2005 Scientific Abstracts
Numbers 1-10
1. Comparisons of Breast-feeding Practices of Low- and Middle-socio-economic Communities of Puerto Rico: 1993 and 2001
L.M. LOPEZ1, W. PSOTER2, A.P. DASANAYAKE3, and A. ELIAS1, 1 University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry, San Juan, USA, 2 NYU College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA, 3 New York University College of Dentistry, USA
The scientific literature suggests that breastfeeding practices are protective of some infectious diseases including Early Childhood Caries (ECC). Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare sample populations from 1993 and 2001 regarding breastfeeding practices. Methods: A data on Puerto Rican mothers were collected in 1993 and 2001. In 1993, 167 low SES mothers with children (aged 6-48 months) were evaluated from the North Eastern Region of Puerto Rico. In 2001, 123 middle SES urban mothers and 197 low SES rural mothers with children aged 24-60 months and 12-60 months respectively, were studied. Results: The 1993 data indicated 10.13% prevalence of breast-feeding with mean breastfeeding duration of 4.5 months (SD= 2.06). The 2001 data for the rural community showed a 59.4% prevalence of breastfeeding and mean breastfeeding duration of 3.5 months (SD=3.03). The 2001 urban community data indicated a 71% prevalence of breastfeeding with mean breastfeeding duration of 4.8 months (SD=5.8). There has been a significant increase in breastfeeding among urban and rural mothers and urban mothers tend to breast feed longer than rural low socioeconomic mothers. Conclusion: As caries and other medical conditions are related to breastfeeding practices, dentists must be a part of the educational team with the pediatrician to encourage breastfeeding in mothers in order to prevent ECC, particularly in communities demonstrating socio economic disparities.
2. In vitro microbial root caries model to test the efficacy of preventive products
M. J. Toro*, M. Fontana, A. Haider, C. González-Cabezas
M. J. Toro*, M. Fontana, A. Haider, C. González-Cabezas
Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, USA.
The goal of this study was to test the efficacy of dental products to control root caries using an in vitro microbial caries model. Seventy-two natural-surface root specimens were separated into 4 groups A: control (no treatment); B: placebo dentifrice-0 ppm F (bid); C: 1,100 ppm F dentifrice (Colgate Total, bid); D: 1,100 ppm F dentifrice (Colgate Total, bid) + 5,000 ppm F (PreviDent, qd) gel. All specimens were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans TH16 and exposed to circulating trypticase soy broth + 5% sucrose for 30 minutes (tid) and to a mineral washing solution for the remaining 22.5 h daily, for 5 days. Treatments started two days after initial inoculation and lasted three days. At study termination, dislodged bacteria from 4 specimens/group were double plated in Mitis Salivarius agar supplemented with bacitracin and sucrose (MSSB) and trypticase soy agar (TSA) for bacterial quantitation and to check for lack of contamination. All specimens were then sectioned and carious lesions were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Bacterial counts (TSA) were significantly higher in the control group when compared to the rest of the groups. MSSB data indicate significant differences in S. mutans (CFU/ml) among the groups (A>B>C
Partially supported by the Delta Dental Fund
3. Relationship between Various Measures of Stress and Salivary Flow Rates
R. ROLDAN, B. LISKA, L. CARDENAS, J. KORTE, and H.F. THOMAS, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
Objective: Mothers of low socioeconomic status (SES) experience higher levels of stress than their non-poor counterparts with corresponding increases in the prevalence of several chronic health conditions. A role for stress in the pathogenesis of oral disease has been suggested and may involve an association between stress and low salivary flow rates. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between behavioral and biochemical measures of stress in low SES mothers and determine the effect of stress on salivary flow. Methods: Forty-eight mothers attending a Community Health Center Women Infants and Children (WIC) clinic were enrolled in this study. Demographic data (age, marital status, number of children) were recorded and two questionnaires (Holmes-Rahe Life Events Scale and Cohen Perceived Stress Scale) were administered to assess the mother's stress levels. Stimulated salivary samples were collected and levels of the stress hormone cortisol were determined using a commercially available kit, DSL Saliva Cortisol EIA. Results: The mean age of mothers enrolled in this study was 32 years (range 14-47 years). High levels of stress (Perceived Stress Scale) were recorded in > 80% of mothers and more than twice as many of these women (25.6%) had high cortisol levels compared to mothers with low stress levels (11.1%). There was no correlation between the Life Events Scale and cortisol levels. High levels of perceived stress were associated with younger, unmarried mothers and low salivary flow rates (p= 0.07). Higher cortisol levels were associated with number of children (<3) but there was no correlation between cortisol and salivary flow rates. Conclusion: Low SES mothers attending a community health center exhibit high levels of perceived stress and low salivary flow rates that may increase their risk of oral disease.
