Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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.

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 …

Oral Health In Relation To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Anika L. Gram

Honors Thesis

Oral health has seen significant changes through the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people experienced the lifestyle alteration of wearing a mask for a major portion of their day-to-day life, and some went to the dentist significantly less than they did pre-pandemic. The literature review explores dental practices during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also examines mask-wearing behaviors both before and during the pandemic and the research that has been conducted previously regarding the potential effects of mask-wearing. Despite the decrease in use of masks post-pandemic, many healthcare professionals continue to wear masks daily. Additionally, in the event of future disease outbreak, it …

Probing The Porphyromonas Gingivalis Nitrosative Stress Response Network, Alexandra Galina

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To persist in the oral cavity, the perio-pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis must have an efficient nitrosative stress response mechanism. To better understand how P. gingivalis responds to nitrite (NO₂^-) we must determine what genes are involved in the nitrosative stress response network.

Methods: Through genomic screening, a list of genes was generated that were hypothesized to be part of the nitrosative stress response network and believed to be involved in nitrate/nitrite metabolism or redox state of the cells. Protein coding regions were replaced with the ermF sequence by allelic exchange mutagenesis. 15 mutants were created …

Comparing Oral Health Behaviours Of Men And Women In The United States, Sharon Su, Martin S. Lipsky, Frank W. Licari, Man Hung

Institute on Aging Publications

Objective

This study used a national database to update and examine current differences in men's and women's oral health and oral health behaviours in the United States.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the 2017–2018 cycle were used to explore the relationship between males and females and their oral health. Multivariate analyses assessed for gender differences in oral health behaviors between genders after controlling for sample demographic characteristics.

Results

The final sample consisted of 4,741 participants. Males tended to have fewer dental visits, worse perception of their gum and tooth health, poorer flossing habits, and …

Assessment Of Oral And Overall Health Parameters Using The Sillha Oral Wellness System, Shawn S Adibi, Ryan Hanson, David F Fray, Tania Abedi, Brianna Neil, Danielle Maher, Gena Tribble, Ben F Warner, Mary C Farach-Carson

Journal Articles

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated use of a multipoint saliva analyzer to assess patient wellness in a contemporary dental practice setting.

STUDY DESIGN: Unstimulated saliva from a diverse 104 patient cohort was analyzed using the SillHa Oral Wellness System. The device measures the following 7 analytes present in the patient's oral rinse: cariogenic bacteria, acidity, buffer capacity, blood, leukocytes, protein, and ammonia. Data obtained were compared with validated clinical assessment data independently provided by credentialed dental professionals.

RESULTS: Measured leukocyte and protein levels were higher in patients with periodontal disease and/or deep gingival pockets. Patients with a history of cancer and/or …

The Association Between Mastication And Mild Cognitive Impairment In Korean Adults, Mi-Sun Kim Rdh, Bumjo Oh, Ji Won Yoo, Dong-Hun Han Dds

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Currently, a few of studies revealed that there is an association between mastication and cognitive impairment. There is no study of Korean adult representative samples in relation to mastication and cognitive decline. This study was to investigate the relationship between mastication and mild cognitive impairment in Korean adults. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in which a total of 7029 subjects (2987 men and 4042 women) over 45 years old were surveyed from the Korea Longitudinal Study on Aging (KLoSA), Round 5th survey. Logistic regression analysis was performed for the study data controlling for confounding factors such as age, gender, …

Increasing Oral Health Care For The Elderly In Plattsburgh, Ny, Megan E. Prue

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Poor oral hygiene can have many adverse systemic effects in the elderly, including aspiration pneumonia. This project explored ways to increase dental care in the elderly, with the aim of decreasing rates of pneumonia along the way.

