OAR@UM Collection:

Research into the relationship between a plant-based diet and oral health : a pilot study

2021-04-23T10:46:43Z

Title: Research into the relationship between a plant-based diet and oral health : a pilot study Abstract: Recent studies are showing how diet can impact a range of general illnesses (especially chronic diseases) and this has led others to consider the effect of diet on periodontal health, since periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease. Objective: The aims and objectives of this research was to identify whether there is an impact of a plant-based diet on the oral health of adults between 18 and 70 years of age. Method: Eighteen healthy non-smoking adult participants were recruited for this study through social media posts, advertisements, and snowball effect. Ten were allocated into the study group (vegan diet), eight into the control group (non-vegetarian diet). The periodontal condition of all participants was assessed using the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE), Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI), and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). Erosive tooth wear and caries prevalence were measured with the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) and The International Caries Assessment and Detection System (ICDAS) indices. Results: The mean value of the BPE score within the vegan group was significantly lower (0.30) than the non-vegetarian group (1.79) [p<0.001]. The vegan group also had lower scores for the PI and GBI: PI [vegan group (0.07), non-vegetarian group (0.67)], GBI [vegan group (4.30), non-vegetarian group (31.38)]. Regarding the oral hygiene habits, the vegan group were more likely to brush their teeth twice a day or more (80 %), than the non-vegetarian group (37.5%). With respect to BEWE and DMFT values no significant differences were found. Conclusion: The research showed a clear difference between the two groups regarding periodontal health. Vegans demonstrated a better oral hygiene regime, statistically significantly lower scores of the BPE, PI and GBI. No differences were observed between the two groups regarding BEWE or DMFT values. Description: B.SC.(HONS)DENTAL HYGIENE

Occupational safety and hazards among dental laboratory technologists in Malta

2021-03-23T14:04:52Z

Title: Occupational safety and hazards among dental laboratory technologists in Malta Abstract: Introduction: An occupational hazard refers to conditions surrounding a work environment that increase the probability of death, disability, or illness to a worker. A person’s exposure to a hazard determines the severity of the risk and side effects. (Sivakumar, Arunachalam, & Solomon, 2012) The method used A questionnaire was sent through the DAM (Dental Association of Malta). The questionnaire was adopted by two different questionnaires; the occupational health questionnaire made by A.N.H Weel and R.J.Fortuin and for the questions concerning musculoskeletal problems, a subscription of the Extended Version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E). Candidates filled the questionnaire via google forms. 31 dental technologists participated in the study. Overall findings and conclusions Level of significance of this study was 0.05. In the set of questions regarding inconveniences the dental technologists experience during work, it was found that they suffered with inconveniences due to lengthy sitting (p-value =0.150), working in the same physical position (p-value =0.071) and repetitive movements ( p-value =0.720) . In the section regarding protective measures used during work. It was found that disinfecting the dental equipment when receiving it from the clinic ( p-value =0.029*) and using a shield to protect their face ( p-value <0.001***) are the protective measures used most often. Unfortunately, a lot of the dental technologists do not wear a mask when sandblasting/ investing/ trimming (p-value =1.000) and do not work with acrylic in the fume cupboard (p-value =0.473). The next seven questions were about exposures experienced during their work and it was found that the majority suffer from inconveniences with too much dust ( p-value =0.011*), too much noise ( p-value = 0.720) and bad lighting ( p-value =0.473). The last section in the questionnaire was concerning musculoskeletal problems. It was found that more than two thirds of the dental technicians experience pain in their necks (p-value =0.011*) and lower back (p-value =0.071). The also experience pain in their shoulders (p-value =0.071), upper back (p-value of 0.281) and wrists/hands (p-value =0.473), but not at such a high rate. To conclude, there are many occupational hazards and risks present in the dental laboratories of Malta and even though some preventive measures are taken by the dental technologists to decrease the effect of these hazards, some precautions are still not taken into consideration. Recommendations An alternate approach should be advised by laboratory owners/supervisors to encourage and enforce safety measures against the countless occupational hazards and risks at hand. Some of these different approaches may come in the form of greater ventilation systems, air purifiers and workstations which in turn should be regularly checked and managed by an ergonomics specialist. In addition to these, improving lighting, offering greater hearing protection devices along with more frequent breaks may reduce the impacts stemming from dental technicians performing repetitive movements for such lengthy periods of time. Description: B.SC.(HONS)DENTAL TECH.

