Television advertisements for high-sugar foods and beverages: effect on children's snack food intake.

Energy-dense food advertising affects children's eating behaviour. However, the impact of high-sugar food advertising specifically on the intake of sweet foods is underexplored. This study sought to determine whether children would increase their intake of sugar and total energy following high-sugar food advertising (relative to toy advertising) and whether dental health, weight status and socio-economic status (SES) would moderate any effect. In a crossover, randomised controlled trial, 101 UK children (forty male) aged 8-10 years were exposed to high-sugar food/beverage and toy advertisements embedded within a cartoon. Their subsequent intake of snack foods and beverages varying in sugar content was measured. A dental examination was performed, and height and weight measurements were taken. Home postcode provided by parents was used to assign participants to SES quintiles. Children consumed a significantly greater amount of energy (203·3 (95 % CI 56·5, 350·2) kJ (48·6 (95 % CI 13·5, 83·7) kcal); P = 0·007) and sugar (6·0 (95 % CI 1·3, 10·7) g; P = 0·012) following food advertisements compared with after toy advertisements. This was driven by increased intake of the items with most sugar (chocolate and jelly sweets). Children of healthy weight and with dental caries had the greatest intake response to food advertising exposure, but there were no differences by SES. Acute experimental food advertising exposure increases food intake in children. Specifically, high-sugar food and beverage advertising promotes the consumption of high-sugar food items. The debate around the negative health effects of food advertising on children should be widened to include dental health as well as overall dietary health and obesity.

Clinical outcomes of single implant supported crowns versus 3-unit implant-supported fixed dental prostheses in Dubai Health Authority: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed retrospectively the clinical outcomes of single implant-supported crowns and implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). METHODS: This case series compared biological and technical complications in single implant-supported crowns and implant-supported bridges in a time framed sample of all patients who received dental implants between 2009 and 2016 in Dubai Health Authority. Only 3-unit implant-supported prostheses (FDPs) with one intervening pontic and an implant each end were included for comparison to single crown supported implants. Cantilevered implants, implant-supported dentures and cases involving bone grafts or sinus lifts were excluded. The primary outcome measure was marginal bone loss, measured on digital radiographs taken after prosthesis placement at baseline and one year after implant loading, whilst peri-implantitis and technical complications were secondary outcomes. Mixed regression models adjusted for clustering of implants within patients was used for patient and implant factor associations. RESULTS: A total of 454 patients (152 males; 302 females) had 1673 implants. The mean age of males (53.7 years, SD 14.6) was significantly greater than females (49.3 years, SD 12.9, p < 0.001). Mean mesial bone loss on the FDPs was significantly greater at 1 year (1.14 mm, SD 0.63) compared with the mesial surface of single implant-supported crowns (0.30 mm, SD 0.43, p < 0.001). Mean distal bone loss was also significantly greater at 1 year on the distal surfaces of implants supporting bridgework (1.29 mm, SD 0.71) compared with distal surfaces on single implant-supported crowns (0.36 mm, SD 0.54, p < 0.001). Mean marginal bone loss mesially and distally around implants placed in the lower anterior sextant was significantly greater compared to all other sites (p < 0.001). Bone loss by gender, patient's age and medical condition was not different between the 2 implant groups. Screw loosening was the main technical complication (11.5%) whilst peri-implantitis occurred rarely (0.5%). The 66 cement retained implants had significantly more complications compared to the 1607 screw retained implants (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mean marginal bone loss around the supporting implants of FDPs (3-unit fixed bridgework) was greater than on single implant-supported crowns at one year after implant loading. Position in the mouth was associated with bone loss. Biological and technical complications occurred rarely.

Teaching orthodontic emergencies using the "flipped classroom" method of teaching-A mixed methods RCT.

