The analysis of the risk factors for dental caries in Korean children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Se-Hwan Jung

Abstract : Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between the prevalence of dental caries and the risk factors using data from the 7th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for improving the dental caries risk assessment model in child continuing care program from the registered dentists.Methods: The oral examination integrated data of the 7th wave (2016-2018) were downloaded from KNHANES website. The subjects of analysis were children ages 1 to 5 years for the primary teeth caries and children ages 6 to 18 years for permanent teeth caries. Dental caries risk factors included socio-demographic status (age, gender, region, household income), oral health behaviors (brushing teeth frequency, brushing teeth before bed, daily intake of sugar), dental care utilization (dental examination, preventive dental care, unmet dental needs), and the prevalence of dental caries in the parents. Complex samples logistic regression models were used to analyze the data.Results: While the dental caries of children and adolescents were associated with age and gender, it was not associated with region and household income. In addition, there was no association between brushing teeth and dental caries, but it was found between daily sugar intake and primary teeth caries. The association between unmet dental needs and dental caries was clear, and the primary teeth caries were associated with dental examination or preventive dental care. The prevalence of dental caries in the parents was associated with primary and permanent dental caries in their children, respectively.Conclusions: Although the results of this study were obtained from the representative data in the national level, the evidence was limited because of cross-sectional study. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct follow-up studies, such as a cohort study or clinical trial for the development of dental caries assessment model that are evidence-based.

Relationship of academic achievement and residency training according to admission factors in dental school

Seungwon Song , Minje Lee , Hoi-Jeong Lim

Abstract : Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between dental school students’ admission scores and their grade point average (GPA) after admission, as well as the relationship between student admission scores at dental school and continuation into the residency program.Methods: This study analyzed data collected from students who entered dental school between 2013 and 2017. The outcome variables were dental school GPA and continuation into residency program. Explanatory variables included admission type (early decision admission/regular admission), academic achievements (undergraduate GPA, Dental Education Eligibility Test [DEET], Test of English Proficiency [TEPS], screening by document review, and in-depth interview score), age, sex, college alma mater, high school alma mater, college major, as well as students’ academic performance in dental school. Regression analysis was performed to determine which factors relating to dental school admissions score had an influence on academic performance in dental school, whereas logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the students’ decision to pursue a residency.Results: Students who were foreign college graduates, majored in health sciences, accepted on the basis of early decision admission, female, or had a higher college GPA showed higher dental school GPA with statistical significance. Additionally, the likelihood of students pursuing residency was found to be higher in students who were female, of younger age, college graduates in Jeolla Provinces, or who had a higher dental school GPA.Conclusions: To ensure regional equality of dental service quality, it is essential that high quality students pursue residency training. For further improvement of dental school, this study’s results can be used as a reference to make students coming from other regions pursue the residency program and contribute to the regional community.

Effect of oral health behaviors as risk factors for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Yong-Jin Lee , Hyeonjeong Go , Youn-Hee Choi

Abstract : Objectives: Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in advanced countries due to their upward-trending incidence rates. Preventing CVDs is imperative to ensure a healthy elderly life and prepare for an aging society. Considering the relationship between oral health and systemic health, effective oral health management will have an important role in preventing CVDs. This study aimed to examine the influence of oral health behaviors as risk factors for CVDs. Methods: A custom database combining data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service and the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2017 was analyzed. The study included participants aged 35 or over (n=14,492) with recorded responses on oral health behaviors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between oral health behaviors and CVDs. Results: The CVDs group was shown to practice inappropriate oral health management. In comparison to the non-CVDs group, the CVDs group showed a significantly higher rate of 8.0% in ‘once or less’ of toothbrushing frequency (P

In a rapidly changing era, what should we do

Related factors for the denture needs among platform workers in Seoul

Jae-In Ryu , Eun-Gyeong Cha

Abstract : Objectives: Due to the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, prioritizing the safety and well-being of essential workers, who play a vital role in enabling contactless living, is paramount. This study aims to check oral health status and related factors in platform workers.Methods: The participants, who are platform workers in Seoul, were divided into three occupations: replacement driver, parcel, and delivery. The survey included oral examination and health-related questionnaires from August to November 2022. Finally, 204 platform workers in Seoul participated in the study. The socio-demographic characteristics of participants, such as sex, age, education level, and health behavior, were analyzed. A chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate the socio-demographic factors related to the need for dentures.Results: Most participants were men (97.5%), and in the age of 50s (33.8%). In total, the proportion of the need for dentures was 40.2%. It was high in the group of parcel, the 50s age group, and people without experience of the oral exam last year (P

Constructing a non-face-to-face oral health care service model using my data: proposal

Seon-Jip Kim , Seung-Hee Ryu , Ji-Na Lim , Hye-Jin Kwon , Zi-Lan Wang , Jae-Young Lee , Hyun-Jae Cho

Abstract : This study focuses on the importance of non-face-to-face healthcare, based on the experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, and proposes a model for oral health management services utilizing personal data, known as “my data.” The model aims to develop a comprehensive system that collects and integrates individual health records for easy access. It includes assessing oral health through oral examination records and surveys, creating risk assessment algorithms tailored to various population groups, and standardizing medical terms and data. The goal is to accurately evaluate individual oral health conditions and provide personalized services. However, the success of the model requires considerations such as platform management, user experience enhancement, and medical data security. The research proposes possibilities for further investigation to enhance the oral health service model. This study introduces a novel approach to individual health management, establishing the foundation of effective health management even in non-face-to-face settings.

