Characterizing Socioeconomic Inequalities in Professionally Applied Topical Fluoride Treatment Courses in Schoolchildren from a Developing Country

The objective of the present study was to characterize socioeconomic inequalities in the patterns of professionally applied topical fluoride (PATF) in Mexican schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 3029 Mexican schoolchildren. A questionnaire was administered to caregivers to determine sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables. The dependent variable was prevalence of PATF, coded as 0 = without PATF and 1 = with PATF, at any point in life, and separately, in the previous year. Various indicators of socioeconomic position were included. Logistic regression was used in the final multivariate analysis. The prevalence of PATF any time in life was 33.8%, while in the previous year it was 11.4%. The variables associated (p < 0.05) with PATF any time in life were child's older age (OR = 1.12), older age when tooth brushing started (OR = 1.57), higher brushing frequency (OR = 1.60), having health insurance [public (OR = 1.61) or private (OR = 1.45)], if family owned a car (OR = 1.29) and better socioeconomic position [parents' education, second (OR = 1.48) and third (OR = 1.75) tertile]. For PATF in the previous year, the variables associated were older age of mother (OR = 1.03), older age when tooth brushing started (OR = 1.99), higher brushing frequency (OR = 1.68), having health insurance [public (OR = 1.62)] and better socioeconomic position (parents' education, second (OR = 1.57) and third (OR = 1.97) tertile). This study suggests the existence of socioeconomic inequalities in PATF, manifested through socioeconomic position, access to health insurance and household having a car. Identifying and addressing PATF inequalities would improve oral health in the child population.

Experience and Prevalence of Dental Caries in 6 to 12-Year-Old School Children in an Agricultural Community: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the experience and prevalence of dental caries in schoolchildren aged 6-12 years belonging to agricultural manual worker households.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in two groups of schoolchildren: One considered "children of agricultural worker migrant parents" (n = 157) and the other "children of agricultural worker non-migrant parents" (n = 164). Epidemiological indices for dental caries were calculated for primary (dmft) and permanent (DMFT) dentitions, and compared in terms of age, sex, and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (SOHI). Two binary logistic regression models for caries prevalence in primary and permanent dentitions were generated in Stata.

RESULTS

For primary dentition, we observed the following dmft index: Non-migrants = 1.73 ± 2.18 vs. migrants = 1.68 ± 2.14. Additionally, we recorded the following caries prevalence: Non-migrants = 59.1% vs. migrants = 51.3%. For permanent dentition, we observed the following DMFT index: Non-migrants = 0.32 ± 0.81 vs. migrants = 0.29 ± 0.95. Further, we recorded the following caries prevalence: Non-migrants = 17.6% vs. migrants = 12.8%. No differences were observed for either dentition (p > 0.05) in caries indices and their components or in caries prevalence. When both caries indices (dmft and DMFT) were combined, the non-migrant group had a higher level of caries experience than the migrant group (p < 0.05). No relationship (p > 0.05) with migrant status was observed in either multivariate models of caries prevalence. However, age did exhibit an association (p < 0.05) with caries. Only the plaque component of SOHI was associated (p < 0.05) with caries in permanent dentition.

CONCLUSIONS

Although over half of school children from agricultural manual worker households had caries in either or both dentitions and a considerable proportion were untreated lesions, the prevalence levels were somewhat lower than other reports from Mexico in similar age groups. No statistically significant differences were found in caries experience or prevalence in either dentition between non-migrant and migrant groups.

Long-term effects of a toddler-focused caries prevention programme among Northwestern US tribal children: The TOTS-to-Tweens study

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether American Indian tribe-based interventions that successfully prevented toddler dental caries in a 2005 cohort study (the Toddler Overweight and Tooth Decay Prevention Study, or TOTS) influenced the prevalence of dental caries in children ages 11 to 13 in the same communities ten years later (the TOTS-to-Tweens study).

METHODS

We recruited original TOTS participants and conducted school- and community-based dental screenings at tribal communities that received family plus community-wide interventions (F + CW), community interventions only (CW) or were control communities. We also enrolled children who did not participate in TOTS, but were exposed to CW interventions or to the control environment. Trained clinicians examined children's teeth and recorded whether each tooth was decayed, missing or filled (DMFT). We calculated DMFT scores for each child and evaluated differences in DMFT incidence rate ratios (IRR) and components of DMFT by intervention group.

