Evaluating A Virtual Reality Simulation-Based Tool In Undergraduate Nursing Students For Impact On Accuracy, Clinical Judgment, Fear, And Self-Confidence When Donning, Doffing, And Disposing Of Personal Protective Equipment, Stacy Lynn Russell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background: PPE training is essential to prevent transmission of infections or autoinoculation of infections among healthcare providers and patients. Student nurses play a vital role in infection control practices to protect themselves and patients from transmittable infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an innovative teaching and learning strategy known as virtual reality simulation in teaching proper PPE use in comparison to more traditional learning.

Research Questions: This study aimed to answer three research questions: (1) What is the acceptability among faculty of using a head mounted VRS to train undergraduate nursing students in the proper …

A Comparison Of Endodontic Root-End Filling Techniques: A Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis, Leslie P. Wolford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction:

Researchers have compared the differences between hand compaction of root-end filling bioceramics with compaction of these materials by hand followed by ultrasonic activation (hand/ultrasonic compaction). Additionally, most of these researchers did not utilize Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) analysis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate total porosity volume of three different bioceramics when compacted by hand alone versus hand/ultrasonic compaction using Micro-CT Analysis.

Materials and methods:

Seventy-two human maxillary central incisors were selected for the study. All were subjected to orthograde endodontic treatment followed by root tip resection 3-mm from the apex at a 90° to the long axis …

Shear Bond Strength Comparison Of Bioceramics To Root Dentin., Yasmin Alma Hoffman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to compare the push-out bond strength of four bioceramic materials to root dentin that are used during regenerative endodontics. The bioceramics being tested are: 1. Biodentine®(Septodont); 2. EndoSequence BC Putty Fast Set® (Brasseler); 3. NeoPutty® (Avalon Biomed); and 4. ProRoot MTA White® (Dentsply). A high bond strength of a bioceramic material to root dentin will provide excellent seal. An improved seal may correlate with less potential for contamination of the pulp space that is undergoing regenerative activity. This in turn will lead to long-term clinical success. The null hypothesis is that there is …

Antibacterial Effect Of Various Irrigants Against Enterococcus Faecalis, Morgan N. Kesecker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction:

One of the goals of endodontic therapy is to debride infected pulps of teeth and return the tooth to a state of health in preparation of restorative care and return to function. Chemically cleansing of the canal system augments mechanical debridement by flushing out debris, dissolving tissue, and disinfecting the root canal system. The purpose of this research is to compare the efficacy of five irrigants: 0.008% HOCl acid (Endocyn®), 0.03% HOCl (Vashe®), 6% and 8.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and Ozone against a typical bacterial species found in infected pulps, Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis).

Methods:

After 24 hours …

Nature Based Interventions For Human Health And Wellbeing, Samantha I. Moyers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background. Nature exposure is beneficial to human health and wellbeing, but the evidence base for nature-based interventions (NBI) is still developing. Heterogeneous naming conventions, study designs, and intervention contexts create difficulty in accessing and assessing the evidence for such programming. While NBI have been utilized in a wide array of human populations, no interventions have been reported among clinical health professions students. Aims. The objectives of this dissertation project were to review the existing body of NBI literature exploring health and wellbeing outcomes, and to conduct a feasibility trial of forest bathing, a type of NBI, among clinical students. Specifically, …

The Effects Of E-Cigarette Aerosol On The Force Degradation Of Elastomeric Chain: An In Vitro Pilot Study, Nicholas David Palmer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background and Objectives

An ideal orthodontic force system should exert continuous light force. An orthodontist has the option to utilize different systems for closing orthodontic extraction space. A commonly used method when closing extraction space is to utilize orthodontic elastomeric chain. Energy Chain® (Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Franklin, IN) allows for less deformation of shape following the initial stretch, more consistent force, and less force degradation over time. The mouth is a harsh environment that experiences daily changes in pH and temperature. These changes cause elastomeric chain to experience increased force degradation. The creation of the JUUL® (JUUL Labs, San Francisco, …

