Evaluate, assess, treat: development and evaluation of the EAT framework to increase effective communication regarding sensitive oral-systemic health issues.

Oral healthcare providers are likely to encounter a number of sensitive oral/systemic health issues whilst interacting with patients. The purpose of the current study was to develop and evaluate a framework aimed at oral healthcare providers to engage in active secondary prevention of eating disorders (i.e. early detection of oral manifestations of disordered eating behaviours, patient approach and communication, patient-specific oral treatment, and referral to care) for patients presenting with signs of disordered eating behaviours. The EAT Framework was developed based on the Brief Motivational Interviewing (B-MI) conceptual framework and comprises three continuous steps: Evaluating, Assessing, and Treating. Using a group-randomized control design, 11 dental hygiene (DH) and seven dental (D) classes from eight institutions were randomized to either the intervention or control conditions. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention assessments. Hierarchical linear models were conducted to measure the effects of the intervention whilst controlling for baseline levels. Statistically significant improvements from pre- to post-intervention were observed in the Intervention group compared with the Control group on knowledge of eating disorders and oral findings, skills-based knowledge, and self-efficacy (all P < 0.01). Effect sizes ranged from 0.57 to 0.95. No statistically significant differences in outcomes were observed by type of student. Although the EAT Framework was developed as part of a larger study on secondary prevention of eating disorders, the procedures and skills presented can be applied to other sensitive oral/systemic health issues. Because the EAT Framework was developed by translating B-MI principles and procedures, the framework can be easily adopted as a non-confrontational method for patient communication.

Dental caries: selected factors of children at risk.

This article reviews the dental caries risk factors of children by using an epidemiological model which has three interrelated factors--agent, host, and environment. Dental caries agent factors include microorganisms with cariogenic potential; host factors include gender, race, tooth arrangement, sugar consumption, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; environmental factors include type of community (rural vs. urban), socioeconomic status, use of dental services and fluoride. This article reviews these selected dental caries risk factors and describes how dental assistants can practically apply this information.

Development of the Dental Health Assessment Profile.

Few instruments for assessing dental health knowledge, beliefs, and practices of young adolescents are available in the professional literature. In this study, a dental health profile to facilitate direct assessment of dental health knowledge, beliefs, and practices was developed. The 30-item Dental Health Assessment Profile had adequate content validity, readability, and test-retest reliability with junior high students.

Dental pit and fissure sealants: implications for school health personnel.

While tooth decay among schoolchildren has declined in recent years, 95% of all schoolchildren still experience tooth decay. School-based fluoride rinse programs have made a significant contribution to the decrease in tooth decay. Pit and fissure sealants, one other preventive dentistry measure, also fight tooth decay. A pit and fissure sealant placed on the chewing surfaces of permanent molars acts as a barrier and protects caries-prone areas of the teeth. For sealants to be effective, it is important that school health educators, nurses, and administrators have the dental health knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about school-based dental sealant programs. Examples of successful programs are discussed.