Non-surgical treatment of idiopathic gingival enlargement: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic gingival enlargement is associated with plaque, but other contributing factors are unclear. The prognosis of idiopathic gingival enlargement is closely related to the patient's oral hygiene habits and regular follow-up. CASE PRESENTATION: This article reports a case of a 32-year-old male patient with idiopathic gingival enlargement. The patient presented to the department of stomatology with a 2-month history of gingival swelling and pain on the right upper posterior teeth. During the treatment, oral hygiene instruction, supragingival cleaning, subgingival scaling, and root planning were carried out, and part of the hyperplastic gingiva was taken and sent for pathology. Pathological examination showed gingival enlargement with chronic suppurative inflammation. At 4-month follow-up, the patient's periodontal condition remained basically stable, and the gingival enlargement did not recur. CONCLUSION: The treatment of this case resulted in significant reduction of gingival swelling and patient's pain reduction through non-surgical treatment and good plaque control, indicating that patients with idiopathic gingival enlargement can also achieve ideal results through non-surgical treatment. Through oral hygiene instruction, the patient mastered the method of self-plaque control, which is conducive to the long-term stabilization of the periodontal situation.

Impact of Patient Education Formats on Treatment Adherence and Denture Hygiene in Edentulous Patients: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND Effective communication and patient education are important in geriatric dental care. Memory decline complicates patient adherence. This study aimed to compare verbal, audio, and video patient education material (PEM) and adherence to dental prosthetic management in edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS 90 completely/partially edentulous patients (aged 40 to 70 years), were divided (simple random) into three groups (Gp) of 30 each . A total of 68 instructions were organized into 9 learning categories. For GpVi, a 20 minute video was shot using a Sony camera (PD170), with two actors depicting related PEM information. Patients were recalled after 1 day and 7days, to recall the PEM instructions. A Denture plaque Index (DPI) determined the efficiency of the instructions at both time intervals. Frequencies, means and standard deviations were derived for each group and then compared using Chi square, paired and unpaired t test and a Neuman-Keul post hoc pairwise test. All significant differences were kept at probability t value of ≤0.05. RESULTS PEM instructions related to patient individuality, proper tongue position and miscellaneous showed poor patient recall. At 1 day interval, audio was found to have better recall than video and verbal in 5 PEM instruction categories. At 7 day interval, video showed better recall than other two groups (P≤0.05). Despite improvements in patients recall, DPI revealed better denture hygiene maintenance in patients receiving instructions through video format (P≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS For all categories, no single media was considered to be sufficient, audio produced early better recall while video influenced long term recall and better denture hygiene maintenance.

Self-determined use of provided powered oral hygiene devices leads to improved gingival health after 1 year: a longitudinal clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to evaluate the long-term concordance and acceptance when using powered devices for everyday oral hygiene routine and gingival health in patients showing papillary bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one participants were recruited at the dental clinic of the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, over a 6-week duration. At baseline, a standard dental check-up was performed, including oral hygiene indices and documentation of oral hygiene devices used. The study consisted of two consecutive phases: the first (motivational trial) was designed to prove the effectiveness and safety of a microdroplet device and a powered toothbrush compared to dental floss and a manual toothbrush over a period of 4 weeks. The second (observational) phase began with all participants receiving the powered oral homecare devices. Participants were able to use their oral hygiene measures of choice over an unsupervised period of 1 year. All participants were then rescheduled for a routine dental check-up, where oral hygiene indices and oral hygiene devices used were reevaluated. RESULTS: After 1 year, 93.3% of participants stated they performed interdental cleaning on a regular basis (baseline 60.0%). The percentage using a powered toothbrush increased from 41.9% (baseline) to 90.0% after 1 year. Oral hygiene parameters had improved after both the motivational trial and observational phases compared to baseline (papillary bleeding index p = .000; Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index p < .05; Quigley-Hein Index p = .000). CONCLUSION: In the long term, participants preferred using powered oral hygiene devices over the gold standard dental floss and manual toothbrush. Improved oral hygiene parameters after 1 year may indicate implementation of newly acquired oral-hygiene skills during the 4-week instruction phase.