INTRODUCTION: In the United Kingdom, the General Dental Council requires newly graduated dentists to be competent in managing orthodontic emergencies. Undergraduate students typically receive limited exposure to orthodontics, with teaching primarily delivered via conventional lectures. Flipped teaching involves knowledge being acquired in students' own time, with class time focussing on construction of meaning. METHODS: A total of 61 undergraduate dental students were randomised into either a flipped or a conventional group. The conventional group (n = 30) attended a lecture describing the management of six common emergencies. The flipped group (n = 31) were given access to six videos via a virtual learning environment and later completed practical tasks related to the material. Both groups completed a single best answer assessment. Perceptions of flipped classroom teaching were explored via focus groups. RESULTS: For questions on orthodontic emergencies, the conventional group had a mean examination result of 70.5% (SD 8.0%) compared with the flipped group of 72.8% (SD 12.9%). There was no significant difference between the groups (P = .532). For regular orthodontic questions, the conventional group had a mean examination result of 64.8% (SD: 19.9%) compared with 78.3% (SD: 21.7%). There was no significant difference between the groups (P = .083). Thematic analysis identified the following themes: ways in which videos encourages more effective learning, improved engagement, awareness of learning needs and proposed teaching/curriculum changes. The overarching theoretical perspective was facilitating an experiential learning cycle using flipped classroom teaching. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of this investigation, the flipped classroom method of teaching resulted in comparable examination performance and improved levels of satisfaction.

Comparison of statural height growth velocity at different cervical vertebral maturation stages.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of a patient's stage of growth and development plays a vital role in diagnosis, treatment planning, results, and stability of the outcome. Cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) predicts the stage of growth and development, but its validity has only been investigated restrospectively, using historic samples. Our objective was to assess prospectively whether a correlation exists between CVM stage and statural height growth velocity. METHODS: Participants were aged between 8 and 18 years and of both sexes. Standing height was measured every 6 weeks with participants barefoot and in natural head position. CVM stage was assessed from lateral cephalograms taken at the start of treatment. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of CVM staging and statural height measurements were assessed using the Cohen weighted kappa, percentage of agreement, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plots, respectively. Analysis of variance was used to test for statistically significant differences between growth velocities at the CVM stages. RESULTS: We analyzed 108 participants. The peak in statural height growth velocity occurred at CVM stage 3 (P = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean annualized growth velocity between all CVM stages except stages 2 and 4. Girls had their peak pubertal growth spurt an average of 1.2 years earlier than did boys. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there is a significant relationship between CVM stage and statural height velocity.

The Scottish Orthodontic Peer Review project: the outcome of treatment and standard of record keeping by orthodontic specialist practitioners in Scotland.

OBJECTIVES: Assess occlusal outcomes of treatment and clinical record keeping in specialist practice in Scotland. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Specialist practices in Scotland. PARTICIPANTS: Specialist orthodontists in Scotland. METHODS: Every specialist practitioner in Scotland (51) was invited to take part in the peer review project with 38 (76%) enrolled. Scotland was split into four geographical areas, and each practitioner matched with a colleague from the same area. Practitioners took one day to visit their colleague and score 30 consecutively treated NHS cases using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index. They also assessed the quality of the records taken. Practitioners then swapped roles and assessed their partner's occlusal outcomes and records. RESULTS: The mean pretreatment PAR score was 28.6 (SD 3.5). Mean posttreatment PAR score was 3.5 (SD 1.2). Mean reduction in PAR score was 25.1 (SD 3.8). Mean percentage PAR score reduction was 87.7% (SD 3.7%). Overall record keeping scores were written records 100%, study models 99.5%, Orthopantomogram radiograph 99.2%, photographs 86.3%, medical history 75% and consent 40.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Occlusal outcomes achieved by specialist practitioners in Scotland were of a high standard. They maintained a good standard of clinical record collection in most areas examined.

An assessment of the impacts of child oral health in Indonesia and associations with self-esteem, school performance and perceived employability.

