Dental Public Health and Education Commons^™

From The Editor: Is Giving Actually Better Than Receiving?, Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial examines the relationship between generosity, volunteerism, and well-being. Using the Michigan Dental Association Foundation’s Mission of Mercy as a focal point, the author highlights research suggesting that prosocial behavior can improve mental and physical health while benefiting communities in need. The article encourages oral health professionals to use their skills and resources to support underserved populations through volunteer service, mentorship, and community engagement.

Reducing Childhood Dental Decay: Fluoride Education Campaign With The Monterey County Health Department, Shelby L. Minter

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Dental decay is a significant problem for youth across Salinas, contributing to preventable oral health disparities. The Monterey County Health Department Oral Health Program provides oral health education and prevention services across Monterey County. This project focused on improving parental knowledge and confidence about fluoride usage in areas where pediatric dental caries rates are high. Its purpose was to support the prevention of dental decay through the promotion of fluoride benefits. Two educational campaigns were conducted at elementary schools in Salinas; Monte Bella Elementary School and Alisal Community School. The expected outcomes were increased knowledge, confidence, and positive attitudes towards …

Exploring Systemic Challenges In The Western North Carolina Dental Safety Net: A Qualitative Analysis, Blaire Mirmow, Bill Milner, Nadia Laniado

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Despite statewide growth, rural communities in Western North Carolina (WNC) face persistent barriers to oral health care driven by chronic dental workforce shortages and systemic geographic disparities. Within this Appalachian region, the dental safety net serves as a vital yet strained support system, struggling with limited financial resources and a lack of provider participation that leaves many underserved populations without essential oral health services.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the experiences of individuals working within the WNC dental safety net to identify barriers and strategies required to strengthen the delivery of oral health care in high-need rural settings. …

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 …

Evaluation The Awareness Of Using Brushing And Interdental Cleaning Aids Among Dental Students In Najaf City, Iraq, Ali Faisal Madhloom, Firas Bashir Al-Taweel, Mustafa Faris Shubbar, Ali Falah Rfysh

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: The consensus is that overall health is significantly impacted by oral health. It is anticipated that dental students will have a strong understanding of oral health. The aim of this preliminary pilot study was to evaluate of the awareness of using tooth brushing and interdental cleaning aids between dental students from 1^st grade to 5^th grade in Najaf city, Iraq.

Methods: A cross-sectional study and questionnaire with 12 questions was based on the use of brushing tongue and interdental cleaning aids were conducted among 1^st grade to 5^th grade dental students in Alkafeel …

Positive And Negative Personality Traits In Relation To Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life And Satisfaction After Implant-Supported Prosthetic Treatment, Naimeh Hasheminejad, Maryam Farzadmoghadam, Mohammad Mohammadi, Amir Nekouei, Mohammadreza Rostamizadeh

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This study aimed to determine patients’ positive and negative personality traits in relation to treatment satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) in patients who have received dental implant-supported prosthesis. Methods: This study was carried out on 135 adults above the age of 30 who had received reasonable implant treatment and prosthesis in the last 1–24 months in a private and a public dental office. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire, which was sent to patients via WhatsApp and email. Also, the Persian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 and the Positive Affect Negative …

Prevalence Of Peri-Implantitis And Assessment Of Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Patients With Dental Implants At Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Esther Li-Ching Ang, Zurairah Berahim, Normastura Abd Rahman, Akram Hassan, Siti Lailatul Akmar Zainuddin

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Patient-reported outcomes about peri-implantitis are lacking among the Asian population, impacting decision-making in dental implant therapy. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of peri-implantitis among Malaysian adults, and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: Randomly selected 105 participants (adults aged 18 and above) having 265 implants were examined and diagnosed as with or without peri-implantitis (PI). Clinical examinations, including peri-implant probing depth, bleeding, and suppuration on probing with radiographic bone loss, were used to determine peri-implant status. OHRQoL of all participants were recorded using the short version of the Malaysian Oral Health Impact Profile …

From Tricare To Medicaid: Dental Insurance Disparities Among U.S. Veterans And Active Duty Service Members, Madeline K. Mcnutt Ms

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Oral health plays a critical role in systemic well-being, yet dental care access in the United States remains deeply unequal, particularly among low-income and historically marginalized populations. Among those significantly affected are military veterans, who frequently experience barriers to oral healthcare due to eligibility restrictions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. This study offers a comparative analysis of dental insurance satisfaction between recipients of Medicaid and the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP), two federally funded programs that reflect the divide between civilian and military healthcare access. While TRICARE ADDP provides comprehensive and uniform coverage for Active Duty …

Access To And Utilization Of Dental Care Services By Older Adults In Nigeria: Barriers And Facilitators, Sunkanmi Folorunsho, Victor Ajayi, Munirat Sanmori, Medinah Suleiman, Raji Abdullateef, Abdulazeez Abdulganiyu

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Aims: Nigeria’s rapidly aging population presents urgent challenges for the healthcare system, particularly in oral health, which remains an overlooked aspect of well-being. While older adults are especially vulnerable to dental issues such as tooth loss, periodontal disease, and oral pain, access to care remains limited due to systemic, economic, and cultural barriers. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of older Nigerians in accessing and utilizing dental care, with the goal of identifying key barriers, facilitators, and policy-relevant insights.

