The Effect Of Biologic Materials And Oral Steroids On Radiographic And Clinical Outcomes Of Horizontal Alveolar Ridge Augmentation., Amy Reichert

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate if the addition of biologic materials and/or oral steroids would affect horizontal bone gain, or the bone density of the grafted bone in horizontal alveolar ridge augmentations. A retrospective chart review was completed to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 53 ridge augmentation patients. An average bone gain of 3.6mm of width was found in our study based on radiographic analysis. There were no statistically significant differences found in the linear bone gain with the addition of biologic materials and steroids. A marginally statistically significant difference was found in the bone …

Oral Cancer Has A New Risk Factor: Hpv, Tira Hanrahan, Shillpa Naavaal

Dental Public Health and Policy Publications

No abstract provided.

Aloe Vera: A Multipurpose Healer And Bacterial Eradicator, Mary X. Tran, Leira N. Jimenez, Linda K. Blackburn

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

The Aloe vera plant is a succulent known for its rich content in vitamins and minerals, thus gaining popularity over the years in healthcare products. With advancements in alternative medicine, it has been recently found useful in dentistry due to properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial actions that contribute to wound healing. The purpose of this study was to examine and discover how Aloe vera can be used as an alternative therapy in the dental field. The PubMed, Google Scholar and Dentistry & Oral Sciences (DOSS) databases were utilized to find current scientific evidence on the effects of Aloe …

Consideration For Care For Your Patient With Cerebral Palsy, Katlin R. Cannon, Melissa Stowe, Brooke Ryan

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common developmental neurological disorder affecting about 2-3 children out of 1,000. CP is the result of infant brain damage or abnormal development resulting in impaired muscle control, coordination, tone, reflex, posture, and balance. These patients are unable to control motor movements of their muscles of mastication and facial expression, causing excessive drooling, clenching, bruxism, and other oral health-related issues. This lack of motor control affects their ability to swallow and often limits these patients to a liquid diet. This can lead to vitamin deficiencies and result in further developmental problems. As an example, a deficiency …

Got Caries? Breast Milk And Early Childhood Caries?, Megan L. Dean, Rebecca Fields, Hannah Fritz

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Objective: To provide an analysis of the association between the longevity of breastfeeding and development of ECC. Determine the optimal time frame in which mothers should cease breastfeeding to reduce ECC development. Methods: Dr. Brickhouse, PubMed, Google Scholar and other scholarly databases were utilized to find current scientific evidence on the effects of breast milk on ECC. Relevant articles were summarized to write a review of literature. 16 articles published from 2015 to the present date were reviewed and cited. Results: From the studies, there is strong evidence to support breastfeeding beyond 12 months of age increases the prevalence …

Would You Recognize Lupus?, Sydney C. Smith, Maegan Simms, Barbara Brown

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE, is a chronic autoimmune disease which significantly affects various organs of the body and the oral cavity. According to various studies, SLE can cause an increased risk of periodontitis, fungal infections, and dental caries within the oral cavity. Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition mediated by an infectious etiology which affects the supporting tissues of the periodontium and alveolar bone. With SLE being an inflammatory condition as well, recent studies have emerged hypothesizing the possible association between SLE and periodontitis. Other effects on the oral cavity such as fungal infections including lichen planus and angular cheilitis …

Change In Working Length At Different Stages Of Instrumentation As A Function Of Canal Curvature, Mei Tang, Garry L. Myers, Richard D. Archer, Al M. Best

Graduate Research Posters

The aim of this study was to determine the change in working length (∆WL) before and after coronal flaring and after complete rotary instrumentation as a function of canal curvature. One mesiobuccal or mesiolingual canal from each of 43 extracted molars had coronal standardization and access performed. Once the access was completed, canal preparation was accomplished using Gates Glidden drills for coronal flaring and EndoSequence files for rotary instrumentation. WLs were obtained at 3 time points: pre-instrumentation (unflared), mid-instrumentation (flared) and post-instrumentation (concluded). Measurements were made via direct visualization (DV) and the CanalPro apex locator (EM) in triplicate by a …

Fostering Transformative Learning, Self-Reflexivity And Medical Citizenship Through Guided Tours Of Disadvantaged Neighborhoods, E. Marshall Brooks, Mary Lee Magee, Mark Ryan

Family Medicine and Population Health Publications

Background and objectives: Medical school curricula increasingly seek to promote medical students’ commitment to redressing health disparities, but traditional pedagogical approaches have fallen short of this goal. The objective of this work was to assess the value of using community-based guided tours of disadvantaged neighborhoods to fill this gap.

