Improving predoctoral education related to caries risk assessment in adults.

Objectives: This project examined patterns of adult patient management using a caries risk assessment (CRA) protocol at East Carolina University, School of Dental Medicine. Usage of the CRA protocol from 2014 to 2019 was assessed. Non-operative anti-caries treatments were measured against caries risk status (high, moderate, low, or none).

Racial and ethnic disparities in periodontal health among adults seeking dental care in rural North Carolina communities: A retrospective study.

Background: Population studies consistently demonstrate a greater prevalence of chronic diseases, including oral diseases, among underrepresented minorities. This retrospective study aimed to measure and describe the prevalence and extent of periodontitis among adults seeking dental care within an academic practice-based network in rural North Carolina.

Methods: This study used de-identified electronic health record (EHR) data from 2011 to 2017 of adult dentate patients (aged ≥30 years) seeking dental care who received a comprehensive periodontal examination at one of nine networked clinical centers.

Comparison of CBCT Prescriptions among Different Campuses of East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.

Objectives: East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine (ECU SoDM) has established a unique education model that delivers the dental curriculum through student rotations at community service learning centers (CSLCs) in underserved areas across North Carolina in their senior year. The objective of the study is to analyze the patient composition and CBCT prescription patterns at the main campus (Ross Hall) and eight CSLCs, to determine if students have comparable training at various sites.

Methods: CBCTs taken at ECU SoDM in 2017-2021 were evaluated.

Use of the Dental Electronic Health Record for Research: Assessing Demographic and Oral Health Characteristics Data for Clinic Patients.

Dental schools in the United States increasingly emphasize community-based practice targeting underserved populations. However, the impact on target populations remains largely undocumented. East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine (ECU SoDM) developed an integrated electronic health record database that aggregates patient data from all clinics in the ECU SoDM system and enables longitudinal assessment of the impact of clinical care on oral health outcomes.

Conditional survival of heart failure patients after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Aims: Conditional survival is defined as the probability of surviving an additional number of years beyond that already survived. The aim of this study was to estimate conditional survival in heart failure patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: Heart failure patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing first-time, isolated CABG between 1992 and 2011 were included in this study.