The effect of artificial ultraviolet light on the gloss of composite resin surface sealants.

This study evaluated how exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light affected the gloss of composite resins following application of resin-based surface sealants (SSs). Thirty composite resin discs were fabricated using cylindrical molds and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 SS groups (n = 6 each). Both sides of each disc received a polyester film clear matrix surface finish, and then rotary finishing and polishing procedures were performed on 1 side only. Six baseline measurements for each disc surface were performed using a 60-degree-angle gloss meter. The finished and polished side then received an SS application and was polymerized with an LED light through a polyester film matrix. Gloss measurements were then obtained. All specimens were then exposed to an artificial UV light source for a total of 382 hours, after which final gloss measurements were made. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls pairwise multiple comparison tests revealed statistically significant differences between the SS materials and surface treatments (P < 0.05). No statistically significant (P > 0.05) differences were found between the surfaces that were mechanically finished and polished and those that only received a polyester film finish. However, all specimens exhibited significantly (P < 0.0001) higher gloss readings after SS application. Following UV exposure, all SS specimens exhibited significantly (P < 0.0001) lower gloss readings. The study results suggest that application of SSs to composite resin discs increases the gloss on a short-term basis; however, long-term exposure of SSs to an artificial UV light source might have a negative effect on the surface properties. Thus, dentists need to periodically evaluate composite resin restorations.

Introduction to Clinical Practice in Dentistry: Transitioning from Pre-clinical to Clinical Student Doctors at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry.

Matriculation from the pre-clinical setting to the clinical environment is a tremendous accomplishment and exemplifies the student's perseverance in learning the fundamental concepts necessary for success in the clinical application of dentistry. In an effort to maximize its educational philosophy for the teaching program, the University of Tennessee's College of Dentistry has implemented Introduction to Clinical Practice I and II within the dental curriculum. Introduction to Clinical Practice I and II are designed to help the dental students effectively and smoothly transition to the clinical setting from the classroom and pre-clinical setting. This article describes the university's efforts and continuous improvements within the pre-clinical dental curriculum for advancing students to the clinics. The purpose of this article is to provide helpful information to other dental educational institutions on how to assist their pre-clinical dental students in transitioning to clinical student-doctors.

Seeking to Understand the Reader of Interest-Your Patient-Health Literacy and Adherence Concerns for the Dentist and the Dental/Medical Team.

The overall health of the United States' (U.S.) population has been surveyed and reported for several decades in a quest by healthcare professionals to understand the etiology for healthcare disparities and seek to lessen its effects on individuals and, ultimately, eliminate them. Many of these surveys and reports have illuminated disparities, of access to healthcare by focusing on measures to address health literacy deficiencies. A plethora of information concerning patients' health literacy skills and printed information has been made available for dentists and their staff. The printed information is in the format of published patient- centered educational guidelines and readable dental and medical limited reach media (LRM), such as information sheets and prescription drug leaflets. LRM has great potential to enhance access to healthcare information for the reader of interest--your patient--at a readable and comprehensible level. Printed materials are an effective means to enhance health promotion and education for the lay populace. Tailored LRM protocol and the Patient Introduction Form (PIF) are excellent educational instruments for dentists and the dental/medical team (The Team). These instruments are valuable assets for The Team to assist its patients in monitoring and maintaining dental and medical adherence protocols in their daily lives.

The crisis of women and at-risk populations needing dental care in Tennessee: challenges and engagement efforts.

Women's health issues are receiving increased attention, including the differences in their dental needs and experiences. Biological and social factors are strong determinants of physical and dental health along the entire life spectrum. Socio-environmental place also contributes significantly to some of the barriers to quality and quantity of health care received, placing population groups who have less access to care at risk. Considerable disparities exist in who receives dental care and what type of dental treatment is received among different segments of the population. Greater illumination of these issues in all discussions related to healthcare of women and at-risk populations continues to be a needed focus of concern. The plight of women and at-risk populations and problems influencing access to care are addressed.

"I can't understand your information sheet, doc!" Readability of limited-reach media materials for the lay population.

Patients are provided limited-reach media materials, such as information sheets and pamphlets, as reinforcement of information when the oral healthcare professional is no longer face-to-face. Patients are more likely to use the printed information if text complexity and reader's ability match, or if their need to know the content provokes an urge to read. A number of researchers have developed readability tests. This study used the Fry Readability Graph to plot the results of three independent raters' averages of the number of sentences and the words (syllables) of continuous (prose) and non-continuous (matrix-style) pre-selected passages from several reputable sources. These limited-reach materials are frequently used in academic institutions' community engagement efforts. Several of the limited-reach materials we studied were ranked above the fifth-grade reading level, so consideration must be given to future distribution of these documents in communities where the average reading proficiency is lower. Several limitations, such as the quality of illustrations and measuring the reading level of individuals, were not investigated and must be considered as the authors continue to distribute literature in certain urban and suburban locales. This study is the genesis of an academic institution's community engagement efforts to provide information to clinicians and improve its outreach distribution of limited-reach media for patients who have varying levels of general and health literacy backgrounds.

Tennessee smiles: the UT grassroots oral health outreach initiative.

Access to and awareness of oral healthcare in the United States have been highlighted in the mass media and discussed among diverse populations. The current surge to provide access to oral healthcare for citizens springs from this quagmire of oral healthcare issues which affects global to local (grassroots) communities. Publications by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Health for All and the United States' Healthy People have set into motion an agenda by which institutions, healthcare professionals and governments can develop action plans to foster and nurture grassroots organizations to address these issues. An initiative has been undertaken by members of the faculty, student doctors and staff of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Dentistry (UTHSC CoD) and its partners. This cadre of volunteers has implemented grassroots efforts for the citizens of western Tennessee to date as the flagship of Tennessee Smiles: UT Grassroots Oral Health Outreach Initiative (Tennessee Smiles). By participation in health fairs, school programs and other cultural events, these volunteers have made a difference in the lives of thousands of Tennessee citizens who need exposure to information regarding their oral health care needs. The authors discuss the basis for the Tennessee Smiles organization, their successes and challenges. Future plans and the need for support of the organization are emphasized.

Medication use in geriatric populations: dental implications of frequently prescribed medications.

Anticipated demographic changes in the U.S. during the next 20 years will bring increasing numbers of geriatric patients into dental practices. It is expected that these patients will have multiple co-morbid medical conditions and will have to take multiple medications as a result. Dental practitioners must stay informed concerning newly marketed drugs and those commonly prescribed to geriatric patients, and the potential dental implications of those drugs. Specialized training in geriatric dentistry, continuing education, and consultation with medical and pharmacy practitioners can provide valuable tools for managing this special patient population.