Clinical And Economic Burden Of Inflammatory Chronic Conditions Among Adults In The United States: Evidence From Three Nationally Representative Surveys, Mohammad Ikram

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

A significant proportion of adults in the United States (US) suffer from various inflammatory chronic conditions (ICCs). They include a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. ICCs are not curable, and their management typically involves medications such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Recently, a whole health approach that places patients’ well-being at the center is increasingly being used for better management of ICCs. The whole health approach uses an integrated approach that includes multimodal management with complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) and prescription drugs. However, the use of CAM and prescription drugs …

A Comparison Of The Failure Rate Of Two Orthodontic Light-Curable Adhesives: A Chart Review, Ian Montgomery Weaver

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

A Comparison of the Failure Rate of Two Orthodontic Light-Curable Adhesives: A Chart Review

Ian Montgomery Weaver, D.D.S.

Background and Objectives: The overhead costs of running a private orthodontic practice are infamously high, thus there is a notable benefit to finding the most cost effective methods of treating patients while still maintaining high quality care. A relatively new light-cure orthodontic adhesive BracePaste®^® (American Orthodontics™, Sheboygan, WI), introduced to the market in 2017, can fluoresce under UV light to assist in identifying the difference between the enamel of the tooth and the adhesive material itself, an ability which can aid …

Cytotoxic Effects Of Potential Irrigants For Endodontic Surgery, Kaiying Haggard

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate if hypochlorous acid (Vashe and Endocyn), Ozone, sodium hypochlorite (0.5% NaOCl), chlorhexidine (0.12% CHX), and MTAD can be used as a disinfectant for endodontic surgery without causing bone tissue toxicity by comparing their cytotoxic effects to saline on osteoblasts in vitro.

Methods: Human Fetal Osteoblast Cells (hFOB 1.19, ATCC CRL-11372) were used. The cells viability after 10-minute exposure of Vashe, Endocyn, Ozone, NaOCl (0.5%), CHX (0.12%), MTAD, and saline at concentrations of 10, 30, 60, 90 % volume ratio were measured using CCK8 analysis and the absorbance were measured at 450 …

Medicaid In The Orthodontic Community: Provider Trends And Perceptions, Miranda L. Fabrega

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background and Objectives: Medicaid is a federal and state insurance program aimed at helping economically disadvantaged individuals and families with gaining access to health care. Lack of provider participation in the Medicaid program leaves many Medicaid-eligible individuals with the inability to obtain certain medical services, such as orthodontic care. The objective of this study was to use an electronic survey to better understand the beliefs and behaviors of orthodontists in regard to participation in the Medicaid program, and to determine if differences exist between Medicaid providers and non-Medicaid providers. Experimental Design and Methods: Survey: Requests to participate in an electronic …

Cbct Use In Orthodontic Residency Programs In Usa, Su Min Han

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background and Objectives: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in dentistry have been up and coming forms of x-ray technology that allows cross-sectional images to form a comprehensive 3-dimensional representation of the mouth. While the typical use for CBCT imaging is reported to be for implant dentistry, there are many contexts in which it is indicated in orthodontics. There are various schools of thought regarding when CBCT is indicated for specific diagnosis of problems or general use in the collection of initial, progress and post-treatment orthodontic records. There are programs that follow the Radiology guidelines for taking CBCT scans10 and …

Accuracy, Prosthetic Outcomes, And Patient-Related Outcomes With Immediate Loading Of 4-Guided Implants Supporting An Unsplinted Maxillary Implant-Retained Overdenture, Nathaniel Chertok

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Aim: Assess the accuracy of implant placement using a mucosa-supported surgical guide relative to the planned implant position and examine patient-related outcomes associated with immediately-loaded Mx IOD using a single-attachment abutment system. The secondary aim of the study is to examine the prosthetic complications associated with this treatment.

