Digital Commons Network^™

Transitioning From Individualized Pediatric Dental Care Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder At The Mailman Segal Dental Clinic To Traditional Dental Settings, Toni-Marie Small

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Children with special healthcare needs (SHCN) such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually develop strong bonds with their pediatric dental care provider. However, as they mature, transitioning to other services or providers is necessary. Low rates of successful transition of children with SHCN have gained national attention especially since their lifelong conditions require continuous care. It is important to facilitate a smooth transition among providers; dental care providers specifically. These transitions are imperative to prevent these children from losing access to dental care as they mature. This pilot study seeks to describe the proportion of children with ASD seen …

Reliability Of Methods To Evaluate Sensitivity Caused By In-Office Bleaching Procedures, Ahmed Abuzinadah

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective: To evaluate and compare the reliability of different methods to measure sensitivity caused by in-office bleaching procedures.

Methodology: A convenience sample of 34 patients from the dental clinics at Nova Southeastern University participated in the study upon IRB approval, signing consent forms and complying the inclusion/exclusion criteria. All procedures were provided by the same operator (Dr. Abuzinadah) according to the manufacturer’s instructions using Opalescence® Boost® PF 40% (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT). No additional treatments were provided for desensitization. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the level of sensitivity during the procedure, 1-hour, 24-hours, 48-hours, 1-week and …

Dental Visual Support Schedule App For Behavior Management Of Pediatric Dental Patients With Autism: Pilot Study, Ana Lina Gonzalez Caceres

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in the U.S (about 1 in 54 children). Treating children with ASD in the dental office can be challenging due to their impairments in social interactions, communication and aversive behavior. Visual Support Schedules are visual aids or picture cues that have been beneficial for the behavior management of patients with ASD. There are limited studies regarding effective behavior management techniques that could help those patients have a better experience at the dentist. Methods: A Visual Support Schedule App was used for behavior management compared to Tell Show DO (TSD) on …

Oral Probiotic Supplementation As An Adjunct To Non-Surgical Therapy In Peri-Implantitis Lesions: A Pilot Study, Po-Ning Polly Huang

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: During the last decade, the results of several clinical studies suggested that oral probiotics may potentially improve oral health. The first study examining the effects of probiotics on oral health demonstrated that almost every patient with gingivitis, periodontitis or pregnancy gingivitis, had significant improvements in measurable periodontal indices when they were treated with a locally administered culture supernatant of a Lactobacillus acidophilus strain. This finding sparked several other studies to further examine the potential for treating oral diseases, such as, combating halitosis, oral candidiasis, and dental caries with probiotics. Of our interest, Fernandez et al. and Hollstrom et al. …

Dentists’ Communication Skills As Determinants Of Patient Initiation Of Treatment, Nojoud Omar A Balubaid

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In the medical field literature, studies allude to the importance of interpersonal relationships between the caregiver and the patient. Communication has been highlighted as a key factor that mediates the doctor to patient relationship. This study investigated the relationship between patient initiation of treatment with the patients’ perceptions of the quality of the dentist-patient communication. A cross-sectional study that solicited from patients seeking services at Nova Southeastern University Post-Graduate Dental Programs responses to a questionnaire that measured patient’s perception of the quality of communication of the attending dentist. The participants of the study were patients of the NSU Post-graduate dental …

Heat Generation Of Bulk-Fill Composites Polymerized By Multipeak Versus Single Peak Light Curing Units, Fahad Baabdullah

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Multipeak light-curing units (LCUs) are gaining popularity due to potential need to activate different photoinitiators. One of the risks associated with using LCUs is heat generation which can reach the pulp chamber through restorative materials and may cause an adverse pulp reaction. However, there is a limited data on heat generation potential of multipeak as compared to single peak LCUs.

Objective: Evaluate the difference in heat generation, and transmission from single peak versusmultipeak LED-LCUs through dentin and different bulk-fill resin-based composites (BFRCs) at pulpal wall (PW).

