Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Comparison Of Temporary Threshold Shifts In Dentists, Hygienists, And Dental Assistants, Sabina E. Ciaccio

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. The specific aim of this study is to compare the differences in temporary shifts caused by the different dental equipment and the proximity to the equipment. The current literature does not compare the change in hearing thresholds of dental personnel.

Methods: Dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists from Hermann Dental Associates will be given a case history form to determine inclusion status for this study. Exclusion criteria will include known hearing loss and significant noise exposure the day prior. …

Increasing Oral Health In A Midwest Elementary School: Quality Improvement Project, Dee Young

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Marginalized communities experience barriers to accessing oral healthcare in the United States (US). Due to this, many children are left to use the emergency department (ED) for dental care. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve oral health services access in children at one suburban Midwest elementary school. The objectives of this project were: a) to improve the efficiency of students registering in Fall 2023 to access available oral health exam services, b) to increase the number of students who receive an oral health exam compared to the number in the previous school year. …

Establishing An Objective, Quantifiable Method For Detecting Erosive Tooth Wear, Camille Kita

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study aims to monitor and evaluate erosive tooth wear (ETW) by measurement of enamel surface thickness and texture in a clinical setting. The objective approach is fundamentally different from the standard subjective visual assessment that professionals in the dental field using the Basic Erosive Wear Evaluation (BEWE) method.

Twenty-nine hyposalivation and three control subjects were used in this longitudinal study, for a total of 597 samples (only 577 teeth were eligible for surface texture analysis) evaluated in a longitudinal study including both baseline and 12 month follow up surfaces. Each participant’s buccal surface of the tooth was first analyzed …

Clinical Assessment Of Erosive Tooth Wear Objective Outcome Measures, Elizabeth Wewers

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether enamel surface texture can be used as objective and quantitative measurements to detect and monitor erosive tooth wear (ETW) as an adjunct to the subjective Basic Erosive Wear Evaluation (BEWE) that is commonly used today. This longitudinal observational clinical study enrolled 32 subjects with a sample of n = 584 teeth. Conventional dental microwear surface texture parameters (surface complexity, roughness, and anisotropy - Asfc, Sa, Str, respectively) (were generated using white-light scanning confocal profilometry) from the buccal surfaces of each tooth accepted to the study. I personally scanned and analyzed n …

Mathematical Modeling For Dental Decay Prevention In Children And Adolescents, Mahdiyeh Soltaninejad

Dissertations

The high prevalence of dental caries among children and adolescents, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, is a significant nationwide health concern. Early prevention, such as dental sealants and fluoride varnish (FV), is essential, but access to this care remains limited and disparate. In this research, a national dataset is utilized to assess sealants' reach and effectiveness in preventing tooth decay, particularly focusing on 2nd molars that emerge during early adolescence, a current gap in the knowledge base. FV is recommended to be delivered during medical well-child visits to children who are not seeing a dentist. Challenges and facilitators in …

Genetic Analysis Of Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis Associated Sos1 Missense Variants Of Uncertain Significance In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Himani Patel

Theses

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a disease that can present as benign overgrowth of gingival tissue in the mouth. The overgrowth can enclose the entire mouth and teeth in severe cases or present itself in a concentrated area. Researchers have identified that mutations in the SOS1 gene can be responsible for HGF. This disease can impair basic functions related to the mouth. Eating, smiling, speaking can all be affected. Additionally, excess inflammation can cause periodontal disease because of the difficulty in maintaining proper oral health. Periodontal disease can lead to severe bone loss which can lead to complete loss of …

The Effect Of Dental Insurance Coverage And Economic Fluctuations On Oral Health Outcomes In The United States, Laura Singletary

Senior Theses

Proper oral health is imperative to overall health, but obstacles often persist in

receiving proper oral health care. Lack of dental insurance coverage and economic recessions are two main factors contributing to oral health outcomes. Extended time without cleanings or addressing current oral health concerns exacerbates oral health problems into more costly procedures for the patient that are conveniently not covered by many insurance plans. This thesis investigates the oral health outcomes associated with periods following economic downturns, specifically citing the time of the Great Recession from 2007-2009.

A Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis Comparing Irrigation Within Complex Root Canal Anatomy, Madeleinne Fern

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare fluid dynamics in complex root canal systems shaped with minimally invasive versus progressively tapered file systems using single and double side-vented irrigation tips at different flowrates. Methods: Two identical, plastic mandibular molars were instrumented with minimally invasive and progressive file systems and scanned via micro-computed tomography. A computational fluid dynamics model was generated and enhanced with accessory canals and isthmus in the distal and mesial roots, respectively. The model replicated irrigation within complex canal anatomy using both a single and double side-vented, 30-gauge irrigation tip at four flowrates: 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 …

Impact Of Learning-Style-Based Education On Student Performance And Perception In Preclinical Endodontics: Part Ii, Rebecca Flaugher

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate if providing supplemental learning materials aligned to students’ learning modes is equally beneficial among all modes both subjectively and objectively. Methods: IRB approval was obtained (Approval #HR-3746). Second-year dental students (n=92) enrolled in Preclinical Endodontics took Kolb Experiential Learning Profile (KELP) questionnaire to determine their learning mode: Abstract Conceptualization (AC), Active Experimentation (AE), Reflective Observation (RO), or Concrete Experience (CE). Students were assigned into groups corresponding to their learning mode. Students performed non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) on a #9 typodont tooth and were graded to determine baseline performance (Project 1). Students were then …

Performance And Preference Of Rotary Files By Pre-Doctoral Dental Students At Marquette School Of Dentistry, Morgan Elizabeth Mccall

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Introduction: The aim of this study was twofold: 1) objectively evaluate root canal shaping and procedural mishaps using different NiTi rotary systems in the hands of unexperienced pre-doctoral dental students; 2) to gain an understanding of which rotary file system students subjectively prefer. Methods: Second year dental students (n=94) enrolled in preclinical endodontics received instructional videos and didactic lectures on the use of three different rotary filing systems: Vortex Blue, EndoSequence, and ProTaper Universal. Students completed root canal treatment using each file system on 3D printed premolars. The quantitative evaluation was completed after each project by two calibrated examiners using …

In Vitro Comparison Of Cellular Cytoxicity Of Conventional Vs. Cad/Cam Denture Base Materials, Zainab Hill Albasry

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Aim: Adverse reactions and local irritation of the oral mucosa to prostheses constructed from PMMA include allergic response, erythema, and a burning sensation of the tongue and mucosal tissues. Evidence on the cytotoxic effects of digitally manufactured denture base materials remains scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of CAD/CAM fabricated denture bases versus conventionally heat-cured acrylic resin materials. Materials and Methods: In total, 75 disks of five different denture resin materials – 15 disks per group were prepared: Ivocap (group 1; control), Ivotion denture base (group 2), Lucitone 3D denture base (group …

Crown Fatigue Resistance And Enamel Wear Of 3d Printed Resin Compared To Lithium Disilicate, Pranit Vasant Bora

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the wear characteristics and fatigue resistance of two dental crown materials: SprintRay Ceramic Crown, a 3D-printed resin material, and IPS™ e.Max CAD, a lithium disilicate material. Methods: This study evaluates wear and fatigue characteristics of dental crowns made from Ceramic Crown (SprintRay) and IPS e.max CAD LT (Ivoclar). For fatigue testing, custom fatigue devices were utilized to subject the crowns to cyclic loading, simulating occlusal forces. The specimens underwent 100,000 cycle intervals until 1.5 million cycles at a load of 40N of fatigue loading, with inspections conducted for signs of debonding, …

Improving Dental Students' Knowledge And Confidence In Treating Tobacco Use, Victoria Pierce

DNP Projects

Background: Tobacco use can lead to numerous chronic health conditions. Healthcare professionals in the dental field are in a unique position to broach this issue with patients. Research shows that dental students do not feel equipped to provide tobacco cessation care, citing lack of education on the subject among their top reasons for this.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate changes in dental students’ knowledge and confidence related to treating tobacco use after participation in an educational intervention about the 5A’s, behavioral counseling, and first-line prescription medications.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative utilized a quasi-experimental survey design …

Dental Outreach In Academic Dental Settings, Tisha Clayborn

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Creating an effective outreach program in a dental academic setting involves a strategic approach combining educational objectives and community service. This Dental Outreach Program Guide aligns with organizational objectives, contributes to community well-being, and serves as a model for future outreach initiatives in academic dental settings. This program utilizes the PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model to design and evaluate an oral health strategy. This program aims to outline a strategic plan incorporating evidence-based decision-making, data-driven metrics, and a comprehensive roadmap for successful implementation.

Implant Overdenture Abutment Loosening Under Hyperbaric Conditions, Zana Jamal Al-Saloum

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Objectives: To investigate the effect of various hyperbaric air pressures on the loosening of LOCATOR® (ZEST Anchors, LLC, Escondido, CA USA) overdenture abutments.

The pressure conditions tested are meant to simulate scuba diving conditions in edentulous patients that are restored with implant-retained tissue-supported overdentures. Another sub-goal of this study is to determine whether or not there is a difference in LOCATOR® loosening when the sample is exposed to six cycles/dives as opposed to one cycle/dive.