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 …

Older Adults’ Expectations, And Knowledge Of Oral Health Issues: A Study Of Arkansas Seniors, Virginia Marie Hardgraves

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The life expectancy of the U. S. population is increasing. The advantages of fluoridated water, dental insurance, greater awareness of preventive oral healthcare measures, and more restorative dental services, have helped this generation of adults maintain their teeth into their advanced years. The demand for oral health care services will be greater and more complex that of previous generations. Challenges for the older adult, and the healthcare system providing for them, are complex. Increasing evidence of a link between oral health and overall health underscores the need to promote public health awareness of the need for dental care to be …

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

Dental Public Health and Policy Publications

No abstract provided.

Adult Oral Health Access And Advocacy, James Duguay

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Many adults lack adequate preventative oral healthcare due to multiple factors. Oral health is important due to its effects on systemic health as well as for quality of life issues.

Relationship Between Self-Reported Oral Health And Self-Esteem In Two Columbia, Sc Populations, Matthew Ablonczy, Elizabeth Smith

Senior Theses

The importance of oral health to overall health cannot be overstated. For example, oral health can be used for early diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes. Furthermore, it has been well studied that self-esteem is related to oral health. Individuals with proper oral health care have more confidence to interact with others, which results in higher self-esteem. Those who lack the ability to pay for oral healthcare are thus at a great disadvantage. The present study sought to investigate the relationship between oral health and self-esteem in two Columbia, SC populations through surveying. There were two study populations, students at …

Salivary And Serum Adiponectin And C-Reactive Protein Levels In Acute Myocardial Infarction Related To Body Mass Index And Oral Health, Jeffrey L. Ebersole, Richard J. Kryscio, C. Campbell, D. F. Kinane, J. Mcdevitt, N. Christodoulides, P. N. Floriano, Craig S. Miller

Oral Health Practice Faculty Publications

Background and Objective

Adiponectin is produced by adipose cells and is considered an anti‐inflammatory molecule. In contrast, C‐reactive protein (CRP) has been identified as a hallmark of systemic inflammation and used as a risk marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Of interest was the relationship of these two biomarkers to oral health and CVD risk.

Material and Methods

This investigation examined these two molecules in serum and unstimulated whole saliva of patients within 48 h of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to control subjects. We hypothesized a differential response in these biomolecules resulting from the heart attack that would be …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Child, Family, And Community Factors And Early Childhood Oral Health And The Utilization Of Dental Health Services, Nicole Holt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background / Objective: Children under the age of 5 years bear a disproportionate burden of oral disease. The aim of this study is to investigate how child, family, and community determinants impact dental care utilization, and parental report of child’s oral health. Methods: Data for this study came from the 2011/2012 National Survey of Children’s Health for children aged 1 to 5 years old. Dependent variables evaluated were if the child had an oral health problem, been to a dentist in the past year, and parents description of the child’s teeth. Independent variables were selected from child, family, and community …

Enhancing Nursing Students’ Understanding Of Oral Health: An Educational Intervention With An Interprofessional Component, Shelley Spurr Dr., Jill Bally Dr., Alyssa Hayes Dr., Marcella Ogenchuk Dr., Krista Trinder

Quality Advancement in Nursing Education - Avancées en formation infirmière

Oral health is integral to general health and essential for well-being, and therefore, should be prioritized in pediatric nursing education. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine if an oral health education intervention with an Interprofessional Education (IPE) component delivered to third-year baccalaureate nursing students would improve their knowledge of pediatric oral health care. Nursing students (n=99) from a Bachelor of Nursing program in a mid-Western Canadian university completed a survey before and after receiving the educational intervention which included a two-hour lecture from a Dentistry faculty member and a one-hour clinical lab in which nursing students learned …

Measuring Determinants Of Oral Health Behaviors In Parents Of Low-Income Preschool Children, Josefine Ortiz Wolfe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Dental decay is a preventable disease, but it remains the most unmet healthcare need of American children. Untreated dental decay has adverse and long-lasting effects on a child's quality of life. Healthy oral habits among preschool children are essential for a healthy permanent dentition and are achieved primarily by 3 oral health related behaviors: proper dental hygiene, a healthy noncariogenic diet, and regular dental visits. This quantitative study, based on the theory of planned behavior, explored the relationship between these 3 oral health behaviors and 4 determinants: attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention, using a 71-item questionnaire. The …