BACKGROUND: Previous surveys have indicated that a majority of Indonesian children have poor oral health. However, little detailed information is available on underlying causation and none that examine impacts of oral health on child self-esteem, school performance and perceived employability. The aim of this study was to determine levels of child oral health in primary school children in Indonesia, the prevalence of key causal factors; and, to determine relationships between oral health, self-esteem and school academic performance. METHODS: Cross-sectional epidemiological study in a sample (n = 984) of children aged 6-7 and 10-11 years old attending three public schools in Indonesia. A dental visual impact study was conducted, in which teachers reported their perceptions of the impact of child oral health on school academic performance. Oral health behaviors, self-esteem, and school performance were assessed. The children were clinically examined to measure dental caries and oral cleanliness. RESULTS: Teachers believe that children with visually poor oral health and impaired smiles are more likely to perform poorly at school, be socially excluded and have lower job prospects than their peers with visually good oral health and healthy smiles. The percentages of children with decayed teeth were 94 and 90% in the 6-7- and 10-11-year age groups, respectively. Families reported high levels of child consumption of sugar-containing foods and drinks; many had irregular use of fluoride toothpaste. Children with substantial plaque on their teeth achieved significantly lower levels of school performance than their peers with clean teeth. Significant associations were found between school performance and self-esteem for these children. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings highlight the need for preventive care programs to improve the oral health of children in Indonesia and prospective determination of associations between child oral health; self-esteem and school academic performance.

A randomised controlled trial to investigate the remineralising potential of Tooth Mousse™ in orthodontic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the remineralisation of enamel subsurface lesions treated with fluoride toothpaste (1450 ppm) or a combination of fluoride toothpaste in addition to Tooth Mousse™. DESIGN: An in situ, cross-over, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Orthodontic department at Liverpool University Dental Hospital, UK. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve patients receiving fixed orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Demineralised subsurface enamel lesions were placed in a carrier and attached onto a fixed orthodontic appliance. Interventions were either standard fluoride toothpaste or CPP-ACP paste (Tooth Mousse™) in addition to the fluoride toothpaste. Participants received both interventions in a randomised order. Transverse microradiography analysis was used to compare lesion mineral content profiles. RESULTS: Mineral loss was reduced by 15.4 and 24.6% between the fluoride and CPP-ACP groups, respectively (p = 0.023). Lesion depth was reduced by 1.6 and 11.1% between the fluoride and CPP-ACP groups, respectively (p = 0.037). Lesion width was reduced by 4.5 and 15.3% between the fluoride and CPP-ACP groups, respectively (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Remineralisation occurred regardless of treatment group allocation. However, the addition of Tooth Mousse™ resulted in a significantly increased remineralisation effect, compared to fluoride alone. Tooth Mousse™ may be beneficial for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment who are at high risk of demineralisation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on Current Control Trials http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN04899524.

Reliability of cervical vertebral maturation staging.

INTRODUCTION: Growth and its prediction are important for the success of many orthodontic treatments. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method for the assessment of mandibular growth. METHODS: A group of 20 orthodontic clinicians, inexperienced in CVM staging, was trained to use the improved version of the CVM method for the assessment of mandibular growth with a teaching program. They independently assessed 72 consecutive lateral cephalograms, taken at Liverpool University Dental Hospital, on 2 occasions. The cephalograms were presented in 2 different random orders and interspersed with 11 additional images for standardization. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement values were evaluated using the weighted kappa statistic. RESULTS: The intraobserver and interobserver agreement values were substantial (weighted kappa, 0.6-0.8). The overall intraobserver agreement was 0.70 (SE, 0.01), with average agreement of 89%. The interobserver agreement values were 0.68 (SE, 0.03) for phase 1 and 0.66 (SE, 0.03) for phase 2, with average interobserver agreement of 88%. CONCLUSIONS: The intraobserver and interobserver agreement values of classifying the vertebral stages with the CVM method were substantial. These findings demonstrate that this method of CVM classification is reproducible and reliable.

Assessing the association between oral hygiene and preterm birth by quantitative light-induced fluorescence.

