Dental Public Health Practice, Infrastructure, and Workforce in the United States.

Dental public health is a unique specialty of dentistry that focuses on prevention of oral diseases among populations rather than individual patients. It encompasses several complementary disciplines and greatly varies in its functions and activities. Several federal, state, local, and nonpublic entities operationalize the mission of dental public health to improve population oral health through a diverse and vibrant workforce.

Diagnostic accuracy of three screening questions (3Q/TMD) in relation to the DC/TMD in a specialized orofacial pain clinic.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of three screening questions (3Q/TMD) in relation to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), in a specialized clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients, >18 years, referred with a possible TMD complaint to the Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction clinic, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, the Netherlands, were included in the study. All patients (n = 449; mean age 44 years; 72% females), answered the 3Q/TMD and the DC/TMD questionnaire before a DC/TMD examination. The 3Q/TMD constitutes of two questions on weekly pain from the jaw, face and temple region (Q1), and on function (Q2), and one function-related question on weekly catching and/or locking of the jaw (Q3). Q1 and Q2 were evaluated in relation to a DC/TMD pain diagnosis and Q3 in relation to a subgroup of DC/TMD intra-articular diagnosis, referred to as the reference standard. RESULTS: In total, 44% of patients received a pain-related DC/TMD diagnosis and 33% an intra-articular reference DC/TMD diagnosis. Sensitivity for the two pain screening questions was high (0.83-0.94), whereas specificity was low (0.41-0.55). For the function-related question, sensitivity was low (0.48), whereas specificity was high (0.96). CONCLUSIONS: In a specialized pain clinic, the two pain questions (Q1, Q2) are positive in most patients with pain-related TMD. Therefore, in case of a positive response, further diagnostic procedures for TMD pain are warranted. For the functional screening question (Q3), a positive response is indicative for an intra-articular DC/TMD diagnosis, while in case of a negative outcome, an intra-articular TMD might still be present.

Using Registered Dental Hygienists to Promote a School-Based Approach to Dental Public Health.

We examine a strategy for improving oral health in the United States by focusing on low-income children in school-based settings. Vulnerable children often experience cultural, social, economic, structural, and geographic barriers when trying to access dental services in traditional dental office settings. These disparities have been discussed for more than a decade in multiple US Department of Health and Human Services publications. One solution is to revise dental practice acts to allow registered dental hygienists increased scope of services, expanded public health delivery opportunities, and decreased dentist supervision. We provide examples of how federally qualified health centers have implemented successful school-based dental models within the parameters of two state policies that allow registered dental hygienists varying levels of dentist supervision. Changes to dental practice acts at the state level allowing registered dental hygienists to practice with limited supervision in community settings, such as schools, may provide vulnerable populations greater access to screening and preventive services. We derive our recommendations from expert opinion.

Changes in division of labour and tasks within public dentistry: relationship to employees work demands, health and work ability.

OBJECTIVE: By 2023, fewer dentists are expected in Sweden, at the same time as the demand for dental care is expected to increase. Older people, in particular, are expected to require more dental health than previous generations. To meet this demand, the public sector dentistry in Sweden is moving towards changes in division of labour among dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists and dental nurses. However, the impact of this reallocation on the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of employees is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare workplaces with an equal or larger proportion of dental hygienists than dentists (HDH) with workplaces with a larger proportion of dentists than dental hygienists (HD) on the physical and psychosocial work load, musculoskeletal and psychosomatic disorders and sickness presence. MATERIAL: A total of 298 persons employed in the Public Dental Service in a Swedish County Council participated in this study. CONCLUSION: The medium large clinics HDH reported 85% of employee's with considerably more high psychosocial demands compared to employees in medium HD (53%) and large HD (57%). Employees in medium large clinics HDH also reported sleep problems due to work (25%) compared with employees in medium large clinics HD (6%), large clinics HD (11%) and small clinics HDH (3%). Clinic size does not seem to influence the outcome of the HD and HD clinics to any great extent. Of all employees, about 94-100% reported high precision demands and 78-91% poor work postures.

Advances and challenges in oral health after a decade of the "Smiling Brazil" Program.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze oral health work changes in primary health care after Brazil's National Oral Health Policy Guidelines were released. METHODS: A literature review was conducted on Medline, LILACS, Embase, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and The Cochrane Library databases, from 2000 to 2013, on elements to analyze work changes. The descriptors used included: primary health care, family health care, work, health care policy, oral health care services, dentistry, oral health, and Brazil. Thirty-two studies were selected and analyzed, with a predominance of qualitative studies from the Northeast region with workers, especially dentists, focusing on completeness and quality of care. RESULTS: Observed advances focused on educational and permanent education actions; on welcoming, bonding, and accountability. The main challenges were related to completeness; extension and improvement of care; integrated teamwork; working conditions; planning, monitoring, and evaluation of actions; stimulating people's participation and social control; and intersectorial actions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the new regulatory environment, there are very few changes in oral health work. Professionals tend to reproduce the dominant biomedical model. Continuing efforts will be required in work management, training, and permanent education fields. Among the possibilities are the increased engagement of managers and professionals in a process to understand work dynamics and training in the perspective of building significant changes for local realities.