Effectiveness of dental floss in the management of gingival health: A 6-month follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, (i) if subjects submitted to a structured oral hygiene training program (OHt) maintain adopted habits over 180 days without professional guidance; and (ii) in perspective whether flossing provides additional benefits to toothbrushing on gingival health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five adult subjects showing approximately 40% proximal gingival bleeding were randomized to receive OHt (1 session weekly over 8 weeks) using toothbrush and dental floss or toothbrush alone. The subjects were then followed over 180 days without professional guidance. Primary outcomes were mean interproximal Gingival Index (GI) and GI = 2 (gingival bleeding). Mixed linear models were used for the comparison between groups (p < 0.05). RESULTS: 68 subjects received OHt, 48 subjects completed the 180-day follow-up. Subjects maintained adequate oral hygiene routines. Besides a reduction in gingival inflammation, no alterations in gingival status were observed among groups, subjects additionally instructed to use dental floss showing a mean interproximal GI = 2 of 12.8 ± 2.5 compared with 19.8 ± 2.2 for subjects limited to tooth brushing alone. CONCLUSIONS: OHt intensive training promotes gingival health and maintenance lasting at least 6 months without professional supervision reinforcing important principles: (i) dental health professionals should dedicate time training and motivating their patients to reach adequate self-performed plaque control; and (ii) the adjunctive use of dental floss appears essential to reduce interproximal gingival inflammation in subjects with intact interdental papillae. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dentists need to invest time in training/motivating/engage their patients to achieve adequate OH; adjunct flossing in subjects with papilla filling the interdental space appears essential to reach and maintain gingival health. CLINICALTRIALS: GOV : (53831716.5.0000.5346). TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol registration was filed May 9, 2018 (# 538,311,716.5.0000.5346) on ClinicalTrials.gov. An NCT number (NCT04909840) was generated upon completed registration.

Entrevista motivacional como estrategia de mejoramiento de la salud bucal de niños y cuidadores. Revisión en sombrilla / Motivational interviewing as a strategy to improve the oral health of children and caregivers. Umbrella review

Objetivo: demostrar la efectividad de la entrevista motivacional (EM) en el mejoramiento de algunos indicadores de salud bucal en niños de 0 a 12 años y sus cuidadores. Material y métodos: estudio de revisión en sombrilla (umbrella review). Se realizó búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas (PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EBSCO) y Google Scholar desde el año 2010 hasta el año 2020, con las siguientes palabras clave: ('motivational interviewing' OR 'motivational interview' OR 'motivational interviewing style' OR 'motivational intervention' OR 'motivational counseling' OR 'brief motivational counseling' OR 'maternal counseling' OR 'behavioral intervention') AND (“caries” OR 'dental caries' OR 'tooth decay' OR 'dental decay' OR 'carious lesions' OR 'DMFT index' OR “ICDAS”) AND ('gingival diseases' OR “gingivitis” OR “CPITN” OR 'gingival bleeding' OR 'dental calculus') AND (“children” OR “families” OR “caregivers”). Se incluyeron artículos originales sobre la efectividad de la entrevista motivacional en salud bucal (EMSB) en niños de hasta 12 años y cuidadores, tipo revisión sistemática de la literatura y metanálisis, desde el año 2010 hasta el 2020. Resultados: 69 artículos (2 revisiones sistemáticas y 4 metanálisis). Los indicadores encontrados fueron: cambios en la presentación de caries de la infancia temprana, higiene bucal, condiciones gingivales y frecuencia de visitas a la consulta odontológica, con resultados alentadores y, en otros, contradictorios. Conclusiones: la evidencia sobre la efectividad de la entrevista motivacional en comparación con la educación convencional muestra cambios positivos en indicadores de salud bucal, como mejoramiento de la higiene dental y de la presentación de la caries en la primera infancia. (AU)

Objective: to demonstrate, the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in improving oral health indicators in children aged 0 to 12 years and their caregivers. Material and method: an umbrella review design. Search in electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EBSCO) and Google Scholar since 2010 to 2020, with the following keywords: ('Motivational interviewing' OR 'motivational interview' OR 'motivational interviewing style' OR 'motivational intervention' OR 'motivational counseling' OR 'brief motivational counseling' OR 'maternal counseling' OR 'behavioral intervention') AND (“caries” OR 'dental caries' OR 'tooth decay' OR 'dental decay' OR 'carious lesions' OR 'DMFT index' OR “ICDAS”) AND ('gingival diseases' OR “gingivitis” OR “CPITN” OR 'gingival bleeding' OR 'dental calculus') AND (“children” OR “families” OR “caregivers”), original articles on the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in oral health (EMSB) in children between 0 and 12 years of age and caregivers, type systematic review of the literature and metaanalysis. Results: 69 articles were found (2 systematic reviews and 4 metaanalysis). The indicators found: change in early childhood caries, oral hygiene, gingival conditions and frequency of visits to the dental office with promise results and others contradictories. Conclusion: the evidence on the effectiveness of motivational interviewing compared to conventional education shows positive changes in oral health indicators such as improvement in dental hygiene and the presentation of caries in early childhood, among others. (AU)

