• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.71-80
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• 2021

Background: The options for stabilization appliance therapy for masticatory muscle pain include soft occlusal and hard stabilization appliances. A previous study suggested that hard stabilization appliance therapy was effective for patients with local myalgia who developed long facets on their occlusal appliances. The objective of this study was to identify patients in whom a soft occlusal appliance should be used to treat masticatory muscle pain by analyzing the type of muscle pain present and patient factors that influenced the effectiveness of this treatment. Methods: The study included 42 patients diagnosed with local myalgia or myofascial pain according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Diagnostic Decision Tree. The analysis of patient factors included variables believed to be associated with temporomandibular disorders. First, a temporary screening appliance was used for 2 weeks to assess each patient for bruxism during sleep. Soft appliance therapy was then started. For each patient, the effectiveness of the appliance was evaluated according to the intensity of tenderness during muscle palpation and the treatment satisfaction score at one month after starting treatment. Results: Data from 37 of the 42 patients were available for analysis. Twenty-five patients reported satisfaction with the appliance. In logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for reduction of facet length was 1.998. Nineteen patients showed at least a 30% improvement in the visual analog scale score. The odds ratio for local myalgia was 18.148. Conclusion: Soft appliance therapy may be used in patients with local myalgia. Moreover, patients who develop short facets on the appliance surface are likely to be satisfied with soft appliance therapy. Soft appliance therapy may be appropriate for patients with local myalgia who develop short facets on their occlusal appliance.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.190-203
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• 2003

Background: Dental hygienists are at risk of acquiring infections through exposure to infectious agents. This study explores the frequency of exposure to infectious agents and infection control practices among dental hygienists. Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional survey to examine the exposure to infectious agents and infection control practices among dental hygienists through questionnaire. Data were obtained from 124 dental hygienists attending educational conferences. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors that effect infection control practices in relation to age, completion of infection control education, recognition of their own serum hepatitis Ag/Ab status, the number of one day patients, location of clinics, type of clinics, and career years. Result: Of the 124 dental hygienists, 91.7% were exposed to at least one accident such as needle stick injuries during their practices periods. The health screening coverage rate in dental hygienists was 16.5%. The number of one day patients and career years were important in relation to infection control practices among dental hygienists. The adjusted odds ratio estimates for career years were 5.049 times greater(95% Cl 1.238-20.597) for groups with over 4 career years than under 2 career years. That for the number of one day patients were 0.261(95% Cl 0.071-0.955) lower for through 20 up to 30 patients, 0.531(95% Cl 0.102-2.78) lower for through 30 up to 40 patients and 0.498(95% Cl 0.123-2.017) lower for more than 40 patients than under 20 patients. Conclusion: From these results, prevalence of infection control practices among dental hygienists is related to the number of one day patients and career years. Prevention of cross infection and reduction of future transmission should be a priority to dental hygienists for promotion of infection control and further efforts to educate newcomers on infection prevention should be made.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.65-77
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• 2023

Background: The shortage of dental hygienists as assistant is a great concern to dental clinics, while dental hygienists are rather pursuing the role of oral hygiene control and preventive treatments which is the main role for dental hygienists in the United States. The dental hygienist and dental assistant system in the United States can be a reference in these discussions. Methods: Educational requirements for licensure and work areas for dental hygienists and dental assistants were investigated through the information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), American Dental Hygienists Association, National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), Dental Assistants Association of America (ADAA), and Dental Assistants National Board (DANB). Results: In the United States, each state has different systems, but in general, dental hygienists obtain licenses after completing 2~3 years of associate degree programs in dental hygiene after obtaining basic learning skills, and mainly perform tasks related to patient screening procedures, oral hygiene management and preventive care. Dental assistants can take the license test after completing a training course of 9~11 months to obtain a dental assistant certification. Additional expanded work typically requires passing state qualification tests, completing a training program, obtaining a degree, or gaining clinical experience for a certain period of time, depending on the state Conclusion: The scope of work of dental hygienists designated by the Medical Engineer Act and the Enforcement Decree in Korea includes both the work of dental hygienists and dental assistants in the United States, and if a dental assistant system like the United States is introduced to address the current shortage of dental assistants, institutional supplementation such as adjustment of the scope of work and expansion of the role of dental hygienists in oral hygiene management and prevention work is needed and in-depth discussion is necessary.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.233-242
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• 2013

