May family routines impact oral health in American children?

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the association between family routines and dental caries and self-rated oral health status.

Methods: Data from the 2020-2021 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) completed at United States were used. Our outcome variables were self-reported dental caries (yes/no) and poor oral health condition (yes/no).

Dental Caries and Preventive Dental Visits Among Children in the U.S.: The Impact of Race/Ethnicity and Immigration.

Introduction: National data on dental caries and dental service use among immigrant children in U.S. are limited.

Trends in dental visits among US adults from 1997 through 2019: Implications for policy reform.

Background: Examination of serial cross-sectional national surveys from a representative sample of the population can identify patterns and help support policy development.

Methods: The authors used data from the National Health Interview Survey on US adults reporting a dental visit in the past 12 months to examine trends from 1997 through 2019. Groups analyzed were based on sociodemographic factors including residence in a metropolitan statistical area, race and ethnicity, family income level, and geographic region.

The most common types of nontraumatic dental conditions among emergency department visits in North Carolina before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: This study aimed to identify the most common types of nontraumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the variations in the most common NTDCs by patient age groups and rural or urban locations and the impact of COVID-19 on emergency department (ED) visits for NTDCs in North Carolina.

Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective data analysis of ED data from the North Carolina Disease Event Tracking and Epidemiology Collection Tool. The authors estimated the proportions of NTDCs of all ED visits in 2019 and 2021 and ranked the proportions of the major categories of NTDCs by age groups and rural or urban locations.

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).

The use of teledentistry in clinical oral and maxillofacial pathology practice: an institutional experience.

Background: Although there has been a slight increase in dental professionals since 2011, 98 of North Carolina's 100 counties are designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas by the Heath Resources and Service Administration. This shortage significantly increases disparities and access to primary and specialized oral health care. Also, dental professionals in these remote locations may feel the access and referrals to oral and maxillofacial pathologists cumbersome.

Payment Methods and Demographics Influence Patterns of Dental Service Utilization.

Objective: To describe the patterns of specific dental service utilization among the various sociodemographic groups in North Carolina served by the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine (ECU SoDM).

Design: This was a descriptive study utilizing self-reported patients' sociodemographic information, payment method history, and CDT codes of procedures performed. Deidentified clinical data recorded for 26 710 patients and 534 983 procedures from 2011 to 2020 were extracted from a centralized axiUm database.

Association between low fluoride exposure and children's intelligence: a meta-analysis relevant to community water fluoridation.

Objectives: Previous meta-analyses have mainly focused on studies conducted in endemic fluorosis areas with relatively high fluoride concentrations. These are impoverished rural communities in China, India, and Iran, and the findings cannot be generalised to developed countries. Therefore, we investigated the association between fluoride concentrations relevant to community water fluoridation and children's cognition measured with IQ scores by synthesising effect sizes reported in observational studies.

Racial/ethnic disparities in preventive dental services use and dental caries among children.

Objective: To assess disparities in preventive dental service use in four major racial/ethnic groups and assess whether racial/ethnic and income-related disparities among children were reduced from 2016 to 2020.

Methods: Data were from the 2016 and 2020 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). The outcomes of interest were having dental sealants, fluoride treatment, and dental caries in the past 12 months.

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.

Rural-Urban Differences in Use of Dental Services and Procedures Among Medicare Beneficiaries in 2018.

Objective: Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas may face challenges in access to dental care. This study assessed rural-urban differences in the use of dental services and dental procedures by Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods: We obtained data from the 2018 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey cost and use files.

High sugar intake from sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with prevalence of untreated decay in US adults: NHANES 2013-2016.

Objectives: To assess the association between sugar from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and untreated decay in permanent teeth and calculate the cost burden of sugar from SSBs on untreated decay in US adults.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from the 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analysed in 2020 (n = 9001 adults aged ≥20). Multivariable analyses assessed sugar intake from SSB consumption with the presence of untreated decay in permanent teeth and number of untreated decayed teeth.

Collaborating and teaching a synchronous, multi-university, virtual course: Health policy and access to dental care.

Purpose: In response to COVID-19, dental educators have been tasked with maintaining the quality of education while reducing cost, increasing efficiency, and leveraging technology.