Methods: 36 ZimVie Tapered Screw Vent Implants with a 3.5mm diameter implant platform, and a 2.5mm diameter (and 1.5mm deep) internal hexagon were …

Sars-Cov-2 Infectivity, And Interaction With Ace2 In The Human Oral Cavity: A Comprehensive Study, Blake Joseph Henkel

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The oral cavity has the ability to transport infections throughout the body and be infected by bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the virus that led to the most recent pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 has unique ways of interacting with the human body to infect individuals, which has led researchers and scientists to have limited knowledge on its long-term impact on human health. However, there are ways to identify various oral cavity infections and prevent infection now and in the future. Many studies have been conducted in an attempt to understand the body’s …

Functional Analysis Of Mandibular Movements In Three Different Groups Including Patients With Total Joint Replacements, Previous Orthognathic Surgery, And A Control Group, Adriana Morales Buendia

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose: To Assess mandibular movements, including mouth opening, lateral excursion, and protrusion among patients with total joint replacements and orthognathic surgery compared to healthy control participants with no known TMJ disorders. Methods: Fifty-two subjects from 18 to 66 years of age were included in this cross-sectional study, distributed in three groups: patients with total joint replacement (n = 16), patients who underwent orthognathic surgery (n=17), and healthy control subjects (n = 19) to quantitatively determine whether there is statistically significant difference among the groups regarding opening, lateral excursion, and protrusion movements. The non-invasive system SiCAT JMT+ device was used to …

Effect Bioactive Material Have On Tooth Demineralization, Taillk Gomes

All ETDs from UAB

The objective of this in vitro study is to compare the inhibition of demineralization of root dentin caused by the presence of different restorative materials using Vickers Hardness (HV) test (microhardness) test and polarized light microscopy (PLM).

Physical And Optical Properties Of Material Used For Injection Molding, Nadia Christine Farias Machado

All ETDs from UAB

Background: This project investigates the materials used in injection molding dental resin composites which involves injecting flowable composite into a clear mold. Understanding the physical and optical properties of both the resin composite and the clear mold material is crucial for successful clinical outcomes. For the clear mold material, its translucency, curing light transmission, and rigidity are vital factors. Correlations may be present between trans-lucency and curing light transmission. For the resin composite, comparing wear, hardness, translucency, radiopacity, shrinkage stress, flexural strength, and modulus will affect mate-rial performance. Finally, the depth of cure of the material will be dependent on …

Oral Health Inequalities In Adolescents And Young Adults In Ontario, Maria Rahman

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Oral health is consistently linked to physiological, psychological, and social aspects of well-being in adolescents and young adults. In this thesis, I aimed to examine the social determinants of oral health and dental care utilization. First, I conducted a scoping review of the literature, demonstrated the multifaceted nature of oral health and its connections to broader social and economic factors. Then, I conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey which showed a social gradient in oral health and dental care utilization among adolescents and young adults in Ontario. When stratified by age, there was a protective association …

E-Cigarettes: What Is The Relationship Between E-Cigarette Usage And Periodontal Disease?, Deborah Rose

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The dental community has a broad understanding of how traditional combustible cigarettes affect the oral cavity of the dental patient but there is little research available on the effects that e-cigarettes have on the patient’s dental health. Vaping products have been marketed as a healthier option over traditional combustible cigarettes. Since they were first introduced in 2003, very little research has been performed to understand their dental implications. This project was executed to investigate the chemicals associated with these vaping products and how they possibly contribute to the progression of periodontal disease. This research project was conducted with the contribution …

Strategies To Encourage Recall And Prevent Relapse After Full Mouth Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia In Children, Claire Koukol

Capstone Experience

Background: Dental caries are preventable. Dentists utilize many prevention strategies in the office and provide at-home education to families. However, once a child develops Early Childhood Caries (ECC), especially in more severe cases, they may need general anesthesia (GA) to complete treatment. While this is an effective way to achieve full mouth dental rehabilitation (FMDR), this burdens the healthcare systems and families and does not come without risk to the patient. Patients with high caries experience remain at high risk of caries relapse after FMDR under GA, sometimes necessitating additional FMDR under GA. While there has been a significant amount …

Genetically Engineering Gingipains For High Yield Large Scale Purification., Andrew E. Fuchs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone oral pathogen in the progression of periodontal disease and has been implicated in the etiology of many other systemic human diseases. P. gingivalis produces primary virulence factors termed the gingipains, a group of cysteine proteases. There is a high demand for high purity gingipains for downstream in vitro studies where P.g. is implicated, both oral and systemic. Gingipain production candidate mutant P.g. strains were generated to isolate each gingipain for large scale purification and the purified gingipains characterized. Two mutants were determined not to be viable for large scale purification of gingipains, each for different …