The aim of this study was to investigate the purported link between oral hygiene and preterm birth by using image analysis tools to quantify dental plaque biofilm. Volunteers (n = 91) attending an antenatal clinic were identified as those considered to be "at high risk" of preterm delivery (i.e., a previous history of idiopathic preterm delivery, case group) or those who were not considered to be at risk (control group). The women had images of their anterior teeth captured using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). These images were analysed to calculate the amount of red fluorescent plaque (ΔR%) and percentage of plaque coverage. QLF showed little difference in ΔR% between the two groups, 65.00% case versus 68.70% control, whereas there was 19.29% difference with regard to the mean plaque coverage, 25.50% case versus 20.58% control. A logistic regression model showed a significant association between plaque coverage and case/control status (P = 0.031), controlling for other potential predictor variables, namely, smoking status, maternal age, and body mass index (BMI).

Primary school-based behavioural interventions for preventing caries.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is one of the most common global childhood diseases and is, for the most part, entirely preventable. Good oral health is dependent on the establishment of the key behaviours of toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and controlling sugar snacking. Primary schools provide a potential setting in which these behavioural interventions can support children to develop independent and habitual healthy behaviours. OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical effects of school-based interventions aimed at changing behaviour related to toothbrushing habits and the frequency of consumption of cariogenic food and drink in children (4 to 12 year olds) for caries prevention. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 18 October 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 4), MEDLINE via OVID (1948 to 18 October 2012), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 18 October 2012), CINAHL via EBSCO (1981 to 18 October 2012) and PsycINFO via OVID (1950 to 18 October 2012). Ongoing trials were searched for using Current Controlled Trials (to 18 October 2012) and ClinicalTrials.gov (to 18 October 2012). Conference proceedings were searched for using ZETOC (1993 to 18 October 2012) and Web of Science (1990 to 18 October 2012). We searched for thesis abstracts using the Proquest Dissertations and Theses database (1950 to 18 October 2012). There were no restrictions regarding language or date of publication. Non-English language papers were included and translated in full by native speakers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of behavioural interventions in primary schools (children aged 4 to 12 years at baseline) were selected. Included studies had to include behavioural interventions addressing both toothbrushing and consumption of cariogenic foods or drinks and have a primary school as a focus for delivery of the intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two pairs of review authors independently extracted data related to methods, participants, intervention design including behaviour change techniques (BCTs) utilised, outcome measures and risk of bias. Relevant statistical information was assessed by a statistician subsequently. All included studies contact authors were emailed for copies of intervention materials. Additionally, three attempts were made to contact study authors to clarify missing information. MAIN RESULTS: We included four studies involving 2302 children. One study was at unclear risk of bias and three were at high risk of bias. Included studies reported heterogeneity in both the intervention design and outcome measures used; this made statistical comparison difficult. Additionally this review is limited by poor reporting of intervention procedure and design. Several BCTs were identified in the trials: these included information around the consequences of twice daily brushing and controlling sugar snacking; information on consequences of adverse behaviour and instruction and demonstration regarding skill development of relevant oral health behaviours.Only one included study reported the primary outcome of development of caries. This small study at unclear risk of bias showed a prevented fraction of 0.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12 to 1.18) in the intervention group. However, as this is based on a single study, this finding should be interpreted with caution.Although no meta-analysis was performed with respect to plaque outcomes (due to differences in plaque reporting between studies), the three studies which reported plaque outcomes all found a statistically significant reduction in plaque in the intervention groups with respect to plaque outcomes. Two of these trials involved an 'active' home component where parents were given tasks relating to the school oral health programme (games and homework) to complete with their children. Secondary outcome measures from one study reported that the intervention had a positive impact upon children's oral health knowledge. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there is insufficient evidence for the efficacy of primary school-based behavioural interventions for reducing caries. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions on plaque outcomes and on children's oral health knowledge acquisition. None of the included interventions were reported as being based on or derived from behavioural theory. There is a need for further high quality research to utilise theory in the design and evaluation of interventions for changing oral health related behaviours in children and their parents.