RESULTS

We observed lower age- and sex-adjusted DMFT scores among F + CW children (a mean of 2.1 DMFT; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-2.7) and among CW children (2.2; 95% CI: 1.9-2.6), than control children (3.0; 95% CI: 2.3-3.7). The F + CW group had 32% lower DMFT scores than control children (IRR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.46-1.01), and CW children had 26% lower DMFT scores than control (IRR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55-1.00). The proportion of children with filled teeth was higher in control than intervention communities (37.9% in F + CW, 47.1% in CW, and 67.1% in control, P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest modest yet significant long-term effects of interventions that prevented toddler dental caries on the DMFT scores of tweens evaluated ten years later. Further study of effective interventions and their sustainability is clearly warranted among tribal children, who remain at high risk for dental caries.

Longevity of Primary Anterior Crown Restorations: A Retrospective Dental Claim Analysis

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to: (1) examine the longevity of resin crowns (RCs), pre-veneered stainless steel crowns (PVSSCs), and stainless steel crowns (SSCs) in primary maxillary incisors in a nationwide sample of private insurance claims; and (2) explore whether longer survival rates are related to the type of treating practitioner.<br/> Methods: Private dental insurance claims were obtained from a national data warehouse. The paid insurance claims (2005 to 2016) included the treatment provided, number of teeth treated at an appointment, patient's age, and type of dentist.<br/> Results: All three restoration types had acceptable longevity; however, SSCs and PVSSCs had significantly better longevity than RCs, with no significant difference in longevity between SSCs and PVSSC. The most common restoration of choice was SSCs (48 percent), followed by RCs (29.8 percent) and PVSSCs (22.2 percent).<br/> Conclusion: SSCs and PVSSCs had greater longevity than resin crowns. The survival rate after six years was higher than 90 percent for all types of restorations. Teeth restored with SSCs lasted longer when placed by pediatric dentists than those placed by general dentists.

Dental pain and associated factors in Mexican adolescents and young adults: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To identify the factors associated with the prevalence of dental pain in Mexican adolescents and young adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study in which data from 638 Mexican subjects, 16-25 years of age, who were randomly selected from college applicants, were analysed. Questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic, economic and behavioural variables. Clinical examinations were carried out to determine the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The outcome variable was dichotomised as 0 (no dental pain in the last 12 months) or 1 (dental pain in the last 12 months). Statistical analyses included binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Average age was 18.76 ± 1.76 years, and 49.2% of participants were women. Prevalence of dental pain was 34.0%. In the final model, variables significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the experience of dental pain were the use of preventive dental services (OR = 0.34), being a former smoker (OR = 2.37), self-report of very poor/poor oral health (OR = 1.94) or fair oral health (OR = 1.94), self-reported dental disease (OR = 2.06) or gingival disease (OR = 2.84).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of dental pain was associated with self-reported oral health status, preventive dental visits and smoking; these results have implications for dental practice. We found that recent experience of dental pain was common in young adults, being reported by one out of three subjects.

Cross-Sectional Association between Behaviors Related to Sugar-Containing Foods and Dental Outcomes among Hispanic Immigrants

A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was used to gather information about dental outcomes, sugar-containing food behaviors and intake, and sociodemographic characteristics of adults of Mexican and Central-American (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras) origin (n = 517). Bivariate and multiple-variable logistic regressions were used to examine the associations of behaviors related to added sugar-containing foods/beverages (overall intake and consumption before bed) with dental outcomes. Outcome measures involved dental outcomes, dental self-care practices, and added sugar intake. Estimated daily added sugar intake among all participants was 98 (SD = 99) g, with no difference in consumption among participants from different countries. The majority of added sugar (63 (SD = 74) g) was provided by sugar-sweetened beverages. Participants who reported consuming sugar-containing foods or beverages within an hour before bed were more likely to report having a fair/poor/very poor condition of teeth and gums and having felt dental pain (p < 0.05 for all). The amount of sugar intake was associated with being prescribed medication for oral or dental problems (p = 0.008) and dental pain (p = 0.003). Findings support the association between sugar containing food–related behaviors and dental problems among Hispanic immigrants to the U.S. Health promotion and preventive interventions for this population should consider these behaviors as modifiable contributors to adverse dental outcomes.