The effect of different cuspal angulation in a lingualized occlusion on a masticatory performance and patient satisfaction in edentulous patients

2021-03-23T14:04:10Z

Title: The effect of different cuspal angulation in a lingualized occlusion on a masticatory performance and patient satisfaction in edentulous patients Abstract: The Purpose of the Study: Edentulism effects 25% of the global population over age of 65, reaching 35% in middle- and high-income countries. Complete dentures are the most common form of prosthodontic treatment but they are constructed with different occlusions. Lingualized occlusion has become an increasingly established method for constructing complete dentures but there is no evidence that explores the effect of cuspal angles of the posterior teeth on patient reported outcomes. Materials and Methods: This study uses questionnaires and objective methods to test for differences in patient satisfaction and masticatory performance between 17 edentulous patients in 2 groups who were provided with lingualized occlusion complete dentures with posterior maxillary teeth that had either 20 or 30-degree cuspal angles. At the time of insertion, and 2-4 weeks later, all patients were asked to completes questionnaires on oral health and denture satisfaction, and then participate in two separate tests of masticatory performance (carrots & sieves, and masticatory chewing gum). Results: No significant differences between the two groups were reported for OHIP for visit 1 (P=0.63) or visit 2 (P=0.73), and sub scores for functional and psychological domains in both visits. Results for the Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire indicated generally a high level of satisfaction, with significant difference between the groups after 2-4 weeks (P=0.004), and maxillary satisfaction during visit 1 (P=0.005) and mandibular performance in visit 2 (P=0.003). Both tests of objective masticatory performance indicated that patients with 30- degree cuspal angles achieved higher masticatory performance than patients with 20-degree cuspal angles: carrots test (P=0.004) and chewing gum (P=0.00015). Conclusions: This pilot study results suggest that satisfaction and performance of lingualized occlusion is high, but these measures can be improved with testing different cuspal angles. It also suggests that the masticatory chewing gum, can be used as an alternative methodology when testing for masticatory performance. Given small sample sizes, more work is needed to establish the reliability of these preliminary results. Description: B.SC.(HONS)DENTAL TECH.

Quality of communication between dentists and dental laboratory technicians in Malta

2021-03-23T08:32:43Z

Title: Quality of communication between dentists and dental laboratory technicians in Malta Abstract: Introduction: Communication is fundamentally important between a dentist and a dental laboratory technician. Good quality communication from both of these parties may help to increase productivity in both working environments and thus ensure a more functional and smoother source for operation. It is important to gauge the opinions on communication from a dental technicians’ perspective as they are to be considered fundamental in the fabrication process for prostheses. Reducing the possibility of a breakdown in communication through assessing areas commonly associated with miscommunication may help to improve functionality and performance in the dental clinic and dental laboratory. Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of communication between the dental clinic and dental laboratory from a dental laboratory technicians’ point of view and to offer means for improving communication between these two workplaces. Research Question: Does clear and concise communication between dentists and dental technicians affect performance and operation between the dental clinic and dental laboratory as opposed to poor/lack of communication? Methods and Materials: This pilot study was carried out on 38 dental laboratory technicians comprising of 14 dental laboratory technicians from the University of Malta Dental Laboratory along with 24 dental technicians from private dental laboratories spread across the Maltese Islands. The collection of data was taken through the use of a questionnaire issued on a one-time basis. Conclusions: Communication between the dental clinic and dental laboratory was found to possess several strengths and weaknesses in the eyes of Maltese dental technicians. There is room for improvement in communication between these two dental workplaces. Description: B.SC.(HONS)DENTAL TECH.