Predictors of ethical approval and informed consent in orthodontic RCTs.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the number of orthodontic randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in four key orthodontic journals from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2010, whether details about ethical approval (EA) and/or informed consent (IC) were reported and identify predictors for reporting EA and IC in orthodontic RCTs. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO), Angle Orthodontist (AO), European Journal of Orthodontics (EJO) and Journal of Orthodontics (JO) from 2001 to 2010. INTERVENTIONS: AJODO, AO, EJO and JO were handsearched to identify all RCTs published from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The RCTs were assessed to identify: inclusion of details about EA and IC, publication journal, number of authors, number and location of centres involved, perceived statistician involvement, publication year and inclusion of random* in either the title, abstract or body of the text. RESULTS: 218 RCTs were published. 109 (48·6%) had reported both EA and IC, 59 (27·1%) neither and 53 (12·9%) either EA or IC. Factors associated with an RCT reporting obtaining EA and IC: number of authors (P<0·001), random* in title (P<0·001), random* in abstract but not title (P<0·001), location of origin (P = 0·001), publication year (P = 0·003), journal of publication (P = 0·004) and number of centres (P = 0·008). Logistic regression suggested the most significant indicators of reporting EA and IC were: publication in the JO (P = 0·018), >6 authors (P<0·001), random* in the abstract but not title (P = 0·004) and publication after 2004 (P = 0·001). CONCLUSIONS: RCTs were most likely to have reported EA and IC when published in the JO, after 2004 while having more than six authors and random* in the abstract but not title.

A two-arm, randomised feasibility trial using link workers to improve dental visiting in people with severe mental illness: a protocol paper.

BACKGROUND: People with severe mental illness (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder) experience poor oral health compared to the general population as shown by more decayed, missing and filled teeth and a higher prevalence of periodontal disease. Attending dental services allows treatment of oral health problems and support for prevention. However, people with severe mental illness face multiple barriers to attending routine dental appointments and often struggle to access care. Link work interventions use non-clinical support staff to afford vulnerable populations the capacity, opportunity, and motivation to navigate use of services. The authors have co-developed with service users a link work intervention for supporting people with severe mental illness to access routine dental appointments. The Mouth Matters in Mental Health Study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention within the context of a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) measuring outcomes related to the recruitment of participants, completion of assessments, and adherence to the intervention. The trial will closely monitor the safety of the intervention and trial procedures. METHODS: A feasibility RCT with 1:1 allocation to two arms: treatment as usual (control) or treatment as usual plus a link work intervention (treatment). The intervention consists of six sessions with a link worker over 9 months. Participants will be adults with severe mental illness receiving clinical input from secondary care mental health service and who have not attended a planned dental appointment in the past 3 years. Assessments will take place at baseline and after 9 months. The target recruitment total is 84 participants from across three NHS Trusts. A subset of participants and key stakeholders will complete qualitative interviews to explore the acceptability of the intervention and trial procedures. DISCUSSION: The link work intervention aims to improve dental access and reduce oral health inequalities in people with severe mental illness. There is a dearth of research relating to interventions that attempt to improve oral health outcomes in people with mental illness and the collected feasibility data will offer insights into this important area. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was preregistered on ISRCTN (ISRCTN13650779) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05545228).

Why does clustering matter in orthodontic trials?

Clustering in RCTs occurs when participants or units are allocated to an intervention in a group rather than independently or when multiple measurements are taken from the same individual. Cluster RCTs occur frequently in clinical orthodontic research; however, only a quarter of published trials take account of the effects of clustering in the design and analysis of these trials. The effects of clustering needs to be considered when calculating the sample size required to detect a difference in treatment effect, obtaining consent for participation in the trial and finally the analysis of the data.

Online Unproctored Clinical Examinations: The Perceptions and Performance of Final Year Dental Students.

