U.S. Dental School Deans’ Attitudes About Mid–Level Providers

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/153725/1/jddj0022033720137711tb05623x.pd

Is a mid‐level dental provider model acceptable to potential patients?

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess patient attitudes toward mid‐level dental providers, known as dental therapists (DTs), by surveying those likely to be their patients. The recent adoption of accreditation standards by the Commission on Dental Accreditation has reignited a debate surrounding the state‐by‐state legalization of DTs in the United States; while the dental profession is divided on DTs, it is important to understand how potential patients may view the DT model.MethodsA questionnaire that asks about oral health experience, and comfort with the model of a dually trained dental therapist–hygienist, based on a provided definition, was administered to 600 patients and their waiting room companions at a large urban university‐based dental clinic.ResultsForty percent of respondents indicated they would be comfortable being treated by a DT for all 7 of the procedures referenced, and over 75% were comfortable with each of 5 procedures. Having caps or crowns placed was the only treatment about which respondents were evenly divided. Factors associated with greater odds of comfort with various procedures include being uninsured and being under the age of 65. Uninsured patients were 1.5 to 2 times more likely than privately insured patients to accept a DT.ConclusionsThe introduction of mid‐level dental providers is a strategy that those lacking regular care appear on the whole to be comfortable with.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134205/1/cdoe12230-sup-0001-AppendixS1.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134205/2/cdoe12230.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134205/3/cdoe12230_am.pd

Is a mid‐level dental provider model acceptable to potential patients?

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess patient attitudes toward mid‐level dental providers, known as dental therapists (DTs), by surveying those likely to be their patients. The recent adoption of accreditation standards by the Commission on Dental Accreditation has reignited a debate surrounding the state‐by‐state legalization of DTs in the United States; while the dental profession is divided on DTs, it is important to understand how potential patients may view the DT model.MethodsA questionnaire that asks about oral health experience, and comfort with the model of a dually trained dental therapist–hygienist, based on a provided definition, was administered to 600 patients and their waiting room companions at a large urban university‐based dental clinic.ResultsForty percent of respondents indicated they would be comfortable being treated by a DT for all 7 of the procedures referenced, and over 75% were comfortable with each of 5 procedures. Having caps or crowns placed was the only treatment about which respondents were evenly divided. Factors associated with greater odds of comfort with various procedures include being uninsured and being under the age of 65. Uninsured patients were 1.5 to 2 times more likely than privately insured patients to accept a DT.ConclusionsThe introduction of mid‐level dental providers is a strategy that those lacking regular care appear on the whole to be comfortable with.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134205/1/cdoe12230-sup-0001-AppendixS1.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134205/2/cdoe12230.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134205/3/cdoe12230_am.pd

Anatomy of the anteromedial thigh flap based on the oblique branch of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery

Anteromedial thigh (AMT) flaps based on lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) have characteristics which make them favourable for use in reconstruction of extensive thigh, head, neck and leg defects. AMT flap which is elevated on the artery has the advantages of low donor site morbidity and preservation of main arteries. Due to inconstant anatomy of the pedicle, the flap is mostly not preferable. Hence, we aimed to describe the anatomical features of the unnamed branch of the descending branch of the LCFA harvesting AMT flap. For this purpose, the external iliac artery was displayed bilaterally on 15 adult (13 males and 2 females; age range 55–82 years) preserved cadavers using latex injection. The perforator branch of the descending branch from the LCFA was microdissected under 4× loupe magnification. The perforator branch was located 28.53 (20.20–34.20) cm distal to the anterior superior iliac spine, 22.12 (13.40–28.00) cm distal to the pubic tubercle, and 13.20 (10.80–16.20) cm proximal to the interepicondylar line. At the level of origin point the mean diameter of the perforating branch was 0.17 cm and the mean diameter of its cutaneous branch was 0.14 cm. The mean length of the pedicle was 5.71 (3.70–9.00) cm. We conclude that our findings contribute to the literature in terms of anatomical knowledge for surgical safety.

The state of the art in evaluating the performance of assistant and associate deans as seen by deans and assistant and associate deans.

This study explores the little-understood process of evaluating the performance of assistant and associate deans at dental colleges in the United States and Canada. Specifically, this research aimed to identify the methods, processes, and outcomes related to the performance appraisals of assistant/associate deans. Both deans and assistant/associate deans were surveyed. Forty-four of sixty-six deans (66.7 percent) and 227 of 315 assistant/associate deans (72.1 percent) completed surveys with both close-ended and open-ended questions. In addition, ten individuals from each group were interviewed. Results indicate that 75-89 percent of assistant/associate deans are formally evaluated, although as many as 27 percent may lack formal job descriptions. Some recommended best practices for performance appraisal are being used in a majority of colleges. Examples of these best practices are having at least yearly appraisals, holding face-to-face meetings, and setting specific, personal performance objectives/benchmarks for assistant/associate deans. Still, there is much room to improve appraisals by incorporating other recommended practices. Relatively high levels of overall satisfaction were reported by both assistant/associate deans and deans for the process and outcomes of appraisals. Assistant/associate deans rated the value of appraisals to overall development lower than did deans. Qualitative data revealed definite opinions about what constitutes effective and ineffective appraisals, including the use of goal-setting, timeliness, and necessary commitment. Several critical issues related to the results are discussed: differences in perspectives on performance reviews, the importance of informal feedback and job descriptions, the influence of an assistant/associate deans\u27 lack of tenure, and the length of service of deans. Lastly, recommendations for enhancing performance evaluations are offered