Materials and Methods: A single extracted sound human molar was used for standardized …

Effect Of Silver Diamine Fluoride On Candida Albicans Associated With Early Childhood Caries, Sarah Al Kukash

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in childhood worldwide. It afflicts 23% of the preschoolers in the U.S. It most frequently targets children from poor socioeconomic families and racial/ethnic minority backgrounds and becomes a serious public health problem. The major pathogen of ECC is Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). However, the occurrence of ECC is positively associated with the presence of Candida albicans (C. albicans). It is well established that Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), a recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-off labeled approved agent for arresting dental caries, exhibits a robust antibacterial effect on …

The Effect Of Dental Probiotic Use On The Inhibition Of Streptococcus Mutans: A Clinical Study, Halah Thanoon

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Brief Background: Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) is the pioneering pathogenic bacteria responsible for the initiation of dental caries. Controlling S.mutans activity using dental probiotics may have an impact on caries incidence and oral health in general. Objective: To evaluate the effects of commercially available dental probiotics (PRO-Dental, Hyperbiotics Inc.) usage for 60 days in a row on the cariogenic bacterium S.mutans in high caries risk patients with high or low S.mutans counts at baseline and 30 days after the discontinuation of use. Methodology: A total of 30 consenting adult patients with high caries risk (according to NSU CAMBRA protocol) without any …

Exploring Healthcare Services Utilization And Medication Adherence Of The Arab Descent Americans In South Florida, Haifa Abdulrahman Fadil

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Research into health outcomes of Arab-descent Americans (ADAs) is sparse. ADAs identify as “White,” instead of in a separate census category, contributing to their underrepresentation in the census and the limited amount of research on their health outcomes. In the current U.S. sociopolitical climate, better understandings are needed of the impact of discrimination and Arabic culture, including level of health literacy, on ADAs’ general health and health outcomes. This study employed mixed methods to explore the impact of health literacy level and perceived discrimination on HSU and medication adherence for ADAs in South Florida. In its qualitative phase, a convenience …

Grit Associated With New Graduate Registered Nurse Initial Competency, Joan Marie Kavanagh

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The delivery of highly reliable health care is in jeopardy as many new graduate registered nurses (NGRNs) enter clinical roles under-prepared for demands of professional practice. Identifying and addressing challenges to safe practice early in the onboarding process were paramount for patient safety at a large Midwestern healthcare system (HCS). Post-hire and pre-practice Performance Based Development System (PBDS) assessments were administered to more than 7,600 NGRNs between January 2011 and December 2018. Only 19% of NGRNs demonstrated entry-level competencies and practice readiness; 26% were unsafe for novice independent practice. Data analysis revealed no differences in competence ratings by nursing degree …

Physical And Optical Properties Of Provisional Crown And Bridge Materials Fabricated Using Cad/Cam Milling Or 3d Printing Technology, Niranjan Joshi

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective: This study compared the physical and optical properties of provisional crown and bridge materials fabricated using CAD/CAM or 3D printing technology. Aim: To compare the biaxial flexural strength, microhardness, translucency parameter and gloss of provisional resin discs fabricated by milling PMMA blocks, versus two different resins printed using 3D printers. Hypothesis: There is no difference in the flexural strength, hardness, translucency and gloss of provisional resins fabricated by different digital technologies. Materials and methods: 90-disc shaped specimens for provisional resins were fabricated using a common digital file. These samples were equally distributed in three groups of 30 each. Group …

Possible Pathologic Effect Of Hmgb1 On P. Gingivalis Induced Inflammatory Response By Macrophages, Michelle Marie Torres Santos

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by poly-microbial infection that leads to destruction of connective tissue and alveolar bone. It is well documented that bacteria-derived virulent factors that can act on Toll-like receptors (TLRs), represented by Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), are engaged in the initiation of inflammatory responses. However, while LPS is also produced by the bacteria colonized in the healthy periodontal tissue, inflammation is not induced by LPS in those periodontal healthy subjects, suggesting the requirement of additional factor to upregulate the LPS-mediated inflammatory response in periodontal tissue. Recent studies revealed that novel class of endogenous proinflammatory mediator, high mobility …