4. Parents’ Preference For The Ethnicity Of Their Child’s Pediatric Dentist
L.A. WALKER, A. KOERBER, I. PUNWANI, and S.FADAVI, University of Illinois - Chicago, USA
Objective: The purpose of this study was to study parents' preference for the ethnicity of their child's pediatric dental provider and to determine if that preference was related to dental anxiety. Methods: A survey measuring parents' preference for the ethnicity of their child's pediatric dentist, self-report of race/ethnicity, and parent anxiety, using the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale, was distributed in a dental school pediatric clinic. 93 parents whose children had scheduled routine visits were surveyed. Results: A response rate of 97% was obtained, 46% in Spanish, 34% from African-American parents, 63% from Latino parents, and 3% from Caucasian non-Latinos. 16% were male, and all but 2 were Latino. 21 parents or 23% did not report the race of their dentist. 40% of Latinos said they would be more comfortable with a dentist of the same race, compared to 3% of the African Americans (Chi Square (1df) = 12.95, p< .000). 94% of all parents felt their child's pediatric dentist always listened to their concerns, 90% were treated with dignity, and 92% said the dentist made sure they understood what they were told about their child's treatment. Anxiety scores did not differ by race/ethnicity. Anxious fathers were more likely to prefer a racially-concordant dentist than mothers or non-anxious fathers (ANOVA, F=8.96, 1 & 74 df, p< .05). Since almost all fathers were Latino, it was unclear if this was a general gender effect or specific to Latinos. Conclusions: Latinos were more likely to want a dentist of the same race/ethnicity. All parents reported high satisfaction with communication between parent and dentist. Anxiety was not related to the desire for a dentist of the same race/ethnicity, except in Latino fathers.
5. Determinants of Unmet Dental Need In A Hispanic Immigrant Community
J.M. YAMAMOTO, M. MARCUS, C. MAIDA, and B. FREED, University of California - Los Angeles, USA
Objective: This study's objective is to examine the determinants of unmet dental need in a predominantly Hispanic immigrant community in Los Angeles, California.
Methods: The Community Engagement survey was conducted in August, 2001 in Pacoima, a community in the San Fernando Valley by Philliber Research Associates with support from L.A. Urban Funders. The sample was obtained from mapping every address in Pacoima. 1,210 household addresses were randomly selected. The residential “units” and residents were randomly selected for interviews. The household questionnaire asked adults of their views of the community and its needs. The dependent variable, unmet need, was defined by the response to the question “Has there been a time in the last year when you needed dental treatment but could not get it?” Demographic and socio-cultural independent variables were utilized to examine the association with perceived unmet need. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed.
Results: 1028 residents (85%) completed the survey. 17.6% of respondents indicated an unmet dental need during the past year which is higher than the national estimate of 8.2% for Hispanics (The Surgeon Generals Report: Oral Health in America). Chi-square analysis results showed a significant difference in unmet need for dental care. 22% of females, 28% of those with no dental insurance, and 25% of those without a bank account reported an unmet need (p<.001). The logistic regression analysis showed that females are twice as likely as males to report an unmet need for dental care. Survey participants without dental insurance are almost three times more likely and those without a bank account are 54% more likely to report an unmet dental need.
immigrant community. Unexpectedly, not having a bank account is an indicator of reporting an unmet need.