Oral Microbial Burden Of Periodontal Pathogens Among Orthodontic Patients, David Jolley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objectives

Many research studies involving orthodontic patients have a natural inclination to focus on changes in levels of cariogenic pathogens after bracket placement, and very few studies examine the role of changes of periodontal pathogens – particularly among adult patients. Interestingly, recent evidence suggests that increased levels of a specific periodontal pathogen, Fusobacterium nucleatum, may elevate risk for development of colon cancer in adults through direct pathways. Based upon this new evidence, the objective of the current study was to screen saliva samples taken from orthodontic patients to determine the prevalence of periodontal pathogens, including F. Nucleatum, T. denticola, and …

Investigation Of Whether Determining A Patients Personality Results In Better Patient Communication And Oral Health, Cynthia E. Chavez

Dental Hygiene ETDs

One of the dental psychosomatic territories is the link between personality traits and oral health treatment. This present study aims at investigating whether determination of patient personality types leads to enhanced communication between dental hygienists and patients resulting in improved oral health. Some hypothesize that determining patient personality traits results in enhanced communication between the patient and the dental hygienist. Similarly, it is hypothesized that determination of a patient’s personality trait can result in better oral health.

An Instrument To Measure Dental Students' Communication Skills With Patients In Six Specific Circumstances: An Exploratory Factor Analysis, Joanna Alice Aalboe, Mitzi M. Schumacher

Center for Oral Health Research Faculty Publications

The aim of this study was to explore the internal structure of an instrument assessing dental students' confidence in their ability to communicate with patients in six specific circumstances (anxious, in pain, etc.) using exploratory factor analysis. In a Communication in the Dental Health Care Setting course at a U.S. dental school, second-year dental students in two years (2013 and 2014) responded to the six items on a survey instrument. Of the total 123 students, 122 fully completed the instrument, for a response rate of 99%. Analysis of the results identified a unidimensional scale with regards to patient-specific communication self-efficacy …

Can Dentistry Have Two Contracts With The Public?, David A. Nash

Oral Health Science Faculty Publications

The social contract is an implicit agreement between parts of society and society as a whole. Since the Middle Ages, the learned professions, recently including dentistry, have had a covenantal relationship with the public based on trust, exchanging monopoly privileges for benefiting the public good. Unlike commercial trade in commodities, professional relationships are grounded in ensuring an adequate level of oral health to all. A second contract is emerging where dentists relate to society as business operators, exchanging commodity services for a price. Recent actions by the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Supreme Court make it unlikely that dentistry …

Exploring Oral Health Problems In Adult Hispanic Migrant Farmworkers: A Mixed-Methods Approach, Claudia A. Serna

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study examined patterns of dental health care utilization in adult Hispanic migrant farmworkers (AHMFW) with special emphasis on non-compliance with the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) recommendation of visiting the dentist at least once a year; while also exploring the group’s social and cultural construction of oral health.

A total of 278 farmworkers responded to a close ended survey. Binary and hierarchical logistic regression analysis were employed in identifying predisposing, enabling, and needs factors associated with non-compliance. Following the survey, fourteen ethnographic interviews were conducted with respondents who volunteered to participate in …

Uncovering The Evidence: Systematic Review Of Interventions To Reduce Oral Health Disparities Between Adults With Intellectual Disability And The General Population, Christine J. Clifford, Alexandra Bonardi, Nancy E. Harger, Matthew Holder

Nancy E. Harger

Oral health is a public health concern for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Research consistently shows that the population with I/DD experiences poorer oral hygiene, higher prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, and higher incidence of untreated caries when compared to the general population. Poor oral health can cause chronic pain, affect the ability to eat and communicate, and adversely affect physical health and quality of life. Intervention strategies include enhanced prevention, increased routine care, expanded insurance coverage, and training for dentists and hygienists. Research is needed to identify the most effective interventions. A standard systematic literature review …