Materials and methods: Fifteen individuals with edentulous maxillae were included. Each participant received 4 Straumann BLX implants through a stereolithic mucosa-supported surgical guide distributed in the Mx arch to maximize AP spread. Implant lengths ranged from 10 to 14 mm. A post-op CBCT was taken after the surgery to compare …

Zonulin As A Mediator Of Psychological Stress And Periodontal Disease, Casey D. Wright

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases is on the rise. Some have posited the permeability of tight junctions in gastrointestinal epithelium tissues as a potential mechanism for precipitating inflammatory processes throughout the body. Zonulin is the only known modulator of tight junction permeability and has been implicated in numerous chronic inflammatory processes (e.g., proinflammatory cytokine production) and diseases, more generally. The role of zonulin in oral inflammation, however, has yet to be explored. Periodontal disease is the most common oral inflammatory condition and primary perpetrator of tooth loss. Periodontal disease also is associated with a number of other health problems …

Do Different Learning Environments Influence Graduate Students’ Professional Communication?, Lacey M. Beam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of two educational environments (jigsaw learning activity and standardized patient encounters) on speech-language pathology students’ professional communication when assessing and treating a voice disorder case study. Jigsaw activities are cooperative learning experiences that provide students opportunities to learn from one another. Studies have shown that students have improvements in learning new material, self-confidence, and communication skills (Wong & Driscoll, 2008; Asif et al., 2021). A standardized patient encounter provides a real-life clinical experience for students. There has been a mixed response to students improving their communication skills through …

Current Practices Used To Increase The Success Rate Of The Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block In Mandibular Molars With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis, Nishtha Chauhan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction: Pain control during endodontic access is important to ensure patient comfort. Achieving adequate anesthesia in an acutely inflamed mandibular molar poses a treatment challenge as the reported failure rate is 30- 83%. A number of pre-medications, anesthetic techniques and adjuncts have been researched to determine their effect on the anesthetic success of the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). The purpose of this research was to describe the current clinical practices used by the members of the American Association of Endodontists in pain control of inflamed mandibular molars.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study design was used. The study …

Survival Rate Of Dental Implants Placed In Alveolar Ridge Preservation Sites - Systematic Review, Sravanthi Papisetti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction: It is not known so far performing Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) in a freshly extracted socket with intact walls would improve clinical outcomes of implants placed in these sites. It is not known whether different biomaterials and techniques would affect the survival of dental implants.

Aim: The current systematic review is undertaken to assess the survival rate of dental implants placed in these sockets and to assess different socket graft materials as well as techniques of ridge preservation with regard to the survival of implants.

Material methods: Search for relevant articles was done in Medline (PubMed). No …

Passive Self-Ligating Brackets Vs. Conventional Brackets: Is There A Difference In The Transverse Dimension? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Justin Scott Tenbrook

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background and Objectives:

Self-ligating brackets have risen in popularity in clinical orthodontics, but many claims made by their manufacturers have been made without substantial evidence. Any differences among the bracket types are very small when consulting new peer reviewed literature testing their differences. Nevertheless, self-ligating brackets are still purported to be able to increase the dental transverse dimension more effectively than conventional brackets. In 2018, Yang et al. performed a systematic review on the transversal changes, space closure, and efficiency of conventional and self-ligating appliances. Since then, there were several clinical trials published in the literature comparing the mandibular arch …

Immediate Loading Of 4 Guided Implants Supporting A Maxillary Overdenture Using A Novaloc Retention System, Doheum Choi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The purpose of this study was to test the treatment concept of maxillary overdenture retained by four unsplinted implants placed using a flapless guided approach and immediate loading with Novaloc® attachments. Subjects with fully edentulous maxillae received 4 BLX implants (Roxolid®, SLActive®, 3.75mm diameter, Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) to support an immediately loaded overdenture. Implants were connected with Novaloc® attachments (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) immediately following surgery if insertion torque (IT) reached 20 N/cm or above. The primary outcome variable was the radiographic bone level change at 6- and 12-months following implant placement. Secondary outcome variables were peri-implant …

