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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
The Expert Advice: Dental Patient Compliance Hinges On Effective Communication Strategies, Diana V. Macri
The Expert Advice: Dental Patient Compliance Hinges On Effective Communication Strategies, Diana V. Macri
Publications and Research
Most dental hygienists would agree that motivating patients to adopt good oral health behaviors-often referred to as compliance-is the most challenging aspect of practice. This critical component of patient care is not unique to dentistry and dental hygiene. In 2010, the costs of health care in the United States exceeded $2.7 trillion with "between $100 and $300 billion of avoidable health-care costs [attributable] to nonadherence in the US annually."1 Nonadherence (a term used in the medical literature, which is synonymous with noncompliance) is associated with progression of disease and, subsequently, poor health outcomes resulting in an additional burden of billions …
Religious Involvement And Psychological Stress As Predictors Of Dental Health, Yung Y. Chen, Anty Lam
Religious Involvement And Psychological Stress As Predictors Of Dental Health, Yung Y. Chen, Anty Lam
Publications and Research
Religious involvement has been linked to many indicators of health, including longevity. Previous research has identified psychological stress as a possible mediator for the positive effects of religion on health. Fewer studies have investigated the potential relationship between these psychosocial factors and dental health. This study examined religious involvement, stress, and dental health in a community sample. Participants included 150 community residents who received dental care as part of the study. Results indicated a significant positive association between religiousness and dental health, and a negative association between stress and dental health. These findings encourage further research on religion, stress, and …
Implementing A Minimally Invasive Approach, Diana V. Macri
Implementing A Minimally Invasive Approach, Diana V. Macri
Publications and Research
The World Health Organization notes that 60% to 90% of children and nearly 100% of adults have a history of dental caries. The caries process begins with the action of organic acids, which are produced by bacteria found in organized dental plaque via the anaerobic metabolism of dietary sugars. When this dental plaque goes undisturbed, organic acids may initiate the early stages of demineralization. Demineralization gradually weakens the tooth structure, making it more susceptible to plaque formation and demineralization. Remineralization is the process by which the damage to these surfaces is repaired by replacing surface minerals utilizing therapies such as …
Pain Management In Dentistry, Diana V. Macri
Pain Management In Dentistry, Diana V. Macri
Publications and Research
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has defined pain as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage." The most common dental complaint is pain, accounting for more than 80%of all dental visits. Pain diminishes the quality of life for many people, although it also may be a vital teacher or a warning message to be heeded. How humans process pain is a complicated, individualized process affected by genetics, personality, life experiences and straight forward physiological process.