Method to Develop Pseudo Three-dimensional Dental Image from Dental Panoramic Radiograph

Although three-dimensional imaging can be a powerful tool for dentists to explain treatments to patients, obtaining of three-dimensional image of teeth in general dental clinics is difficult. This paper proposed a method to develop pseudo three-dimensional dental image from conventional dental panoramic radiograph and dental impression. The method estimates imaging parameters of given panoramic radiograph through comparison with dental cast, and re-projects the radiograph into three-dimensional space. The developed pseudo three-dimensional image gives clear impression of the patient’s dental condition

Factors Affecting the Career Continuation of Newly Graduated and Reinstated Dental Hygienists Who Participated in a Technical Training Program in Japan

This study aimed to identify (1) what newly graduated dental hygienists and reinstated dental hygienists consider important for preventing early turnover in their own professions and for encouraging them to continue in the profession more generally and (2) relevant factors among hygienists intending to continue working in the field. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey was distributed to 215 Japanese dental hygienists who participated in the technical training programs (response rate: 72.6%). Of them, 143 participants were classified into two groups: newly graduated (NGDH, n = 32) and those reinstated to work (RDH, n = 111). Follow-up for lack of skills was most often selected as important for preventing early turnover among both groups and follow-up for lack of knowledge was significantly selected in the RDH group (p < 0.001). Regarding factors important for career continuation, NGDHs significantly selected gaining job satisfaction, whereas RDHs significantly selected working support. Relevant factors contributing to participants’ intentions to continue in the profession were job satisfaction (NGDH, OR = 8.37; RDH, OR = 8.83), career outlook (RDH, OR = 3.11), and job turnover experience because of marriage and parenting (RDH, OR = 2.70), thereby suggesting the importance of raising awareness regarding career progression and job-related rewards among dental hygienists, their educators, and the government through ongoing career education