6. Socioeconomic and Demographic Inequalities in Orofacial Pain
J.L.RILEY III1, G.H. GILBERT2, and M.W. HEFT1, 1 University of Florida, Gainesville, USA, 2 University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and the prevalence and impact of orofacial pain by anatomical location. Methods: The subjects were 724 participants in the Florida Dental Care Study, a study of oral health among dentate adults, age 45 years and older at baseline. Pain prevalence and subjective ratings were assessed for a range of orofacial pain sites using a standardized telephone interview. Results: Lower SES was associated with increased pain prevalence and pain impact at many but not all of the orofacial sites. Conversely, higher educational attainment was the SES marker associated with increased risk of developing pain in the jaw joint. We also found that certain orofacial pain symptoms are more likely in certain demographic groups, when accounting for differences in SES in multivariable models. The most consistent result was that females were at increased risk for behavioral impact from orofacial pain, and that these differences are not an artifact of economic factors associated with sex. Blacks were the most likely to suffer a behavioral impact from pain when chewing. Middle-aged persons were at increased risk for experiencing pain when chewing and temperature sensitivity. Conclusions: This study suggests that differences in levels of SES may account for some of the demographic differences observed in orofacial pain. However, other risk factors remain undetermined, particularly related to sex differences. Additional research is needed to understand interactions between race/ethnicity, sex, age and orofacial pain, and the role of SES in this relationship. This investigation was supported by NIH DE-12587, DE-11020, and DE-14164. JRILEY@dental.ufl.edu
J.L.RILEY III1, G.H. GILBERT2, and M.W. HEFT1, 1 University of Florida, Gainesville, USA, 2 University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and the prevalence and impact of orofacial pain by anatomical location. Methods: The subjects were 724 participants in the Florida Dental Care Study, a study of oral health among dentate adults, age 45 years and older at baseline. Pain prevalence and subjective ratings were assessed for a range of orofacial pain sites using a standardized telephone interview. Results: Lower SES was associated with increased pain prevalence and pain impact at many but not all of the orofacial sites. Conversely, higher educational attainment was the SES marker associated with increased risk of developing pain in the jaw joint. We also found that certain orofacial pain symptoms are more likely in certain demographic groups, when accounting for differences in SES in multivariable models. The most consistent result was that females were at increased risk for behavioral impact from orofacial pain, and that these differences are not an artifact of economic factors associated with sex. Blacks were the most likely to suffer a behavioral impact from pain when chewing. Middle-aged persons were at increased risk for experiencing pain when chewing and temperature sensitivity. Conclusions: This study suggests that differences in levels of SES may account for some of the demographic differences observed in orofacial pain. However, other risk factors remain undetermined, particularly related to sex differences. Additional research is needed to understand interactions between race/ethnicity, sex, age and orofacial pain, and the role of SES in this relationship. This investigation was supported by NIH DE-12587, DE-11020, and DE-14164. JRILEY@dental.ufl.edu
7. Hardiness Among Urban, Minority, Low SES Oral Surgery Patients
M.W.GIRONDA1, K. ATCHISON1, E. BLACK2, R. LEATHERS3, and T.R. BELIN1, 1 University of California - Los Angeles, USA, 2 Charles R. Drew University - King/Drew, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 3 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Objective: Hardiness is identified as a health resource which contributes to one's ability to sustain high levels of psychosocial and physical stress, yet continue to function. This study examines the relationship between hardiness and bio-psycho-social stress among disadvantaged, inner-city, minority oral surgery patients.
Methods: This study sample includes African American and Hispanic adults treated for either 3rd molar extraction (n=29) or jaw fractures (n=31) at King/Drew Medical Center, Los Angeles, California. Using data from admission interviews, bivariate analyses include correlations of an 8-item measure of patient hardiness (alpha=.77) including constructs of internal (sense of control, commitment and challenge) and external (available confidant, and help seeking behavior) with depression (4-item CESD), substance use (modified CAGE), and perception of pain (range 0 to 10). Regression analyses examine the association between hardiness and depression, substance use and perception of pain, controlling for socio-economic characteristics including race, education, unemployment, and marital status.
Results: Bivariate analysis shows significant correlations between hardiness and depression, substance use and pain. Higher scores of hardiness are correlated with lower depression (r=-.28), substance use (r=-.29), and pain scores (r=-.41). In separate regression analyses for depression, substance use and pain, controlling for socio-economic characteristics, hardiness is significantly associated with substance use (r2=.39; F=1.92; p=.04) and perception of pain (r2=.40; F=2.10; p=.03).
Conclusion: These analyses reveal an association between hardiness and bio-psycho-social stressors accompanying oral surgery among an inner-city, low SES minority patient population. This suggests that clinical assessment of hardiness may inform health care providers regarding the internal and external resources patients bring to the oral surgery experience. Further study will examine the stability of this association over the course of recovery. This study was supported by NIDCR grant # RO1 DE13839.