Methods: This collaborative, multisite virtual health policy course used the Staged Self-Directed Learning Model (SSDL) to lead a diverse group of students studying health policy. Twelve Core sessions were offered with three additional sessions in August or December for a total of 15 total synchronous Zoom sessions that covered policy issues on supply, demand, and need for dental care.

A Technical Assistance Curriculum for Expanding Sustainable School-Based Oral Health Programs in the Carolinas' Dental Safety Net.

Purpose: School-based oral health programs (SBOHPs) provide opportunities to address oral health inequities by providing convenient access points for care. No published guidelines on SBOHP implementation existed. Our work describes how philanthropic, public, and academic organizations partnered to support dental safety net providers with designing comprehensive SBOHPs in North and South Carolina.

County-level correlates of dental service utilization for low income pregnant women. Ecologic study of the North Carolina Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW) program.

Background: Dental care utilization for low income pregnant women is met with challenges in the traditional dentist-centered model of care. County-level measures provide insights for policy and roles for stakeholders that extend beyond the dentist-patient relationship. We examined county-level data to generate hypotheses about factors that influence utilization of dental services in North Carolina's Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW) program.

Risk Indicators of Urgent and Extensive Dental Treatment Needs in U.S. Air Force Recruits.

Introduction: Dental Readiness Classifications (DRCs) enable the Military Health System to prioritize dental care in garrison, minimizing dental emergencies and mission degradation during deployments. Over half (52.4%) of 2008 military recruits presented with high-priority urgent needs classified as DRC3 upon initial dental examination and 18.

Rural-Urban Differences in Dental Service Utilization and Dental Service Procedures Received Among US Adults: Results From the 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

Purpose: To assess rural-urban differences in dental service use and procedures and to explore the interaction effects of individual- and county-level factors on having dental service use and procedures.

Methods: Data were from the 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). We assessed rural-urban differences in 3 outcome variables: number of dental visits (1, 2, or 3+ visits), preventive care procedures (Yes/No), and treatment procedures (Yes/No).

Trends of children being given advice for dental checkups and having a dental visit in the United States: 2001-2016.

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to describe trends of children being given dental checkup advice by primary care providers (PCPs) and having dental visits and to assess factors associated with being given dental checkup advice and having a dental visit.

Methods: Data were from the annual, cross-sectional Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2001 to 2016. The sample included 126,773 children ages 2-17 years.

Integrating Oral Health Care Services Within Medicare.

The idea of a Medicare oral health benefit is attracting attention. Models for care that focus on screening, prevention, and early intervention have been developed. East Carolina University's Community Service Learning Centers are well-positioned to work with community partners to extend care to older adults in rural areas.

Does water fluoridation affect the prevalence of enamel fluorosis differently among racial and ethnic groups?

Objectives: There are reports showing higher prevalence of enamel fluorosis among African-American children. This study was conducted to assess whether the effect of water fluoride level on enamel fluorosis is different among different race/ethnicity groups among US school children.

Methods: Data from the National Survey of Oral Health of US School Children 1986-1987 were analyzed to determine the prevalence of enamel fluorosis among 7-17 year-old children.

Does fluoride in drinking water delay tooth eruption?

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to determine the effect of fluoride exposure on permanent tooth eruption patterns as well as to understand its effect on caries attack rate by accounting for the number of erupted tooth surfaces.

Methods: We analyzed data from the 1986-1987 National Survey of Oral Health of US Schoolchildren to determine the mean number of erupted permanent teeth and permanent first molars according to fluoride level in drinking water. The analysis included 13,348 children aged 5-17 years with a history of single residence.

Diabetes and tooth loss: an analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2004.

Background: The authors conducted an analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to understand the association between diabetes and tooth loss in the United States.

Methods: The authors analyzed the oral examination and self-reported diabetes data obtained from the NHANES 2003-2004 cycle and included 2,508 participants representing a civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S.

Early childhood caries-related visits to emergency departments and ambulatory surgery facilities and associated charges in New York state.

Background: The authors assessed the extent of early childhood caries- (ECC-) related visits to emergency departments (EDs) and ambulatory surgery facilities (ASFs) in children younger than 6 years and associated treatment charges in New York state from 2004 through 2008.

Methods: The authors obtained data from the New York state's Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (Albany) and calculated descriptive statistics and rates according to selected indicators, as well as total and average per-visit treatment charges.

Results: From 2004 through 2008, the number of ECC-related visits to EDs and ASFs increased by 349 and 1,039, respectively.