The views of examiners on the use of intra-oral photographs to detect dental caries in epidemiological studies.

AIM: The aim of the study was to obtain the views of examiners on their experience of using intra-oral photographs as a means of detecting caries in epidemiological studies compared to an established visual examination method. METHOD: A focus group discussion was conducted with five examiners experienced in an established visual examination method after they had performed visual dental examinations of a sample of children as well as assessed intra-oral photographs of the same children. RESULTS: The time taken by examiners to assess intraoral photographs becomes extended when compared to performing a visual examination. The ability to assess intra-oral photographs on a screen at a convenient time and place was considered advantageous. The examiners found it easier to make caries detection decisions on intra-oral photographs of primary teeth than permanent teeth. Adequate removal of debris and moisture control prior to obtaining the photographs were considered important. CONCLUSION: The views of examiners in this study suggest that to improve the utility of photographic method, further research is needed to determine adequate drying methods for use in the field. Consideration should be given to a time-limited, standardised presentation of the photographs including the size and resolution. Specific training on caries detection from photographs is also required.

Children's views on the experience of a visual examination and intra-oral photographs to detect dental caries in epidemiological studies.

AIM: To elicit children's views on the established visual examination method used for the epidemiological surveillance of dental caries and an experimental intra-oral photographic examination method. METHOD: Focus group interviews were conducted with 5-year-olds (with the aid of a puppet) and 10/11-year-olds (without puppet) after experiencing both methods. Ten focus groups were conducted in each cohort. RESULTS: The children's views on the methods related to the acceptability of their experience. The key factors affecting acceptability and preferences related to the combined effects of contextual factors prior to the examination and experiences during the examination. These included communication and children's expectations. These factors influenced the examination experience along with their feelings about the environment and the tactile sensation from instruments in the mouth. Most children preferred the experimental photographic method as a means of caries detection over the traditional visual examination. They also wanted feedback on their oral health and more communication on what was happening during the examination. CONCLUSION Appropriate communication, attention to the examination environment and handling of instruments can enhance the dental examination experience for children in the school setting. The children's preferences indicated that generally, the intra-oral camera was well received as a means of caries detection for epidemiological studies within the school setting. These results may have implications for seeking ethical approval and conducting epidemiological studies on children in the future.

The transfer of child patients from the community dental service to the general dental service.

OBJECTIVE: To determine an effective strategy for the transfer of children from the CDS to the GDS. DESIGN: Single centre study comprising a retrospective analysis of a 50% random sample of dental records for children transferred from CDO to GDP. SETTING: Community dental clinic in an urban area of south Manchester with relatively little material deprivation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 1995, a GDP worked up to 5 hours a week in the CDS clinic seeing routine child patients referred by the CDO. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Numbers of children registered with a GDP after varying periods of time. Attendance records of children transferred from CDS to GDS and rates of failed appointments. RESULTS: After 4 1/2 years, 264 child patients had been registered with the GDP under capitation and a further 55 adults were registered under continuing care. The majority of children had retained registration for more than 2 1/2 years. The mean rate of failed appointments was 16%. CONCLUSION: Children can be transferred successfully from the CDS to the GDS if the GDP works at the community clinic and there are further benefits which accrue to the scheme.