Master of Science, University of Toledo, 2022, Mechanical Engineering

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, dental clinics were asked to suspend due to an elevated risk of airborne viral transmission. Dental professionals and their assistants were thought to be at a significantly high risk due to the nature of dental procedures, which result in a high number of aerosolized particles ejected from the dental equipment and oral cavity. Several recommendations were proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others to safeguard dental personnel. In this study, we quantitatively examined the efficacy of those safeguards and proposed testing additional ones. To investigate the effects of mitigation strategies on aerosol control in dental practices, we first had to accurately replicate the production of aerosols under common settings in a dental operatory, and then characterize and map particle concentration under altered standard of care practices. Numerous clinical setting scenarios, including those suggested by the CDC, were executed, and their effectiveness in reducing aerosols was assessed by characterizing the rates of aerosol production procedures. The results suggest that dry drilling generates a huge amount of particles and the use of an extraoral suction unit reduces aerosols significantly. Because the study focused on aerosolized and airborne particles, these results can be used in non-clinical situations involving the spread of airborne particles from a point source in confined spaces.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Dentistry

Objectives: This study explores the association between fluoride varnish (FV) application delivered through Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives in the primary care setting on dental outcomes among children. Methods: We obtained administrative and procedure claims from 2015 to 2019 for children ages 1 to 5 years old in a cohort of Ohio Medicaid beneficiaries. Multivariable logistic and poisson regression analyses were performed to compare dental utilization rates and expenditures among children who received FV from a QI-participating medical provider, a non-QI-participating medical provider, a dental provider, and children who did not receive FV. Results: Among 98,001 children, most were male (51.1%), white (50.5%), qualified for Medicaid by income-based criteria (98.8%), and lived in a metropolitan area (71.1%). Children in the QI group had a significantly higher incidence of preventive dental visits than the dental (IRR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.91 to 0.96) or non-QI groups (IRR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.84 to 0.88). Compared to the QI group, children in the non-QI and dental groups were significantly more likely to have caries-related treatment visits (aOR=2.6, 95% CI: 2.4 to 2.9; aOR=2.9, 95% CI: 2.6 to 3.3, respectively). Children in the dental group were significantly more likely to have dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) than the QI group (aOR=5.3, 95% CI: 2.0 to 14.4). Conclusions: Children seen at medical practices participating in QI activities around FV application appear to have increased uptake of preventive dental services, which may account for the observed lower incidence of visits for dental caries and dental treatment requiring GA.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Dentistry

Purpose: To determine an etiological association between the presence and severity of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) and environmental exposures (pre-, peri-, or postnatal), early childhood illness, antibiotic use, systemic disease, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Methods: This was a hospital-based, nested case-control study of children 6-17 years old identified as having MIH via clinical exam. MIH severity was rated using the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) scale. A retrospective chart review of subjects identified as having MIH, along with their age-matched controls without a diagnosis of MIH, examined the potential relationships between environmental and social factors and MIH diagnosis. Results: The study cohort was analyzed using logistic regression for associations between demographic variables and MIH. MIH was not significantly associated with age, race, language, ethnicity, or insurance type. Patients who had the DTaP Vaccine were less likely to have MIH (Odds ratio = 0.3, P-value = 0.01) and severe MIH (Odds Ratio=0.2, P-value=0.0003) than patients who did not have DTAP vaccine. Statistical analysis showed near significant associations between histories of otitis media, passive smoke exposure, and asthma for patients with an increased incidence for mild MIH. Conclusions: Molar Incisor Hypomineralization remains a multidimensional, multi-factorial diagnosis with several potential etiological associations. The DTaP vaccination status may be a variable of interest for future MIH studies. Prospective studies with increased sample size and consistent medical record information are needed to further evaluate etiological associations.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Dentistry

