Examining self-efficacy among recent graduates of postgraduate dental education programs.

Purpose: To examine the perceived self-efficacy of dentists who recently completed Graduate Dental Education (GDE) programs and identify how closely it aligns with their supervisors' assessments of them. Self-efficacy has been associated with academic pursuits, motivation, and engagement, which may affect how dental providers practice, seek continuing education, and pursue future opportunities.  METHODS: Recent graduates of military GDE programs rated their self-efficacy on specific tasks within each of the seven domains of dental competencies.

Comparing Military and Civilian Dentists' Treatment Planning Decisions: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Clinical decision-making varies among dentists. However, the literature is limited and narrow in scope regarding the variation between public and private sector dentists. Because both types of dentists' decisions can directly influence military dental readiness, it is important to understand the potential differences in diagnosis, treatment planning, and the delivery of care.

Assessing the Use of Radiographs Alone to Determine Air Force Dental Readiness Classification.

Introduction: The Air Force Dental Service is responsible for ensuring that airmen are dentally ready to support military operations worldwide by delivering top-tier dental care. As the military healthcare landscape undergoes significant changes, the Air Force Dental Service has explored innovative approaches to dental care delivery. One consideration involves the potential use of radiographs as the primary tool for assessing service members' dental conditions, specifically focusing on identifying nondeployable conditions and periodontal health.

Oral health risk factors and overall dental treatment needs for incoming air force recruits.

Objective: To determine if relationships exist between the total dental treatment needs of incoming Air Force recruits and non-clincal demographic and oral-health related factors.

Methods: Data from the 2018 Air Force Recruit Oral Health Study (ROHS) was used, an anonymized sample of 1330 AF recruits that included a comprehensive oral exam and survey collecting demographic and oral health behavior information. The primary outcome variable was the total number of dental treatment needs for recruits, and independent predictor variables included select socio-demographic factors and wellness behaviors.

Dual use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco among active duty service members in the US military.

The high prevalence of dual use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is a unique tobacco use behavior in the US military population. However, dual tobacco use has rarely been addressed in active duty populations. We aimed to identify factors contributing to dual tobacco use among active duty service members from Army and Air Force.

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.

Dental Caries Risk in the U.S. Air Force: 2009 to 2017.

Introduction: The Air Force uses dental caries risk assessments (CRA) to determine which active duty Air Force (ADAF) members are at high caries risk (HCR) and will benefit from additional preventive and restorative dental care. The purpose of this study is to describe the caries risk of ADAF from 2009 to 2017 and determine how demographic, military, and tobacco-use characteristics affect caries risk.

Materials And Methods: Data from ~300,000 ADAF annual dental examinations from 2009 to 2017 were used.

Electronic Cigarette Use and Related Factors among Active Duty Service Members in the U.S. Military.

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are increasingly used in the U.S.A.

Determinants of receiving intravenous sedation in a sample of dentally-fearful patients in the USA.

Dental fear may be the most common reason for referral for intravenous sedation. Intravenous sedation offers many patients an opportunity to obtain needed dental care. However, intravenous sedation also has costs and may not help patients overcome their fear.