M.W.GIRONDA1, K. ATCHISON1, E. BLACK2, R. LEATHERS3, and T.R. BELIN1, 1 University of California - Los Angeles, USA, 2 Charles R. Drew University - King/Drew, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 3 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Objective: Hardiness is identified as a health resource which contributes to one's ability to sustain high levels of psychosocial and physical stress, yet continue to function. This study examines the relationship between hardiness and bio-psycho-social stress among disadvantaged, inner-city, minority oral surgery patients.
Methods: This study sample includes African American and Hispanic adults treated for either 3rd molar extraction (n=29) or jaw fractures (n=31) at King/Drew Medical Center, Los Angeles, California. Using data from admission interviews, bivariate analyses include correlations of an 8-item measure of patient hardiness (alpha=.77) including constructs of internal (sense of control, commitment and challenge) and external (available confidant, and help seeking behavior) with depression (4-item CESD), substance use (modified CAGE), and perception of pain (range 0 to 10). Regression analyses examine the association between hardiness and depression, substance use and perception of pain, controlling for socio-economic characteristics including race, education, unemployment, and marital status.
Results: Bivariate analysis shows significant correlations between hardiness and depression, substance use and pain. Higher scores of hardiness are correlated with lower depression (r=-.28), substance use (r=-.29), and pain scores (r=-.41). In separate regression analyses for depression, substance use and pain, controlling for socio-economic characteristics, hardiness is significantly associated with substance use (r2=.39; F=1.92; p=.04) and perception of pain (r2=.40; F=2.10; p=.03).
Conclusion: These analyses reveal an association between hardiness and bio-psycho-social stressors accompanying oral surgery among an inner-city, low SES minority patient population. This suggests that clinical assessment of hardiness may inform health care providers regarding the internal and external resources patients bring to the oral surgery experience. Further study will examine the stability of this association over the course of recovery. This study was supported by NIDCR grant # RO1 DE13839.
8. Pilot Program-Dental Hygiene Service Learning Externship Model
M. DE LA TORRE*, J. WALLACE, C. NGUYEN, M. TREVINO, C. CAVAZOS, D. AGUERO, R. MORALES, D. CLERC, A. LUNA, and B. VARGAS (University of TX HSC-San Antonio & Gateway Community Health Center, Inc. Laredo, TX).
OBJECTIVE: Increase access to oral health care among individuals living in Webb County, Texas. The focus was also for Dental Hygiene students to learn about socio-cultural issues and health disparities along the Texas-Mexico border region while providing oral health care in a culturally competent manner. METHODS: During the Summer of 2005 three students were selected to participate in the pilot Dental Hygiene Service Learning Externship (DHSLE) Model program designed to provide access to oral health care services to adult Hispanic diabetic patients. The students provided preventive therapeutic services and patient education to adult clients enrolled in the Community Diabetes Service Project at Gateway Community Health Center. Students attended public health lectures and field experiences by the South Texas Environmental Education Research program in order to augment the development of their oral health promotion and disease prevention skills. RESULTS: The Pilot Program indicates the following summative data of services during 64 days of care: 676 adult dental procedures, 65 pediatric procedures, 741 total procedures at a value of $35,459.00 were provided to the community. Sixty-three Hispanic diabetic patients ranging in age from 20 to 80 with periodontal disease were treated. Results indicated that 42% of the patients had never had their teeth cleaned and 28% either had their teeth cleaned more than 10 years ago or did not remember their last cleaning. Findings indicate that males had a higher percentage of partial edentualism as compared to females. Additional qualitative results revealed the experience instilled in the students higher awareness of social responsibility and continued service to underserved Hispanic communities. CONCLUSION: The impact of a dental hygiene externship provides a valuable experience to the students, patients, and the community served. FUNDING: This pilot program was supported by the Center for South TX Programs, Laredo Initiative, University of TX HSC-San Antonio, #120834.
M. DE LA TORRE*, J. WALLACE, C. NGUYEN, M. TREVINO, C. CAVAZOS, D. AGUERO, R. MORALES, D. CLERC, A. LUNA, and B. VARGAS (University of TX HSC-San Antonio & Gateway Community Health Center, Inc. Laredo, TX).