Methods: Fifteen participants aged 50–83 years were purposively selected from urban and peri-urban areas of Ilorin, North- Central …

The Use Of Motivational Interviewing In Preventing Dental Caries Among Young Children, Denise C. Mckinney, Melissa L. Sullivan, Futun Alkhalifah

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Dental caries is a complex, preventable disease that remains a global health burden. The burden of this disease has been shown to impact young children before the age of 6 years. Discussing dental caries prevention with the mother/caregiver(s) prior to childbirth is an ideal time to influence positive oral health behaviors. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a person-centered, goal-oriented, collaborative communication style that has been used to help individuals modify behaviors. The interrelated principles of partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation underpin the MI approach while utilizing communication skills such as asking open-ended questions, affirmation, reflective listening, and summarizing (OARS) to engage …

Examining Low-Income Caregivers' Knowledge And Comprehension Of The Dental Caries Process, Melissa Sullivan, Denise C. Mckinney, Deanne Shuman, Qi Zhang

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose Dental caries among young children remains a public health concern in the United States (US). Children of caregivers with low oral health literacy (OHL) tend to have greater unmet dental needs and poorer oral health status. The purpose of this study was to examine the understanding of pediatric dental terms associated with the dental caries process among low-income caregivers.

Methods This study included 14 caregivers with children enrolled in a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in the Southeastern US. Through structured phone interviews, the validated Oral Health Literacy Inventory for Parents (OH-LIP) was used …

N Y State Dent J January 2025

The New York State Dental Journal

In the January 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• The Open Apex Challenge: A Case Series
• Pathological Changes in Soft Tissues Associated with Radiographically Normal Impacted Teeth
• Bridging the Dental Care Gap: Addressing Oral Health Disparities in New York State Nursing Homes
• Dental Management of a Talon Cusp on a Permanent Incisor in Traumatic Occlusion

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including: editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Impact Of Diabetes Mellitus On Oral Health And Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults In A Malaysian Healthcare Facility, Nur Aisyah Muntadar, Nur Camelia Azlyn Kamarol Adlee, Eleena Mohd Yusof

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: To investigate the association between oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A cross-sectional study involving participants aged 60 and above from a Malaysian healthcare facility utilized structured interviews using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire. Intraoral assessments, including BPE, DMFT index, evaluation of edentulism and assessment of restoration/denture type/quality, were conducted. Statistical analysis included independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, nonparametric, and correlation coefficient tests. Results: Among 69 participants (36 with DM, 33 without), with a mean age of 65.97 years, no significant …

Knowledge, Attitude, Oral Hygiene Practice And Self-Perception On Periodontal Health Among Older Adult Population In Malaysia, Annabel Shanta Edwin Thomas, Haslina Taib, Zurairah Berahim, Siti Lailatul Akmar Zainuddin, Munirah Mohd Adnan

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practice, and self-perception of periodontal health among the older adult population in Malaysia and its association with demographic factors. Methods: An online questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practices, and self-perception of periodontal disease was distributed to adults aged 50 years and above. Results: 397 respondents participated. The mean knowledge score was 1.36 (SD 0.92), significantly associated with gender, ethnicity, education, and occupation. About 63% of respondents know that poor oral hygiene is related to general health and is significantly associated with ethnicity (p = …

Smile Brighter, Michigan: Inside The Mda Public Education Campaign, Rich Evans

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) Public Education Campaign, active for over three decades, aims to improve oral health and encourage visits to MDA-member dentists across Michigan. Funded by member dues, the campaign uses digital advertising and the smilemichigan.com website to educate the public. Key initiatives include the Find-A-Dentist tool, the "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body" program, and various community outreach efforts. Upcoming features include the "Story Behind Every Smile" campaign, highlighting personal stories about the impact of dental health. By promoting proactive oral care, the MDA supports better overall health for Michigan residents.