Behavioral Outcomes of a Pragmatic Early Childhood Caries Management Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a preventative behavioral intervention for managing early childhood caries (ECC) in a cohort of high-risk children. METHODS: This pragmatic trial of the MySmileBuddy Program (MSB) evaluated preventive behavioral outcomes in a 1-y community health worker-delivered intervention to prevent ECC progression. Pre-/postintervention surveys assessed parent-reported child engagement in therapeutic toothbrushing (i.e., adult-assisted brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice daily) and caries-related dietary behaviors and barriers. Generalized linear model with identity link for continuous variables and logit link for dichotomous outcomes evaluated pre-/postintervention comparisons and generalized estimating equations accounted for within-participant correlation (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Among 1,130 children with postintervention data, the average age was 3.97 y, 99% were Medicaid insured, and 88% were Hispanic. Most parents (95%) were mothers/grandmothers, married or in a committed partnership (75%), unemployed (62%), and with modest education (80% high school degree or less). The odds of reported therapeutic brushing nearly doubled (n = 864; odds ratio [OR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46, 2.20, P < 0.001); day and night bottle/sippy cup frequencies dropped 0.29 units (n = 871; 95% CI = -0.37, -0.33, P < 0.001) and 0.22 units (n = 1,130; 95% CI = -0.30, -0.15, P < 0.001); nighttime breastfeeding reduced 0.15 units (n = 870; 95% CI = -0.21, -0.10, P < 0.001); sharing utensils reduced 0.30 units (n = 572; 95% CI = -0.39, -0.21, P < 0.001); not using sugary foods to calm child improved 0.37 units (n = 664; 95% CI = 0.31, 0.44, P < 0.001); odds of eating meals and snacks at a table increased (n = 572; OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.28, 1.93, P < 0.001; n = 572; OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.50, 2.15, P < 0.001) respectively; and reducing barriers to behaviors improved 0.38 units for toothbrushing (n = 666; 95% CI = 0.31, 0.44, P < 0.001) and 0.33 units for diet (n = 668; 95% CI = 0.29, 0.38, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite limitations inherent to pragmatic trials, significant behavioral changes suggest that MSB yielded an important salutary impact. Forthcoming mediation analyses will explore causal pathways. Findings support integration of MSB's behavior change program in caries management initiatives. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The results of this study can be used by clinicians, public health leaders, and researchers to inform the development and implementation of community-based, preventative behaviorally focused early childhood caries prevention programs. Study findings may enhance the understanding of the impact of behavioral interventions that engage parents of young children and could lead to more effective prevention for populations at high-risk of caries.

Effectiveness of picture-based interventions of toothbrush training on improvement of oral hygiene in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Children with autism exhibit a higher risk of poor oral health due to difficulty in the performance of simple tasks such as toothbrushing. AIM: This current systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Picture based intervention of toothbrush training on improvement of oral hygiene in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospero registered (CRD42023450156). PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus databases are searched from years January 1, 1980 to August 1, 2023 using broad search terms (brush) AND (autism). RESULTS: The search queries have identified 853 titles, from three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane), after application of filters for exclusion of systematic reviews and meta-analysis, duplicate exclusion and removal of irrelevant titles led to the final inclusion of 24 articles for full text screening. From the 24 included studies, 10 studies (four RCTs and six non-randomized clinical studies) sustained the final rigorous PICO search. Quantitative pooling of data were performed for limited articles. CONCLUSION: Low quality evidence suggest that picture-based intervention of toothbrush training has significant improvement (p ≤ .05) in improving toothbrushing habit as well as performance as indicated by the Plaque Index score (PI), Gingival index (GI) and Oral hygiene index score (OHI-S).

Conhecimento materno sobre os cuidados bucais das crianças na primeira infância / Maternal knowledge about children's oral care in early childhood / Conocimiento materno sobre elcuidado bucal de los niños en la primera infância

