Epithelial root-sheath changes during molar formation in the mouse.

The ultrastructure of the epithelial root-sheath was examined in the first mandibular molar teeth of 11, 16 and 21-day-old mice. The changing morphology of the sheath was related to root maturity. An initial, predominantly bicellular layer progressively shortened in an apical direction, the outer layer more so than the inner. The changing morphology appeared to involve maintenance of the inner layer largely at the expense of the outer. Some inner-layer cells persisted at spaced intervals adjacent to forming acellular cementum. Some epithelial rests, distant from the root surface, appeared to be formed early in root development at the time of initial root-sheath severance from the cervical loop of the enamel organ. Epithelial rests located along the acellular cementum appeared to arise from inner, rather than outer, epithelial root-sheath cells and at later stages in root development.

Handicapped children: behavioural and co-ordination characteristics affecting the delivery of dental care.

Statistical analysis of data from a field survey of 132 handicapped children confirmed that a questionnaire approach is reliable in identifying children with potential behavioural and co-ordination problems within a dental environment. Assessment of the behaviour and co-ordination of 2,082 handicapped children aged 3-16 years, inclusive, suggested that approximately 53 per cent were manageable in a normal dental surgery and 79 per cent had the necessary co-ordination for routine dental care.

The dental care of handicapped children in South Australia.

Sixty-two per cent of handicapped children had a dentist willing to provide treatment; 55 per cent and 41 per cent were examined and were treated at least annually. Approximately 58 per cent were reported by their guardians to be manageable in general dental practice. Treatment was provided under general anaesthesia for 29 per cent of the children, although 39 per cent were considered by their guardians to require this procedure. Factors related to type and frequency of dental treatment are discussed.

The handicapped child population in South Australia in 1975.

A survey of 2,212 handicapped children was conducted in South Australia to provide basic information so that a dental service could be planned. The prevalence of various specified conditions is presented for both single and combined disabilities. The distribution of the various conditions between the sexes has been analysed.