Assessment of the orbit morphometry on West Anatolian dry skulls

The orbit is very frequently damaged by traumas which result in not only bone deficits, but also functional deformities if reconstruction is not appropriate. Anatomical exposure of the bony orbit is of importance for both anatomists and surgeons who perform operation on this area. The current study evaluated the group of morphometrical parameters on 74 adult West Anatolian dry skulls and stereological surface area on the dry skull orbits while describing the clinical importance. Surface areas on the orbital base of the skulls were also evaluated using stereological method, bilaterally. Anthropological assessment of orbital base (in terms of width and height) revealed no significant difference between right and left sides. Both width and height of the optic foramen were significantly higher on the right side compared to left. The distances between the margins (medial, lateral, superior, inferior) of the orbital base and the optic foramen were longer on the right side compared to left, except the distances between the lateral margins. There was no significant difference among the subjects between right and left sides with respect to the orbital base in terms of stereological area calculation. The results are significant because there are no recorded anatomical data on West Anatolian skulls at previous researches. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 105–109

Strategic management and organizational behavior in dental education: reflections on key issues in an environment of change.

With issues such as shrinking revenue, access to care, faculty workloads, and graying faculty, dental schools are faced with difficult challenges that fall to dental school deans to manage. Do dental school deans have the organizational skill sets and ethical frameworks necessary to address the challenges now facing dental schools? The purpose of this article is to pose questions and suggestions regarding some of the key issues in dental colleges today and to stimulate discussion in the dental community about needed changes in dental education

The state of the art in evaluating the performance of department chairs and division heads.

This study explores the little understood process of evaluating the performance of department chairs/division heads in dental schools. Specifically, this research aimed to elucidate the methods, processes, and outcomes related to the job performance of department chairs/division heads. Forty-three deans and 306 chairs completed surveys with both close-ended and open-ended questions. In addition, ten deans and ten chairs were interviewed. Results indicate that 80 to 90 percent of department chairs are formally evaluated, although as many as 50 percent may lack job descriptions. Recommended best practices for performance appraisal--such as having at least yearly appraisals, holding face-to-face meetings, and setting specific, personal performance objectives/benchmarks for chairs--are being used in most schools. Still, there is much room to improve appraisals by incorporating other recommended practices. Overall high levels of satisfaction were reported by both chairs and deans for the process and outcomes of appraisals. Qualitative data showed some convergence of opinions about appraisals with the notable exception of informal feedback. We explore some implications of these results, especially as they relate to improving performance appraisals

The arterial anatomy of the saphenous flap: a cadaveric study

The saphenous flap is a fasciocutaneous flap generally used for knee and upper third of the leg coverage. Due to various descriptions of the saphenous flap, such as venous, sensory, and free flap, the origin and distributing characteristics of the saphenous artery are important for plastic surgeons. The aim of this cadaveric study was to evaluate the anatomical features of the saphenous flap. The pedicles of the saphenous flap were dissected under 4 x loop magnification in thirty-two legs of 16 formalin-fixed adult cadavers. The findings of this anatomic study were as follows: Descending genicular artery originated from the femoral artery in all of the cases. The first musculoarticular branch, which arose from descending genicular, to the vastus medialis muscle existed in all dissections. The second branch was the saphenous artery which seperately originated from the descending genicular artery in all of the cases. At the level of origin the mean diameter of the saphenous artery was found to be 1.61 mm. The muscular branches to the anterior or posterior sides of the sartorious muscle existed in all of the dissections. Two vena comitantes and a saphenous nerve were accompanying the saphenous artery in all cadavers. The mean distance between the origin of the artery and interepicondylar line of tibia was 115 mm. The muscular branches of the saphenous artery to the gracilis muscle were encountered 6.66% of the cases. The cutaneous branches numbered between one and four, and arose 3.5 to 9.5 cm from the site of origin of the saphenous artery. The distal end of the saphenous artery reached approximately 122 mm distally to the knee joint in all cases. Due to variations of the arterial anatomy and limited number of anatomic studies of the saphenous flap, we studied the topography and anatomy of the saphenous artery for increasing reliability of the saphenous flap

Suprascapular foramen: a rare variation caused by ossified suprascapular ligaments

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of the suprascapular foramen in West Anatolian population. Materials and methods: Eighty-one dried human scapulae of West Anatolian people of unknown ages and gender belonging to the Anatomy Department Laboratory of Dokuz Eylul University Medical School were examined macroscopically. The vertical and transverse diameters of the suprascapular foramen and central thickness of the ossified ligaments were measured with calliper in millimetres and digital calliper, respectively. Results: We observed the suprascapular foramen due to ossification of the suprascapular ligament only in 2 of 81 (2.47%) scapulae. The vertical and transverse diameters of the suprascapular foramen and central thickness of the ossified ligaments (No. 1 and No. 2) were measured as 8.0 mm vs. 4.0 mm, 3.6 mm vs. 2.0 mm and 4.0 mm vs. 1.4 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The suprascapular foramen caused by ossified suprascapular ligament is rarely observed variation in West Anatolian population.