Introdução:Os pais exercem um importante papel no estabelecimento dos hábitos saudáveis durante a infância.Aoprestarem cuidados bucais necessários às suas crianças, observa-se um significativo resultado na prevenção dos agravos.Objetivo:Identificaroconhecimento materno sobre os cuidados bucais das crianças na primeira infância. Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo de natureza quantitativa do tipo exploratório e observacional. A coleta ocorreu através da aplicação de um questionário semiestruturado, com questões sobre o conhecimento materno em relação à higiene bucal, hábitos alimentares, acometimento de cárie e perfil socioeconômico. Realizou-se uma análise descritiva dos dados, seguida de análise bivariada pelo teste do Qui-quadrado de Pearson, considerando-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados:Sobre o conhecimento dos cuidados bucais dos filhos, o mesmo encontrou-se insatisfatório em relação à idade em que as crianças devem começar a escovar seus dentes sozinhas,quanto ao uso de escova e docreme dental fluoretado como método de higiene após a erupção do primeiro dente e quanto à inexistência do dente decíduo antes do nascimento dos molares permanentes. Observou-se conhecimento satisfatório em relação à importância de se realizar restauraçãoem dente decíduo acometido por cárie,à idade em que a criança troca os dentes decíduos pelos permanentes e, à realização de algum cuidado bucal (fralda e gaze) antes do nascimento do primeiro dente.Conclusões:Há uma lacuna quanto às orientações de saúde bucal providas pelos dentistasdirecionadas às mães. As mães/gestantes têm o conhecimento adequado sobre os cuidados bucais do bebê, porém, quanto aos cuidados após o nascimento do primeiro dente, os resultados foram desfavoráveis. Faz-se necessário a maior participação do cirurgião-dentista nas consultas de pré-natal e de crescimento e desenvolvimento praticando educaçãoem saúde (AU).

Introduction:Parents play an important role in establishing healthy habits during childhood. Providing necessary oral care to their children significantly contributes to preventing oral health issues.Objective: To verify maternal knowledge about children's oral care in early childhood.Methodology:Thisis a quantitative, exploratoryandobservationalstudy. Data werecollectedthroughtheapplicationof a semistructuredquestionnaire, withquestionsabout maternal knowledgeregarding oral hygiene, eatinghabits, caries involvementandsocioeconomic profile. A descriptivedata analysiswasperformed, followedby a bivariate analysis, usingPearson's chi-square test, considering a 5% significance level. Results:Regardingmothers' knowledge about their children's oral care, it was unsatisfactory in relation to the age at which children should start brushing their teeth by themselves; regarding the use of a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste as hygiene methods, after the first tooth's eruption, and regarding the absence of the deciduous tooth before the permanent molars eruption. Satisfactory knowledge was observed regarding the importance of carrying out restoration in decayed deciduous teeth; the age at which children begin to change deciduous teeth for permanent ones and, carrying out some oral care (fabric and gauze) before the first tooth's eruption. Conclusions:There is a gap in the oral health guidelines provided by dentists, aimed to mothers. The mothers/pregnant women have sufficient knowledge about their baby's oral care, but considering the oral care after the first tooth eruption, the results were critical. It is necessary a greater participation of the dentist in prenatal and growth and development consultations, practicing Health Education (AU).

Introducción: Los padres ejercen un papel importante en el establecimiento de hábitos saludables durante la infancia. Al proporcionar el cuidado bucal necesario a sus hijos, se obtienen resultados importantes en la prevención de enfermedades. Objetivo: Identificar el conocimiento materno sobre el cuidado bucal de los niños en la primera infancia. Metodología:Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo de carácter exploratorio yobservacional. La colecta ocurrió mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario semiestructurado, con preguntas sobre conocimientos maternos sobre higiene bucal, hábitos alimentarios, caries y perfil socioeconómico. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos, seguido de un análisis bivariado mediante la prueba Chi-cuadrado de Pearson, considerando un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados:En cuanto al conocimiento sobre el cuidado bucal de los niños, se encontró insatisfactorio en relación a la edad en la que los niños deben comenzar a cepillarse los dientes solos, en cuanto al uso de cepillos dentales y pasta dental fluorada como método de higiene después de la erupción del primer diente y la ausencia de un diente temporal antes del nacimiento de los molares permanentes. Se observó conocimiento satisfactorio sobre la importancia de restaurar un diente temporal afectado por caries, la edad en que el niño cambia los dientes temporales por permanentes y la provisión de algunos cuidados bucales (pañal y gasa) antes del nacimiento del primer diente. Conclusiones:Existe un vacío en la orientación sobre salud bucal proporcionada por los odontólogos dirigida a las madres. Las madres/gestantes tienen conocimientos adecuados sobre el cuidado bucal de su bebé, sin embargo, en relación a los cuidados después del nacimiento del primer diente los resultados fueron desfavorables. Es necesaria una mayor participación del odontólogo en las consultas prenatales y de crecimiento y desarrollo, practicando la educación para la salud (AU).

Color-Blind Racial Attitudes in Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Students in Virginia.

