Dentistry Commons^™

Management Of Advanced Periodontal Disease In A Patient With Down Syndrome-A Case Report, Robert T. Verceles

Oral Health

Down Syndrome is a common developmental disability.  Patients with DS may have many co-morbities associated with the condition, which include cardiac abrnormalities and severe periodontal disease.  This case illustrates how a patient with advanced periodontitis was treated in the Special Care Clinic at UOP, Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Revising A Clinical Assessment Tool: A Community College Dental Hygiene Program Case Study, Kristen Portner-Lauerman Dhsc, Mha, Rdh

Oral Health

This article examines how one community college dental hygiene program implemented revisions to a clinical assessment tool to better support novice learners. A review of the literature explores the characteristics of early learners, psychomotor skill acquisition, the Dreyfus model, and assessment tools. The method used was a descriptive case study designed to address the research question: What processes did a dental hygiene program use to implement revisions to a clinical assessment tool to support students’ development of essential clinical skills? The findings highlight the importance of aligning assessment tools with learners’ developmental stages to enhance clinical education and offer a …

The Influence Of Prosthetic Obturators On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Maxillectomy Defects, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on understanding the impact of oral cancer on patients' quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation techniques, such as maxillary obturators, often in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, have emerged as interventions to address the challenges posed by post-maxillectomy abnormalities.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators in enhancing the quality of life of patients following maxillectomy.

Methodology: Systematic review of identified literature spanning the timeframe from 2000 to 2020 was used. The comprehensive search encompassed widely recognized databases including PubMed, …

Case Study: Unique Presentation Of Odontogenic Keratocyst (Okc), Austin J. Davies, Ladan Daly, Jesse M. Fa, Bernadette Alvear Fa

Oral Health

Optimized patient centered care in complex surgical cases requires comprehensive preparation through both clinical examination and radiographic interpretation. Our case demonstrates how diagnostic imaging can reveal critical radiographic findings that alter treatment approach. Pre-operative preparation involving thorough clinical and radiographic examination, in combination with excellent clinician rapport, leads to a biopsychosocial approach to dental treatment, emphasizing whole patient care.

Biopsy returned from oral pathology with diagnosis of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). At the time of publication, the patient is nearing definitive treatment of the cystic lesion with enucleation and removal of tooth #16. In our case, thorough radiographic interpretation, the professional …

Racial Disparities Among Pregnant Women Of Color And Their High Risk For Developing Periodontal Disease, Darrylnn Mayo

Pacific Journal of Health

This qualitative study explored the oral health experiences of four women of color during their pregnancies. Data was collected through interviews and presented as case studies. Although existing literature indicated that pregnant women of color are at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease, the participants in this case study reported actively engaging with their dental care providers, daily intake of prenatal vitamins with practice of self-oral care, and compliance with oral hygiene instructions. Further studies should investigate larger sample populations with broader minority ethnic groups to help explore the determinants of racial disparities and strategize ways to reduce barriers …

Comparing Educational Pathways For Denturists To Become Maxillofacial Prosthetic Specialists In The Us And The Uk, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

In the absence of formal training, licensure, and professionalism, this scientific literature review will seek to include denturists in the American maxillofacial prosthetics industry. Denturists are oral health professionals who perform oral examination, design, manufacture, and place removable oral prostheses. In other regions of the world, they are also known as clinical dental technologists and dental prosthetists. This practice is not widespread in the US. The review can also be assessed on the model mediated by PRISMA, which is concentrated on the experiences of international education in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where the concentration further revolves around …

Assessing Predoctoral Dental Student Interest In Nutrition Education: A Study Across Two Dental Schools, Nadine M. Tassabehji, Xiaoyuan Han, Parvati Iyer Dr., Michelle Brady, Matthew Finkelman, Shafa Nathani, Anna Garrison, Annie Han

Pacific Journal of Health

The mouth is a mirror of overall health. Dentists have a vital role in the diagnosis of oral diseases, prevention, for health promotion. The purposes of our exploratory study were to investigate dental students’ attitudes and perceptions regarding nutrition education and to propose a curriculum checklist for integrating nutrition content into dental curricula.