Objective: This pilot study aims to gather baseline clinical and patient reported data of individuals with periodontitis who underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy to evaluate clinical outcomes, gauge endpoints of periodontal therapy, and determine if periodontal health has been achieved according to the health model described by Mariotti and Hefti. The collected data will be used over time to ascertain clinical outcomes (i.e., tooth retention in painless function) for the management of periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients who declined periodontal surgical treatment following initial non-surgical therapy were recruited from the Department of Periodontology at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry between September 2021 to March 2022. These participants were recruited to participate in a recall maintenance program that entailed non-surgical periodontal maintenance therapy every three months. Tooth survival, periodontal stability, and patient satisfaction were evaluated for this baseline data study and are planned for comparison after one year. Biographic and demographic information was collected for each patient including patient age, biologic sex, education, employment status, and whether the patient possessed insurance. Full mouth periodontal charting was completed during the initial data collection visit. Clinical measures recorded included periodontal pocket depths, gingival margin (recession), clinical attachment levels, furcation involvement, mobility, and plaque score. Probing depth statistical analysis was also extracted from AxiUm electronic dental health charts for each patient. A health questionnaire was constructed by researchers to obtain patient demographics and assess various measures of periodontal health including participant's ability to function, perception of the health of their gums, satisfaction with the appearance of their gums and smile, and characteristics of their smile that are dissatisfying. Data c (open full item for complete abstract)

Bachelor of Science, Walsh University, 2022, Honors

The dental pellicle is a relatively unexplored facet of the oral environment. While extensive studies have uncovered the interactions between enamel and bacteria, those between pellicle, enamel and bacteria are lacking. The dental pellicle is a thin layer of glycoproteins and glycolipids which protects enamel surfaces from bacterial decay. Dental caries is one of the most common ailments among adults and young people in the US. To increase the caries preventing traits of the dental pellicle, a practical model would benefit further research. Current studies often suffer from the variability of individuals' unique oral environments. Both enamel analogs and synthetic pellicle models would assist in the reduction of such variables while also offering repeatability and accessibility. This project involves the pressing and sintering of hydroxyapatite discs as representative enamel samples. Discs created vary in either mass, chemical components or pressing technique. Overall, the wide array of discs will prove vital for further research. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as the pellicle substrate and contact angles were used to compare the characteristics of normal and pellicle-covered HA discs. It was found that contact angles of HA discs produced are closely aligned with contact angles of actual enamel. Contact angles of HA integrated with wet PEG are much lower than the standard contact angles. Dry and wet PEG contact angles offer vastly different angles and require further research to create the most accurate representation of dental pellicle. While much of this project aims to perfect methodology and does not venture far into exploratory experimentation, the accuracy of produced models of HA and pellicle is integral to the validity of future research.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Dentistry

Abstract Introduction Schwimmer introduced the term leukoplakia in 1877 to describe an oral white lesion. Controversy regarding its definition and role as a potential precursor to malignancy existed for years. More recently, leukoplakia has been described as “a white plaque of questionable risk having excluded (other) known diseases or disorders that carry no increased risk for cancer.” Its role as a “potentially malignant lesion” continues to be refined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the modern prevalence of oral leukoplakia and assess its correlation with histopathologic findings. Materials and Methods An IRB-approved, retrospective review of five years (2014-2018) of accessions from the Ohio State University oral biopsy service (n=29,362) was performed to create a database. Lesions submitted as “leukoplakia”, “keratosis” and “white” or “red-white” lesions (n=6,918) were initially selected. Histopathologic diagnoses were reviewed to eliminate “other” epithelial lesions as well as lesions of non-epithelial origin (n=3,732). The remaining 3,186 cases were analyzed for features of dysplasia or carcinoma with a separate category for red-white lesions, to evaluate historical differences in their biologic significance. Results The overall prevalence of leukoplakia was 10.85%. The prevalence increased with age to the eighth decade and was higher in males. Leukoplakia most frequently affected the lateral tongue. Most (45.14%) leukoplakia had benign histology without evidence of dysplasia, while 36.13% of lesions showed low-grade dysplasia, 10.10% demonstrated high-grade dysplasia and 8.63% contained squamous malignancy at the time of biopsy. Only 21.47% of red-white lesions were associated with benign diagnoses, whereas 33.66% represented invasive squamous carcinoma. Conclusions Our results for the age, gender and location of leukoplakia were consistent with previous studies however, the overall prevalence and percentage of low-grade dyspla (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Dental Hygiene, The Ohio State University, 2022, Dental Hygiene