OBJECTIVE: Increase access to oral health care among individuals living in Webb County, Texas. The focus was also for Dental Hygiene students to learn about socio-cultural issues and health disparities along the Texas-Mexico border region while providing oral health care in a culturally competent manner. METHODS: During the Summer of 2005 three students were selected to participate in the pilot Dental Hygiene Service Learning Externship (DHSLE) Model program designed to provide access to oral health care services to adult Hispanic diabetic patients. The students provided preventive therapeutic services and patient education to adult clients enrolled in the Community Diabetes Service Project at Gateway Community Health Center. Students attended public health lectures and field experiences by the South Texas Environmental Education Research program in order to augment the development of their oral health promotion and disease prevention skills. RESULTS: The Pilot Program indicates the following summative data of services during 64 days of care: 676 adult dental procedures, 65 pediatric procedures, 741 total procedures at a value of $35,459.00 were provided to the community. Sixty-three Hispanic diabetic patients ranging in age from 20 to 80 with periodontal disease were treated. Results indicated that 42% of the patients had never had their teeth cleaned and 28% either had their teeth cleaned more than 10 years ago or did not remember their last cleaning. Findings indicate that males had a higher percentage of partial edentualism as compared to females. Additional qualitative results revealed the experience instilled in the students higher awareness of social responsibility and continued service to underserved Hispanic communities. CONCLUSION: The impact of a dental hygiene externship provides a valuable experience to the students, patients, and the community served. FUNDING: This pilot program was supported by the Center for South TX Programs, Laredo Initiative, University of TX HSC-San Antonio, #120834.
9. Pyk2 Binds b1 Integrin After Integrin Activation in Neuronal Cultures
H. GARZA-MCCABE*, G. ZARDENETA, R. GOMEZ, S.B. MILAM
One of the most common types of orofacial pain is caused by temporomandibular-joint (TMJ) disorder. The mechanisms of orofacial pain are poorly understood. Previous results have shown that integrin receptors can modulate the affinity of opioid receptors for ligands, but it is not known how the signal from a stimulated integrin is transduced to the opiod receptor. Opioids, such as morphine derivatives are often used in dentistry for the treatment of orofacial pain. Here, we stimulated b1 integrin with blocking antibodies that were attached to ferromagnetic beads. An integrin is any of a family of heterodimeric cell-adhesion receptors, consisting of two noncovalently linked polypeptide chains, designated α and β. Objective: Does signal transduction from stimulated integrins occur via the protein pyk2 pathway, as judged by formation of a b1-pyk2-caveolin-1 supramolecular complex? Methods: Male rat trigeminal ganglion neuronal cultures (8 DIC) were stimulated with blocking b1 antibodies and the supramolecular complex was immunoprecipitated with antibodies against pyk2 and protein G agarose. Precipitated proteins were recovered from the antibody-agarose complex using low and high NaCl concentrations and analyzed by SDS-PAGE/ Western blot. Results: Supramolecular complexes isolated from cells treated with b1 blocking antibodies contained 7.9x and 2.4x more b1 in low (0.15M) and high (0.5M) NaCl extracts, respectively, than untreated cells, and 24.6x and 2.4x more caveolin-1 in low and high NaCl extracts, respectively, than untreated (control) cells. Conclusion: Stimulation with blocking antibodies of integrins containing a b1 chain results in a high affinity binding of b1 and caveolin-1 to pyk2, suggesting that the signal transduction pathway that leads to opioid receptor modulation involves the pyk2 pathway. This study was supported by UTHSCSA- Hispanic Center of Excellence- Dentistry and NIDCR grant P01DA016719.
H. GARZA-MCCABE*, G. ZARDENETA, R. GOMEZ, S.B. MILAM
One of the most common types of orofacial pain is caused by temporomandibular-joint (TMJ) disorder. The mechanisms of orofacial pain are poorly understood. Previous results have shown that integrin receptors can modulate the affinity of opioid receptors for ligands, but it is not known how the signal from a stimulated integrin is transduced to the opiod receptor. Opioids, such as morphine derivatives are often used in dentistry for the treatment of orofacial pain. Here, we stimulated b1 integrin with blocking antibodies that were attached to ferromagnetic beads. An integrin is any of a family of heterodimeric cell-adhesion receptors, consisting of two noncovalently linked polypeptide chains, designated α and β. Objective: Does signal transduction from stimulated integrins occur via the protein pyk2 pathway, as judged by formation of a b1-pyk2-caveolin-1 supramolecular complex? Methods: Male rat trigeminal ganglion neuronal cultures (8 DIC) were stimulated with blocking b1 antibodies and the supramolecular complex was immunoprecipitated with antibodies against pyk2 and protein G agarose. Precipitated proteins were recovered from the antibody-agarose complex using low and high NaCl concentrations and analyzed by SDS-PAGE/ Western blot. Results: Supramolecular complexes isolated from cells treated with b1 blocking antibodies contained 7.9x and 2.4x more b1 in low (0.15M) and high (0.5M) NaCl extracts, respectively, than untreated cells, and 24.6x and 2.4x more caveolin-1 in low and high NaCl extracts, respectively, than untreated (control) cells. Conclusion: Stimulation with blocking antibodies of integrins containing a b1 chain results in a high affinity binding of b1 and caveolin-1 to pyk2, suggesting that the signal transduction pathway that leads to opioid receptor modulation involves the pyk2 pathway. This study was supported by UTHSCSA- Hispanic Center of Excellence- Dentistry and NIDCR grant P01DA016719.