BACKGROUND: Take home, or open-book, examinations (OBE) are designed to be completed at a location of student choice, whilst providing comprehensive assessment of learning outcomes. Supporters of OBE refer to their authenticity, in that they reflect real-world practice where use of external resources is routine and encouraged. A contrasting view is that efficient practice requires a solid base of knowledge upon which to draw. The aim of this evaluation was to elicit learners' perceptions of the open-book, unproctored examination approach; we sought student views on authenticity, assessment preparation, use of resources, and anxiety. METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered using an online, self-administered survey. We sought to determine the correlation between student views and examination performance via consideration of final examination marks. RESULTS: Heightened anxiety levels tended to increase assessment preparations and were found to be inversely related to learners' perceptions that the OBE was an authentic test. An inverse relationship was seen between learners' OBE examination performance and consulting resources during the examination. Examination marks were not significantly related to endorsement of continued online delivery of learning, time spent preparing for OBE in comparison to other types of assessment, greater anxiety than usual, perceptions of test authenticity, or experiencing a supportive test environment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study may inform curriculum and assessment development, learning and teaching practices, and support student voice and experience.

A study to assess the awareness of periodontitis and its relationship with systemic health among undergraduate medical students.

Introduction The association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases is well established; however, there is a distinct lack of research available on its awareness among medical students in the United Kingdom.Aims To determine the awareness of fourth-year undergraduate medical students concerning periodontitis including its risk factors, relationship with systemic health and students' attitudes towards oral diseases and further education.Methods We delivered an online survey via a weekly email news bulletin to 299 fourth-year medical students and received 101 completed responses.Results Medical students were largely aware of the most common features of periodontitis and recognised that systemic diseases may affect the periodontium. There was less awareness of the associations between certain systemic diseases and periodontitis and there appeared to be confusion with tooth decay. Perceived knowledge was generally reported to be poor and most students believed that further teaching would improve their medical practice.Conclusions Increased teaching on periodontitis within the medical curriculum would benefit students. This may be achieved using an integrated teaching approach. Future doctors should graduate with an adequate education on the interdisciplinary links and should be capable of signposting or referring patients early to the appropriate services where indicated to improve patient care.

A direct comparison between extracted tooth and filter-membrane biofilm models of endodontic irrigation using Enterococcus faecalis.

Endodontic restorations often fail due to inadequate disinfection of the root canal even though the antimicrobial irrigants used have been shown to be capable of killing the bacterium frequently implicated in this complication, Enterococcus faecalis (Ef). Extracted human teeth were root-prepared and filled with a liquid culture of Ef. Following incubation, the root canals were irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), electrochemically activated water or saline control. Irrigation was modelled using an electronic pipette to deliver the solutions at a reproducible flow velocity. A series of parallel experiments employed a membrane biofilm model that was directly immersed into irrigant. Experimental conditions where contiguous between the extracted tooth model and biofilm model wherever possible. After 60 s of exposure, 1% NaOCl effectively sterilised the biofilm model, whereas log 3.36 viable Ef where recoverable from the analogous extracted tooth model, the other irrigants proved ineffective. Biofilms of Ef were susceptible to concentrations of irrigant that proved ineffective in the tooth model. NaOCl was the most effective biocide in either case. This suggests that the biofilm modality of bacterial growth may not be the most important factor for the recalcitrance of root canal infections during endodontic irrigation; it is more likely due to the inability of the irrigant to access the infection.

Outcomes of abstracts presented at IADR general meetings in 2014 and 2015.

Introduction Abstract presentations at scientific meetings provide a platform to share and discuss new research. It would be desirable if the abstracts were subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals as this is the most accepted method to allow the dissemination of scientific research.Aims To determine the publication rate of abstracts presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) general sessions in 2014 and 2015, and factors involved from presentation to publication.Design A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed of the abstracts identified. Abstract titles, author's last name and key words were used to identify whether an abstract resulted in a publication. Abstracts published in full-length articles were then analysed.Results There were a total number of 5,847 abstracts presented at 2014 and 2015 IADR general sessions. 60.9% of posters presented and 72.1% of oral presentations were consecutively published as a full-length article. The average publication rate of abstracts was 63.3%. USA had the highest number of published abstracts with a publication rate of 64.9%, followed by Brazil and Japan which had 62.3% and 67.9%, respectively. The mean time from presentation to publication was 13 months.Conclusion There is scope for further guidance to ensure scientific work is properly disseminated and published.

