.073 to − 0.047). The CIs for DMFT for adults aged 55–64 and 65–74 years were − 0.038 (95% CI, − 0.057 to − 0.018) and − 0.039 (95% CI, − 0.056 to − 0.023), respectively, while the CI for DMFT for adults aged 35–44 years was not statistically significant (CI = − 0.002; 95% CI, − 0.022 to 0.018). The concentration indices of DT were negative and concentrated in disadvantaged populations, while FT showed pro-rich inequalities in all age groups. Decomposition analyses showed that age, education level, toothbrushing frequency, income and type of insurance contributed substantially to socioeconomic inequalities, accounting for 47.9%, 29.9%, 24.5%,19.1%, and 15.3%, respectively.ConclusionDental caries was disproportionately concentrated among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults in China. The results of these decomposition analyses are informative for policy-makers attempting to develop targeted health policy recommendations to reduce dental caries inequalities in China.

Política de Saúde Bucal no Brasil: transformações e rupturas entre 2018-2021

Abstract This study analyzed the implementation of Brazil’s National Oral Health Policy during the period 2018-2021, covering institutional actions, implementation of public dental services, results achieved, and federal funding. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study using documentary analysis and secondary data obtained from institutional websites, government information systems, and reports published by dental organizations. The findings show a significant reduction in funding between 2020 and 2021 and declining performance against indicators since 2018, such as coverage of first dental appointments and group supervised tooth brushing, which stood at 1.8% and 0.02%, respectively, in 2021. Federal funding dropped in 2018 and 2019 (8.45%), followed by an increase in 2020 (59.53%) and decrease in 2021 (-5.18%). The study period was marked by economic and political crises aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This context influenced the functioning of health services in Brazil. There was a sharp reduction in performance against oral health indicators, while performance in primary health care and specialized care services remained stable.

Oral Health Status of Children Age 6-12 Years in Rawalpindi, Islamabad Pakistan

Dental caries seems to be a significant public health issue and a common non-communicable disease. And is more prevalent in age group 6-12 years. There has never been a national oral health survey conducted in Pakistan between age 6-12 years in recent years. The purpose of this study was to look into the dental health of children between the ages of 6 and 12. Objectives: To determine the oral health status of children age 6-12 years using Decayed, Missed, Filled tooth Index. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out which included 385 children age between 6-12 years, using a simple random sampling. Children were evaluated in schools, and data collected included details on caries and the condition of the gingiva. The WHO's methodology and standards were used for oral examination. Results: Mean DMFT index of children age 6-12 years came out to be 2.28 ± 0.97. More than 2/3rd of children age between 6-12 years needs urgent dental care. Conclusion: The oral health status of children age between 6-12 years is unsatisfactory and higher DMFT index than expected. To effectively prevent and control burden of dental caries and promote gingival health, the oral health program must be implemented. Dental caries seems to be a significant public health issue and a common non-communicable disease. And is more prevalent in age group 6-12 years. There has never been a national oral health survey conducted in Pakistan between age 6-12 years in recent years. The purpose of this study was to look into the dental health of children between the ages of 6 and 12. Objectives: To determine the oral health status of children age 6-12 years using Decayed, Missed, Filled tooth Index. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out which included 385 children age between 6-12 years, using a simple random sampling. Children were evaluated in schools, and data collected included details on caries and the condition of the gingiva. The WHO's methodology and standards were used for oral examination. Results: Mean DMFT index of children age 6-12 years came out to be 2.28 ± 0.97. More than 2/3rd of children age between 6-12 years needs urgent dental care. Conclusion: The oral health status of children age between 6-12 years is unsatisfactory and higher DMFT index than expected. To effectively prevent and control burden of dental caries and promote gingival health, the oral health program must be implemented.

Oral health status of students with visual or hearing impairments in Northeast China

BackgroundVisual or hearing impairments in students seriously affect their quality of life. The aim of this study was to identify oral hygiene status and its influencing factors on visual or hearing impairments in students in Northeast China.MethodsThis study was conducted in May 2022. A total of 118 visually impaired students and 56 hearing impaired students from Northeast China were included in this study via census. Oral examinations and questionnaire-based surveys of students and their teachers were conducted. The oral examinations included caries experience, prevalence of gingival bleeding and dental calculus. The questionnaires included three parts: Social demographics (residence, sex and race) and parents’ educational level; Oral hygiene habits and medical treatment behaviors; Knowledge and attitudes towards oral health care. This questionnaire was selected from the Fourth China National Oral Health Survey and the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were previously tested. T tests, one-way ANOVA, χ2 tests and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted to evaluate the differences and dependent variables of dental caries.ResultsThe prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired and hearing impaired students were 66.10% and 66.07%. The mean number of DMFT, prevalence of gingival bleeding and dental calculus in visually impaired students were 2.71 ± 3.06, 52.08% and 59.38%, respectively. The mean number of DMFT, prevalence of gingival bleeding and dental calculus in hearing impaired students were 2.57 ± 2.83, 17.86% and 42.86%, respectively. The results of the multivariate logistic analysis showed that fluoride use and parents’ educational background had an impact on the caries experience of visually impaired students. The daily toothbrushing frequency and parents’ educational background had an impact on the caries experience of hearing impaired students.ConclusionsThe oral health situation of students with visual or hearing impairments remains severe. It is still necessary to promote oral and general health in this population.

Factors influencing adoption of oral health promotion by antenatal care providers in Moyo district, North-Western Uganda.

Oral health promotion (OHP) during pregnancy is an important global public health and basic human right issue related to quality of life. Several statements and guidelines have been published emphasizing the need for improved oral health care of pregnant mothers, prenatal care providers have missed this critical opportunity. In this study, we assessed factors influencing adoption of oral health promotion by antenatal care providers. A descriptive cross-sectional study design that employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and analysis. 152 samples determined using Yamane's 1967 and stratified sampling technique was used. Three FGDs and six KI interviews were held. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using SPSS (20.0) and ATLAS Ti for qualitative analysis. Adoption of OHP was low 28% (42). Factors influencing adoption were age of respondents (OR = 0.066, 95%CI = 0.009-0.465, p = 0.006*), level of care of health facility (OR = 0.050, 95%CI = 0.008-0.322, p = 0.002*), good understanding between dentists and ANC providers (OR = 0.283, 95%CI = 0.084-0.958, p = 0.042*), availability of practice guideline for OHP in ANC (OR = 0.323, 95%CI = 0.108-0.958, p = 0.043*), number of years at work (p = 0.084), being knowledgeable (OR = 2.143, 95%CI = 0.864-5.311, p = 0.100), having skills to advance OHP(OR = 0.734, 95%CI = 0.272-1.984, p = 0.542), Management being good at influencing new practices (OR = 00.477.734, 95%CI = 0.227-2.000, p = 0.477). More emphasis on national and local of oral health issues, continuous staff training on oral health, dissemination of National oral health policy (NOHP) were some of key issues that emerged from the qualitative results. Adoption of OHP was low. This was attributed to age, number of years spent at work, level of health facility, having good understanding between dentists and ANC providers, availability of practice guidelines, dissemination of National oral health policy, continuous staff training. We recommend the current NOHP to be reviewed, develop prenatal OHC guidelines, enhance the capacity of ANC providers through training, collaboration with dentists and launch official adoption of OHP.