Effect of oral health-related self efficacy and social support on oral health-related quality of life among adolescents / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#This study aimed to examine the effects of oral health-related self efficacy and social support on oral health-related quality of life, and analyze the related factors. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was carried out on 979 high school students living in Iksan. Data were collected from January 15 to 30, 2014. Individual self-administered surveys were conducted through the sampling method. The contents of the survey were the characteristics of the subjects, oral health-related self efficacy (OHSE), social support related to oral health (OHSS), and quality of life related to oral health (QHRQoL). A survey tool designed by the author was used to measure OHSE and OHSS. QHRQoL used Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF 19) for examination. The statistical analysis methods used were mean difference, correlation, and multiple regression analyses. @*Results@#QHRQol was correlated with OHSE, but not OHSS. Per the multivariate analysis, factors that affected QHRQoL were gender, mother’s education level, academic stress, and OHSE; OHSS did not have any effect. @*Conclusions@#It was found that OHSE influenced QHRQoL. Therefore, it is necessary to develop education programs that can enhance OHSE.

Relationship of dental anxiety with oral health behavior and dental caries experience in adolescents / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of dental anxiety with oral health behavior and dental caries experience among adolescents. METHODS: The subjects were 469 teenagers (238 middle school students and 231 high school students) in 15 different schools located in 7 regions of Bucheon in Gyeonggi Province, Daejeon, and others. A survey and interviews were conducted to evaluate subjects' oral health behavior and dental anxiety. Dental anxiety was additionally assessed by Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale. The caries experience of subjects was examined. RESULTS: There were no regional differences in dental anxiety. Girls felt more dental anxiety than boys did. Adolescents who did not receive treatment even when they needed it felt more dental anxiety than those who did receive treatment. There were also statistically significant differences in dental anxiety according to the type of treatment received. Adolescents who received extraction treatment or underwent oral surgery experienced more dental anxiety than those who received orthodontic or aesthetic treatment. Those who had a toothache or who experienced gingival bleeding felt more dental anxiety than those who did not have those conditions. Subjects with poor perceived oral health also had more dental anxiety. The number of decayed teeth and filled teeth was significantly correlated with dental anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescents, dental anxiety is related to their oral health behavior, the type of conditions they present with, the treatment received, and dental caries experience. Therefore, the kind of systematic programs that could relieve adolescents of dental anxiety should be prepared.

Perceptions and attitudes of some dentists in Jeollabuk-do province towards privately-run health insurance / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: To identify dentists' perceptions regarding the possible introduction of private health insurance plans, thereby providing basic data to improve the existing dental health insurance system. METHODS: A self-report survey was conducted with a total of 126 dentists in Jeollabuk-do Province. The survey was designed to gather information on the dentists' positions, perceptions and attitudes toward on a proposed introduction of privately run insurance schemes. RESULTS: A negative general consensus was found for the privately run scheme. Also it appeared that an overall review was required. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the high percentage of negative responses in the present study, it seems necessary to pro-actively reflect and complement potential issues in the current system before implementing privately run schemes in efforts to establish a solid foundation for operating dental insurance plans best suitable to the needs and characteristics of premium payers.