Health Care Disparities Around The Globe, Brianna N. Hodak, Renee Nicholson

Mountaineer Undergraduate Research Review

In Honduras, there are only 0.8 physicians for every 1,000 citizens, creating a nearly insurmountable barrier on the ability to access health care for the impoverished lower and middle classes. Various health care models that a country adopts directly affects the quality of life of its citizens, including access to care and clean water, advocacy of preventative methods, and life expectancy. By analyzing models, such as the “Out-of-Pocket”, Beveridge, and Bismarck models, one can see that there are positive and negative aspects in every system. It can also be seen that the American Healthcare system is also in dire need …

A Structured Approach To Skin And Soft Tissue Infections (Sstis) In An Ambulatory Setting, Benjamin Silverberg

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The skin is the largest, and arguably, the most vulnerable organ in the human body. Scratches and scrapes, bites and puncture wounds, impetigo and erysipelas—all these disruptions can lead to pain, swelling, and/or systemic symptoms. In this article, which is based on the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s 2014 guidelines and the World Society of Emergency Surgery and Surgical Infection Society of Europe’s 2018 consensus statement, a structured approach to skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) is reviewed, comparing treatment for suppurative and non-suppurative infections, and then discussing specific conditions commonly seen in Primary Care and Urgent Care facilities.

Effect Of Pad Design And Bracket Manufacturing Method On Bracket Bond Strength, Dustin Osborne

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Objective: The objective is to determine if there is a significant difference in shear bond strength and debonding characteristics between one-piece metal brackets made by metal injection molding (MIM) and multi-piece metal brackets made by machining then soldering/brazing with differing pad designs. Methods: A total of thirteen metal orthodontic brackets manufactured by 8 different companies were divided into two groups: one-piece MIM and multi-piece brackets. Each group consisted of 10 brackets for a total of 130 brackets. Brackets were bonded to stainless steel tubes with a universal bonding technique. Samples were tested on the universal Instron testing machine to measure …

Accuracy Of Digital Impressions At Varying Implant Depths: An In-Vitro Study, Vivia Sequeira

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction: Implants placed at variable depths may vary the amount of visible scannable surface of a scan body. Intraoral scanner technology uses advanced optical principles to record the surface of the scan body to accurately capture the implant position.

Purpose: To investigate the effect implant placement depth has on the accuracy of digital implant impressions using an intraoral scanner.

Materials & Methods: A partially edentulous gypsum master model was fabricated to allow the positioning of a single implant analog at different depths. Four groups based on the planned implant depths of 0, 3, 6 and 7mm and corresponding visibility of …

An In Vitro Comparison Of Shear Bond Strength Between Two Orthodontic Light-Curable Adhesive Pastes, Stephanie Becker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background and Objectives: A relatively new light-cure orthodontic adhesive BracePaste^® can fluoresce under UV light to assist in cleaning up excess flash after bonding. Complete removal of excess resins around the bonded brackets may minimize excessive loss of enamel upon debonding. The objective of this study was to determine the shear bond strength of BracePaste compared to that of the conventional “Transbond XT” adhesive. Additionally, enamel and bracket interfaces were examined to determine the location of bond failure and the tooth surfaces were visually examined to assess severity of enamel marks and the presence of remaining adhesives on the …

Current Trends In The Management Of Endodontic Emergencies, Asmi Shah

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction: The management of endodontic emergencies has changed over the last few decades and varies from practice to practice. This is due to the development of new materials, new irrigation techniques, and new evidence-based research which supports clinical success. An updated questionnaire is necessary to further advance the clinical knowledge in endodontic emergencies based on current practices. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine the difference practice modalities between members who are board certified, who are not board certified, and endodontic graduate residents.

