Master of Health and Human Services, Youngstown State University, 2024, Department of Health Professions

Ankyloglossia and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) can play a major role in the inhibition of proper craniofacial growth and development. They are also linked to the development of chronic health conditions which have negative connotations for one's quality of life. Dental professionals have a unique opportunity to identify restrictions and dysfunction so that their patients can become educated on their condition and seek treatment as early as possible. This research serves to examine the degree of knowledge on ankyloglossia and OMDs within the dental community and will help to generate an educational program for post licensure professionals. This quantitative study was conducted by administering surveys to all licensed professionals in the state of Ohio (n=211) who have an active licensure to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. The study data demonstrated a high level of education on ankyloglossia (60%) with a high level of routine screening and documenting of this condition (59%). It also demonstrated a low level of knowledge on orofacial myofunctional disorders (40%). A ChiSquare test was completed to determine that there is a significant correlation between education and the screening and documenting of ankyloglossia between Dentists who hold a DDS/DMD degree and Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH), p<.001.

Committee: Daniel Van Dussen PhD (Committee Chair); Diane Kandray PhD (Committee Member); Daniel Cesene EdD (Committee Member) Subjects: Dentistry

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2021, Dentistry

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between ankyloglossia and posterior crossbite in the pediatric population. A secondary objective was to determine whether there is an association between ankyloglossia and diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing, behavior disorders, or speech disorders. Methods: In this case-control study, clinical exam and chart reviews were completed on patients 3-17 years old during scheduled dental visits to the Nationwide Children's Hospital dental clinic. Participants were excluded if they had a history of craniofacial anomalies, history of orthodontic treatment, history of frenotomy procedure, uncooperative behavior, or did not speak English. Clinical examinations included assessment of ankyloglossia using the Kotlow grading system, presence of posterior crossbite, and Angle classification of malocclusion. All clinical examinations were performed by a single examiner. Additionally, diagnoses of sleep-disordered breathing, behavior disorders, and speech disorders were documented from each subject's electronic medical record. Subjects with ankyloglossia were compared to age and sex matched controls without ankyloglossia. Results: There were 160 subjects, 80 subjects with ankyloglossia, and 80 control subjects. In the ankyloglossia group, 39 subjects (48.75%) were Kotlow grade 1, 25 subjects (31.25%) Kotlow grade 2, 11 subjects (13.75%) Kotow grade 3, and 5 (6.25%) Kotlow grade 4. The prevalence of posterior crossbite was 12.5% in the ankyloglossia group and 16.2% in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of posterior crossbite between the ankyloglossia and control group (P=.5). There was no statistically significant difference (P=1.00) in the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing, 3.8% and 5% in the ankyloglossia and control group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (P=0.46) in the prevalence of (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Erin Gross DDS, MS, Ph.D. (Advisor); Allen Firestone DDS (Committee Member); Janice Townsend DDS, MS (Committee Member) Subjects: Dentistry