Ecological study on needs and cost of treatment for dental caries in schoolchildren aged 6, 12, and 15 years: Data from a national survey in Mexico

To determine the treatment needs and the care index for dental caries in the primary dentition and permanent dentition of schoolchildren and to quantify the cost of care that would represent the treatment of dental caries in Mexico.A secondary analysis of data from the First National Caries Survey was conducted, which was a cross-sectional study conducted in the 32 states of Mexico. Based on dmft (average number of decayed, extracted, and filled teeth in the primary dentition) and DMFT (average number of decayed, extracted, and filled teeth in permanent dentition) information, a treatment needs index (TNI) and a caries care index (CI) were calculated.At age 6, the TNI for the primary dentition ranged from 81.7% to 99.5% and the CI ranged from 0.5% to 17.6%. In the permanent dentition, the TNI ranged from 58.8% to 100%, and the CI ranged from 0.0% to 41.2%. At age 12, the TNI ranged from 55.4% to 93.4%, and the CI ranged from 6.5% to 43.4%. At age 15, the TNI ranged from 50.4% to 98.4%, and the CI ranged from 1.4% to 48.3%. The total cost of treatment at 6 years of age was estimated to range from a purchasing power parity (PPP) of USD $49.1 to 287.7 million in the primary dentition, and from a PPP of USD $3.7 to 24 million in the permanent dentition. For the treatment of the permanent dentition of 12-year-olds, the PPP ranged from USD $13.3 to 85.4 million. The estimated cost of treatment of the permanent dentition of the 15-year-olds ranged from a PPP of USD $10.9 to 70.3 million. The total estimated cost of caries treatment ranged from a PPP of USD $77.1 to 499.6 million, depending on the type of treatment and provider (public or private).High percentages of TNI for dental caries and low CI values were observed. The estimated costs associated with the treatment for caries have an impact because they represent a considerable percentage of the total health expenditure in Mexico.

Are dental patients able to perceive erosive tooth wear on anterior teeth?: An internet-based survey assessing awareness and related action

BACKGROUND

Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is irreversible loss of dental hard tissue. The authors examined patients' ability to recognize ETW relative to sound teeth and teeth with caries.

METHODS

Using Amazon's crowdsourcing service, the authors recruited participants (N = 623) to view standardized images of buccal surfaces of teeth (sound, ETW, or caries). Participants reported whether a dental condition existed (yes or no), likelihood to seek care, and esthetic attractiveness for teeth with no, initial, moderate, or severe signs of ETW or caries.

RESULTS

Dental patients showed poor recognition of cases of ETW, especially compared with sound and caries-affected teeth at each level of severity. Patients were less likely to schedule a dental appointment for care or treatment of teeth with ETW than for teeth with caries at each level of severity. Patients also found ETW more esthetically attractive than caries at each level of severity and found initial ETW more attractive than sound teeth.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental patients struggle to recognize ETW, in general and compared with caries, at each level of severity and particularly for early stages of ETW. These recognition difficulties likely arise, in part, from tooth esthetic attractiveness standards (smooth and shiny teeth look more esthetic), possibly leading to lack of appropriate care-seeking behavior.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This internet-based tool may be used to assess dental patients' awareness and ability to recognize cases of ETW. Improved patient awareness might lead to seeking professional care to prevent or delay ETW progression.

Clinical and non-clinical variables associated with preventive and curative dental service utilisation: a cross-sectional study among adolescents and young adults in Central Mexico

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to identify preventive and curative dental health service utilisation (DHSU) in the context of associated clinical and non-clinical factors among adolescents and young adults in Mexico.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Applicants to a public university in Mexico.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 638 adolescents and young adults aged 16-25 randomly selected from university applicants.

INTERVENTIONS

Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire filled out by the students. For assessment of dental caries experience, we used the index of decayed, missing and filled teeth.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

The dependent variable was DHSU in the previous 12 months, coded as 0=non-use, 1=use of curative services and 2=use of preventive services.

RESULTS

The mean age was 18.76±1.76 years, and 49.2% were women. The prevalence of DHSU was 40.9% (95% CI 37.1 to 44.8) for curative services and 22.9% (95% CI 19.7 to 26.3) for preventive services. The variables associated with curative services were age, sex, mother's education, dental pain in the previous 12 months, caries experience, use of self-care devices and oral health knowledge. For preventive services, the variables associated were mother's education, dental pain in the previous 12 months, caries experience, use of self-care devices and self-perception of oral health.