Methods: A total of 50 second-year medical students participated in a guided tour of disadvantaged public housing neighborhoods in Richmond, Virginia. Students completed self-reflexive writing exercises during a post-tour debriefing session. Student writings were analyzed to assess the tour’s effect on their awareness of poverty’s impact on vulnerable populations’ health …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 95, No. 1, 2018)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 95, No. 4, 2018)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Medical Literary Messenger (Vol. 5, No. 2, Spring/Summer 2018)

Medical Literary Messenger

The Essentials / Dave Morrison -- Sometimes I Pretend / Emily Pineau -- Psalm for Anorexia / Elizabeth Gauffreau -- On Harvey Dent / Bryan Walpert -- On the Level / Jane Blanchard -- Cirrhosis / Arthur Ginsberg -- Open Microphone / Stuart M. Terman -- Guest Lavatory, Beaumont Hospital, Day Five / John Jeffire -- Change of Heart / Rosie Sorenson -- Code Blue / Caroline Mosher -- Beautiful Pulses / Paul Hostovsky -- The Hospital and After / Michele Levy -- Mouth to Mouth / Charles H. Halsted -- A Meditation on Memory and Morocco / Janie Breggin …

The Periodontal Specialty: A Survey Regarding Our Future, John H. White

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To determine the characteristics influencing periodontal practices in Virginia and report on the anticipated changes in practice.

Methods: A REDCap survey was emailed to Virginia based American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) members assessing personal and practice demographics, trends in dental treatment and practice models, and how periodontists will adjust to account for these trends.

Results: The response rate was 31% (n=46). Respondents report greater referrals from more experienced general practitioners (GPs). Student debt was associated with age. Respondents ranked biologic advances, treatment of peri-implantitis, digital dentistry, development of corporate and group practice models, and GPs incorporating more periodontal …

The Effect Of Instrumentation Taper On Dentin Conservation, Megan E. Green

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The aim of this in vitro study was two part. The first being to assess and compare the amount of dentin removed by an instrument with a taper of 0.04 versus an instrument with a taper of 0.06 using the Edge Evolve® file system at different increments within the canal system. Secondly, this study evaluated whether instrumentation with either taper resulted in a remaining dentin thickness (RDT) of less than 0.3mm. If this RDT was imposed upon, fracture resistance was compromised. Both pre and post instrumentation measurements were taken of samples instrumented with the 0.04 and 0.06 tapered files. …

Bromodomain And Extraterminal Domain (Bet) Inhibitor Rvx-208 Ameliorates Periodontal Bone Loss, Nicholas J. Clayton

Theses and Dissertations

Periodontal disease affects 47% of Americans over 30 and is a growing global concern. Current treatments for periodontal disease focus on the mechanical elimination of periodontal biofilms. Very few treatments are available that target the rampant, unregulated host immune response that is ultimately responsible for tissue degradation. BET proteins have been shown to play critical roles in inflammatory gene regulation and are therefore potentially ideal therapeutic targets for treating periodontal disease. RVX-208 is a selective BET-inhibitor with a high affinity for Bromodomain 2 (BD2) as compared to BD1 in BET proteins. Our previous studies have shown that RVX-208 inhibits inflammatory …

A Comparison Of The Antimicrobial Efficacy Of Silver Diamine Fluoride And Silver Nitrate: An Ex Vivo Study, Reham M. Alnajjar

Theses and Dissertations

A comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of silver diamine fluoride and silver nitrate on various cariogenic bacteria: an ex vivo study By: Reham AlNajjar, D.D.S.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2019

Thesis Advisor: William Dahlke, D.M.D., Associate Professor and Chair of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry

Purpose: The use of silver-based antimicrobials is an emerging method for the treatment of dental caries. In this study, the authors compare the efficacy of the two most prominent silver- based therapeutics, silver diamine …

Assessment Of Pediatric-Focused Brief Motivational Interviewing Training Of Dental Students And Pediatric Dental Residents, Victoria M. Onesty

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To assess dental students and pediatric dental residents’ knowledge and attitudes towards motivational interviewing and evaluate the efficacy of a pediatric-focused brief motivational interviewing training program.