The Prevalence Of Burnout In Saudi Arabia Dental Hygienists, Nouf Hamad Aldayel

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the prevalence of burnout in Saudi Arabian dental hygienists and identify risk factors associated with burnout. Methods: A descriptive survey design using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) assessed burnout among a convenience sample of n=123 Saudi dental hygienists. The survey was disseminated electronically to 1,000 Saudi Arabian dental hygienists. The CBI measures three subscales: personal, work-related, and client/patient-related burnout on a five-point Likert-type scale. The survey also included six demographic questions, two Likert-type, one “yes/no,” and one openended question, related to burnout. Descriptive statistics, one-way between subject’s ANOVA, independent samples …

Cheiloscopy Examination And Classification Of Lip Prints With And Without Parafunctional Oral Habits: A Cross-Sectional Observation Study, Emily Smith Regan

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Problem: Lip prints are unique and have potential for use as a human identifier. The purpose of this study was to observe possible cheiloscopy differences of individuals with and without parafunctional oral habits. Additionally, inter-rater reliability (IRR) of lip print examiners was observed. Methods: This IRB approved blinded cross-sectional observational study collected lip prints from sixty-six individuals using lipstick and adhesive tape to transfer lip prints to white bond paper for viewing purposes. Each set of included lip prints was divided into quadrants and dichotomized as those with or without an oral parafunctional habit. Each quadrant sample was manually analyzed …

Dental Hygiene Students Reported Physiological Symptoms Associated With Wearing An N95 Respirator Mask, Peyton Shea Butler

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: Physiological symptoms and comfort levels while wearing an N95 respiratory mask has not been examined with dental hygienists. The purpose of this study was to investigate dental hygiene students reported physiological symptoms and comfort perception while wearing an N95 respirator mask during patient care appointments. Methods: After IRB approval (IRB #1987754-2), a 16-item questionnaire was distributed through email to a convenience sample of 65 dental hygiene students. Questions assessed respiratory, dermatologic, cardiac, mask mouth and general physiological symptoms, as well as comfort levels. Additionally, participants were asked to respond to demographic questions and one open ended question inquiring about …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Dental Hygiene Faculty Using Simulation With Dental Manikin Head Devices To Teach Local Anesthesia, Allison Castro

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

This study employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology to explore the lived experiences of dental hygiene faculty using simulation with dental manikin head devices to teach local anesthesia. This study aimed to address the gap in the literature given the lack of discussion regarding dental manikin head simulation use in teaching local anesthesia within dental hygiene education. The purpose extended to explore if educators could guide students and ease anxieties by incorporating simulation in the development of treatment skills on a manikin before applying these skills to real-life interactions. John Dewey’s (1938) concept of interconnectedness between education and experience and David …

The Impact Of Access To Oral Health Care On Inadequate Oral Health And Multimorbidity, Luis Limo

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The connection between oral health and other non-communicable chronic conditions—commonly referred in the dental literature as the oral-systemic health connection—emphasizes the role of oral health care on both oral diseases and chronic conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly. This thesis comprises 2 studies: the first is a systematic review on the impact of oral health care interventions, as an indicator of access to oral health care, on chronic conditions of which their co-existence would result in multimorbidity; the second study is a cross-sectional investigation of the associations between oral health, access to oral health care, and multimorbidity among …

Association Of Inflammatory Markers And Growth Factors With Radiographically Assessed Wound Healing Of Extraction Sockets, Sasha Mohammadi

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this prospective cohort pilot study was to investigate the association of the periodontal status and inflammatory markers from the gingival crevicular and wound fluid with the healing outcomes following tooth extraction. The central research hypothesis is that extraction sites and the adjacent teeth that exhibit increased markers of inflammation, or decreased growth factors, at baseline or 2 weeks will be associated with reduced healing outcomes observed radiographically 3 months following surgery. Nine patients at the UNMC College of Dentistry who were seeking care to extract a posterior tooth due to advanced periodontal bone loss, non-restorable caries or …

Analysis Of Interprofessional Education Inclusion Within U.S. Dental Hygiene Programs’ Curricula, Jennifer M. Pacheco

Dental Hygiene ETDs

The purpose of this study was to collect information on the implementation of IPE activities within U.S. dental hygiene programs and whether program faculty are implementing these components into their program curricula. Furthermore, the study would identify which types of IPE activities were being conducted and if these activities met the CODA standards. An original survey was sent out to dental hygiene program directors and faculty. Results revealed both programs agreed that IPE is a significant component to include in hygiene curricula to better equip students as members of the healthcare team to deliver comprehensive care. IPE activities implemented were …