Advances and challenges in oral health after a decade of the "Smiling Brazil" Program / Avanços e desafios da saúde bucal após uma década de Programa Brasil Sorridente

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze oral health work changes in primary health care after Brazil's National Oral Health Policy Guidelines were released. METHODS A literature review was conducted on Medline, LILACS, Embase, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and The Cochrane Library databases, from 2000 to 2013, on elements to analyze work changes. The descriptors used included: primary health care, family health care, work, health care policy, oral health care services, dentistry, oral health, and Brazil. Thirty-two studies were selected and analyzed, with a predominance of qualitative studies from the Northeast region with workers, especially dentists, focusing on completeness and quality of care. RESULTS Observed advances focused on educational and permanent education actions; on welcoming, bonding, and accountability. The main challenges were related to completeness; extension and improvement of care; integrated teamwork; working conditions; planning, monitoring, and evaluation of actions; stimulating people's participation and social control; and intersectorial actions. CONCLUSIONS Despite the new regulatory environment, there are very few changes in oral health work. Professionals tend to reproduce the dominant biomedical model. Continuing efforts will be required in work management, training, and permanent education fields. Among the possibilities are the increased engagement of managers and professionals in a process to understand work dynamics and training in the perspective of building significant changes for local realities.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar as mudanças no trabalho em saúde bucal na atenção primária à saúde após o lançamento das Diretrizes da Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal. MÉTODOS Foi realizada revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs, Embase, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e The Cochrane Library, de 2000 a 2013, sobre elementos analisadores das mudanças no trabalho. Os descritores utilizados foram: atenção primária à saúde, saúde da família, trabalho, política de saúde, serviços de saúde bucal, odontologia, saúde bucal e Brasil. Foram selecionados e analisados 32 estudos, com predomínio de estudos qualitativos, da região Nordeste, com trabalhadores, sobretudo dentistas, e com foco na integralidade e qualificação da assistência. RESULTADOS Os avanços observados concentraram-se nas ações educativas e de educação permanente; no acolhimento, vínculo e responsabilização. Os principais desafios estiveram relacionados à: integralidade; ampliação e qualificação da assistência; trabalho integrado em equipe; condições de trabalho; planejamento, monitoramento e avaliação das ações; estímulo à participação popular e ao controle social; e ações intersetoriais. CONCLUSÕES Apesar do novo cenário normativo, as mudanças são incipientes no trabalho em saúde bucal. Os profissionais tendem a reproduzir o modelo biomédico dominante. Serão necessários esforços continuados no campo da gestão do trabalho, da formação e da educação permanente. Dentre as possibilidades, está a ampliação do engajamento dos gestores e dos profissionais num processo de compreensão da dinâmica do trabalho e da formação na perspectiva de construir mudanças significativas para as realidades locais.

Implementation of laser technology and treatment at county level in the Swedish Public Dental Service.

The aim of this study was to obtain an understanding of the factors that affected the way new technology and methods were used in dentistry after a training program. A qualitative research method was used to collect data. Nine dentists working in the Public Dental Service (PDS) in Uppsala County in Sweden agreed to be interviewed in the study. They worked in five different clinics, all with laser equipment, and had received training in the use of lasers. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed, and were analysed using manifest and latent qualitative content analysis. The categories in this study were identified as "Prerequisites and obstacles to imple- mentation", "Attitudes to laser technology and treatments" and "Laser technology in the future'". The dentists described working with lasers as complicated and problematic. They had concerns about the method relating to the working environment, evidence of efficacy of treatment, costs, and benefits for patients and dentists. The main finding was that the decision to adopt the technology seemed to be based on individual perceptions of the value of lasers compared to other ways of achieving the same goal. They provided uniform proposals regarding how an organization should implement new methods, including an emphasis on the importance of preparation and having opportunities to be able to test and evaluate the technology. Another important factor was support from surrounding staff, colleagues and management. Despite all the barriers, the respondents were positive about working with lasers in the future, mainly due to their belief that patients would demand laser treatment. In conclusion both individual and organizational factors affected the extent to which the respondents used the laser. The main finding was the individual perception of the value of lasers compared to other methods which could achieve the same goal.