Methods: A total of 66 participants were enrolled; 35% were third year dental students, 46% were fourth year dental students and 18% were pediatric dental residents. Participants completed three questionnaires: the first before the training, the second immediately after the training and the third approximately 3.5 months after the training.

Results: A significant increase in correct responses was found for 4 of the 5 questions assessing participants’ knowledge. Participants were satisfied with the …

Comparison Of Hiring Strategies Of Orthodontic Private Practitioners, Steven C. Petritz

Theses and Dissertations

COMPARISON OF HIRING STRATEGIES OF ORTHODONTIC PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS

By Steven C. Petritz, D.D.S.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2018

Thesis Director: Bhavna Shroff, D.D.S., M.Dent.Sc., M.P.A.

Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Orthodontics Program Director

Purpose: Evaluate factors that influence hiring outcomes of clinical and non-clinical staff in orthodontic private practices.

Methods: Orthodontists (n=1968) were surveyed regarding their hiring methods and outcomes. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. Chi-square tests were used to compare between hiring strategies and outcomes. …

Orthodontists’ And Patients’ Preferences In Website Design In The Selection Of An Orthodontic Practice: A Comparative Study, Taylor R. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To determine which website characteristics are preferred by orthodontists, adult patients, and parents of patients.

Materials and Methods: 1,000 active members of the American Association of Orthodontists and 750 active orthodontic patients/parents were sampled. Participants rated the importance of website characteristics, indicated presence of those characteristics on the current website, and ranked sample website images. Preferences were compared between orthodontist and the patient/parent group using t-tests and sample websites were compared using ANOVA models and Tukey’s adjusted post-hoc tests. Significance level was set at 0.05.

Results: 11 of the 16 website features showed significant differences between patients/parents and orthodontists. …

Change In Working Length At Different Stages Of Instrumentation As A Function Of Canal Curvature, Mei Tang

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to determine the change in working length (∆WL) before and after coronal flaring and after complete rotary instrumentation as a function of canal curvature. One mesiobuccal or mesiolingual canal from each of 43 extracted molars had coronal standardization and access performed. Once the access was completed, canal preparation was accomplished using Gates Glidden drills for coronal flaring and EndoSequence files for rotary instrumentation. WLs were obtained at 3 time points: pre-instrumentation (unflared), mid-instrumentation (flared) and post-instrumentation (concluded). Measurements were made via direct visualization (DV) and the CanalPro apex locator (EM) in triplicate by a …

Observations Of Trends And Successes Of Revascularization Therapy At Virginia Commonwealth University: A Retrospective Study, Richard W. Sedwick

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to determine the trends in protocol, success rates, and consistency in follow up of revascularization procedures in a controlled environment. Patients of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry were identified who were offered revascularization therapy as a treatment option on immature permanent teeth from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2017. A total of 77 patients and 78 teeth were evaluated for revascularization therapy. For patients accepting treatment, records were reviewed for outcome assessment and consistency of follow up. A total of 30 patients (31 teeth) were treated following revascularization protocols, with only …

Biochemical Analysis Of Putative Rna-Binding Proteins In Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Jacob Mirpanah

Theses and Dissertations

BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF PUTATIVE RNA-BINDING PROTEINS IN PORPHYROMONAS GINGIVALIS

By Jacob Mirpanah

Bachelor of Arts in Biology, University of Virginia, 2015

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2018

Major Director: Janina P. Lewis, Ph.D., Philips Institute for Oral Health Research

RNA-Binding Proteins (RBPs) play important regulatory roles in countless cellular processes. Often via the induction of a structural change in RNA’s secondary structure, RBPs are known to modulate protein expression through post-transcriptional regulation. In Escherichia coli, such RBPs have …

Accuracy Of A Smartphone-Based Orthodontic Treatment Monitoring Application, Heather Moylan

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Dental Monitoring® (“DM,” Dental Monitoring, Paris, France), is a cloud-based software that allows orthodontists to track patients’ treatment remotely. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the software in making linear measurements.

Methods: Patients took intraoral photographs using the DM application, immediately followed by impressions for plaster models. Intercanine and intermolar width and arch depth measurements were made by DM and compared to measurements made on the plaster models. Data was analyzed using two one-sided t-tests for equivalence with equivalence bounds of

+/-0.5mm. Significance level was set at 0.05.