10. Parental Attitudes, Behavior, and Knowledge with Children’s Caries Experience
Mildred A. McClain, PhD., Professional Studies Department, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Clifford R. McClain, PhD., Department of Educational Leadership, College of Education, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
Anthony Paventy, Dental Student, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Aims— The aim of this study was to gather oral hygiene data on high-risk children in Nevada and to assess parental attitudes and knowledge concerning their children’s oral health.
Methods and Materials In February of 2004, oral health screenings were conducted among Pre-K (39), Kindergarten (95), and First grade (101) children at an elementary school in North Las Vegas. A total of 235 children, 127males and 108 females were screened by four examiners. Data collected for each child included visible plaque index (VPI), dmft (decayed, missing, filled, teeth) severity index, number of active decay sites, untreated decay, severity of decay and the dental needs (urgency of treatment) for each child. In addition, each child was given a treatment recommendation based on the severity of decay. Following the screening, surveys (written in English and Spanish) were distributed to all elementary children to be answered by their parents.
Results — The results from the screening show one out of seven (VPI 0 = 13%) children screened had entirely clean, plaque free teeth. Conversely almost one out of four (VPI 6 = 23%) children screened presented with plaque on all teeth. The Kindergarten children statistically showed a slight difference between the Pre-K and First graders both of which had lower plaque indexes. Parents showed a high level of oral health awareness among children with high prevalence of dental caries; therefore, oral health did not correlate with positive oral health attitudes or oral health education.
Conclusion— The oral health status of Nevada’s lower SES children requires that significant improvements be made if we are to reach the goals of Healthy People 2010. Future programs designed to better educate parents may not be as effective in controlling childhood caries, while programs designed to better motivate parents as well as create access to dentistry to meet children’s dental needs may be more useful in helping Nevada’s children.
Mildred A. McClain, PhD., Professional Studies Department, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Clifford R. McClain, PhD., Department of Educational Leadership, College of Education, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
Anthony Paventy, Dental Student, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Aims— The aim of this study was to gather oral hygiene data on high-risk children in Nevada and to assess parental attitudes and knowledge concerning their children’s oral health.
Methods and Materials In February of 2004, oral health screenings were conducted among Pre-K (39), Kindergarten (95), and First grade (101) children at an elementary school in North Las Vegas. A total of 235 children, 127males and 108 females were screened by four examiners. Data collected for each child included visible plaque index (VPI), dmft (decayed, missing, filled, teeth) severity index, number of active decay sites, untreated decay, severity of decay and the dental needs (urgency of treatment) for each child. In addition, each child was given a treatment recommendation based on the severity of decay. Following the screening, surveys (written in English and Spanish) were distributed to all elementary children to be answered by their parents.
Results — The results from the screening show one out of seven (VPI 0 = 13%) children screened had entirely clean, plaque free teeth. Conversely almost one out of four (VPI 6 = 23%) children screened presented with plaque on all teeth. The Kindergarten children statistically showed a slight difference between the Pre-K and First graders both of which had lower plaque indexes. Parents showed a high level of oral health awareness among children with high prevalence of dental caries; therefore, oral health did not correlate with positive oral health attitudes or oral health education.
Conclusion— The oral health status of Nevada’s lower SES children requires that significant improvements be made if we are to reach the goals of Healthy People 2010. Future programs designed to better educate parents may not be as effective in controlling childhood caries, while programs designed to better motivate parents as well as create access to dentistry to meet children’s dental needs may be more useful in helping Nevada’s children.