Purpose Subscribing to color-blind racial attitudes may contribute to inequities in the delivery of oral care and affect treatment of diverse patients. The purpose of this study was to survey all entry-level dental hygiene students in one state to determine color-blind racial attitudes.Methods After IRB approval, a convenience sample of 220 dental hygiene students in all entry-level programs in Virginia were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. The Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS), an effective, validated measuring instrument, was used to quantify unawareness of contemporary racist ideals. Three subscales (Racial Privilege, Institutional Discrimination, and Blatant Racial Issues) were also measured by the survey. Descriptive statistics, separate one-way between-subjects ANOVA, and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze the data.Results One hundred and sixty (n=160) dental hygiene students completed the survey. Independent samples t-tests revealed statistically significant differences when comparing year in program and program type. Participants in their second year of dental hygiene education had significantly lower overall CoBRAS scores compared to those in their first year of education (M=50.76, M=59.13, respectively; p=0.004). Participants enrolled in a baccalaureate dental hygiene (B.S.) program had significantly lower overall CoBRAS scores compared to those enrolled in an associate (A.S.) program (M=50.53, M=59.54, respectively; p=0.002).Conclusion Participants possessed moderate levels of color-blindness suggesting a need for more awareness and training early in dental hygiene education to increase delivery of culturally competent oral healthcare.

Training Dental Hygiene Students to Care for Patients with Disabilities.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel training program on dental hygiene students' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about caring for individuals with disabilities.Methods A mixed methods approach was used. Students from five dental hygiene programs based at community colleges completed a two-hour didactic training session to supplement their existing special care dentistry coursework. Students completed an original 14-item pretest and posttest before and after the training that assessed attitudes and beliefs, and two validated posttests that assessed knowledge. Afterwards, students completed a clinical rotation in an advanced care dental clinic at a local academic institution gaining hands-on experience with equipment and patient treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to report training scores, types of services rendered and modifications to treatment. Student comments about their experiences were assessed using thematic analysis.Results Two hundred and ninety-four students completed didactic training and 261 completed clinical rotations. Posttest scores indicated positive improvements in knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. All students provided direct patient care. Sixty-nine percent treated patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities; 75% placed silver diamine fluoride or fluoride varnish. Altered patient positioning was used by 70.5%. Most students (95.4%) reported that their experience positively changed their attitudes towards caring for patients with disabilities in the future. Eight themes emerged, notably increased comfort and confidence, a willingness and desire to treat patients, the acquisition of new skills, and clinician behaviors of empathy and compassion towards others.Conclusion Training can help prepare dental hygiene students with the confidence and skills to address the oral health needs of individuals with disabilities.

A Conceptual Model Using CliftonStrengths® to Support Dental Hygiene Students' Professional Development.

Purpose Professional development is instrumental in the ongoing success of healthcare professionals and students. The purpose of the second year of this two-year study was to continue to apply the results from the CliftonStrengths® assessment to support entry-level dental hygiene students' professional development and to create a conceptual model for professional development in dental hygiene education.Methods CliftonStrengths® were incorporated in didactic and community learning experiences throughout year two of the dental hygiene curriculum. At the end of year two, focus group interviews assessed student perceptions of professional strengths based on these learning experiences. Co-investigators used a qualitative analysis software program to identify codes and themes. Investigator triangulation and member checks were used to validate responses.Results All second-year dental hygiene students (n=32) participated in year two of the study. Two themes were identified: relevance of CliftonStrengths® and professional development. Within the theme of relevance, the subthemes of adaptability, making connections, and teamwork emerged. The theme professional development yielded three subthemes: appreciation, personal and professional identity, and insight.Conclusion This study demonstrated CliftonStrengths® can be used to promote professional development among dental hygiene students. As a result, a conceptual model was developed for professional development in dental hygiene education. This model can be used as a framework for teaching and to improve student learning experiences.

Parental knowledge and practice on childhood caries prevention in northern Vietnam.

This study was conducted to describe the knowledge and practices on dental caries prevention among parents of preschool children in Vietnam and identify associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three preschools in Northern Vietnam in 2020. A total of 316 parents of preschool children were randomly recruited. Knowledge and practices regarding early dental caries prevention were asked by using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate Tobit regression was used to examine factors associated with knowledge and practice scores. Results showed four aspects of knowledge that had the lowest proportion of parents having correct responses included timing of complete primary tooth replacement (12.3%), benefits of undergoing regular dental examination (31.7%), technique for brushing a child's teeth (33.9%), and duration for brushing (36.7%). The knowledge of parents was moderately low at 6.3/12 (SD = 2.3). The practices of parents were moderately good with the mean practice score at 6.1/9 (SD = 2.0). The proportion of parents taking children for regular checkups (56.2%) and replacing toothbrush every 3 months (53.7%) were the lowest. Information source, occupation, education and perceived necessity of oral care were found to be associated with parents' knowledge and practices. To conclude, parents had moderate levels of knowledge and practices regarding early dental caries prevention in preschool children. Further studies and interventions should be performed to improve parental knowledge and practices that could enhance the oral health of children.