Advocacy Spotlight: Sen. Sam Singh, Mda Legislator Of The Year, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Sen. Sam Singh, Michigan Senate Majority Floor Leader and MDA Legislative Achievement Award recipient, discusses oral health priorities and legislative successes. In an interview, Singh highlights the passage of SB 280, which ensures oral health assessments for kindergarteners, and SB 281, which enhances network leasing transparency. Singh emphasizes the importance of oral health in overall well-being and bipartisan support for these initiatives. He credits the Michigan Dental Association for its advocacy and advises dentists to engage in advocacy through associations and direct communication with elected officials.

Development And Validation Of The Human Aspects Influencing The Oral Healthcare Data Quality (Hai-Dq) Questionnaire Among Primary Oral Healthcare Workers In Malaysia, Alwani Mohd Zuhudi, Syirahaniza Mohd Salleh, Mohd Zulkarnain Sinor, Mohd Zarawi Mat Nor, Basaruddin Ahmad, Sarliza Yasmin Sanusi

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Resolving substandard oral healthcare data quality requires identifying the influencing factors. However, no known instrument for such assessment can be used locally. Objective: To develop and validate the HAI-DQ questionnaire for assessing human factors that influence oral healthcare data quality among primary oral healthcare workers in Malaysia. Methods: The HAI-DQ questionnaire was developed based on literature reviews, focus group discussions, and focus observations. Six experts assessed its content validity using the Content Validity Index (CVI), and the Face Validity Index (FVI) was used to establish its face validity through a pre-test involving 30 primary dental personnel. Results: Four …

U-M’S Sindecuse Museum Of Dentistry: A Treasure In Our Own Backyard, Tamara Barnes

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Discover the University of Michigan's Gordon H. Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, a captivating journey through dental history. Founded in 1992 with contributions from Dr. Gordon Sindecuse, a 1921 dental school graduate, this museum offers a treasure trove of over 15,000 artifacts from the 18th to the 21st century. The main exhibits depict the evolution of dentistry from its humble origins, showcasing groundbreaking innovations, including electrification, anesthesia, and dental hygiene. Special exhibits explore dental practices' social and cultural aspects, such as teeth modifications for self-expression. The museum embraces technology with QR codes and offers diverse programming, making it an educational and …

Update: Oral Health Equity And The Ada, Jessica A. Rickert Dds, Elizabeth Carmen Lense Dds, Msha

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The American Dental Association (ADA) defines "Health Equity" as the attainment of optimal oral health for all individuals, acknowledging oral health's crucial role in overall well-being. The article underscores the need for consistent and equitable access to oral care services, collaboration with other organizations to address societal health determinants, and enhancing diversity within healthcare providers and cultural understanding in dental teams to achieve Health Equity. Highlighting the impact of untreated dental disease on quality of life and productivity, the article discusses ADA's initiatives to promote Oral Health Equity, including advocating for comprehensive Medicaid benefits, promoting diversity in leadership, and supporting …

From The Neck Up, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial emphasizes integrating behavioral health into dentistry for comprehensive patient care. It highlights evidence-based approaches showing positive outcomes of behavior change techniques in oral hygiene and smoking cessation. However, implementing behavioral change models in clinical dental care faces challenges, such as reimbursement issues and concerns about disrupting the patient-dentist relationship. The editorial suggests enlisting outside resources and fostering collaboration between oral and mental health professionals to address patients' overall health needs. Policy initiatives are seen as a promising avenue for advancing this integration.

The State Of Oral Health In People With Disabilities And The Impact Of Family-Centered Care On The Oral Health Of Children With Special Health Care Needs, Bedant Chakraborty

Theses & Dissertations

Oral diseases are one of the most prevalent non-communicable, chronic diseases of the 21st century. Yet, dental diseases are generally neglected and are a top concern for policymakers globally. The burden of oral diseases disrupts routine activities that affect the overall quality of life, especially for those with special healthcare needs. Dental diseases have also been marked as the “silent epidemic” and are the leading secondary health condition that affects individuals with disabilities. Disabled people are less likely to receive timely and adequate dental care, which could be tied to poor oral health outcomes among them. This group of studies …

Predicting Flossing Through The Application Of The Multi-Theory Model (Mtm) Of Health Behavior Change Among Minority Adolescents In The United States, Manoj Sharma, Kavita Batra, Ching-Chen Chen, Chia-Liang Dai, Ravi Batra, David Cappelli

Social and Behavioral Health Faculty Research

Adolescents from minority groups are particularly susceptible to poor oral hygiene behaviors, including lack of daily flossing. This cross-sectional study aimed to conduct an exploratory behavioral research to identify evidence-based (theory-based) approaches to promote flossing behavior among African American/Black and Latinx/Hispanic (minority) adolescents. A 39-item psychometrically valid web-based questionnaire was used to collect responses from a nationwide sample of minority adolescents aged 10–17 years residing in the United States. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. Of 520 minority adolescents (260 African American/Black and 260 Latinx/Hispanic adolescents), the proportion of flossing was nearly equally split in the …