CONCLUSIONS

While differences emerged by type of service, a number of variables (sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics as well as dental factors) remained in the final model. Greater oral health needs and socioeconomic inequalities remained as predictors of both types of DHSU. Given the differences revealed by our study, oral health policies should refer those seeking dental care for oral diseases to preventive services, and promote the use of such services among the poorer and less educated population groups.

Patient-Provider Language Concordance and Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Evidence Map, and Research Agenda

Although patient-provider language concordance has the potential to reduce health disparities for people with limited English proficiency, no previous work has synthesized this literature. Our systematic review sought to describe the characteristics of studies examining relationships between language concordance and health outcomes, summarize the nature of observed associations, and propose an evidence map and research agenda. A comprehensive search of published articles identified 38 quantitative studies for inclusion. Most studies were cross-sectional, conducted in primary care, concentrated in Western states, and focused on Spanish speakers and physician providers. Results were split between supporting a positive association versus no association of language concordance with patient behaviors, provider behaviors, interpersonal processes of care, and clinical outcomes. Several methodological limitations were identified. Based on these results, we developed an evidence map, identified knowledge gaps, and proposed a research agenda. There is a particular need for quasi-experimental longitudinal studies with well-characterized samples.

Out-Of-Pocket Expenditures on Dental Care for Schoolchildren Aged 6 to 12 Years: A Cross-Sectional Estimate in a Less-Developed Country Setting

Aim: The objective of this study was to estimate the Out-Of-Pocket Expenditures (OOPEs) incurred by households on dental care, as well as to analyze the sociodemographic, economic, and oral health factors associated with such expenditures. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 763 schoolchildren in Mexico. A questionnaire was distributed to parents to determine the variables related to OOPEs on dental care. The amounts were updated in 2017 in Mexican pesos and later converted to 2017 international dollars (purchasing power parities-PPP US $). Multivariate models were created: a linear regression model (which modeled the amount of OOPEs), and a logistic regression model (which modeled the likelihood of incurring OOPEs). Results: The OOPEs on dental care for the 763 schoolchildren were PPP US $53,578, averaging a PPP of US $70.2 ± 123.7 per child. Disbursements for treatment were the principal item within the OOPEs. The factors associated with OOPEs were the child's age, number of dental visits, previous dental pain, main reason for dental visit, educational level of mother, type of health insurance, household car ownership, and socioeconomic position. Conclusions: The average cost of dental care was PPP US $70.2 ± 123.7. Our study shows that households with higher school-aged children exhibiting the highest report of dental morbidity-as well as those without insurance-face the highest OOPEs. An array of variables were associated with higher expenditures. In general, higher-income households spent more on dental care. However, the present study did not estimate unmet needs across the socioeconomic gradient, and thus, future research is needed to fully ascertain disease burden.

The VidaSana Study: Recruitment Strategies for Longitudinal Assessment of Egocentric Hispanic Immigrant Networks

We disseminate the recruitment strategies used in the five-year VidaSana study (started in 2017) in the Midwest region of the United States, targeting recently arrived Hispanic immigrants. VidaSana aims to follow immigrants within six months of arrival for 24 months to (1) characterize features of networks (personal and community) that improve or undermine dental health; and (2) further refine methods to quantify the evolution of egocentric networks, using social network methodology. We implemented several strategies to promote and recruit potential participants into the study. We collaborate with agents serving Indiana's Hispanic communities using three levels of visibility. The broad level includes radio advertisements, TV interviews, newspaper advertisements, and targeted Facebook advertisements. Intermediate level visibility includes posting flyers in schools, employment agencies, immigrant welcome centers, and Hispanic businesses; making announcements at church/temple and school events; tabling at community, church and school events; and a pervasive adaptation of our strategies to the requirements of our partners. Lastly, the individualized level includes direct referrals by partners through word of mouth. From the initial 13 months of recruitment (494 screened contacts and 202 recruited participants), the most successful recruitment strategies appear to be a combination of intermediate- and individual-level strategies; specifically, face-to-face recruitment at school events, direct referrals from our community partners, and tabling at community/school/church events. The current interim findings and future final findings will help guide recruitment and retention strategies for studies focused on immigrants in the current climate of heightened immigration regulations and enforcement.