Prenatal Oral Health Education In U.S. Dental Schools And Obstetrics And Gynecology Residencies, Megan Curtis, Hugh Silk, Judith A. Savageau

Judith A. Savageau

Prenatal oral health (POH) is an important health issue, but dental and obstetrical clinicians are not meeting the oral health needs of pregnant patients. This study evaluates how training contributes to this paradox with a national survey of sixty dental school deans and 240 obstetrics and gynecology residency program directors. Response rates were 53 percent and 40 percent for deans and program directors, respectively. According to the respondents, 94 percent of responding dental schools provided POH education, only 39 percent of responding residencies taught POH, and 65 percent of responding deans and 45 percent of responding program directors were aware …

Promoting Advancement Of Eye Care, Nutrition And Oral Health In Underprivileged Youth, Nicole Frerichs, Joseph Moran

Bridging the Gaps Posters 2014

No abstract provided.

Working It Out At Haddington Townhouses, Rachael Oyewole, Aliya Shaikh

Bridging the Gaps Posters 2014

No abstract provided.

Oral Health Literacy Of Parents And Dental Service Use For Children Enrolled In Medicaid, Angel Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many people in the United States have untreated dental disease due to a lack of dental insurance, a lack of oral health knowledge, and a lack of priority placed on dental health. Despite an increase in dental service use by Medicaid recipients as a result of local programs, children enrolled in Medicaid often have low rates of use of dental services. Using the health literacy framework of the Paasche-Orlow and Wolf (POW) model, the purpose of this study was to explore to the relationship between oral health literacy of parents and dental service use for children enrolled in Medicaid and …

Prenatal Oral Health Education In U.S. Obstetrics And Gynecology Residencies And Dental Schools: Results Of A National Survey, Megan Weeks, Judith A. Savageau, Hugh Silk

Judith A. Savageau

Background: Pregnant women represent a special population within oral health care. Adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased infant caries can occur when prenatal oral disease is not addressed. Currently, medical and dental clinicians are not meeting the oral health needs of pregnant patients.

Objective: Medical and dental providers are not addressing prenatal oral health (POH) with patients despite knowledge of the risks. The objective of this study was to determine how training in dental schools and OB/Gyn residencies may contribute to this paradox.

Methods: We conducted a national survey of 60 dental school deans and 240 obstetrics and gynecology residency program …

Nontraumatic Oral Health Classification For Alternative Use Of Syndromic Data, Sherry Burrer, Howard Burkom, Christopher Okunseri, Laurie Barker, Valerie Robison

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

There is increasing demand for ways to use syndromic surveillance data for population health surveillance. The authors developed a nontraumatic oral health classification that could provide timely burden estimates of oral health-related visits to North Carolina (NC) emergency departments (EDs) using BioSense syndromic data. A combination of literature review, input by subject matter experts, and analysis of syndromic data was employed to create a classification that used select chief complaint text and ICD-9-CM codes for visit inclusion and exclusion criteria. Visit estimates created using this classification could contribute to policy decisions aimed at reducing this unnecessary burden on NC EDs.

Brief Oral Health Promotion Intervention Among Parents Of Young Children To Reduce Early Childhood Dental Decay, Peter Arrow, Joseph Raheb, Margaret Miller

Research outputs 2013

Background: Severe untreated dental decay affects a child's growth, body weight, quality of life as well as cognitive development, and the effects extend beyond the child to the family, the community and the health care system. Early health behavioural factors, including dietary practices and eating patterns, can play a major role in the initiation and development of oral diseases, particularly dental caries. The parent/caregiver, usually the mother, has a critical role in the adoption of protective health care behaviours and parental feeding practices strongly influence children's eating behaviours. This study will test if an early oral health promotion intervention through …