Developing an engaging and accessible clinical research training program for new investigators.

Clinicians who are interested in becoming principal investigators struggle to find and complete training that adequately prepares them to conduct safe, well-designed clinical and translational research. Degree programs covering these skills require a significant time investment, while online trainings lack engagement and may not be specific to local research contexts. Staff at Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute sought to fill the gap in junior investigator training by designing an eight-module, noncredit certificate program to teach aspiring clinician-investigators about good clinical practice, clinical research processes, and federal and local regulatory requirements.

A comparison of the caries risk between patients who use vapes or electronic cigarettes and those who do not: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Evidence on the potential oral health effects of vaping is scarce and there are limited data on possible links to both caries and periodontal disease. The authors assessed the association between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vape use and caries risk level. The Caries Management by Risk Assessment tool was used.

BigMouth: development and maintenance of a successful dental data repository.

Few clinical datasets exist in dentistry to conduct secondary research. Hence, a novel dental data repository called BigMouth was developed, which has grown to include 11 academic institutions contributing Electronic Health Record data on over 4.5 million patients.

Fluoride Content in Asian Produced Green Teas.

Background: This study determined the fluoride content of green tea from various parts of Asia, where green tea originates.

Methods: We brewed 2.5 g each of 4 types of green tea (from China, South Korea, Japan and Sri Lanka) using deionized water heated to boiling.

Clinical Response to COVID-19 and Utilization of an Emergency Dental Clinic in an Academic Institution.

Introduction: The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the spring of 2020 resulted in the temporary suspension of elective dental procedures and clinical dental education in academic institutions. This study describes the use of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine emergency dental clinic during the peak surge in COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, highlighting the number of endodontic emergencies.

Methods: Aggregate data from clinical encounters and call records to an emergency triage phone line from March 30 through May 8, 2020, were used to describe the characteristics of dental emergencies, clinical encounters, and procedures performed.

Exploratory analysis to enhance operational efficiency of new patient screenings.

Objective: The aims of this study were to 1) evaluate patient demographic data for new patient exams (NPE) and 2) analyze lead response time for checked-in and no-show appointments in predoctoral clinics in a dental school.

Methods: The data for the study were collected from the predoctoral clinics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) for patients with NPE appointments with American Dental Association's (ADA) diagnostic code of D100. A total of 26,826 appointments and 24,419 unique patients were reviewed from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019.

Special High-Risk Populations in Dentistry: The Adolescent Patient, the Elderly Patient, and the Woman of Childbearing Age.

Comprehensive and compassionate treatment of vulnerable patients is an important service to the community, although dental treatment of special populations can represent a challenge. The dental provider must be able to recognize the issues surrounding substance use and abuse, coordinate care with medical providers, and build a trusting provider-patient relationship to achieve success. Open conversations regarding expectations of pain, and the risks, benefits, and alternatives to opioids are important aspects of the best care of these patients.

Conducting Surveys in Dental Education Research: Guidelines and Reminders.

The use of surveys is popular in dental education research. However, designing and conducting a survey can have many pitfalls. This article aims to prepare a new researcher or one with little experience to undertake survey research.

A randomized controlled study to evaluate an experimental moisturizing mouthwash formulation in participants experiencing dry mouth symptoms.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of an experimental moisturizing mouthwash versus water only in participants experiencing dry mouth symptoms, including those with Sjögren syndrome (n = 28).

Study Design: Participants were randomized to the experimental mouthwash group (n = 53) or the water-only group (n = 47). For 8 days, the mouthwash group used 1 to 2 doses/day at home; both groups could sip water, as needed.

Development of Short-Form Versions of the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-Revised (SOAPP-R): A Proof-of-Principle Study.

Background: The Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-Revised (SOAPP-R) is a 24-item questionnaire designed to assess risk of aberrant medication-related behaviors in chronic pain patients. The introduction of short forms of the SOAPP-R may save time and increase utilization by practitioners.

Objective: To develop and evaluate candidate SOAPP-R short forms.

Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Use of Two Different Oxalate Products in Adults with Recession-Associated Dentin Hypersensitivity.

A randomized positively controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the durable effects of 1.5% oxalate strips on dentin hypersensitivity. Informed consent and baseline measurements were obtained from adults with recession and air-related dentin hypersensitivity.

Shortening the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-Revised (SOAPP-R): A Proof-of-Principle Study for Customized Computer-Based Testing.

Background: The Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-Revised (SOAPP-R) is a 24-item self-report instrument that was developed to aid providers in predicting aberrant medication-related behaviors among chronic pain patients. Although the SOAPP-R has garnered widespread use, certain patients may be dissuaded from taking it because of its length. Administrative barriers associated with lengthy questionnaires further limit its utility.

Comparison of the effect of two interdental cleaning devices around implants on the reduction of bleeding: a 30-day randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a water flosser in reducing the bleeding on probing (BOP) index around dental implants as compared to flossing.

Methods And Materials: Patients with implants were randomly assigned to one of two groups in this examiner-masked, single-center study. The study compared the efficacy of a manual toothbrush paired with either traditional string floss or a water flosser.

Two-year evaluation indicates zirconia bridges acceptable alternative to PFMs.

Objective: The aim of this in-vivo study was to evaluate the 2-year clinical performance of zirconia computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-generated bridges.

Methods: A total of 16 three- or four-unit Lava zirconia bridges were done on 15 subjects. The bridges were cemented using RelyX™ Unicem Self-Adhesive Universal Resin Cement.

Provisional materials: key components of interim fixed restorations.

Clinicians have many choices of provisional materials from which to choose when fabricating interim fixed restorations. While traditional materials are still in use today, temporary materials are continuously being updated and improved upon. In addition to the functional necessities required of the provisional material, it must also provide esthetic value for the patient.

Long-term use of 6.5% hydrogen peroxide bleaching strips on tetracycline stain: a clinical study.

Unlabelled: This study evaluated the clinical response following extended daily use of a trayless 6.5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) tooth bleaching gel in patients with tetracycline stains.

Materials And Methods: In this clinical trial, participants (N = 30) were assigned to a strip product following screening for tetracycline staining.