Influence Of Abutment Macro-Design On Peri-Implant Tissue Dimensions For Guided Placed And Restored Implants, Bashar Adeinat

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: For optimal dental implant esthetics the transition of a circumferential implant platform to a proper cervical anatomy has been emphasized. This transition is facilitated by the macro-design of the transmucosal portion of the abutment-restoration complex at the provisional and final stages of implant prosthetic therapy. There is limited information from human studies assessing the impact of abutment macro-design on periimplant tissue dimensional changes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the effect of abutment macro-design on peri-implant tissue dimensional changes. Methods: This is an ongoing randomized control clinical trial in which twentyeight (28) patients with a …

Reliability Of Bond Strength Using Universal Adhesives To Variable Dentin Conditions, Marwa Bawazir

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Brief Background: Both three-step etch-and-rinse adhesives and universal adhesives have proven their effectiveness to produce successful bond to dentin. However, there are no studies comparing adhesives’ bond strength when applied by multiple operators, and to variable dentin conditions. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the bond strength of a universal adhesive when applied by multiple operators, and to variable dentin conditions, in comparison to three- step etch-and-rinse adhesive. Methods: Three hundred extracted human teeth were embedded in resin. Five dentists with at least ten years of experience in general dentistry and five pre-dental students applied a universal adhesive (Adhese Universal, Ivoclar …

Likability And Efficacy Of Gummy Oral Sedative By Pediatric Patients, Marisol Carbonell

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Behavior guidance of the pediatric patient remains a challenge in dentistry and may require pharmaceutical interventions. Midazolam and hydroxyzine oral syrups are predictable and frequently used for in-office sedations in pediatric dentistry. However, midazolam’s bitter taste and hydroxyzine’s large volume make administration problematic for uncooperative children. The purpose of this project was to compare the use of soft-chewable gummies containing sedatives to the oral syrups currently used in conscious sedation. The aim of this project was to administer midazolam and hydroxyzine in gummy form and determine if this alternative vessel is as effective and better liked by children undergoing …

Knowledge, Attitudes And Practice Behaviors About Caries Risk Assessment And Management, Ahmad Malluh

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Brief Background: The World Health Organization (WHO), the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the World Dental Federation (FDI) in 1981 established the first global oral health goals and promoted the development of oral health objectives targeting reduction in key oral health indicators by 2020. Among the oral health indicators identified in this initiative was the reduction of caries. While there is evidence to suggest that from a global perspective the prevalence of caries is decreasing, there are geographical locations, like Saudi Arabia, where the prevalence of caries is exceeding worldwide statistics. Hence, dental professional, research, and educational associations …

Correlation Of Body Mass Index Percentile And Craniofacial Morphology: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study, Adam G. Danze

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Obesity rates are rising exponentially in many countries around the world, particularly in the United States. This epidemic is affecting people of all ages, and little to no progress has been made it slow it down. Lack of physical activity and increased consumption of energy rich foods and caloric intake have been recognized as contributing factors for the concerning increase in the prevalence of obesity in child and adult populations. The high prevalence of obesity is believed to be a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological factors. Childhood obesity is occurring at progressively younger ages, leading …

Effect Of Increased Implant Crown Height On Fracture Strength Of Ips-E.Max Cad Hybrid Abutment Crown: An In-Vitro Study, Mohammad Mehdi Imani-Emadi

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The use of a secondary titanium insert has a beneficial influence on the stability of ceramic abutments and appears to be clinically useful for premolar and molar single-tooth replacements. Available titanium inserts in the market produced by Sirona, have a single height of 4.6mm with various platform diameters for different implant systems. The aim of this in-vitro study was to determine the fracture strength of IPS-e.max CAD hybrid abutment crowns with various crowns heights by simulating cyclic masticatory loads in vitro. Materials and Methods: Forty conical AstraTech EV dental implants, 4.2 mm in diameter and 9.0 mm in length …

The Relationship Of Parent-Reported Symptoms Of Sleep-Disordered Breathing With The Presence Of Malocclusion And Craniofacial Disharmony In Pediatric Orthodontic Patients, Astin Barnes

