Hot Off the Press!
New guidelines on “Oral Health During Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Health Professionals” from the California Dental Association Foundation. This comprehensive publication derives from a consensus conference in Sacramento on Feb. 20-21, 2009, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District IX.
For the full report, visit: www.cdafoundation.org/guidelines.
The Best Predictor of Dental Caries is Dental Caries
Aubrey Sheiham reminds us “that present caries status is best predictor of future status. Massler, et al, said that in 1954 and it still holds true today. Massler proposed that groups with a particular severity level of caries at 6 years of age would follow a ‘channel’ or track representing their dental caries increment. Based on annual incremental data they proposed that the level of severity of the caries attack, if known at certain ages, would allow the ‘prediction’ of dental caries susceptible groups and teeth….bearing in mind that despite past caries being the best single predictor, the sensitivity and specificity is not good.” [Personal communication, July 25, 2009.]
The Cosmetics of Rubber Cup “Prophylaxis”
“For the prevention of caries in children, dental prophylaxis need not be provided either at a recall visit or before the application of topical fluorides. For the prevention of gingivitis in the general population, dental prophylaxis at recall appointments is not effective for the prevention or treatment of gingivitis. Dental prophylaxis remains of benefit for child management and for stain removal and aesthetic considerations.”
Click here for Summary of: Efficacy of dental prophylaxis (rubber cup) for the prevention of caries and gingivitis: a systematic review of literature by A. Azarpazhooh & P. A. Main, BDJ
Retail Dental Clinics Can Improve Access to Care
The California HealthCare Foundation reports “millions of Americans, particularly those in rural and under-served areas, have difficulty obtaining routine, preventive oral health care due to a shortage of conveniently located providers and high out-of-pocket costs.” Consequently, retail health clinics are spreading to “big box” stores staffed by nurse practitioners who provide primary care at reduced fees, with referral to cooperating physicians for services they cannot provide. Surveys indicate support by consumers and retailers for similar dental clinics in big stores staffed by dental hygienists and other mid-level providers.
For the full report, visit: www.chcf.org/topics/view.cfm?itemID=134119
Democracy in Action at the NE Regional Board
Nominated on the floor, the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners elected our own Myron Allukian, Jr., DDS, MPH, as treasurer at its Annual Meeting in January. The NE Regional Board administers licensing exams for dentists and dental hygienists in about 30 states. If only Myron was on the floor of the U.S. Senate, health care reform would have been a fait accompli by now.
Author of the Year
The Fall 2009 Newsletter noted recognition of the AJPH paper on the public health hazard of prophylactic removal of wisdom teeth. Subsequently, the online issue of AJPH included short commentaries expanding on the Editor’s Choice. For those who missed it, click here.
Policy Promotion
In the January 2010 issue of the Public Citizen Health Research Group Health Letter, a two-page spread of our APHA Policy, Opposition to Prophylactic Removal of Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth).
To join Public Citizen and subscribe to the Health Letter, go to www.citizen.org/hrg.