Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Treatment Decisions Involving Teeth With Intrapulpal Cracks: A Survey Of Endodontists, Sheldon M. Sealey

Theses and Dissertations

There is no universal protocol for diagnosing, treating and managing cracked teeth. The purpose of this survey was to investigate the use of traditional methods of crack detection and to explore how treatment decisions were made using an intrapulpal crack classification. The electronic survey was sent to 1115 active members of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and The Digital Office (TDO^™) community. Comparisons were assessed using logistic or repeated-measures regression. The most often used diagnostic method was probing. When the crack involved one wall, 85% of respondents would complete root canal therapy > 50% of the time or …

The Reporting Of Supplement Use By Dental Patients On Their Medical History Questionnaire, Sarmad Bakuri

Theses and Dissertations

The Reporting of Supplement Use by Dental Patients on Their Medical History Questionnaire Objectives: The goals of the study were three fold. Estimate the prevalence of supplement use by dental patients. Determine if the design of a medical history form influences the prevalence of supplement use reported. Determine whether or not patients are aware of supplement side effects and interactions with medications. Methods: Patients were randomly allocated to either a standard medical history form or the same form with additional questions about supplement use. After completing the initial forms, a survey containing questions about supplements was filled out by both …

Perception Of Soft Tissue Laser Use In Orthodontic Practice: A Survey Of Orthodontists, Periodontists, And General Dentists, Brandon Burke

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, soft tissue lasers have been introduced into orthodontic practice to perform procedures that were traditionally referred to other dental professionals. The purpose of this study was to compare the attitudes of orthodontists, periodontists, and general dentists regarding the use of soft tissue lasers by orthodontists. The ultimate goal was to facilitate communication among dental professionals and improve the care of orthodontic patients requiring management of soft tissues. A survey was developed to evaluate and compare the current opinions of orthodontists (n=330), periodontists (n=171), and general dentists (n=77) regarding orthodontists’ use of soft tissue lasers. When compared to orthodontists and …

Endodontic Residents’ Understanding Of Biostatistics: A 2010 Survey Of Endodontic Residents In The United States, Paul Letellier Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Endodontic residents must keep current with clinical information to practice evidence- based dentistry. To do so, endodontic residents must access research papers and interpret results. This requires a knowledge of biostatistics. However, the biostatistical knowledge of endodontic residents is relatively unknown. The purpose of the study was to assess the biostatistical knowledge of endodontic residents using a survey instrument to prove or reject the hypothesis that there exists a lack of understanding of biostatistic principles among endodontic residents. A survey consisting of 29 questions querying attitudes and biostatistical knowledge was distributed to 230 endodontic residents and returned with a 32% …

Perceived Responsibility For The Development Of White Spot Lesions During Orthodontic Treatment, Blake Maxfield

Theses and Dissertations

White spot lesions (WSLs) or decalcifications remain a common complication in orthodontic patients with poor oral hygiene. The purpose of this study was to compare attitudes regarding the development of WSLs among patients, parents, orthodontists and general dentists and improve prevention and treatment protocols through better communication. A survey was developed to evaluate and compare the current opinions of orthodontic patients (n=315), parents (n=279), orthodontists (n=305) and general dentists (n=191) regarding the significance, prevention and treatment of WSLs. All four groups indicated that WSLs did detract from the overall appearance of straight teeth. All four groups indicated that patients were …

The Use Of Implants Vs. Endodontics: Practitioner Attitudes In 2007, Gardiner Mckay Packer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine what factors influence dentists when deciding whether to place an implant or perform endodontic retreatment. Null hypothesis: Dentists today are no more likely to place an implant than to perform endodontic retreatment. A twelve-item questionnaire was mailed to 525 general dentists and specialists who are members of the Richmond Dental Society. Response rate was 61.9%. The questionnaire included items on demographics, practice profile and cases of failing endodontic therapy which participants were asked to consider and chose between endodontic retreatment or implant placement. The relationship between the treatment choices and the characteristics …

Infant Oral Health: A Survey Of General Dentists, Pediatric Dentists, And Pediatricians In Virginia, Rhea Delcastillo Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to infant oral health for both dental and medical providers.Methods: A survey of infant oral health care was sent to 300 randomly selected general dentists, 300 randomly selected pediatricians, and all pediatric dentists in Virginia. The survey contained questions regarding the providers' routine infant oral health care regimen. In addition demographic data from the provider was collected. Responses to the questionnaire were tabulated and percent frequency distributions for responses to each item computed. Percents for all items were based on the total number of respondents …