Comparative Clinical Study Testing the Effectiveness of School Based Oral Health Education Using Experiential Learning or Traditional Lecturing in 10 Year-Old Children

Background School based oral health education through traditional lecturing has been found successful only in improving oral health knowledge, while has low effectiveness in oral hygiene and gingival health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of experiential learning (EL) oral health education to traditional lecturing (TL), on enhancing oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior as well as oral hygiene, gingival health and caries of 10-year-old children. Methods Eighty-four children were recruited for the EL and 100 for the TL group from 3 locations in Greece. Data regarding oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior were collected via questionnaires. Data regarding dental plaque, gingivitis and caries were collected by clinical examination. The evaluation using questionnaires and clinical examination was assessed at baseline and 6 and 18 months afterwards. Two calibrated pediatric dentists examined the students using a periodontal probe and artificial light. Modified hygiene index (HI) was used for dental plaque recording, the simplified gingival index (GI-S) was used for gingivitis and DMFT, based on BASCD criteria, for dental caries. Based on a dedicated manual, the teacher applied in the classroom the oral health educational program using EL. Results EL group had statistically significant better hygiene than the TL at 6 months (p \u3c 0.05). Within the same group, both groups had enhanced oral health knowledge at 6 and 18 months (p \u3c 0.05) and improved oral health behavior (p \u3e 0.05) and attitude (p \u3e 0.05) at 6 months in comparison to baseline. Conclusion EL program was found more successful than TL in oral hygiene improvement. Both oral health education programs improved the oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior of children

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Greek Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of oral health status on the quality of life of adults in different regions of Greece, using the Oral Health Impact Profile-short form (OHIP-14). Methods. A random sample consisting of a total of 504 Greek adults between the ages of 35–44 years (mean 39.1 ± 3.5) was selected from different urban and rural areas, and face-to-face interviews were conducted using the validated Greek language OHIP-14. Associations of the total OHIP-14 score and its 7 sub-scales along with the self-perceived quality of life were evaluated with Spearman's correlations. Results. The subjects had an overall weighted OHIP-14 score of 1.1 (sd 1.9). No significant differences were found for either rural or non-metropolitan areas when compared to urban or metropolitan regions. High scores of above 2 were determined for functional limitation, physical pain, handicap, and the psychological discomfort scales. The education level of the subjects had a significant positive impact on the quality of life of the subjects. Conclusions. Dental and oral health conditions are factors that do impact on the quality of life of individuals

Validation of a Greek version of the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) for use among adults

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To test the validity of the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) for use among adults in Greece.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The original English version of the OHIP-14 was translated using the forward-backward technique, pilot-tested, and then applied to 211 adults aged 35 years and above. The questionnaire was filled out during face-to-face interviews conducted by one dentist, while individuals were asked to undergo a clinical examination. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficient and inter-item and item-total correlations. Discriminant and convergent validities were assessed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Cronbach's α was estimated to be 0.90. Inter-item correlations coefficients ranged from 0.10 to 0.83, while item-total correlations coefficients from 0.44 to 0.76. Significant associations were found between OHIP-14 and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and oral hygiene, supporting the ability of the questionnaire to discriminate between individuals with and without impacts. The OHIP-14 total score was highly associated with self-perceived oral health status (r_s= 0.57; p = 0.01), as well as with self-assessment of oral satisfaction (r_s= 0.55;p = 0.01). Similar results were observed by investigating the relationship between the latter questions and each domain score as well as in various sub-groups analyses.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The OHIP-14 is a reliable and valid questionnaire for the assessment of OHRQoL among adults in Greece.</p

Prevalence of sealants in relation to dental caries on the permanent molars of 12 and 15-year-old Greek adolescents. A national pathfinder survey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The use of sealants as an effective measure for the prevention of pit and fissure caries in children has been well documented by several studies; either they are used on an individual or on a public health basis. In order to plan and establish a national preventive program with sealants in a community, it is mandatory to know the epidemiological pattern of caries along with other variables influencing their use and effectiveness. Aims: To assess the utilization and distribution pattern of pit and fissure sealants on the first and second permanent molars of Greek adolescents and to evaluate whether the existing usage of sealants and some socio-demographic factors are correlated to caries prevalence on the population examined</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A stratified cluster sample of 2481 Greek adolescents was selected according to WHO guidelines (1224 twelve and 1,257 fifteen-year-old), living in urban and rural areas in 11 districts within the country. Five calibrated examiners carried out clinical examinations, recording caries experience at the dentine threshold (BASCD criteria) and presence or absence of sealants along with Socio-demographic indicators associated with oral health. Mann Whitney and Pearson's chi-square non parametric tests were utilized for assessing the data. The level of significance was p < 0.05.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Sealants utilization varied considerably within the different districts, with 8,3% of the 12 and 8,0% of the 15-year-old adolescents having at least one sealed molar. Sealants reduced DMFS scores by 11% in the 12-year-olds and by 24% in the 15-year-olds, while 15-year-old adolescents from rural areas had a statistically significant (p = 0.002) less chance of having sealants (71%) compared to children from urban areas. Girls had higher chance to receive sealants in both age groups (26% for the 12 and 19% for the 15-year-old) as well as patients that visited the dentist for prevention compared to those visiting the dentist because they thought they needed a restoration or because they were in pain.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The finding that sealants reduced DMFS scores despite their very low utilization, along with the high prevalence of dental caries found on the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth of Greek adolescents, is calling for a national preventive program with sealants which could eliminate caries to a larger extent.</p