Association of added sugar intake and caries-related experiences among individuals of Mexican origin

OBJECTIVE

Determine the association between key dental outcomes and added sugar intake using a survey instrument to assess added sugars, which was specifically tailored to immigrant and US-born adults of Mexican origin.

METHODS

Hispanic adults of Mexican origin (n = 326; 36.2 ± 12.1 years) completed a self-administered survey to gather acculturation, self-reported dental experiences and self-care practices (eg brushing, flossing, pain, bleeding gums), and socio-demographic information. The survey included a culturally tailored 22-item Added Sugar Intake Estimate (ASIE) that assessed added sugar intake from processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages in a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire format. Linear regression, 2-sample t test, and ANOVA were used to evaluate associations of demographic and dental outcomes with daily added sugar intake.

RESULTS

Of the mean total daily added sugar intake (99.6 ± 94.6 g), 36.5 ± 44.4 g was derived from sugar-containing foods and snacks, and 63.1 ± 68.2 g from beverages. Participants who reported greater added sugar intake were more likely to have reported the presence of a toothache in the preceding 12 months, having been prescribed antibiotics for dental reasons, being less likely to floss daily, have reported eating or drinking within 1 hour before bed and have lower psychological acculturation (P < .05 for all). Results were comparable when assessing intake from sugar-containing foods/snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed the association between added sugar intake and self-reported dental outcomes among adults of Mexican origin and points to an urgent need to improve dietary behaviours in this population.

Factors associated with seeking preventive dental care: an integrative model exploration of behaviors in Mexican immigrants in Midwest America

BACKGROUND

Mexican immigrants in the United States suffer from poor oral health. The objective of the current study was to explore the utility of applying theory-based factors associated with seeking preventive dental care in a sample of Mexican American adults.

METHODS

Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of a sample of 157 people of Mexican origin (64% female; age 34 ± 11 years) recruited primarily from church congregations and lay community organizations in Central Indiana. Using the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction as the guiding framework, structural equation modeling was used to test factors associated with intention to seek preventive dental care.

RESULTS

Attitude towards seeking preventive dental care (estimate = 0.37; p < .0001) and self-efficacy for seeking preventive dental care (estimate = 0.68; p < .0001) were associated with intention to seek preventive dental care. The association between dental beliefs and intention to seek preventive dental care was mediated by attitude and self-efficacy (indirect effect = 0.26, p = .002), and the association between past behavior and intention to seek preventive dental care was mediated by self-efficacy (indirect effect = 0.26, p = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that interventions to increase preventive dental care seeking behavior among Mexican Americans should focus on changing attitudes toward seeking preventive dental care and on increasing self-efficacy to seek preventive dental care. Findings also support the use of interventions to influence dental beliefs.

Use of Internet for General and Dental Health along Acculturation Features in a Sample of Mexican Americans

The objectives of this study were to explore self-reported Internet and electronic platforms used to search for and store medical and dental information among people of Mexican origin. A sample of adults self-identified as European American (250) and as Mexican American (255), residing in Central Indiana, answered a one-time survey that included technology use questions and measured acculturation via the Psychological-Behavioral Acculturation Scale. Overall use of information technologies was estimated through an Information and Communication Technology score. Overall, participants with higher scores searched online for general and oral health information at higher rates than those with lower scores. Younger Mexican Americans and those with higher use scores were more likely to search online for general health information, as were those more psychologically and behaviorally acculturated. Interestingly, Mexican Americans were more likely than European Americans to search online for dental health information. All participants demonstrated high interest in accessing and storing their own health information especially on paper format; storage in other places, such as personal computers, smartphones, or USB flash drives, was less endorsed. Most participants would allow spouses access to their health records; however, there were significant differences between both population groups regarding access given to physicians, dentists and other family members, with Mexican Americans reporting more restrictions. Our findings provide initial information on differential use pattern of electronic health resources among Mexican Americans and suggest that new information technologies reach population groups traditionally underserved; such features may help address disparities in general and dental health.