The platform for better oral health in Europe--report of a new initiative.

Public health practitioners are required to apply their competencies at a range of levels from governmental to small community groups. A recurring theme at BASCD conferences has been the need to influence policy at the highest level if improvements to oral health and better treatment of oral ill-health are to occur. This paper presents a clear example of such dental public health action at a European level. This report outlines the reasons why it is necessary to try to improve oral health within Europe, in general, and the European Union in particular. It goes on to describe how the newly formed Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe is trying to work at a macro level, and bring interested associations, groups and individuals together. Collectively they can then alert European institutions and national governments to oral health problems and promote policies to improve the current situation. It describes the current problems, their resource implications, the objectives of the Platform, its actions so far and its plans for the immediate future. It suggests that, if the problems are to be addressed, it will be necessary for all interested parties to work together at a European level to raise oral health issues higher on the E.U. agenda.

Women's leadership in the Public Dental Service in Finland.

AIM: This study aimed to examine how leadership positions in the Public Dental Service (PDS) were distributed between women and men and how the female and male lead dentists perceived themselves as managers or leaders and whether their superiors, the leading doctors and municipal decision makers or their subordinates, the public dentists, found differences between female and male lead dentists as leaders. METHODS: Gender aspects on the leadership qualities of the lead dentists in the Public Dental Service were evaluated by four professional groups using a questionnaire. The groups surveyed were: lead dentists (in charge of the municipal PDS clinics), leading doctors (lead dentists'line managers), the directors of municipal health boards, and the PDS dentists (subordinates to the lead dentists). Factor analysis, chi-square and non-parametric tests were used to analyse the data gathered. RESULTS: Women made up 50% (96/192) of the lead dentists, 80% (211/263) of the public dentists, 31% (47/152) of the leading doctors, and 27% (33/124) of directors of the municipal health boards (P<0.001). Nearly all female (92%; 86/93) and 78% (70/90) of the male lead dentists considered themselves to be good people-oriented leaders (P<0.01) and three-quarters of the men (74%; 67/90) and 59% (54/92) of the women good goal-oriented managers (P<0.05). In the eyes of their nearest superiors, the female and male lead dentists were rated equally; they were given scores as goal-oriented managers, people-oriented leaders (both medians= 3.2 on a scale from 1 to 4), and their ability (median=3.5) to take care of their tasks. Their decision authority, power in municipal decision-making (median=2.8), was considered weaker. Most, 67% (70/105), of the PDS dentists evaluated their female superiors and 50% (75/150) their male superiors good as goal-oriented managers (P<0.001), and 51% (54/105) considered their female superiors and 35% (53/150) their male superiors good as people-oriented leaders (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Female dentists had not become lead dentists in proportion to their numbers in the PDS. Those who had a leading position felt that they were good leaders, their superiors considered them as good as their male colleagues, and their subordinates felt they were better.

A curriculum for the new dental practitioner: preparing dentists for a prospective oral health care environment.

The emerging concept of prospective health care would shift the focus of health care from disease management to disease prevention and health management. Dentistry has a unique opportunity to embrace this model of prospective and collaborative care and focus on the management of oral health. Academic dentistry must better prepare future dentists to succeed in this new health care environment by providing them with the scientific and technical knowledge required to understand and assess risk and practice disease prevention. Dental schools must consider creating career pathways for enabling future graduates to assume important leadership roles that will advance a prospective oral health care system.

California's state oral health infrastructure: opportunities for improvement and funding.

California has virtually no statewide dental public health infrastructure leaving the state without leadership, a surveillance program, an oral health plan, oral health promotion and disease prevention programs, and federal funding. Based on a literature review and interviews with 15 oral health officials nationally, the paper recommends hiring a state dental director with public health experience, developing a state oral health plan, and seeking federal and private funding to support an office of oral health.

Variables asociadas al uso de los servicios de salud bucodental por la población preescolar en España: un análisis de la encuesta nacional de salud / Variables associated with the use of dental services among preschool population in Spain: a national health survey analysis

