Understanding patients' and dentists' perspectives in dental trauma management: A mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Patients suffering dental trauma are unprepared for the disability challenge and necessary rehabilitation, while a traumatic event places an expanded demand on the dentist who is focused on treating disease. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) on patients and to compare patients' and dentists' perceptions of the event. MATERIAL AND METHODS: TDI patients (aged ≥ 21 years) attending a tertiary dental hospital from 2011 to 2013, and their dentists were recruited with informed consent. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was adopted. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) quantitatively identified patients with "very often," "fairly often" or "occasionally" in at least one of the OHIP-14 questions (Phase 1) to participate in the qualitative phase of the study through focus group discussions (FGD) (Phase 2). FGD for dentists was conducted separately. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis showed 28%-55% of TDI patients had "occasional" to "very often" discomfort during eating, increased self-consciousness and embarrassment. Qualitative analysis showed patients were concerned with aesthetic disability, treatment cost and potential tooth loss but overcame their negative outlook and accepted prescribed protective measures. Dentists appreciated patients' concerns about aesthetics and functional disruptions but were less attuned to patients' sense of guilt and fear of judgement. CONCLUSIONS: TDI exert functional, psychological and social impacts on patients. Patients' and dentists' perspectives were useful for understanding the need for continuity of care, and the findings could contribute to effective TDI management.

Toothbrushing: A Link Between Noncommunicable and Communicable Diseases?

PURPOSE: To assess the correlation between toothbrushing (TB) and the common biological (HDL) and quality-of-life-related risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable diseases among patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is part of a prospective intervention study among DM2 patients (n=200), randomly selected from the outpatient clinics, Istanbul, Turkey. The assessed variables were: TB, self-reported gingival bleeding (SRGB), HDL, BMI, body-fat proportion, modified quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BrefPhPs). Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, Spearman rank correlation, the chi-square test and factor analysis were applied. RESULTS: A minority of the patients brushed their teeth twice a day or more (27%) and reported no gingival bleeding (37%). Favourable HDL and high WHOQOL-BrefPhPs were 77% and 57%, respectively. A majority of patients had unhealthy BMI (83%) and body-fat proportions (63%). SRGB was negatively correlated with WHOQOL-BrefPhPs (rs=-0.24, p<0.05) and TB (rs=-0.25, p<0.01). The patients who reported less than daily TB were more likely to have unfavourable HDL and low WHOQOL-BrefPhPs (32% vs 54%) than those brushing their teeth daily (17% vs 35%, p<0.05). Principal component analysis revealed two clusters: 'healthy weight' (WHOQOL-BrefPhPs, TB, BMI) and 'oral health' (SRGB, HDL). CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrate a correlation between TB and biological and quality-of-life-related risk markers of NCDs and communicable diseases. There seems to be a need to increase the awareness of the significance TB's potential intermediatory role between NCDs and communicable diseases.

"Smile healthy to your diabetes": health coaching-based intervention for oral health and diabetes management.

OBJECTIVES: This study is the first to our knowledge that aims to evaluate the impact of Health Coaching (HC) compared to Health Education (HE) on oral health and diabetes management among patients with diabetes type II (DM2). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is part of a prospective intervention among randomly selected DM2 patients (n = 186), Istanbul, Turkey. The data analyzed were Community Periodontal Need Index (CPI) and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin percentage). Data was collected initially and at the end of the intervention. The participants, both attending oral examinations and filing out questionnaires (n = 179), were allocated to HC (n = 77) and HE (n = 102) groups by means of a block table of random numbers. RESULTS: At baseline, there was no statistical difference between HC and HE groups in terms of CPI and HbA1c (p > 0.05). At postintervention, the HC group had significantly lower CPI and HbA1C than the HE group (p < 0.01). There was a significant reduction at HbA1c (0.8 %) and CPI (74 %) in HC group (p < 0.05). The impact of HE on CPI was less significant (21 % reduction) (p = 0.001); however, it was not significant on HbA1c (p = 0.68). The improvement at CPI from baseline to postintervention had significant impact on reduced HbA1c in the HC group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present findings imply that HC has a significantly higher impact on better management of diabetes and oral health when compared to formal HE. This calls for the use of HC by dentists, physicians, and diabetes educators in order to improve quality of life of DM2 patients by facilitating better oral health and diabetes self-management.

Interrelation between patient satisfaction and patient-provider communication in diabetes management.

The present study aims to assess how patient satisfaction with medical provider-patient communication can affect oral health, diabetes, and psychobehavioural measures among type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. It is part of a prospective intervention study among randomly selected T2DM patients, in Turkey. The data analyzed were Community Periodontal Need Index (CPI), HbA1c, patient satisfaction with communication, and psychobehavioural variables. Data was collected initially and at the end of the intervention. The participants were allocated to either health coaching (HC) or health education (HE). At baseline, there were no statistical differences between the HC and the HE groups on any of the measures (P > 0.05). Patients in both the HC and the HE groups had low satisfaction with communication. At postintervention, the increase in patient satisfaction with communication in the HC group was significantly higher than that in the HE group (P = 0.001). Principal component analysis revealed that patient satisfaction with communication shared the same cluster with clinical measures (CPI and HbA1c) and quality of life in the HC group. In conclusion, the present study showed, to our knowledge for the first time, that overall patient satisfaction with medical care provider-patient communication, empowered by HC approach, was interrelated with well-being of T2DM patients, in terms of psychobehavioural and clinical measures.