Prevalence of Functional Dentition in a Group of Mexican Adult Males

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of functional dentition and associated periodontal variables in a sample of Mexican adult males.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 161 policemen in Campeche, Mexico, was carried out. A clinical examination using an electronic probe was used to collect variables (dental plaque, periodontal pockets, gingival recession, suppuration, and bleeding on probing) on 6 periodontal sites (a maximum of 168 sites, excluding third molars). Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables were collected through a self-administered survey. Functional dentition was defined as having 21 or more natural teeth. Data were analyzed with STATA 11.0, using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Mean age was 38.3 (±10.9) years. The prevalence of having a functional dentition was 83.8% in the sample. The odds of having a functional dentition declined with age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93), having diabetes (OR = 0.27) and with having a high percentage of sites with plaque (OR = 0.77), with bleeding on probing (OR = 0.97), and with gingival recession (OR = 0.82).

CONCLUSION

While a large proportion of subjects had a functional dentition in this community-dwelling sample of adult Mexican males, the likelihood of their having a functional dentition decreased with age, with their having been diagnosed with diabetes, and with assorted negative indicators of periodontal/gingival status.

Prescription of Panoramic Radiographs in Children: A Health Services Assessment of Current Guidelines

PURPOSE

To (1) determine adherence to guidelines when prescribing panoramic radiographs (PR) for patients 18 y.o. and younger; and 2) compare PR prescriptions between general dentists (GPs) and pediatric dentists (PDs).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of insurance claims included codes for PRs and associated codes for two cities between 2008 and 2015. Chi-square tests ascertained the likelihood of a PR being associated within three days of routine exams.

RESULTS

A total of 81,699 pediatric patients were seen by 2,077 GPs and 103 PDs. There were 11,993 PRs, 119,068 routine exams (7,343 associated with a PR), 13,819 orthodontic procedures (378 associated with a PR), 798 third molar procedures (172 associated with a PR), and 16,636 procedures for acute problems (1,670 associated with a PR). Patients aged eight years old and younger had the largest discrepancy between GPs and PDs. GPs prescribed proportionally more films in patients five years old and younger, but PDs prescribed more in seven and eight year olds. Nine- to 18 year olds. had more similar patterns between GPs and PDs, except for 14- to 15 year olds, when GPs prescribed more.

CONCLUSIONS

GPs prescribed PR in patients younger than five years old more often and were somewhat less likely to follow guidelines.

Grand Challenges in Dental Informatics

When truly significant scientific challenges are overcome, it profoundly changes the daily activities, as well as the future research activities, of everyone involved in the related field. By identifying and describing the grand challenges facing a scientific field, we can help funding agencies identify and prioritize projects for support, stimulate and encourage new investigators to work on these intellectual and technological challenges, and help define the field itself. In this article, we present an informatics-oriented, future-patient-care scenario, then describe a series of applications and the related informatics grand challenges facing the dental field today. New techniques and technologies to help us overcome these challenges would facilitate the development of truly monumental applications, such as a comprehensive electronic oral health record, an automated dental treatment planning system for all diagnoses, or a system to profile patient risk for chronic oral diseases.

Contribution of prosthetic treatment considerations for dental extractions of permanent teeth

Background. Tooth loss is an easily identifiable outcome that summarizes a complex suite of factors in an individual's history of dental disease and its treatment by dental services over a lifetime. Assessment of overall tooth loss data is essential for epidemiologically evaluating the adequacy of dental care provided at a systems level, as well as for placing in context tooth loss for non-disease causes. For example, when derived from prosthetic treatment planning, the latter may unfortunately lead to some teeth being extracted (pulled) for the sake of better comprehensive clinical results. The objective of the present manuscript was to identify the contribution to overall tooth loss, by extraction of permanent teeth because of prosthetic treatment reasons. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study included sex, age, total number of extractions performed by subject, sextant (anterior vs. posterior), group of teeth (incisors, canines, premolars and molars), upper or lower arch, and the main reason underlying extraction (extraction for any reason vs. prosthetic treatment), in patients 18 years of age and older seeking care at a dental school clinic in Mexico. A multivariate logistic regression model was generated. Results. A total of 749 teeth were extracted in 331 patients; 161 teeth (21.5% of total) were extracted for explicit prosthetic treatment indications. As age increased, the likelihood of having an extraction for prosthetic reasons increased 3% (OR = 1.03, p < 0.001). Women (OR = 1.57, p < 0.05) were more likely to be in this situation, and molars (OR = 2.70, p < 0.001) were most at risk. As the total number of extractions increased, the risk of having an extraction for prosthetic reasons decreased (OR = 0.94, p < 0.05). Conclusions. A significant amount (21.5%) of the extractions of permanent teeth were performed for prosthetic reasons in this dental school clinical environment; age, sex, type of tooth, and the total number of extractions moderated such pattern.