Fundamentos: la salud bucodental es parte fundamental de la salud desde la erupción del primer diente. Para conseguirla, se precisa instaurar precozmente hábitos saludables como la revisión dental periódica. En nuestro medio, la caries es la enfermedad crónica pediátrica más prevalente y podría estar aumentando en los preescolares. Objetivos: a) describir la prevalencia del uso de los servicios de salud bucodental por los preescolares españoles, b) cuantificar y analizar la variabilidad entre comunidades autónomas y c) identificar las variables asociadas a dicho uso. Métodos: estudio transversal basado en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (2006). Muestra: 2.172 niños de 2 a 5 años (ambos inclusive). Variable dependiente: haber acudido a los servicios dentales alguna vez en la vida. Variables independientes: sociodemográficas, de salud bucodental autoreferida, de hábitos y de nivel socioeconómico familiar. Análisis mediante regresión logística multivariante. Resultados: el 20,8% de los preescolares españoles refirió haber acudido a los servicios dentales. La probabilidad de uso aumentó con la edad (OR: 1,88; IC: 1,53-2,31), la frecuencia de cepillado dental diario (3 o más veces frente a menos de una vez al día: OR: 2,94; IC: 1,47-5,87) y la presencia de caries (OR: 2,60; IC: 1,22-5,51). Hay un gradiente socioeconómico en la probabilidad de uso: aumentó con el nivel socioeconómico familiar, medido a través de la clase social (baja frente a alta: OR: 0,41; IC: 0,19-0,86) y del nivel de estudios maternos (OR: 1,62; IC: 1,13-2,32). No existió variabilidad en el uso atribuible a la comunidad autónoma de residencia. Conclusiones: los preescolares españoles utilizan menos de lo deseable los servicios dentales. La promoción de su uso debería intensificarse en los niños procedentes de familias desfavorecidas (AU)

Background: oral health is integral to health from the eruption of the first tooth. To achieving, it is necessary an early establishment of healthy oral habits as regular dental checkups. In developed countries, caries is the most prevalent chronic pediatric disease and it may be increasing in preschool age. Objectives: a) assessing prevalence of oral health services use among Spanish preschool population, b) quantifying and analyzing the existence of variability among autonomous community and c) identifying variables associated with such use. Methods: cross-sectional study about Spanish National Health Survey (2006). Sample: 2,172 children aged between 2 and 5 years (both inclusive). Dependent variable: have gone to dental services at least once during life. Independent variables: sociodemographic, self-referred dental health, habits and family socioeconomic status variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: 20.8% of Spanish preschoolers reported had attended dental services. Probability of use increased with age (OR: 1,88; IC:1,53- 2,31), frequency of daily tooth brushing (three or more times per day vrs less than once: OR: 2,94; IC: 1,47-5,87) and presence of caries (OR: 2,60; IC: 1,22-5,51). There is a socioeconomic gradient about probability of use: it increased with family socioeconomic status measured by social class (low vrs high: OR: 0,41; IC: 0,19-0,86) and maternal educational level (OR: 1,62; IC: 1,13-2,32). There was not variability in the oral health services use attributable to the autonomous community. Conclusions: the use of dental health services among Spanish preschool population is lower than desirable. The promotion of its use should be intensified in children from disadvantaged families(AU)

Is general dentistry dead? How mid-level dental providers will affect the profession.

The rhetoric concerning mid-level providers and their impact on general dental practice is building in intensity. This is a complex issue and there is no clear picture of either the benefits or dangers to the public of such a delivery model, whether such plans are economically sustainable, or the role of general dentists in the configuration of future practices. The opinions of a representative sample of thinkers from various perspectives are sampled.

Benefícios da proposta da Organização Mundial da Saúde para avaliação da necessidade de tratamento dentário entre idosos / Benefits of the proposal from the World Health Organization in assessing the need for dental treatment among the elderly

Objetivo: Identificar as necessidades de tratamento dentário entre idosos brasileiros dentados e os benefícios do método de avaliação direta, proposto pela OMS, a partir da comparação entre os métodos de avaliação direta e indireta, por dente e por indivíduo. Materiais e Métodos: Utilizaram-se dados dos 5.349 idosos examinados no SB Brasil 2002/2003. As avaliações direta e indireta da necessidade de tratamento dentário (NTD) foram estimadas a partir da prevalência de indivíduos com NTD, considerando os idosos dentados como denominador. Calculou-se também o número médio de dentes com necessidade de tratamento.A avaliação direta da NTD foi conduzida em todos os dentes presentes. A avaliação indireta da NTD foi estimada a partir da experiência de cárie das coroas, identificando-se o índice CPO-D e seus componentes. As coroas restauradas com cárie e as cariadas foram consideradas com necessidade. Na comparação entre os métodos direto e indireto, utilizaram-se os testes qui-quadrado e Mann-Whitney (p<0,05). Resultados: Entre os idosos, 2418 (45,2%) eram dentados e a maioria apresentou NTD, independentemente do método de avaliação. Constatou-se maior prevalência de necessidades pelo método direto (69,1%/64,6%) (p<0,001), sendo principalmente de restaurações (49,65%) e extrações (45,39%). A média de dentes com necessidades diferiu entre os métodos, sendo menor no indireto (2,72±3,83) (p<0,001). Conclusão: Há alta prevalência de necessidade restauradora e de extrações entre os idosos brasileiros. Os benefícios na forma de avaliação proposta pela OMS foram evidentes pela estimativa mais fidedigna de maior número de indivíduos/dentes com necessidade de tratamento dentário, além da definição do tipo de tratamento necessário.