Presenting information on dental risk: PREFER study protocol for a randomised controlled trial involving patients receiving a dental check-up.

INTRODUCTION: A new dental contract being tested in England places patients into traffic light categories according to risk (Red = High risk). This reflects health policy which emphasises patients' shared responsibility for their health, and a growing expectation that clinicians discuss health risk in consultations. Alongside this, there are technological developments such as scans and photographs which have generated new, vivid imagery which may be used to communicate risk information to patients. However, there is little evidence as to whether the form in which risk information is given is important. METHODS: The PREFER study is a pragmatic, multi-centre, three-arm, patient-level randomised controlled trial, based in four NHS dental practices, from which 400 high/medium risk patients will be recruited. The study compares three ways of communicating risk information at dental check-ups: 1) verbal only (usual care); 2) a Traffic Light graphic with verbal explanation; 3) a Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF) photograph showing, for example, patches of red fluorescence where dental plaque has been present for two days or more (with a verbal explanation). The study assesses patient preferences using the economic preference-based valuation methodology Willingness-to-Pay (WTP). Any changes in oral self-care (for example in tooth-brushing), will be measured by self-report, and clinical outcome data collected by clinicians and extracted from QLF photographs. Predictors and moderators of any behaviour change will be explored using demographic characteristics and psychological variables from the Extended Parallel Process Model. A cost-benefit framework will explore the financial implications for NHS dentistry of the three risk presentation methods.

A survey of users of a dental access centre situated in an area of mixed socioeconomic affluence and deprivation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the users of a Dental Access Centre (DAC) situated in an area of England with a mixed socioeconomic profile, their pattern of use, and their perception of the role of the service. METHOD: A sample of users was drawn from a DAC in Cheshire's clinical database. A postal questionnaire was sent to these users via a three-stage mailing, using a prize draw incentive to promote response. After the third mailing stage, non-responders were also contacted by telephone. RESULTS: A high proportion of users lived relatively near the DAC. Over 80% of respondents were unregistered with a dentist in Cheshire. The centre appeared to be used for symptomatic care only, with no respondents reporting using the centre for routine care (including check-ups). CONCLUSION: The role of DACs was originally envisaged as providing a service for unregistered patients wanting convenient, accessible, emergency care, and as providing routine National Health Service (NHS) care, including check-ups in geographical areas where there is limited availability of NHS care in general dental practice. In a geographical area with low dental need, one might expect the DAC to fulfil the second of these roles. However, this study suggests that even in this type of area, users of the DAC who responded to the questionnaire viewed it as a source of emergency care and not as a provider of routine care.

An evaluation of a storybook targeting parental attitudes, intention, and self-efficacy to change their child's oral health behavior.

OBJECTIVE: Methods for reducing dental disease have traditionally focused on health education rather than targeting psychosocial determinants of the core behaviors through behavior change strategies. This study tested a novel intervention in the form of a children's story (Kitten's First Tooth) embedded with behavior change techniques (Abraham & Michie, 2008) with the aim of investigating how effective the intervention was at improving parents' efficacy and intention to enact oral health behaviors for their child. METHOD: A controlled before and after study conducted in a deprived area of England (n = 149; child mean age 4 years) with an intervention and control group. Changes in task specific parental self-efficacy (PSE) and intention were measured using the Oral Health Behaviors Questionnaire (OHBQ; Adair et al., 2004) at baseline and 3 months following intervention. RESULTS: Of the 149 participants, 129 returned both baseline and evaluation questionnaires (retention 86.6%), 125 of these pairs of questionnaires were used in the analysis (83.4%). The OHBQ was analyzed using a general linear model (ANCOVA). A significant difference was found in favor of the intervention group for PSE related to child tooth brushing behaviors, F(1,1) = 12.04, p = .001, however no change was observed for PSE related to control of dietary sugars. CONCLUSIONS: A theorized children's story can be effective as an oral health promotion intervention by supporting parents to improve their child's oral health-related behavior. Change was observed for child tooth brushing but not sugar control. This may reflect story contents or may be indicative of difficulties of changing dietary behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record