Tooth-Loss Experience and Associated Variables among Adult Mexicans 60 Years and Older

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the experience of tooth loss, as well as its associated variables, in a sample of adult Mexicans, aged 60 years and older.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was part of a larger project to measure diverse oral health indicators in a convenience sample: it included 139 adult Mexican seniors (69.1% of whom were women), ages 60 years and older, either living in long-term care facilities or living independently and participating in adult day care services. Each participant underwent an oral examination to determine the number of missing teeth. Questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral data. Statistical analyses were performed using nonparametric tests and negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

The mean age was 79.06 (±9.78 years). The mean number of missing teeth was 20.02 (±8.61; median, 24); 99.3% of the participants had at least 1 missing tooth, and only 14 had 20 teeth or more. Using a negative binomial regression multivariate model, we found that for each year's increase in age, the mean number of teeth lost increased by 1% (p<0.05). In individuals who brushed their teeth fewer than two times a day, who had received radiotherapy, or who were currently smokers, the average tooth loss increased 49.2%, 22.6%, and 19.0%, respectively (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Tooth-loss experience in these Mexican seniors was very high (20.02±8.61). Older age (within the range of this group of seniors), tooth-brushing patterns, the receipt of radiation therapy, and (current) tobacco use were associated with higher experience of tooth loss.

Adaptation of the Psychological-Behavioral Acculturation Scale to a Community of Urban-based Mexican Americans in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To report the psychometric properties of the Psychological-Behavioral Acculturation Scale (P-BAS), a tool gauging behavioral and psychological acculturation after adapting it through formative research to people of Mexican origin in the United States.

METHODS

We analyzed data from adapted P-BAS questionnaires in the TalaSurvey study, using standard methods to establish internal consistencies (Cronbach's alpha), construct validity, and ascertain if the value orientation profile differed by ethnic group.

RESULTS

In 2012-13, 505 respondents (mean age 45.2 ± 14.1, 56% female) participated: 250 European Americans (EA) and 255 people of Mexican origin (MA).

CONCLUSIONS

Although internal consistencies of 15 value orientation measures were occasionally low, overall results were encouraging. A weighted combination of value orientation scores strongly discriminated between EA and MA. Additionally, the pattern of relationships among MAs identified between acculturation scores and the validity contrasts supported the construct validity of the proposed dual framework. The trend was particularly evident for most behavioral variables.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs that can influence infant feeding practices in American Indian mothers

The promotion of healthy infant feeding is increasingly recognized as an important obesity-prevention strategy. This is relevant for American Indian populations that exhibit high levels of obesity and low compliance with infant feeding guidelines. The literature examining the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs surrounding infant feeding within the American Indian population is sparse and focuses primarily on breastfeeding, with limited information on the introduction of solid foods and related practices that can be important in an obesity-prevention context. This research presents descriptive findings from a baseline knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs questionnaire on infant feeding and related behaviors administered to mothers (n=438) from five Northwest American Indian tribes that participated in the Prevention of Toddler Overweight and Teeth Health Study (PTOTS). Enrollment occurred during pregnancy or up to 6 months postpartum. The knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs questionnaire focused on themes of breastfeeding/formula feeding and introducing solid foods, with supplemental questions on physical activity. Knowledge questions were multiple choice or true/false. Attitudes and beliefs were assessed on Likert scales. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and percents and means and standard deviations. Most women knew basic breastfeeding recommendations and facts, but fewer recognized the broader health benefits of breastfeeding (eg, reducing diabetes risk) or knew when to introduce solid foods. Women believed breastfeeding to be healthy and perceived their social networks to agree. Attitudes and beliefs about formula feeding and social support were more ambivalent. This work suggests opportunities to increase the perceived value of breastfeeding to include broader health benefits, increase knowledge about solid foods, and strengthen social support.