A conceptual model using CliftonStrengths® to support dental hygiene students' professional development.

PURPOSE: Professional development is instrumental in the ongoing success of healthcare professionals and students. The purpose of the second year of this 2-year study was to continue to apply the results from the CliftonStrengths® assessment to support entry-level dental hygiene students' professional development and to create a conceptual model for professional development in dental hygiene education. METHODS: CliftonStrengths® was incorporated into didactic and community learning experiences throughout year two of the dental hygiene curriculum. At the end of year two, focus group interviews assessed student perceptions of professional strengths based on these learning experiences. Co-investigators used a qualitative analysis software program to identify codes and themes. Investigator triangulation and member checks were used to validate responses. RESULTS: All second-year dental hygiene students (n = 32) participated in year two of the study. Two themes were identified: relevance of CliftonStrengths® and professional development. Within the theme of relevance, the subthemes of adaptability, making connections and teamwork emerged. The theme of professional development yielded three subthemes: appreciation, personal and professional identity and insight. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated CliftonStrengths® can be used to promote professional development among dental hygiene students. As a result, a conceptual model was developed for professional development in dental hygiene education. This model can be used as a framework for teaching and to improve student learning experiences.

Colour-blind racial attitudes in entry-level dental hygiene students in Virginia.

OBJECTIVE: Subscribing to colour-blind racial attitudes may contribute to inequities in the delivery of oral care and affect treatment of diverse patients. The purpose of this study was to survey all entry-level dental hygiene students in one state to determine colour-blind racial attitudes. METHODS: After IRB approval, a convenience sample of 220 dental hygiene students in all entry-level programmes in Virginia were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. The Colour-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS), an effective, validated measuring instrument, was used to quantify unawareness of contemporary racist ideals. Three subscales (Racial Privilege, Institutional Discrimination and Blatant Racial Issues) were also measured by the survey. Descriptive statistics, separate one-way between-subjects ANOVA and independent samples t-tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: One-hundred and sixty (n = 160) dental hygiene students completed the survey. Independent samples t-tests revealed statistically significant differences when comparing year in programme and programme type. Participants in their second year of dental hygiene education had significantly lower overall CoBRAS scores compared to those in their first year of education (M = 50.76, M = 59.13, respectively; p = 0.004). Participants enrolled in a baccalaureate dental hygiene (B.S.) programme had significantly lower overall CoBRAS scores compared to those enrolled in an associate (A.S.) programme (M = 50.53, M = 59.54, respectively; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Participants possessed moderate levels of colour-blindness, suggesting a need for more awareness and training early in dental hygiene education to increase delivery of culturally competent oral healthcare.

Training dental hygiene students to care for patients with disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel training programme on dental hygiene students' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about caring for individuals with disabilities. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used. Students from five dental hygiene programmes based at community colleges completed a two-hour didactic training session to supplement their existing special care dentistry coursework. Students completed an original 14-item pretest and posttest before and after the training that assessed attitudes and beliefs, and two validated posttests that assessed knowledge. Afterwards, students completed a clinical rotation in an advanced care dental clinic at a local academic institution, gaining hands-on experience with equipment and patient treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to report training scores, types of services rendered, and modifications to treatment. Student comments about their experiences were assessed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-four students completed didactic training, and 261 completed clinical rotations. Posttest scores indicated positive improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. All students provided direct patient care. Sixty-nine percent treated patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities; 75% placed silver diamine fluoride or fluoride varnish. Altered patient positioning was used by 70.5%. Most students (95.4%) reported that their experience positively changed their attitudes towards caring for patients with disabilities in the future. Eight themes emerged, notably increased comfort and confidence, a willingness and desire to treat patients, the acquisition of new skills, and clinician behaviours of empathy and compassion towards others. CONCLUSION: Training can help prepare dental hygiene students with the confidence and skills to address the oral health needs of individuals with disabilities.