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a term for breathing difficulties occurring during sleep and encompasses frequent loud snoring to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). SDB in children has been linked to daytime sleepiness, poor school performance, hyperactivity, cardiovascular complications, impaired overall growth, development of malocclusion, and craniofacial disharmony. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) urge more studies to educate about etiology, symptoms, and sequelae of SDB. Therefore, this study proposed to investigate the association between symptoms of SDB and malocclusion and craniofacial disharmony in children. Methods: The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to obtain …

Vegf Induced Differentiation Of Gingival Stem Cells To Endothelial Cells In Vitro, Garima Gupta

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Birth defects that result in structural malformation of major organs are one of the major causes of mortality in children. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) strategies are particularly beneficial for the pediatric patients to correct these defects owing to their greater regenerative capacity compared to the adult population. Limited availability of pediatric patient’s auto-transplantation of organs makes TERM strategies as a promising alternative toconventional clinical procedures that utilize the grafts. Recent developments in stem cells technologies, there is an enormous potential for TERM in correcting birth defects and enhancing the life span in young population. However, the major …

The Influence Of Abutment Macro-Design On Peri-Implant Tissue Dimensions For Guided Placed And Restored Implants: A 1-Year Randomized Controlled Trial And Cbct Analysis, Abdulaziz Ali

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: For optimal dental implant esthetics the transition of a circumferential implant platform to a proper cervical anatomy has been emphasized. This transition is facilitated by the macro-design of the transmucosal portion of the abutment-restoration complex at the provisional and final stages of implant prosthetic therapy. There is limited information from human studies assessing the impact of abutment macro-design on peri-implant tissue dimensional changes. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the peri-implant tissue levels over a 1-year period for implants connected to either convex or concave final abutments at the time of implant placement. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with one missing …

Flexural Strength And Optical Characteristics Of High Translucency Zirconia, Golsa Akbarian

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective: High translucency zirconia has been developed for esthetically demanding dental cases with the objective of improving light transmittance. The purpose of this in vitro study is to compare the translucency and flexural strength of high translucency zirconia with conventional zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramics, all of which are options for indirect dental restorative applications. Methods: Three dental ceramic materials were selected: Group 1: conventional zirconia; group 2: high translucent zirconia; and group 3: lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. Fifteen disk-shaped specimens (10mm in diameter) of each material were fabricated at 0.5mm, 0.75mm, and 1 mm thicknesses as subgroups A, B, and …

Comparing The Efficacy Of Scalpel, Electrosurgical, And Laser Gingivectomies For The Management Of Gingival Enlargement Following Orthodontic Therapy, Mehdi Garashi

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Gingival enlargement can occur during orthodontic therapy and often may not subside following removal of the orthodontic appliances. It may lead to esthetic concerns, as well as potential reservoirs for bacteria and hinder oral hygiene efforts. Treatment has included nonsurgical debridement alone or in combination with gingival resection using laser, electrosurgery, or conventional scalpel. Objectives: To compare the clinical effectiveness of three resective techniques in the management of gingival enlargement following orthodontic therapy with regards to: Gingival margin position (GMP), probing depths (PDs), bleeding scores, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and patient postoperative discomfort. Materials and Methods: 17 …

Minimally Invasive Accelerated Orthodontic Techniques: A Clinical, Radiological, And Histological Comparison On A Rat Model, Sausha Toghranegar

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Accelerated orthodontics encompasses a group of techniques designed to facilitate the faster movement of teeth. Many techniques developed are designed to cause a controlled injury to the cortex of the bone resulting in a transient osteopenia, also known as the regional acceleratory phenomena (RAP). Little research has been done to compare these techniques and describe their effects on the periodontium. Objective: To clinically, histologically, and radiographically compare several minimally invasive techniques for inducing accelerated orthodontics. Methods: Sixty 8-9-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were used for this investigation. An orthodontic device consisting of a 50g NiTi closed coil spring was …