Results: Thirty sets of measurements were …

Prevalence And Factors Of Sibling-Recurrent Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia, Brandy N. Edmonds

Theses and Dissertations

Objective/Aims: Assess the prevalence of sibling recurrent dental general anesthesia (DGA) at VCU Pediatric Dentistry. Assess factors that contribute to sibling recurrent dental general anesthesia. Methods: The guardian of patients with siblings were provided a questionnaire to assess the prevalence and factors associated with recurrent DGA. Results: A total of 40 families with a child presenting for GA and at least one sibling were included in the study. Of these, 45% had sibling-recurrent GA treatment (20% in one sibling; 25% in 2 or more siblings). Additionally, 13% of the children currently presenting for GA had already been treated under GA, …

Evaluation Of Fit For 3d Printed Retainers As Compared To Thermoform Retainers, David J. Cole

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

EVALUATION OF FIT FOR 3D PRINTED RETAINERS AS COMPARED TO THERMOFORM RETAINERS

By David Cole, D.M.D.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University

Thesis Directors: Eser Tüfekçi, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., M.S.H.A.

Professor, Department of Orthodontics

Sompop Bencharit, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Director of Digital Dentistry, Department of General Practice

Introduction: Despite recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing, little information is available on 3D printed retainers

Methods: Three reference models were used to fabricate traditional vacuum formed, commercially-available vacuum formed, and 3D printed …

The Effects Of Amixicile On Sub-Gingival Biofilm Cultured From Humans, Kian Azarnoush

Theses and Dissertations

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the oral cavity induced by anaerobic bacteria, that remains to be the primary cause of tooth loss in adults worldwide. Finding an anti-microbial therapeutic to selectively target periodontal pathogens has proven to be difficult, and current treatment modalities only provide a transient benefit. Amixicile is a non-toxic, readily bioavailable novel antimicrobial that targets strict anaerobes through inhibition of the activity of Pyruvate Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase (PFOR), a major enzyme mediating oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate, a critical step in metabolism. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of amixicile in inhibiting the growth of bacteria harvested …

Trna Profiling Of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosome, Khin Mimi San

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Exosomes have great potential in regenerative medicine through the

transfer of their bioactive cargos, such as RNA. tRF RNA and tiRNA are tRNAderived

non-coding RNA. Here, we sought to identify the tRF/tiRNA profile in human

mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) exosomes. Methods: Bone marrow hMSCs were

cultured with/without osteogenic differentiation medium and exosomes were

harvested. RNA was extracted from: 1) control cells (Cell-NT); 2) control exosomes

(EXO-NT); 3) differentiated cells (Cell-OM); 4) exosomes produced by differentiated

cells (EXO-OM). RNA was sequenced to profile the small RNA with a focus on

tRF/tiRNA. Results: tRF/tiRNA was highly enriched in hMSC exosomes. Less …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 95, No. 2, 2018)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Directing Mesenchymal Stem Cells For Periodontal Regeneration, Charles Stoianovici

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Directing autogenous Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) to defect sites has a great promise in bone regeneration. We designed a MSC specific, bone affinity peptide (E7HA7) by conjugating E7 with a polyglutamate hydroxyapatite (HA) binding motif. We sought to characterize the in-vivo releasing pattern and bioactivity of E7HA7. Methods: HA discs were coated with fluorescent labeled peptides E7HA7, E7HA2 or E7 were subcutaneously implanted in Sprague Dawley rats. In an ectopic bone formation model was used to test the in-vivo bioactivity of E7HA7 conjugated to DBM. Results: E7HA7 showed slower peptide release from scaffolds in comparison to other groups, being …

Impact Of Sensory Adapted Dental Environment On Children With Developmental Disabilities, Gail Kim

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This was a pilot study assessing the impact of a sensory adapted dental environment (SADE) on children with developmental disabilities (DD) receiving routine dental care.

Methods: A crossover study of 22 children with DD, aged 6 through 21, was conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University Pediatric Dental clinic. Each participant was randomized to a sequence of two dental cleanings, one regular dental environment (RDE) and one SADE with a 3-4-month recall. Outcomes included physiological measures (heart rate and oxygen saturation) and cooperation (Frankl scores).

Results: Study subjects completed a total of 36 visits. None of the physiological measures differed at …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 95, No. 3, 2018)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.