Periodontitis en niños sanos de 3 años: dos casos con seguimiento a 5 años / Periodontitis in healthy 3-year-old children: two cases with 5-year follow-up

Objetivo: La periodontitis en dentición primaria es ex- cepcional en niños sin enfermedades sistémicas. El objetivo de este informe es describir las características clínicas y ra- diográficas de dos casos de niños de 3 años sistémicamente sanos con periodontitis, y su tratamiento con seguimiento a 5 años. Casos clínicos: En ambos casos, a los 3 años de edad los niños fueron derivados al especialista en periodoncia por su odontopediatra debido a la pérdida muy temprana de inci- sivos inferiores. El examen clínico y radiográfico mostró pér- dida de inserción clínica, pérdida ósea y movilidad dental en otros incisivos superiores e inferiores. Se realizó la intercon- sulta médica y se descartó que los niños padecieran enferme- dades relacionadas con el diagnóstico de periodontitis como manifestación de una enfermedad sistémica. El tratamiento consistió en la instrucción de medidas de higiene bucal que debían ser ejecutadas por los padres, ins- trumentación subgingival, antisépticos locales, medicación antibiótica sistémica y mantenimiento periodontal. No se rea- lizaron extracciones como parte del tratamiento. En ambos casos uno de los incisivos presentes al momento de la con- sulta se perdió prematuramente, antes de los 4 años. El resto de los incisivos primarios cumplieron su ciclo normal. Luego de 5 años de seguimiento, a la edad de 8 años, ambos niños presentaban los incisivos y los primeros molares permanentes periodontalmente sanos y el resto de los dientes primarios sin signos de periodontitis (AU)

Aim: Periodontitis in primary dentition is exceptional in children without systemic diseases. The objective of this article is to describe the clinical and radiographic charac- teristics of two cases of systemically healthy 3-year-old chil- dren with periodontitis, and their treatment, with a 5-year follow-up. Clinical cases: In both cases, at 3 years of age, the chil- dren were referred to a periodontic specialist by their pediat- ric dentist, due to the very early loss of lower incisors. Clin- ical and radiographic examination showed loss of clinical attachment, bone loss and dental mobility in other upper and lower incisors. A medical consultation was carried out and diseases related to the diagnosis of periodontitis as a mani- festation of a systemic disease were ruled out. The treatment consisted of instruction on oral hygiene measures that had to be carried out by the parents, subgingival instrumentation, local antiseptics, systemic antibiotic medication, and perio- dontal maintenance. No extractions were performed as part of the treatment. In both cases, one of the incisors present at the time of consultation was lost prematurely, before the age of 4 years. The rest of the primary incisors completed their normal cycle. After 5 years of follow-up, at the age of 8 years, both children showed periodontally healthy incisors and first permanent molars, and the rest of the primary teeth without signs of periodontitis (AU)

Evaluation of an advanced oral hygiene regimen on maternity outcomes in a randomized multicenter clinical trial (Oral Hygiene and Maternity Outcomes Multicenter Study).

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, dental plaque-induced gingivitis prevalence and subsequent risk of periodontal disease increases substantially, as a consequence of both inadequate oral hygiene and changes in sex steroid hormone levels. Although maternal periodontal disease has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous preterm birth, previous clinical trials involving mechanical debridement (eg, scaling and root planing) to remove plaque biofilm have not yielded decreased rates of preterm birth. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that an advanced oral hygiene program, including an antibacterial regimen coupled with a power toothbrush and hygiene instruction, may improve the periodontal milieu and reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm birth. Therefore, we conducted a clinical trial of obstetrical patients with moderate-to-severe gingivitis who were randomized to an advanced oral hygiene program vs usual oral hygiene care, and the primary obstetrical outcome compared between the treatment groups was gestational age at delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Obstetrical patients with singleton pregnancies between 8 and 24 weeks' gestation were screened by trained dentists at 2 clinical sites for moderate-to-severe gingivitis (>30 intraoral sites with gingival bleeding on probing). Eligible participants were randomized to an advanced oral hygiene regimen, including antibacterial mouth wash, dental floss, antibacterial toothpaste, a power toothbrush, and intensive oral hygiene education vs standard oral home care instructions and regimen. The primary obstetrical outcome assessed was gestational age at delivery. The overall primary (dental) outcomes were gingival index, bleeding sites, and pocket depth (reported elsewhere). Secondary obstetrical outcomes included birthweight and incidence of preterm birth at <37 weeks' gestation. Regression models were utilized and included factors such as treatment group, gestational age at enrollment, preterm birth history, and potential markers of health disparities (ie, education, employment status). RESULTS: A total of 817 obstetrical patients underwent dental screening at the 2 sites, 789 were identified with moderate-to-severe gingivitis, 746 were randomized, and birth outcomes were available for 613 of the study participants. The gestational age at delivery was 2 days earlier in the control group (P=.040), but the clinical significance of this finding was limited (39.13 vs 38.85 weeks). Overall rates of spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks and <34 weeks were not statistically different between the 2 treatment groups (7.0% advanced oral hygiene regimen vs 10.3% controls, OR=1.63 (0.90-3.00), P=.11; and 2.3% vs 3.9%, OR=1.88 (0.71-4.98), P=.20, respectively). However, we observed lower rates of spontaneous preterm birth among unemployed participants with less favorable socioeconomic status (4.7% advanced oral hygiene regimen vs 16.0% controls, OR=4.04 (1.34-15.12), P=.01). CONCLUSION: An advanced oral hygiene program may reduce the risk of spontaneous preterm birth among pregnant patients with moderate-to-severe gingivitis and health disparities. This is the same group that may be at highest risk of poor dental hygiene and preterm birth.