An optional exploratory survey was distributed at two North American urban dental schools to 351 students, to compare student perspectives regarding implementation of nutrition education. The results were analyzed as a step to improve nutrition education in dental curricula. A validated stepwise checklist was developed to guide …

Determining The Fidelity Of Multiple Casts Made From A Single Polyvinylsiloxane Impression, Steven Curtis, Steven Sadowsky, Eric Salmon

Oral Health

ABSTRACT

Statement of problem: Indirect restorations may not fit the patient’s teeth, or they may require excessive adjustment. If multiple casts from the same impression are equivalent, dentists can use new pristine casts to determine if fit problems have a laboratory or clinical cause. If the problem is from the laboratory, it may be correctable on a pristine cast.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study is to determine if the areas critical for indirect restoration fit are equivalent on 6 casts made over 29 days from a single polyvinylsiloxane impression.

Material and Methods: Eight impressions were made …

The Role Of Inflammatory Cytokines In The Bidirectional Relationship Between Periodontitis And Diabetes Mellitus, Andrew R. Witty

Oral Health

Periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with each other in a bidirectional relationship. The mechanism by which diabetes affects periodontitis is understood to be due to the inflammatory effects of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) and a hospitable environment for sugar-consuming bacteria. Periodontitis is known to be associated with higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), a long-term measurement of blood glucose control, and treatment of periodontitis reduces HbA_1c. Inflammation caused by periodontitis induces insulin resistance (which leads to higher blood glucose levels), but due to the complex nature of inflammation it is difficult to …

Bridging Autism Care: Dental And Occupational Therapy School Collaboration, Trina Hoang, Divya Desai

Oral Health

This study examines the interdisciplinary collaboration between dental and occupational therapy schools to support dental education on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An occupational therapy student created a recorded training module to educate international dental students on ASD. The participants completed a self-reported pre- and post-survey questionnaire examining their confidence levels in interacting with the ASD population and their awareness of other healthcare professions. The survey results showed improvements in confidence levels for identifying characteristics of ASD, communicating with clients with ASD, identifying sensory-based strategies, navigating uncooperative behaviors, and providing education for at-home care. There was an increase in the awareness …

Academic Year In Review 2024-2025, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Dugoni Academic Year in Review

The Dugoni School family makes a difference in the lives of thousands of people each year, and we are fulfilling our purpose of helping people lead healthy lives. Our Year in Review report highlights just some of the great happenings over the last year across our academic programs, clinical services, research, community outreach and other areas.

Benefits Of A Faculty Mentored Personalized Instructional Program For Dental Students, Terry E. Hoover, Parvati H. Iyer Dr.

Pacific Journal of Health

The rigors and focus required of dental education often leaves students without time to pursue in-depth learning experiences in areas of personal interest related to dentistry/healthcare. In response to student interest in such learning and enrichment opportunities, a Personalized Instructional Program (PIP) course was created at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry to allow students to engage in a faculty-mentored experiential learning project of their own creation. With its already condensed three-year curriculum, there was initial concern at Pacific Dugoni about whether an additional self-regulated experience could fit into students’ already busy schedules. Thirty hours of curricular time was …

Trident - Spring 2025, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Trident

The alumni newsletter of the Orthodontics program at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Contact Point Spring 2025, Arthur A. Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Contact Point

No abstract provided.

Interdisciplinary Management Of A Patient With Developmental Disabilities Under General Anesthesia In An Academic Dental Surgery Center: A Case Report, Kevin R. Adams, Tim Verceles, Fatima Mashkoor, Jesse W. Manton

Pacific Journal of Health

Background: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities may require dental care to be delivered while under general anesthesia, albeit there is often greater need for these services than hospital capacity allows.

Case Description: This case report presents a 19-year-old male with intellectual and developmental disabilities and numerous comorbidities who was able to be treated under general anesthesia in an academic dental surgery center by an interdisciplinary team. The accompanying discussion identifies strategies that dental teams and academic centers can consider to effectively provide care to patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require general anesthesia.

