Demographics and distribution of dentists in Mississippi: a dental work force study.

BACKGROUND: Many segments of the population experience one or more barriers to accessing quality oral health care, including availability of licensed dentists. The purpose of the authors' study was to analyze the availability of dentists in Mississippi by county over four decades to determine the geographic distribution of dentists, shifts in their distribution over time and how this distribution relates to population demographics. METHODS: Dentist-to-population ratios were determined by county from 1970 through 2000. The authors analyzed these data using standardized z scores and geographic information systems (GIS) technology. Results are presented graphically and geographically. RESULTS: Results showed that 55 counties were designated as dental health professional shortage areas in 1970, 51 counties in 1980, 30 in 1990 and 40 in 2000. Counties that have a more favorable ratio of providers to population were determined, indicating areas in which dentists are more likely to practice. CONCLUSIONS: Many geographic areas in Mississippi remain underserved. Identifying these areas is a critical first step when addressing the current state of Mississippi's dental work force. This type of information is useful for decision making as well as responding to the population's oral health care needs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Results of this study can assist current and future practicing dentists, dental school administrators and policy-makers in making informed decisions for determining suitable practice locations, dental school admissions criteria and areas to target for public health initiatives. This model also is useful for studying work force disparities in other health care professions.

Geospatial information technology: an adjunct to service-based outreach and education.

This exemplar highlights how geospatial information technology was effective in supporting academic practice, faculty outreach, and education initiatives at the University of Mississippi School of Nursing. Using this cutting-edge technology created a community-based prototype for fully integrating point-of-service research, practice, and academics into a cohesive strategy to influence change within the health care delivery system. This exemplar discusses ways this knowledge benefits practice and curriculum development; informs critical decision making affecting the people we serve; underscores the vital role nurses play in linking this technology to practice; and develops community residents as partners in their own health and that of the community.

Bone mineral density in triathletes over a competitive season.

There is evidence from previous cross-sectional studies that high volumes of certain sports, including running, swimming and cycling, may have a negative impact on bone mineral density. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prospectively the effects of high athletic training in individuals who engage in high volumes of all three of these activities (triathletes). Bone mineral density for the total body, arms and legs was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 21 competitive triathletes (9 men, 12 women) at the beginning of the training season and 24 weeks later. Age, body mass index, calcium intake and training volume were also recorded to examine potential mediators of bone mineral density change. Men had greater bone mineral density at all sites than women. No significant changes were observed over the 24 weeks for either total body or leg bone mineral density. Bone mineral density in both arms increased by approximately 2% in men (P < 0.03), but no change was observed for women. Change in bone mineral density at all sites was unrelated to age, body mass index, calcium intake and training volume. The results suggest that adverse changes in bone mineral density do not occur over the course of 6 months of training in competitive triathletes.