10-Minute Ebd: Is Oil-Pulling Useful In Treating Periodontal Disease?, Heather Willey Rda

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 10-Minute Evidence-Based Dentistry Column illustrates how to implement the evidence-based dentistry search process to quickly identify and apply the best literature to answer a clinical question. Through critical appraisal, the author of this article answers the clinical question: Is Oil-Pulling Useful in Treating Periodontal Disease? Examining the potential utility of oil-pulling as a treatment for periodontal disease and comparing it to conventional periodontal therapies. The study conducted an evidence-based search using various databases and keywords related to oil-pulling, periodontal disease, and oral health. The results revealed that oil-pulling is not a substitute for standard oral hygiene practices, and insufficient …

Be Bullish About Dentistry — Stop Doom Scrolling!, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial encourages readers to stop focusing on negative news feeds and provides a positive outlook on the profession of dentistry, emphasizing the potential for growth and improvement. It highlights the impact of emerging technology, increased public awareness of oral health, and the enthusiasm of new professionals. The author also stresses the need for continuous adaptation and collaboration within the dental community.

Lgbtq+ And Dental Education: Analyzing The Present And Recommendations For The Future, Colin M. Haley, Diana V. Macri, Herminio L. Perez, Scott B. Schwartz

Publications and Research

LGBTQ+ populations constitute increasing proportions of children, adolescents, and adults in the United States. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, this group suffers from health inequities, including oral health. The report “Oral Health: Advances and Challenges” identified the LGBTQ+ community as an underserved population which faces significant barriers in accessing oral health care. Coverage of LGBTQ+ topics in formal education settings in both dental schools and dental hygiene programs is scarce, which contributes to inequities within this group. Increasing curriculum content related to LGBTQ+ populations is of utmost importance to promote optimal patient-provider interactions while improving oral health outcomes. Ensuring equity …

Combinations Of Chronic Conditions, Functional Limitations And Geriatric Syndromes Associated With Periodontal Disease, Hussam M. Alqahtani, Siran M. Koroukian, Kurt C. Stange, Nabil F. Bissada, Nicholas K. Schiltz

Faculty Scholarship

Objective To identify complex multimorbid conditions, including chronic conditions, functional limitations and geriatric syndromes, associated with the presence and severity of periodontal disease (PD), after accounting for a series of demographic and behavioural characteristics. Design This cross-sectional study used secondary data from a nationally representative sample, classification and regression tree analysis and random forest identified combinations of specific conditions constituting complex multimorbidity associated with the presence and severity of PD. Setting US National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2013-2014). Participants Individuals 60 years of age or older who completed a periodontal examination. Results Among 937 participants aged 60 and over, …

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists! In this August 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on choosing to partner with a Dental Service Organization (DSO)
• A conversation with three dentists on how and why they are involved with organized dentistry.
• A 10-Minute EBD on the efficacy of vacuum-formed removable orthodontic retainers
• News you need, an Editorial, a report from our ADA Trustee and regular department articles, Dentistry and …

Precision Dentistry In Practice, Diana V. Macri

Publications and Research

A paradigm shift is necessary to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. Precision medicine and precision dentistry may be able to shift the burden of disease and improve the nation’s oral and overall health.

The Impact Of Oral Health On Low-Income Pregnant Women Living In The United States, Jill Diss, Olivia Ward

Virginia Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health has a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes. Interprofessional collaboration can assist in bridging the gap between oral and systemic health and assist in optimizing the health of low-income pregnant women, infants, and children.

Methods: A literature review was used to ascertain the impact of oral health on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Research sources used in this literature review were gathered from the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, PubMed, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Elsevier, Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), the Office of the Surgeon General, and Google …

Bullied Because Of Their Teeth: Evidence From A Longitudinal Study On The Impact Of Oral Health On Bullying Victimization Among Australian Indigenous Children, Md Irteja Islam, Verity Chadwick, Tuguy Esgin, Alexandra Martiniuk

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Making life better for Indigenous peoples is a global priority. Although bullying and oral health have always been a topic of concern, there is limited information regarding the impact of this problem on the general population, with no evidence in this regard among the Australian Indigenous population. Thus, we aimed to quantify the relationship between bullying victimization and oral health problems by remoteness among 766 Australian Indigenous children aged between 10–15-years using data from the LSIC study. Bivariate and multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analyses were employed. Findings indicated children self-reported bullying more than parents reported their children were being bullied …