Purpose: Peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) has a production mechanism similar to gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). However, limited research has been performed comparing their behavior in response to inflammation. Hence, the aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate PISF and GCF volume with varying degrees of clinical inflammatory parameters. Methods: Screening of patients was conducted. Based on the perimucosal inflammatory status, 39 loaded implant sites were selected from 24 patients, with equal numbers of sites in healthy, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis subgroups. GCF collection was done from age- and sex-matched dentate patients, selected with gingival inflammatory status corresponding to the implant sites. Assessment of the inflammatory status for dental/implant sites was performed using probing depth (PD), plaque index/modified plaque index (PI/mPI), gingival index/simplified gingival index (GI/sGI), and modified sulcular bleeding index (BI). Sample collection was done using standardized absorbent paper strips with volumetric evaluation performed via an electronic volume quantification device. Results: Positive correlation of the PISF and GCF volume was seen with increasing PD and clinical inflammatory parameters. A higher correlation of GCF with PD (0.843) was found when compared to PISF (0.771). PISF expressed a higher covariation with increasing grades of sGI (0.885), BI (0.841), and mPI (0.734), while GCF established a moderately positive correlation with GI (0.694), BI (0.696), and PI (0.729). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, except for minor fluctuations, GCF and PISF volumes demonstrated a similar nature and volumetric pattern through increasing grades of inflammation, with PISF showing better correlation with the clinical parameters.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2010

Purpose of study: The purpose of this study was to provide adequate diagnostic guideline for the maxillary sinuses prior to dental implant treatment for edentulous posterior maxillary areas. For this purpose, our procedure involves the estimation of the remaining alveolar bone height, the examination of the anatomical variation in the maxillary sinuses (e.g. sinus septum), and the evaluation of the incidence of preoperative pathological conditions in the maxillary sinuses. Materials and Methods: We selected 189 patients to undergo computerized tomography (CT) in order to account for the posterior maxillary anatomy found in patients of Korean ethnicity. We evaluated the following using Dentascan software: Remaining alveolar bone height, incidence of sinus septum, and rate of preoperative pathologic conditions in the maxillary sinus. The average amount of remaining alveolar bone height was analyzed using the student's t-test for differences according to anatomical site, and the ANOVA was used for the differences according to age group with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Alveolar bone heights of upper first premolar, second premolar, first molar, and second molar was 12.24 mm, 10.37 mm, 7.16 mm, and 7.15 mm, respectively with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Incidence of sinus septum as an anatomic variation was 17 out of 189 cases (9.0%). Incidence of mucosal thickening as a pathologic variation was 82 out of 189 cases (43.4%). Conclusion: In treatment planning of posterior maxillary edentulous area of Koreans, the consideration of augmentation surgery for maxillary sinus is required in maxillary molar area before dental implant installation, and preoperative screening of the asymptomatic maxillary sinuses can be regarded as a reasonable preoperative procedure in the planning of dental implant treatment on the posterior maxillary edentulous area.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.178-186
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• 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease in Korean adults. Methods: This study analyzed the screening data of 12,686 adults aged ≥19 years, including demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and each component of metabolic syndrome, obtained from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Periodontal health status was measured by the community periodontal index. Subjects with three or more risk factors were considered as having metabolic syndrome. The Rao-Scott chi-square test was performed to assess the relationships between demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, components of metabolic syndrome, and periodontal disease. Logistic regression analysis was performed based on the complex sample to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease. Results: The prevalence of periodontal disease was higher among the subjects with advancing age, lower average household income and education level, those working in production, residents of eup-myeon areas, in past or current smoker, those with excessive alcohol consumption habit in a week, and reduced brushing frequency and the use of oral care products (p<0.001). Each component of metabolic syndrome was associated with higher prevalence of periodontitis in the subjects with abnormal than in those with normal levels (p<0.001). The prevalence of periodontal disease in subjects with metabolic syndrome was approximately 1.443 times higher than that in normal subjects (odds ratio,1.443; p<0.001). Conclusion: This study confirmed the association between metabolic syndrome and periodontitis in Korean adults, and further studies will be needed to determine the causal relationship between the two conditions.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.235-243
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was performed to assess the correlation of calcified carotid atheromatous plaque (CCAP), the mandibular cortical index, and periodontal bone loss in panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: One hundred eighty-five panoramic radiographs with CCAP and 234 without this finding were evaluated by 3 observers for the presence of osseous changes related to osteoporosis and periodontal bone loss. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the two groups for an association of CCAP with the mandibular cortical index and periodontal bone loss, respectively. Results: There was a statistically significant coincidence of CCAP and osseous changes related to osteopenia/osteoporosis, with a p-value <0.001. There was no statistically significant coincidence of CCAP and periodontal bone loss. When comparing the 2 groups, "With CCAP" and "Without CCAP", there was a statistically significant association with the mean body mass index (BMI), number of remaining teeth, positive history of diabetes mellitus, and vascular accidents. There was no statistically significant association with gender or a history of smoking. Conclusion: This study identified a possible concurrence of CCAP and mandibular cortical changes secondary to osteopenia/osteoporosis in panoramic radiographs. This could demonstrate the important role of dental professionals in screening for these systemic conditions, leading to timely and appropriate referrals resulting in early interventions and thus improving overall health.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.299-314
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• 2019