Effect Of Three Different Contamination Removal Methods On Bond Strength Of Ceramic To Enamel Contaminated With Aluminum Chloride And Ferric Sulfate, Cesar Gonzalez

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The need to control moisture and contamination is crucial in adhesive dentistry, especially when rubber dam isolation is not feasible. Hemostatic contamination can negatively affect adhesion to tooth substrate. To achieve better outcomes, hemostatic agents should be rinsed off properly using a method that will remove the contamination and will not affect the μ-SBS. Objective: To evaluate and compare the effect of three different aluminum chloride and ferric sulfate contamination removal methods on the μ-SBS of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic bonded to enamel and to compare the type of fracture between samples. Material and Methods: Lithium disilicate blocks (IPS e.max …

Comparison Of Preformed Archwires To Pretreatment Dental Casts Representing Normal Occlusions, Ezra Brown

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Preformed nickel-titanium archwires have become an almost universal standard for archwire selection in clinical practice. However, previous studies have found that that the intercanine and intermolar widths may be altered with the use of these wires. The patient’s original arch form should not be changed. To our knowledge, previous studies have not yet assessed the intercanine and intermolar widths of preformed archwires when categorized into ovoid, tapered, and square arch forms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter-arch dimensions of commercially available preformed nickel-titanium archwires relative to normal occlusion dental arches and when compared to …

Florida Orthodontists' Willingness To Provide A Human Papillomavirus Educational Intervention, Marc Edward Weber

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection with an estimated fourteen million new cases each year in the United States alone. HPV infections generally resolve with little or no incident, but persistent infections can lead to more serious sequelae such as oral and cervical cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all 11-12 year olds receive the HPV vaccine; yet, the prevalence of HPV vaccination in the U.S. population is far below the prevalence of routine childhood vaccinations. Clearly, there is a public health imperative to increase the HPV vaccination rate among American …

Evaluation Of Surface Characteristics For Three Milled Cad/Cam Monolithic Ceramic Restorations, Fahad Algahtani

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Dental ceramics have been chosen as the material of choice by patients and clinicians because of their aesthetics, color stability, and low thermal conductivity. Clinically, almost all restorations need some adjustments to allow adequate occlusion and contacts. However, these adjustments will create rough surfaces. Therefore, different surface treatments have been developed to improve surface smoothness and gloss of dental ceramics. Objective: To evaluate the average surface roughness (Ra) and gloss (GU) of three different monolithic ceramics: Lithium Disilicate (IPS e.max CAD), Leucite reinforced (IPS Empress CAD) and Feldspathic (Vitablocs Mark II) subjected to two different surface treatments (mechanical polishing …

Examining Practitioner Standards Regarding Periodontal Clearance For The Orthodontic Patient, William P. Brown

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Orthodontic tooth movement relies largely on the physiology of the periodontium, which is comprised of various types of bone and soft tissues that surround and support the teeth. New orthodontic treatment modalities have emerged offering various combinations of improved esthetics and/or speed. However, the impact on standard and quality of care of these alternative treatment modalities is unclear. Institutional concern for the effects of orthodontics on a periodontally-compromised patient remains high, as evidenced by governing dental bodies mandating, and contemporary orthodontic leaders insisting, orthodontic treatment should not be carried out until active dental disease has been addressed. Therefore, this …

Depth Of Cure Of Resin Composites: Effect Of Incremental Layering Versus Bulk Placement And Effect Of Curing Light Type, Najat Aldossarry

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The introduction of resin composite was a revolution in dentistry and it has shown a high level of success as a direct restorative material. Appropriate techniques and light curing units are essential for optimal clinical outcomes. Objective: To assess depth of cure of two bulk-fill composites and one nanofill resin composite, when photopolymerized with two different curing light units (CLU), placed with an incremental layering versus bulk-fill technique. Material and methods: Two Bulk-fill resin composites (Surefil SDR® Flow and Tetric EvoCeram®) and a conventional nanofill (FiltekTM Supreme Ultra) were used to prepare 90 cylindrical specimens. Specimens (n=5/group) were made …