Assessment and maintenance of dental implants: clinical and knowledge-seeking practices of dental hygienists.

Purpose: This study surveyed dental hygienists in order to assess their routine approach for dental implant maintenance and to determine if a relationship exists between the formal education of dental hygienists and their previous attendance and interest in future implant related continuing education courses.

Methods: A survey was distributed to dental hygienists attending an annual national continuing education course. Participants voluntarily completed and submitted their survey before the end of the first day of the 3 day course.

Predictors of success in dental hygiene education: a follow-up study.

Purpose: In 2002, a 6 year review of dental hygiene graduates from the Medical College of Georgia (1996 through 2001) was conducted to determine which criteria were the best predictors of success. Success was defined in terms of National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) score and dental hygiene GPA at graduation. The purpose of this follow-up study was to determine if a relationship exists between predicted success (using 2002 models) and actual success of entry-level baccalaureate degree students who graduated from 2002 through 2007.

Comparison of two low sensitivity whiteners.

Purpose: To evaluate two commercially available doctor-supplied, patient-applied, bleaching systems for their ability to whiten the maxillary anterior teeth while at the same time not causing sensitivity.

Methods: 46 participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: One group received Rembrandt Xtra-Comfort and the other group Nite White Excel 2Z. Bleaching stents were fabricated and the bleaching systems were used following manufacturers' instructions.

Duration and timing of sensitivity related to bleaching.

Problem: Reports of sensitivity vary greatly from one study to another, probably because studies are small. Generally, only the percentage of subjects is reported.

Purpose: This study reports sensitivity using a large database.

Prevalence and severity of hypertension in a dental hygiene clinic.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of hypertension in a dental hygiene clinic and evaluate factors related to the disease.

Methods And Materials: Records of 615 patients, treated by dental hygiene students during 2003, were reviewed. Data collected included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, presence of diabetes and renal disease, non-modifiers (race, gender, and age), and modifiers (marital status, smoking habits, and occupation).

Performance of 2 packable composites at 12 months.

Objective: The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was to compare the marginal seal of 2 packable resin composite materials in moderate to large lesions on molars.

Method And Materials: Fifty participants in need of a moderate to large Class 2 or complex Class 1 molar restoration were randomly distributed into 4 groups, to receive either Alert (Jeneric/Pentron) or SureFil (Dentsply/Caulk) resin composite with or without a surface sealer. Each participant received one restoration.

Clinical evaluation of a 3% hydrogen peroxide tooth-whitening gel.

Purpose: The purpose of this randomized double-blind investigation was to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of a commercially available 3% hydrogen peroxide tooth-whitening material (ADS Tooth Whitening Gel, Applied Dental Sciences, Inc., Lee, MA). The material was used over 2 weeks in a dentist-supervised, patient-applied application.

Predictors of success in dental hygiene education: a six-year review.

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive reliability of incoming grade point average (GPA), incoming math/science GPA, and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores in predicting success in dental hygiene education. Success in dental hygiene education was defined in terms of Dental Hygiene National Board score (N-BRD) and dental hygiene GPA at graduation (DH-GPA). Academic transcripts and admissions documents of 134 students comprising the Medical College of Georgia dental hygiene classes of 1996-2001 were reviewed.

Sensitivity and tooth whitening agents.

Purpose: Three commercially available dentist-prescribed home-applied bleaching systems were evaluated to identify the incidence of sensitivity and to compare the efficacy of whitening the maxillary anterior teeth of 18 patients.

Methods: NiteWhite Excel 2Z (Discus Dental), fx (Challenge Products), and Rembrandt Xtra-Comfort (DenMat Corp.) were randomly assigned to six patients each.