Insight - Winter 2025, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Insight

Insight is a newsletter celebrating the accomplishments of our community of scholars. We aim to spotlight insights from people at the Dugoni School working in all areas of scholarship, including clinical or biomedical research, the scholarship of teaching and learning, improvement of the health care system, and professional partnerships that advance the field.

Dental Hygiene Program Feasibility In Kailua Kona, Hawaii, William Li, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Establishing a dental hygiene program in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, could address critical gaps in local healthcare but requires careful consideration of its feasibility given the significant costs involved. This literature review assesses existing studies to understand the potential for success, focusing on effective recruitment and retention strategies that have been implemented in other rural and underserved regions. Findings reveal that communities worldwide face similar challenges in attracting healthcare providers to remote areas, with successful programs often integrating mandatory externships to encourage healthcare workers to experience and engage with underserved communities. Given Hawaii’s diverse ethnic makeup, insights from cross-cultural and global …

Contact Point Autumn 2024, Arthur A. Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Contact Point

No abstract provided.

Insight - Summer 2024, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Insight

Insight is a newsletter celebrating the accomplishments of our community of scholars. We aim to spotlight insights from people at the Dugoni School working in all areas of scholarship, including clinical or biomedical research, the scholarship of teaching and learning, improvement of the health care system, and professional partnerships that advance the field.

Trident - Fall 2024, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Trident

The alumni newsletter of the Orthodontics program at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Academic Year In Review 2023-2024, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Dugoni Academic Year in Review

The Dugoni School family makes a difference in the lives of thousands of people each year, and we are fulfilling our purpose of helping people lead healthy lives. Our Year in Review report highlights just some of the great happenings over the last year across our academic programs, clinical services, research, community outreach and other areas.

The Glue That Holds It Together: Navigating Dental Cements For Indirect Restorations, Sana Chawla, Leo Makhdoom, Sangeetharaj Sheela

Excellence Day

Objectives: This poster will review the following: 1) The mechanism of action of cements available in dentistry 2) To compare the advantages and disadvantages of different materials used in conventional and adhesive cementation techniques 3) To evaluate the various options available for cementation of indirect restorations, including inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges, and 4) To explore the rationale behind selecting specific options and techniques for different clinical scenarios. Methods: A literature review was conducted to gather information on cementation methods for indirect restorations. A combination of 18 research studies and systematic reviews comparing traditional and resin cements, as well as …

The Evolution Of Composite As A Direct Restorative Material; A "Journey Through Innovation", Nazgol Zamanian, Madiha Fatima, Niyousha Rafeie

Excellence Day

Abstract: Objectives: The present review study aimed to provide a brief history of resin-based composites (RBC) as direct restorative materials and their evolution from macrofill to nanohybrid RBCs, as well as newly developed RBCs with bioactive, antimicrobial, and remineralizing properties. Methods: PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched using the appropriate keywords. Case reports and non-peer-reviewed articles were excluded. Results: Among the 80 papers initially resulting from the literature search, 35 studies were reviewed and included. The application of resin composite as a direct restorative material has increased significantly due to its higher esthetics compared to amalgam and fewer …

Smile Solutions: Choosing Your Perfect Fits, Jasmine Hussein, Kamaljot Rattu, Karam El-Hemaly

Excellence Day

Abstract: This research provides a comprehensive analysis of three predominant dental restoration methods: removable dentures, fixed bridges, and dental implants. By focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of removable dentures, this study aims to elucidate the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction associated with each treatment option. Removable dentures offer a non-invasive and cost-effective solution for tooth replacement, which can be particularly appealing for patients with extensive tooth loss or those looking for a temporary solution while considering long-term options. However, they may not offer the same stability and aesthetic appeal as their fixed counterparts or implants. This study leverages patient …

Comparison Of Digital Impressions And Conventional Impressions In Dentistry, Keerat Kuckreja, Charan Teja Bobba, Kunal Sethi