Orthodontic Status and Orthodontic Treatment Need of 12- and 15-Year-Old Greek Adolescents: A National Pathfinder Survey

The purpose of this research was to assess the orthodontic status and orthodontic treatment needs of 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren in Greece, in relation to sociodemographic factors and parental education level. A total of 1102 12-year-old children and 1131 15-year-old adolescents across Greece were assessed using the Modified Dental Health component (DHC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). An amount of 38.7% of 12-year-olds and 33.7% of 15-year-olds were in definite need of orthodontic treatment. The most common etiologic factors were tooth eruption and position anomalies. A higher rate of orthodontic treatment need was recorded among subjects with lower parental education level. Class I malocclusion was found in 50.9%, Class II in 38.4% and Class III in 10.8% of the total sample. A higher incidence of dental trauma was found in the 12-year-olds presenting with a Class II molar relationship and &gt;3 mm overjet. The need for orthodontic treatment in Greece was higher, in comparison to other European countries, with one out of two children presenting a severe overjet associated with a high incidence of dental trauma. One out of three adolescents were still judged as having a need for orthodontic treatment by the age of 15

Orthodontic Status and Orthodontic Treatment Need of 12-and 15-Year-Old Greek Adolescents: A National Pathfinder Survey

The purpose of this research was to assess the orthodontic status and orthodontic treatment needs of 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren in Greece, in relation to sociodemographic factors and parental education level. A total of 1102 12-year-old children and 1131 15-year-old adolescents across Greece were assessed using the Modified Dental Health component (DHC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). An amount of 38.7% of 12-year-olds and 33.7% of 15-year-olds were in definite need of orthodontic treatment. The most common etiologic factors were tooth eruption and position anomalies. A higher rate of orthodontic treatment need was recorded among subjects with lower parental education level. Class I malocclusion was found in 50.9%, Class II in 38.4% and Class III in 10.8% of the total sample. A higher incidence of dental trauma was found in the 12-year-olds presenting with a Class II molar relationship and &gt; 3 mm overjet. The need for orthodontic treatment in Greece was higher, in comparison to other European countries, with one out of two children presenting a severe overjet associated with a high incidence of dental trauma. One out of three adolescents were still judged as having a need for orthodontic treatment by the age of 15

Dental Caries Prevalence and Experience (ICDAS II Criteria) of 5-, 12- and 15-Year-Old Children and Adolescents with an Immigrant Background in Greece, Compared with the Host Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Evidence regarding disparities in oral health among native and immigrant child and adolescent populations in Europe is scarce. The present study aimed to determine the caries status of 5-, 12-, and 15-year-olds with an immigrant background in Greece in relation to their sociodemographic characteristics and compare their caries levels with those of their native Greek peers. A sample of 707 immigrants underwent clinical examination for caries (ICDAS II criteria), followed by a calculation of caries prevalence and experience estimates (2013&ndash;2014). Multivariable regression models assessed the effect of ethnic background on the caries experience (d3&ndash;6mfs/D3&ndash;6MFS) of the total (707 immigrants and 3702 Greeks) population, and the association between parental education level and the immigrants&rsquo; d3&ndash;6mfs/D3&ndash;6MFS. Among the 5- and 12-year-olds, those with an immigrant background demonstrated higher caries rates and had unfulfilled treatment needs at higher proportions. Among 15-year-old adolescents, no considerable differences in caries status were observed according to ethnic background (native Greek or immigrant). The strength of the association between immigrant background and caries experience levels attenuated gradually with increasing age (IRR = 1.61, 1.27 and 1.10, and p = 0.001, p = 0.006 and p = 0.331 for 5-, 12- and 15-year-olds, respectively). Among the immigrants, adolescents with less educated mothers exhibited elevated caries levels. Public health strategies should prioritize immigrant children and early adolescents in order to reduce the existing ethnic disparities in oral health

Dental Caries Prevalence and Experience (ICDAS II Criteria) of 5-, 12-and 15-Year-Old Children and Adolescents with an Immigrant Background in Greece, Compared with the Host Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Evidence regarding disparities in oral health among native and immigrant child and adolescent populations in Europe is scarce. The present study aimed to determine the caries status of 5-, 12-, and 15-year-olds with an immigrant background in Greece in relation to their sociodemographic characteristics and compare their caries levels with those of their native Greek peers. A sample of 707 immigrants underwent clinical examination for caries (ICDAS II criteria), followed by a calculation of caries prevalence and experience estimates (2013-2014). Multivariable regression models assessed the effect of ethnic background on the caries experience (d(3-6)mfs/D3-6MFS) of the total (707 immigrants and 3702 Greeks) population, and the association between parental education level and the immigrants&apos; d(3-6)mfs/D3-6MFS. Among the 5- and 12-year-olds, those with an immigrant background demonstrated higher caries rates and had unfulfilled treatment needs at higher proportions. Among 15-year-old adolescents, no considerable differences in caries status were observed according to ethnic background (native Greek or immigrant). The strength of the association between immigrant background and caries experience levels attenuated gradually with increasing age (IRR = 1.61, 1.27 and 1.10, and p = 0.001, p = 0.006 and p = 0.331 for 5-, 12- and 15-year-olds, respectively). Among the immigrants, adolescents with less educated mothers exhibited elevated caries levels. Public health strategies should prioritize immigrant children and early adolescents in order to reduce the existing ethnic disparities in oral health