As 63% of the limited English population are compromised by Latinos and Spanish being the second most spoken language in the United States, there is an opportunity for language concordant care to be used in dental hygiene clinics. To create culturally competent providers that demonstrate language concordant care, the study aims to understand dental hygiene students' and directors' perceptions of integrating a Spanish language course into their program. A Qualtrics survey adapted from two previous research studies, was sent via email to 327 CODA accredited dental hygiene programs during the months of October-November 2021. Dental hygiene program directors were directed to relay a separate email to final year dental hygiene students. Additionally, social media posts were used to gain more participation. One hundred and nineteen full student responses were recorded for this study. Of the 119 responses, 72.3% of the students indicated they are willing and able to develop their Spanish language skills to serve a limited English proficient community. These students noted the reason they believe it would be fundamental for students to learn Spanish was due to majority of their LEP population speaking Spanish in the dental clinic and it would also help students become culturally competent providers (56.3%). Thirty-four full responses were recorded from dental hygiene program directors. Most of the directors indicated there are no resources available to use for managing LEP patients and no formal instruction (41.2%). Based on plans to integrate a language training course, majority of hygiene directors indicated they would choose Spanish (55.9%). The responding directors also indicated that it would be “extremely unlikely” (52.9%) to accommodate a Spanish language into the existing curriculum. Growing Spanish speaking LEP communities provide an opportunity for language concordant care to be used in dental hygiene clinics. Studies are needed to reveal best practices for deve (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Dental Hygiene, The Ohio State University, 0, Dental Hygiene

Interprofessional education and intraprofessional learning experiences are fundamental in becoming an efficient member of the healthcare team for dental and dental hygiene students. The purpose of this study is to determine the attitudes and perceptions of The Ohio State University's dental and dental hygiene students on intraprofessional education and collaboration. This study is based on a study conducted by Jennifer L. Brame at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. Brame et al. focused on assessing dental, dental hygiene, and dental assisting students at The University of North Carolina and their readiness for intraprofessional education and to determine their perceptions towards the use of intraprofessional education. This study intends to determine the perceptions of intraprofessional education for students at The Ohio State University. In 2021 students at The Ohio State University's dental school were surveyed (N=272) in this cross-sectional study. It was found that dental hygiene students feel more strongly than dental students about including intraprofessional education into their studies. However, all students were receptive to the idea of incorporating intraprofessional practices.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Dentistry

Objectives: Elastics are commonly used to correct Class II occlusion in orthodontics, but clinicians are uncertain whether their patients will be compliant wearing them. This study investigated whether selected pretreatment factors were correlated with patients' compliance wearing Class II elastics during treatment. Methods: A retrospective sample of 248 patients from The Ohio State University graduate orthodontic clinic were included. For each subject, 11 pretreatment factors (age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene (OH), patient motivation, behavior conditions, history of regular dental care, profile concerns, severity of overjet (OJ), and overall PAR score) as well as treatment notes and outcome data were obtained from the electronic dental record. Two raters independently classified the compliance category (compliant or non-compliant) for each subject's Class II elastics wear based on treatment notes and Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) score change. Reliability of compliance classification was evaluated using Cohen's Kappa while the correlation between pretreatment factors and compliance categories was assessed with logistic regression. Results: There was high inter-rater reliability (κ = .94) in compliance classification. After discussion and reaching consensus for 8 cases, a total of 139 subjects were found to be compliant, representing 56% of the full sample. Among the 11 pretreatment factors, race (p<0.01), oral hygiene (p=0.03), and OJ severity (p=0.04) were correlated with the compliance categories. As for the likelihood of being compliant, Caucasians vs. African Americans and good OH vs. poor OH, all demonstrated an odds ratio over 2.5. Conclusions: Non-compliance in wearing Class II elastics may be a common phenomenon among orthodontic patients. Pretreatment information including race and oral hygiene are objective measures that may be of value in predicting patients' compliance wearing Class II elastics.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Dentistry