Materials and Methods: In 2021, every member of the American Association of Endodontics …

Evaluation Of Dental And Skeletal Changes With Sequential Distalization Of Maxillary Molars Using Clear Aligners: A Preliminary Study, Minh Phi Nguyen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction: Class II malocclusions can be treated with appliances such as the pendulum appliance or distal jets to distalize maxillary molars to achieve a Class I molar relationships. It is not clear in the literature whether these clear aligners can distalize maxillary molars, dental tipping, or translation. The objective was to evaluate the dental and skeletal changes in three planes spaces using CBCT scans and compare the treatment changes with a control group of subjects. Methods: Eight Class II division 1 malocclusions patients treated with maxillary molar distalization using clear aligners. Twelve molars were evaluated for tooth movement in three …

A Role For Endothelial Tissue-Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase In Blood-Tissue Barrier Health And Disease, Allison L. Brichacek

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Sepsis is a disorder that targets the microcirculation with significant effects at blood-tissue barriers such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and gut-vascular barrier (GVB). Intestinal barrier dysfunction is thought to be one of the most important contributors to multi-organ dysfunction in sepsis. As a common site of infection, the impaired gut allows the dissemination of bacteria, which exacerbates the disease pathophysiology, and can lead to long-term morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms that influence altered barrier permeability in the GVB in sepsis and other inflammatory disorders are not well understood. Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) enzyme activity, which has been shown to …

The Effect Of Bilingual Proficiency In Indian English On Bilabial Plosive, Taniya Chawla

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background: Bilingual speech production studies have highlighted that level of proficiency influences the acoustic-phonetic representation of phonemes in both languages (MacKay, Flege, Piske, & Schirru 2001; Zárate-Sández, 2015). The results for bilingual speech production reveal that proficient/early bilinguals produce distinct acoustic properties for the same phoneme in each language, whereas less proficient/late bilinguals produce acoustic properties for a phoneme that is closer to the native language (Flege et al., 2003; Fowler et al., 2008). Acoustic-phonetic studies for Hindi (L1) and Indian English (L2) for bilingual speakers have been understudied, and the level of proficiency has not been considered in Hindi …

Accuracy Of Implant Placement Utilizing Stereolithographic Guides Printed With And Without Cross-Arch Stabilization Struts, Caitlin Libby Dds

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of implant placement using stereolithographic guides printed with and without stabilization struts by comparing the post-operative position to the planned implant position.

Methods: A pre-operative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of a drillable maxillary model was obtained and data was uploaded into coDiagnostiX for preoperative planning. The implant position was planned in an edentulous space of #5 using a 3.3x10mm Bone Level Tapered (BLT) implant (Straumann). Ten surgical guides were designed utilizing a stabilization strut (Group A), while ten guides were designed without the stabilization strut (Group B). Twenty guides …

Risk Factors Associated With Infection Of Blood-Borne Virus Among People Who Used Methamphetamine, Yilin Cai, Sijin Wen, Ruchi Bhandari

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

The surge of methamphetamine use has been a complicating factor compounding the steeply increasing number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Infection from blood-borne viruses including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV, related to methamphetamine use continue to grow. This study aims to examine the risk factors associated with HBV, HCV and HIV among people who used methamphetamine.

Methods

People who ever used methamphetamine were identified from five National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohorts, 2007 to 2016. The outcome was either positive or negative for blood-borne viruses as identified from laboratory tests. …

Wv Dental Hygienists' Knowledge And Educational Approach For Pregnant Women, Isabella Hope Mcdaniel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background: Adverse pregnancy outcomes have become a concern for dental professionals caring for pregnant women with poor oral health. Pregnant women may not be aware of their increased risk of bacterial infections in their oral tissues and how it could relate to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre- term birth (PTB) and low birthweight babies (LBW). Dental healthcare professionals need to be well informed of risk related to poor oral health and have confidence to effectively educate pregnant women. PTB and LBW babies account for 1 million infant deaths annually. It is the responsibility of dental healthcare professionals to be …