https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47482 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:23:20 GMT 2026-04-11T00:23:20Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47946 Title: A study comparing the oral health status of electronic cigarette users, conventional smokers, and non-smokers. Abstract: The Aim of the study was to have a clearer view and understanding of the impacts that the use of Ecigs and conventional cigarette smoking might have on the oral health status in an adult population, as well as gathering patients’ self-reported oral symptoms, and to investigate whether demographics affect the results within the different participant groups. Material and Methods: Participants were recruited via advertisement on social media, leaflets distribution and reaching through student body, and Mobile Dental Unit. A close-ended questionnaire was designed in order to record data relative to the participants’ personal experience and to investigate self-reported oral symptoms. An oral examination was carried out to evaluate the oral health status of the individuals, followed by non-surgical periodontal treatment. Results: Sixty-five patients were recruited for this study and divided in three groups respectively composed of Electronic cigarettes (E-cigs) users, conventional smokers, and non-smokers. The majority of the E-cigs group (71.4%) affirmed to have switched to the new trend to quit the smoking habit; 90.5% of them did notice improvements with regards to their general and oral health. Despite this notion, some of the E-cigs users kept on smoking tobacco occasionally. Additionally, with regards to the oral health status of the individuals, results suggested that E-cigs users reflected the highest scores in relation to mean DMFT (8.3), mean BEWE score (4.0), mean percentage of BOP (5.8%). On the other hand, conventional smokers had a slightly higher presence of plaque and calculus. The general sample population seemed to have a good understanding of general knowledge related to oral health, and tobacco-related oral symptoms, regardless of the group they belonged to. Conclusion: generally speaking, E-cigs users appear to have a worsened oral health status compared to conventional smokers, and non-smokers. Contrarily, non-smokers appear to be more aware, and caring with regards to their oral health. Description: B.SC.(HONS)DENTAL HYGIENE Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47946 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47871 Title: Comparison of the oral health status, literacy and practices of caregivers with the oral health status of their children Abstract: Objective: To determine whether the oral health status, literacy and related knowledge of caregivers influences the oral health status and practices of their children. Method: 50 children and 50 caregivers within the same family were examined clinically at the University Dental Teaching Clinic, Mater Dei Hospital under standard illumination using a mouth mirror, CPITN-C probes and compressed air for decayed, missing and filled teeth and plaque levels. Caregivers were given a self-administered questionnaire and an oral health literacy tool (REALD-30) and children were questioned about their oral hygiene methods. DMFT scores of all participants were collected and recorded. Participants were accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Caregivers presented with a higher DMFT than the children did. The overall toothbrushing frequency is lower in children compared to their caregivers. The majority of participants all presented with a plaque score of 1 (plaque on probing) and the oral hygiene of children was significantly worse than that of their caregivers (p=0.035). Moreover, there is a strong tendency that the higher the education level the more frequent the visits to the dentist. Conclusion: This study has provided evidence that overall oral health knowledge is high amongst caregivers while oral hygiene status is higher that that of their children. On the other hand, this study shows that there is a low level of oral health literacy in Malta amongst caregivers as proved from the REALD-30 test. Description: B.SC.(HONS)DENTAL HYGIENE Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47871 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47853 Title: Dental aesthetic index scores and perception of personal dental appearance among a Maltese adolescent population Abstract: Introduction: Malocclusion is somewhat widespread in Malta, with several people being affected by malocclusion at varying degrees. Adolescents commonly seek treatment for this condition to improve their dental aesthetics. Orthodontic treatment can be used to treat both functional abnormality and dental aesthetics. The opinions of the patient about their occlusion and their aesthetics should be included in orthodontic treatment. By investigating the relationship between the aesthetic and functional factors of occlusion, orthodontic treatment may show an improvement. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of objective malocclusion, subjective malocclusion and the personal opinion on dental aesthetics in a Maltese adolescent population. Materials and methods: This study was carried out on 550 subjects aged 11 to 21. Data was collected using the dental aesthetic index to calculate objective malocclusion, and questionnaires to calculate subjective malocclusion and personal dental appearance. Results: Moderate statistical correlations were found between DAI scores, awareness of malocclusion, and satisfaction with dental appearance. A weak statistical correlation was found between awareness of malocclusion and satisfaction with dental appearance. Conclusion: Maltese adolescents seem to be generally aware of their orthodontic treatment needs. Having parents with higher education levels increases the patient’s own perceptions of aesthetics. Older participants were less satisfied by their dental aesthetics compared to younger participants. Treating the objective treatment needs in Malta will also help increase the patient’s own perceptions about their malocclusion and dental aesthetics. Description: B.SC.(HONS)DENTAL TECH. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47853 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47845 Title: Oral health education for patients with diabetes type 2 and impact on oral health status Abstract: Oral health education has a major impact on the oral health and general health status of patients living with Diabetes. Knowledge empowers the patient to change behaviours, control, adapt and manage this chronic disease preventing or minimising associated health and oral complications. Patients with diabetes type 2 are on the rise in Malta. This study is to understand whether oneon-one education is acceptable form of intervention amongst these patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether one-on-one education has an impact on behavioural change regarding oral health in patients with diabetes type 2. Method: 49 patients with diabetes type 2 over the age of 18 and attending the Endocrine and Diabetes Department and the Dental Teaching Clinic were included in this study. Participants were clinically examined within the Endocrine and Diabetes Department and the Dental Teaching Clinic. Standard dental mirror and CPITN-C probe were used for the assessment. Participants were assessed through inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each person was examined with indices using: Oral Hygiene Index (OH-I), Gingival Index (GI), Clinical Oral Dryness Score Index (CODS) and ICDAS total scores were also collected and recorded in data collection forms. Results: Half of the participants were aware of the impact of diabetes on oral health in the first visit, 64% was reached after one-on-one education. No statistical significance was noted. Significant difference was found on knowledge regarding improvement glucose level (p=0.025). After receiving one-on-one education participants improved their oral health care habits with improved frequency of brushing (p=0.139). Gingival Index was significantly improved (p=0.003) GI mean changed from 7.8 at first to 4.8 at second visit. Mean value of DMFT was recorded at 11.54 in the group that completed the study. Conclusion: One-on-one education the effect of the research was positive, especially in increasing toothbrushing habits and consequently, improving oral health status. Oral hygiene education is essential for diabetic patients and an ongoing reinforcement will help with positive behavioural changes contributing towards healthier lifestyle. Recommendations for practice, education and further research were proposed in this study. Description: B.SC.(HONS)DENTAL HYGIENE Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47845 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z