Purpose: This study was to identify health behavior, health service use, and health related quality of life of adult women in one-person and multi-person households. Methods: It was used data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII-2017). Subjects were 2,522 women with age of 19 to 64 years in 2017. Complex sampling design and data analysis were performed using SPSS 20.1. Results: Women in one-person households had higher rates of alcohol drinking (${\chi}^2=13.77$, p=.003), smoking (${\chi}^2=16.07$, p=.001), unmet medical care (${\chi}^2=8.77$, p=.004) and non-practice of cancer screening (${\chi}^2=13.77$, p=.003) compared to women in multi-person households. Health-related quality of life was also lower for women in one-person households (t=-2.46, p=.015). Factors affecting health-related quality of life in one-person households were household income, job status, and unmet dental care, having 32.4% explanatory power. One-person household women with low incomes, no jobs, and unmet dental care showed low health-related quality of life. In comparison, factors affecting health-related quality of life of women in multi-person household women were age, education level, unmet medical care, and unmet dental care, having 10.4% explaining power. Women in multi-person households with age of 60-64, low education level, unmet medical care, and unmet dental care showed low health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Health promotion strategies should be developed based on unique understanding of social, economic, and health of adult women in one-person and multi-person households.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.116-124
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• 2023

Objective: The absence of a guideline to refer to developing malocclusions appropriately, may be a contributing factor to the inadequacy of timely interceptive orthodontics provision. This study aimed to develop and validate a new orthodontic grading and referral index to be used by dental frontliners to prioritize the orthodontic referral of developing malocclusion in children based on its severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving clinical assessment with 413 schoolchildren aged between 8.1 and 11.9 years was conducted in 2018. All the presenting malocclusion was listed and graded based on a few dental guidelines to produce the draft index. The validity and reliability of the draft index were tested using twenty study models. Face and content validation was carried out using the content validation index and Modified Kappa Statistics. Results: Fourteen dental and occlusal anomalies were identified as components of malocclusion and three grades of referral (monitor, standard, urgent) were included in the final index. The scale-level content validity index average value of 0.86 and 0.87 was obtained for content and face validation, respectively. There was moderate to excellent agreement in the Modified Kappa Statistics for both validations. Excellent inter- and intra-assessor agreement was obtained. The new index displayed valid and reliable scores. Conclusions: The Index for Interceptive Orthodontics Referral was developed and validated for the dental frontliners to identify and prioritize the developing malocclusion in children based on its severity and refer for orthodontic consultation to increase the possibility for interceptive orthodontics.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.217-227
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• 2022

This study aimed to investigate parents' and dentists' perceptions of the national oral health screening for infants and children (OHS), and evaluate the dentists' accuracy of analyzing the results of OHS. A questionnaire survey was conducted, face-to-face or online, for 90 parents of children who received OHS in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Yonsei University Dental Hospital and 100 dentists working at local clinic or university dental hospital from May to October 2021. Most parents and dentists were aware of the importance of OHS, and approximately 96.7% of parents were satisfied with OHS. The requirements of parents and dentists about OHS were different. The reasons for having difficulties in explaining parents after OHS and the opinions on appropriate period and number of OHS were disagreed between pediatric dentists and general dentists. Regardless of dentists' major, work experience, elapsed period after taking online education program, the accuracy of the examination result was low. In this study, various opinions of parents and dentists on OHS were collected. Efforts should be made to enhance the oral health of infants and children by considering the requirements of parents and dentists and improving the accuracy of examination results.