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prenatal Oral Hygiene Education in Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis.

INTRODUCTION: Research shows there is a significant increase in gingival inflammation during pregnancy. This study was conducted to determine if an oral health intervention (OHI), including oral hygiene education delivered by nurse-led staff and an advanced over-the-counter (OTC) oral home care regimen, improved gingival inflammation in pregnant women with moderate-to-severe gingivitis compared with a standard oral hygiene control group. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-masked, parallel group clinical trial conducted in obstetrics clinics of 2 medical centers. A total of 750 pregnant women between 8 and 24 weeks of pregnancy with at least 20 natural teeth and moderate-to-severe gingivitis (>30 intraoral bleeding sites) were enrolled. Participants were randomized to either the OHI group, which included oral hygiene instructions supplemented with an educational video and advanced OTC antibacterial/mechanical oral hygiene products, or the control group receiving oral hygiene instructions and standard products. Both groups received oral hygiene instructions from nurse-led staff. Experienced, masked examiners measured whole mouth gingival index (GI) and periodontal probing depths (PDs) at baseline and months 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS: Participants enrolled in this study presented with moderate-to-severe gingivitis at baseline. Both the OHI and control groups exhibited significant reductions in GI (P < .001) and PD (P < .03) from baseline that persisted throughout the study period. The OHI group exhibited modest, yet statistically greater, reductions in GI (P ≤ .044) compared with the control at all time points. The reduction in PD directionally favored the OHI group, but between-group differences were small (<0.03 mm) and not statistically significant (P > .18). DISCUSSION: Significant gingivitis was prevalent among participants in this study and identifies an opportunity to improve gingival health during pregnancy by providing oral health education during the course of prenatal care when coupled with an advanced OTC oral hygiene regimen.

Effectiveness of an oral health education intervention among 6-12-year-old children: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Literature on the effectiveness of theory-based oral health education on the oral hygiene of children is limited. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of an health behaviour theory-based school oral health education intervention on 1) oral hygiene and 2) oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices among 6-12-year-old children in Kerala, India. METHODS: Cluster randomized controlled trial. Sixteen class divisions (clusters) were randomized into intervention and control groups of 225 and 228 children respectively. Primary and secondary outcomes were plaque score as measured using the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices respectively. The intervention group received structured oral health education classes for three months and materials including pamphlets. Children in the control group were not given the classes or materials. RESULTS: Post-intervention OHI-S scores in the intervention group and control groups were 1.65 and 2.17 respectively (difference = -0.52, 95%CI -0.86, -0.18). All the secondary outcomes improved in the intervention group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention improved the oral hygiene status, oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices of the children. Longer term follow-up and economic appraisal are needed to help policymakers plan and develop OHEI based on health behaviour theories.

A national survey of dental hygiene faculty perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To investigate potential unconscious bias among dental hygiene educators and identify baseline perceptions of race and racism. METHODS: Dental hygiene programs in the USA were clustered into 4 geographic regions from which 2 programs were sampled from each region. The 20-item, Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS) electronic survey was sent to educators from each of the selected programs in 2022. The CoBRAS instrument measures contemporary racism and stereotyping in 3 subcategories: Unawareness of Racial Privilege, Institutional Discrimination, and Blatant Racial Issues. Scores range from 20-120, with higher scores indicating elevated levels of denial of racism. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were performed. The level of significance was set to α = 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 172 potential respondents, 89 (52%) completed all of the survey questions. The majority of the respondents were White, female and from the Northeast (74.2%, 93.3%, and 61.8% respectively). The mean CoBRAS score (55.73) indicated moderate levels of color-blind racial attitudes. Race was a significant variable in perceptions of racial dynamics and racism with statistically significant differences between groups by race and ethnicity as demonstrated by one-way ANOVA (F[6,82] = 3.469, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate levels of color-blind racial attitudes among dental hygiene educators were found, indicating a presence of cognitive aspects of stereotyping related to race. The demographic data collected adds to the existing evidence of a lack of diversity among dental hygiene faculty.