Consideration on the role of the regional oral care center for persons with disabilities and the appropriate role of specialized dental hygienists

Tae-Hee Go , Suk-Bin Jang , Jae-Young Lee , Ja-Won Cho

Abstract : Objectives: This study aims to define the role of the local dental clinic for people with disabilities and the appropriate role of the dental hygienist to resolve oral health inequality with people with disabilities.Methods: From September 12, 2022 to November 11, 2022, 16 experts who voluntarily participated in the research, among the experts recommended by the related institutes, were selected through stratification analysis. The results of this study and improvement plans are as follows.Results: First, as a result of measuring the importance of the role of a regional oral care center for people with disabilities in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) middle category, check-up was found to be the most important (0.364, C.I=0.01). For examination, a facility visit checkup and regular checkups were required. Second, as a result of measuring the importance of the role of a dedicated dental hygienist in the AHP middle category, the institutional-linked activity was found to be the most important (0.417, C.I=0.02). As for institutional-linked activities, linkage with local community organizations, patient management, and public relations activities were required.Conclusions: Considering these results, the role of a regional oral care center for people with disabilities is to perform examinations and preventive treatments, primary treatments (simple), education and counseling, and establish a smooth medical return system to serve as a base for dental treatment for people with disabilities. Education and counseling are provided through professional patient response and the arrangement of a dedicated dental hygienist, and oral health care is provided to people with disabilities through professional treatment assistance for patients and treatment support and screening, linkage with local community institutions, and patient management. Specialized dental hygienists should play a role in supporting the operation of oral health care for people with disabilities.

Dental caries incidence in permanent teeth of 12-year-old children in Korea

In-Ja Kim , Dong-Yeon Lee , Heung-Soo Lee , Hyo-Won Oh

Abstract : Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze dental caries incidence in the permanent teeth of 12-year-old children.Methods: This study used the raw data from the 2015 Korean children’s oral health survey. Participants of the research were 12-year-old children in their first year of middle school. A total of 27,291 people participated in the questionnaire and oral examination. Statistical analysis was performed using complex samples frequency analysis and contingency coefficient phi (φ).Results: Dental caries predominately developed symmetrically with a higher tendency for left-right symmetry than for maxillary-mandibular symmetry in the mouth. The incidence of dental caries between adjacent teeth had a statistically significant correlation and was highest in the first and second premolars.Conclusions: Information on symmetry in the development of dental caries and the association of dental caries incidence between adjacent teeth of 12-year-old children should be actively utilized when establishing evidence-based dental caries management plans.

Characteristics of hard seltzer and their effect on the tooth surface

Seo-Yoon Cho , Ji-Eun Kim , Ki-Ho Chung , Choong-Ho Choi

Abstract : Objectives: To investigate the effect of commercially available hard seltzer on the tooth enamel surface. Methods: Some commercially available hard seltzer were purchased at the market and the characteristics of the beverages were surveyed. Subsequently, Cloud hard seltzer mango was selected for the hard seltzer group (group 4), Jeju Samdasoo for the mineral water group (group 1), Coca-Cola for the cola group (group 2), and Cloud Original for the beer group (group 3). The specimens were immersed in the experimental beverage for 30 minutes, then the surface microhardness and surface condition of the specimens were evaluated. Results: The average pH of the twelve types of hard seltzer in this study were 3.51±0.01 (before stirring) and 3.46±0.01 (after stirring). The pH of experimental beverage were 7.92±0.03 (group 1), 2.55±0.01 (group 2), 4.41±0.01 (group 3), and 3.31±0.01 (group 4). Paired t-test of the surface microhardness of enamel before and after beverage immersion found no significant difference in group 1 (P>0.05), but a significant difference was observed in groups 2, 3, and 4 (P

Relevance of dental hygiene to student empathy, interpersonal skills, and clinical practice stress

Eun-Ji You , Hee-Hong Min

Abstract : Objectives: The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between dental hygiene students’ empathy, interpersonal skills, and clinical practice stress, and to improve the system and skills necessary in the clinical practice process so that individuals can adapt to and perform their duties as dental hygienists in the future.Methods: From the date of approval until August 30, 2022, dental hygiene students who have experienced clinical practice were conveniently extracted. The sample size was was determined with G*power 3.1.9.7 program and 190 participants were included in the final analysis. Data analysis used the IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 program.Results: Factors affecting clinical practice stress were found to be significantly related to empathic concern and personal distress, which are sub-factors of empathy, and the explanatory power was 19.7%.Conclusions: Based on the above findings, in order to reduce dental hygiene students’ clinical practice stress and improve their interpersonal skills and empathy, it is necessary to provide a systematic program tailored to the student level, and further, to improve the quality of clinical practice education through industry-academia cooperation.