Project USAP 2010: Use of Sedative Agents in Pediatric Dentistry-a 25-year Follow-up Survey.

Purpose: A 25-year follow-up survey was conducted among members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to explore changes in the use of sedative agents.

Methods: The survey was conducted in the winter of 2010 via an email LISTSERV of active members of the AAPD in the United States. The survey targeted demographics of participants and issues related to their use of sedation.

In vitro evaluation of the Spectra early caries detection system.

Objective: The goal of this study was to perform an in vitro evaluation of the Spectra, a new caries detector that uses light-induced fluorescence of healthy tooth structure and bacterial pigments to optically detect caries. The Spectra generates a storable color map image of examined tooth surfaces which shows areas of enamel and dentin caries. In this study, Spectra readings of occlusal surfaces were compared to clinical, radiographic, and histological assessments of caries.

Attitudes of pediatric dentists toward parental presence during dental treatment of children.

Background: This study was performed to examine the current attitudes of pediatric dentists in the United States toward the presence of parents in the dental operatory during dental treatment for their children.

Methods: E-mail letters were sent to the 1516 American pediatric dentists listed in the directory of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Respondents were directed to follow a hyperlink provided in the e-mail letter to a website containing survey questions.