Excellence Day

Title:Comparison of Digital Impressions and Conventional Impressions in Dentistry Objective:This poster provides a comparative analysis of digital and conventional impression-taking methods in dentistry, assessing their performance in terms of speed, efficiency, cost, storage, impression transfer, visualization, dentist and patient acceptance, infection control, and patient education. Methods:Data from 15 research articles were meticulously reviewed, extracting insights to facilitate a comprehensive comparison. The poster integrates visual elements, including recorded images by the presenters, to augment the analysis. Results: Conventional impressions are lauded for their cost-effectiveness, reliability, and adherence to standardized protocols. Conversely, digital impressions offer enhanced precision, streamlined workflow, and improved patient …

A Shfiting Paradigm In Dental Education: Embracing Prevention Over Interventionfor Dental Caries Management, Neekita Saudagar, Karan Bajwa, Mandeep Kaur

Excellence Day

Shifting Paradigm in Dental Care: Embracing Prevention over Intervention for Dental caries Objective: This study aims to evaluate the reliability, usability, and reproducibility of CAMBRA for assessing caries risk levels in pediatric to adult patients, assess the efficacy of ADA guided treatment interventions, and investigate non-invasive dental interventions supporting caries management decisions. The purpose of the poster is three-fold, namely (1) to briefly review CAMBRA and analyze its reliability, usability and reproducibility of caries risk level for pediatric to adult patients. (2) To assess the efficacy of ADA guided treatment interventions (3) To investigate available dental intervention that supports the …

Tissue Management For Indirect Restorations Using Gingival Retraction Systems, Summer Youssef, Punyatoya Parichha, Asmaa Elbegirmy

Excellence Day

Abstract: Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different gingival retraction systems, including cords, paste, and laser, for creating adequate gingival retraction in preparation for indirect restorations. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to gather relevant studies and clinical trials comparing the use of cords, paste, and laser for gingival retraction. Various databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched. Studies were included based on their relevance to the topic and their methodological rigor. Results: The review revealed that each gingival retraction system has its own advantages and limitations. Traditional …

Utilization Of Hopeless Teeth For Orthodontic Anchorage, Esha Patel

Excellence Day

This patient has an extensive history in UOP’s main clinic involving multiple restorations, endodontic treatment, and extractions dating back to 2017. She presented to the orthodontic clinic with a chief concern of wanting to better align her teeth prior to implant placement. The patient had a missing lower left 1st premolar and upper left 2nd premolar due to previous extractions. Both upper lateral incisors were endodontically treated prior to becoming a patient at UOP and had decayed to the gum line with a hopeless prognosis. The patient was diagnosed with skeletal bimaxillary protrusion and bilateral class III molar malocclusion. She …

Orthodontic Forced Rapid Extrusion To Avoid Crown Lengthening Or Extraction, Andrew Tran, Taylor Pearl

Excellence Day

" This patient reported to the orthodontic clinic with an unrestorable crown due to minimal ferrule on #7. The patient was looking to avoid crown lengthening surgery and wanted to explore other potential options. A wax build up was created on #7 with a suckdown splint over in order to create space to complete rapid extrusion of the tooth. The patient wore an extrusion elastic for roughly 6 months. After extrusion was completed, a fixed retainer was bonded on the teeth while waiting for the dentist to complete the crown. After the final crown was delivered, a new fixed permanent …

Resolving Anterior Cross Bite And Titrating Implant Spaces With Full Fixed Applicances And Tads (Temporary Anchorage Device, Seung Ah Jung

Excellence Day

This patient reported to the orthodontic clinic with a chief concern of anterior cross bite and multiple non-restorable posterior teeth. Patient had full cusp class III molar and canine relationship bilaterally, with anterior cross bite from #7 to #11. Patient also presented with multiple teeth with severe decay, failed root canal treatment, pulp polyp, and fracture. She was planned for extraction of #29, #30, #18, #19, #1, and #16. She hoped to get a minimum amount of implant restorations as possible after extraction and orthodontic treatment. Full fixed appliance and two anterior TADs (temporary anchorage device) were used for her …