Perfil epidemiológico oral y necesidad de tratamiento odontológico de pacientes VIH/SIDA / Oral epidemiological profile and the need for dental treatment for HIV/AIDS patients

Objetivo. Describir el perfil epidemiológico oral y las necesidades de tratamiento odontológico en pacientes VIH/SIDA atendidos en una institución. Diseño. Estudio descriptivo transversal. Emplazamiento. Facultad de Odontología Universidad de Cartagena. Participantes. Pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH/SIDA y bajo tratamiento antirretroviral. Mediciones principales. Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, estado de Higiene Oral, historia de Caries, Enfermedad Periodontal, manifestaciones orales asociadas a VIH/SIDA, necesidad de tratamiento odontológico. Resultados: De los 53 sujetos del estudio un 59,9% presentaron higiene oral regular, un 66% mostró cálculo supragingival y un 15,1% sangrado gingival. La Se observó caries en el 92,5% de los participantes y ausencia de dientes en el 73,6%. La prevalencia de manifestaciones orales de VIH/SIDA fue de un 45,3%, destacando las de origen infeccioso con un 28,3%. La presencia de lesiones no asociadas a VIH fue del 81,1%, sobresaliendo con un 28,3% las pigmentaciones orales asociadas a medicamentos antirretrovirales. El 100% de los sujetos precisó asistencia odontológica, necesitando 4 tipos de tratamiento diferentes el 60,4% de ellos. Sobresale la promoción y prevención en un 98.1% de los casos, seguida por la eliminación de cálculo en el 73,6% y la necesidad protésica en el 81,2% de los individuos. Conclusión: Se hace evidente la falta de atención y la necesidad de tratamiento de esta población. La cual presenta un estado de salud oral regular, afirmando el derecho a la atención integral que este tipo de pacientes merece(AU)

Objective. To describe the oral epidemiological profile and the needs for dental treatment for HIV/AIDS patients in an institution. Design. Cross sectional study. Location. University of Cartagena Faculty of Odontology Participants. Patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS undergoing antiretroviral treatment. Main Measures. Socio-demographic variables, oral hygiene condition, history of tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral signs associated with HIV/AIDS, need for dental treatment were evaluated. Results: Out of 53 study subjects, 59.9% showed mediocre oral hygiene, 66% supragingival calculus and 15.1%, gingival bleeding. We observed tooth decay in 92.5% of the participants and absence of teeth in 73.6%. The prevalence of oral signs of HIV/AIDS was 45.3%, with emphasis on a 28.3% of an infectious origin. The presence of lesions not associated with HIV was 81.1%, and a significant 28.3% with oral pigmentations associated with antiretroviral medication. 100% of the subjects required dental care, with 4 different types being necessary for 60.4% of them. Promotion and prevention were significant in 98.1% of cases, followed by removal of calculus in 73.6% y the need for prosthesis in 81.2% of individuals. Conclusion: Lack of attention and the need for treatment is evident in these members of the population, who show mediocre oral health, strengthening the case for the comprehensive care this type of patient deserves(AU)

Complete denture services: clinical technique, lab costs, manpower, and reimbursement. One-year review.

Complete denture services at comprehensive care public health clinics are not common in part because of clinician concerns regarding outcomes. Educational debt forgiveness has attracted recent dental graduates to public health dentistry; however, not all recent graduates receive denture education experiences necessary to attain proficiency. While fundamental patient assessment and denture construction are taught, psychological assessment and communication with denture patients requires experience. A thorough understanding of occlusion, phonetics, esthetics and laboratory steps is also necessary. Expecting recent dental graduates to become proficient providing complete dentures at minimal reimbursement levels, with no mentorship or on-site laboratory support, is unrealistic. Public health dental clinics operate at full capacity performing emergency, preventive and restorative procedures. Complete dentures come with a laboratory fee approximately one-half the total reimbursement, meaning a remake drops clinic revenue to zero while doubling expenses. It is understandable that full schedules, marginal reimbursement, unpredictability and the risk of an occasional failure block clinician interest in providing denture services. This one-year report of services describes a three-appointment complete denture technique offering improved patient and laboratory communication, reduced chair time and controlled cost, resulting in high-quality complete dentures.