The role of self-efficacy in health coaching and health education for patients with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of toothbrushing self-efficacy (TBSE) in diabetes management by comparing health education (HE) and health coaching (HC) in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The data [HbA1c , Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), TBSE] were collected initially and after intervention. Participants were allocated randomly to HC (n = 77) and HE (n = 109) groups. RESULTS: The low TBSE subgroup showed greater improvement in TBSE in the HC group (∆mean:23.4 ± 9.2) than the HE group (∆mean:12.4 ± 10.3), (P < 0.01). The moderate TBSE group showed significant improvements only in the HC group (P < 0.001).There was a significant reduction in HbA1c and CAL in all the TBSE subgroups in HC (P < 0.05), which was significantly higher than in the HE groups (P < 0.05). Improvements in TBSE and CAL were explanatory variables for the reduction in HbA1c among the HC patients in all the TBSE subgroups (P < 0.05). Among HE patients, improvement in CAL was an explanatory variable for change at HbA1c in the low TBSE subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings show that HC is more effective in terms of reduced HbA1c and CAL compared with HE. The data suggest that HC unlocks positive self-intrinsic motivation, anchoring the self-efficacy/competency beliefs for adjustment of healthy lifestyles. Thus, TBSE may be a practical starting point for empowerment and more effective outcomes.

Health promotion for patients with diabetes: health coaching or formal health education?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if a Health Coaching (HC) approach compared with formal health education (HE) resulted in better health outcomes among type II diabetes (T2DM) patients in improving glycaemic control and oral health, by use of clinical and subjective outcome measures. METHODS: The study is part of a prospective intervention among randomly selected T2DM patients (n = 186) in Istanbul, Turkey. The data analysed were clinical [glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1C)), clinical attachment loss (CAL)] and psychological measures [tooth-brushing self efficacy (TBSES)]. Data were collected initially and at the end of intervention. Participants were allocated randomly to HC (intervention) (n = 77) and HE (control) (n = 111) groups. RESULTS: At baseline, there was no statistical difference between HC and HE regarding clinical and psychological measures, (P > 0.05). At post-intervention the HC group had significantly lower HBA(1C) and CAL (reduction: 7%, 56%) than the HE group (reduction: HbA(1C) 0%; CAL 26%), (P ≤ 0.01). Similarly, HC group, compared with HE group, had better TBSES (increase: 61% vs. 25%) and stress (reduction: 16% vs. 1%), (P ≤ 0.01). Among high-risk group patients, the HC patients had significant improvements compared with the HE group (reduction: HbA(1C) 16% vs. 5%; CAL 63% vs. 18%; stress 39% vs. 2%; fold increase: TBSES 6.6 vs. 3.6) (P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings may imply that HC has a significantly greater impact on better management of oral health and glycaemic control than HE. It is notable that the impact was more significant among high-risk group patients, thus HC may be recommended especially for high-risk group patients.

Impact of empowerment on toothbrushing and diabetes management.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of empowerment (health coaching, HC) on toothbrushing self-efficacy (TBSE) and toothbrushing frequency (TB) and their effects on diabetes management (HbA1c, physical activity) and quality of life in comparison to health education (HE) among patients with diabetes type 2 (DM2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data (HbA1c [glycated haemoglobin], TB, physical activity, TBSE, quality of life) were collected at baseline and at post-intervention at outpatient clinics of two hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. Participants were allocated randomly to HC (n = 77) and HE (n = 109) groups. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no statistical differences between HC and HE groups in terms of all measures (P > 0.05). At post-intervention, there was improvement in oral health- and diabetes-related variables in the HC group, whereas only TBSE and TB slightly improved in the HE group (P < 0.05). At post-intervention among patients brushing their teeth at least once a day, HC group patients were more likely to be physically active and to have high self-efficacy than those in HE group (P < 0.01). TBSE was correlated with favourable HbA1c levels (< 6.5%) in the HC group and quality of life (P < 0.05) in both groups. CONCLUSION: The findings show that HC-based empowerment towards improving self-efficacy is more effective at improving toothbrushing behaviour than is HE and that interaction contributes significantly to diabetes management in terms of reduced HbA1c, increased physical activity and quality of life. TBSE can be a practical starting point for empowerment and toothbrushing can be used as an effective and practical behaviour to observe personal success in diabetes management.

Relationship between oral health, diabetes management and sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between tooth loss, toothbrushing behaviour, diabetes type 2 (DM2), obesity and sleep apnea among diabetics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DM2 patients (n = 165) in Istanbul, Turkey, were randomly selected from the outpatient clinics of two hospitals. Baseline clinical measurements (HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), body mass index (BMI), body-fat proportion, tooth loss) and self-administered questionnaires (toothbrushing, gingival bleeding, sleep apnea) provided data for factor and principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. Univariate statistics and chi-square tests were derived. RESULTS: Mean maxillary tooth loss (4.49 ± 3.69 teeth) was higher than in the mandible (3.43 ± 3.12 teeth, p< 0.001). Favourable HDL was measured among most patients (77%); other favourable clinical measures occurred only in a minority of participants (HbA1c, 28%; fasting blood glucose, 17%; LDL, 30%). Twice daily toothbrushing was reported by 33% (17%) for healthy BMI; 37% when healthy body-fat proportions. There was risk of sleep apnea in 37 %. The higher number of lost teeth in the maxilla was linked with obesity and sleep apnea. Non-daily toothbrushers were more likely to have high LDL and low HDL cholesterol and a higher risk of sleep apnea. When "at least occasionally" bleeding on toothbrushing occurred, higher HbA1c levels and sleep apnea were more likely. CONCLUSION: Oral care with early diagnosis and monitoring of glycaemic level can help prevent complications of DM2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dentists may play a key role in better managing and diagnosing sleep apnea early by referring the patients with severe tooth loss and periodontal disease for general medical examination.

Self-efficacy perspective on oral health behaviour and diabetes management.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of toothbrushing self-efficacy (TBSE) in toothbrushing (TB) behaviour and diabetes management, measured in terms of HbA1c knowledge, quality of life, BMI, self-reported health and physical activity among Turkish type-II-diabetes (DM2) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot study using self-administered health questionnaires was conducted among a random sample of 60 patients (aged 40 to 70 years) in Istanbul, Turkey. The assessed variables were: TBSE, TB, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) knowledge, quality of life, BMI, self-reported health and physical activity. Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, Pearson's correlation, the chi-square test and MANOVA were applied. RESULTS: Almost half of the patients reported low TBSE (mean >= 53%). and TB once a day (54%). Most (77%) did not know their HA1C level and they were overweight (42%) and obese (32%). Almost half of the patients reported good quality of life (> mean, 55%), being physically active (51%) and in good health (mean < 46%). The patients reporting high levels of TBSE were more likely to know their HbA1c (OR= 10.5: 95%CI= 1.01-103.24) and to report better health (OR= 10.0: 95%CI = 1.80-55.63) and were less likely to be obese (OR= 0.16: 95%CI= 0.02-1.00) (P < 0.05). There was a strong correlation between TBSE and TB (rs = 0.61, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study underlines the need for TBSE-integrated common health promotion for oral health and DM2, considering the relation of TBSE, HbA1c, BMI and toothbrushing.

A new complementary approach for oral health and diabetes management: health coaching.

BACKGROUND: Health coaching (HC) is based on 'partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential' to adopt healthy lifestyles through 'building awareness and empowerment'. This study's objective is to assess, for the first time to our knowledge, the effectiveness of HC compared with health education (HE) using clinical and subjective measures among type 2 diabetes (DM2) patients in Turkey and Denmark. METHODS: This stratified random prospective study selected type 2 diabetes patients in Turkey (n = 186) (TR) (2010-2012) and in Denmark (n = 116) (DK) (2012-2014). Participants were assigned to HC or HE groups. Selected outcomes were HbA1c, periodontal treatment need index (CPI), health behaviours and anthropometric measures. The study duration was 12 months (6 months initiation-maintenance, 6 months follow-up). RESULTS: At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the HC and HE groups. Post-intervention, a reduction of HbA1c in the HC groups was observed (TR: 0.8%; DK: 0.4%, P < 0.01) but not in the HE groups. The HC patients had a higher reduction in CPI than the HE group (P < 0.01). Principal component analysis showed that HbA1c, CPI and 'behaviour change' compose one cluster in the HCTR and HETR groups. Three clusters were formed for the HCDK; respectively HbA1c and CPI, lean mass and body fat percentage, 'behaviour change'. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that HC has a greater impact on DM management and health outcomes. There is a need for common health promotion strategies with behavioural interventions such as health coaching for the management of type 2 diabetes that focus on multidisciplinary approaches including oral health.

5.2 Ethics, equity and global responsibilities in oral health and disease.

The charge of this Section is ethics and global responsibilities in oral health and disease. Oral health is determined by the same factors as those for general health. To a limited extent, the level of oral health care and dental education. The philosophy and organization of the health care system and dental education, therefore, are key determinants of oral health. Dental education has expanded in many countries where there has been an increase in wealth. Unfortunately, there has been no concomitant increase in the number of dental educators. This is a problem throughout the world. This present situation raises certain ethical issues with regard to professional responsibilities. It also raises some important questions for dental education. This Section has chosen to focus its efforts on examining two issues: * What can be done within dental schools? * What can be done external to dental schools - either individually or collectively? The best practices identified are more akin to goals, as it is recognized that, in a world in which there are enormous variations in economic, environmental, social, and cultural features, a single uniform set of practices is impracticable. The central core value identified is the realization by students, and faculty/teaching staff of the quest of life-long learning against a background of the social and ethical responsibilities of health professionals. The conclusion of the group is that biology is not the sole determinant of health. Understanding the role of social, economic, environmental and other factors in determining health status is critical if greater equity in dental education and care are to be achieved.