Chronic oral and maxillofacial pain conditions represent a diverse group of disorders. Broadly, they can be broken down into temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and/or orofacial pain disorders. These classifications further detail a series of conditions ranging from joint pains, muscles pains, headaches, to various neuralgias of the head, neck, and face. The presence of depression often complicates these conditions. In addition, chronic noxious stimuli can lead to central sensitization, amplifying and protracting pain. Ketamine, a commonly used general anesthetic agent, has been studied in pre-clinical animal and human clinical trials and has shown great promise for treating chronic pain and depression. It has also been proposed that intravenous ketamine administration plays a role in reversing central sensitization. Albeit simplified, the hypothesized mechanism of action behind ketamine's ability to perform these actions primarily lies within the drug's ability to inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in the central nervous system. However, it is thought that other factors are at play behind ketamine's clinically valuable attributes. Unfortunately, most research in this field has been studied without regard to the head, neck, and face. The following is a systematized review of ketamine therapy to treat such disorders. Regrettably, the results demonstrated the dental profession's lack of pursuit in ketamine therapy when treating chronic oral and maxillofacial pain patients. Nevertheless, there was a meaningful amount of data covering the utility of ketamine therapy. Although most clinical trials present with large degrees of design heterogenicity, the overwhelming conclusion of these publications suggests great promise for the use of intravenous ketamine infusions to treat a multitude of chronic pain conditions. Given these results, the dental profession, with its recent addition of two new specialties (i.e., dental anesthesiology and orofacial pain), alo (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership , Franklin University, 2022, Health Programs

This qualitative research study includes individual perspectives gathered from participants located in five midwestern states, comparing the benefits of obtaining a baccalaureate degree to the benefits found in current reviewed literature. Mezirow's theory of transformational learning has been applied to the data to explain potential intangible benefits dental hygienists associate with seeking a baccalaureate degree. Dental hygienists who have obtained a baccalaureate degree were questioned via an online qualitative survey to obtain their personal beliefs as to the benefits of receiving a baccalaureate degree to discover the transformational meaning of obtaining a baccalaureate degree when an associate degree is the minimum requirement for licensure in the participant states. Findings from this inquiry support the premise that a baccalaureate degree adds opportunities for additional tangible and intangible benefits for dental hygienists. In addition, respondent replies support an increased self-understanding, strengthened belief systems, improved lifestyle changes, and enhanced responses to organizational change, relating Mezirow's theory of transformational learning to intangible reasons behind the adult quest for seeking higher levels of learning.

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

Nuzum et al previously showed that a combination labial plus lingual infiltration of 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in the anterior mandible is superior to a labial infiltration of 1.8 mL of the same solution. However, it is not known whether the total volume of anesthetic or the location of deposition had the greatest effect. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, single-blind study is to determine the anesthetic efficacy of a labial infiltration of 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine compared to a labial plus lingual infiltration using a 3.6 mL volume of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in mandibular anterior teeth. One hundred subjects randomly received two sets of injections consisting of a labial (buccal) infiltration injection of 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine plus lingual infiltration of the same solution, and a labial infiltration injection of 1.8 ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine plus an additional infiltration of 1.8 ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (3.6 mL total) in two separate appointments, spaced at least one week apart, in a crossover design. In mandibular lateral incisors, the buccal and lingual combination exhibited a significantly higher anesthetic success rate of 99% as compared to an 82% success rate with the two buccal injections group. In conclusion, a combination labial plus lingual infiltration of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine statistically improved anesthetic success when compared to two buccal infiltrations of the same solution.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2021, History

As the human population surges today toward 8 billion, the struggle to ensure necessary food, water, and public health has never been more intense. My dissertation unveils the interlinked origins of British and American environmentalism from 1900 to 1975, which developed as a debate between advocates of “natural” versus “artificial” solutions to the question of nutrition and health. My project explores the “green” or organic movement that resisted intensive, chemical-based farming practices, fluoridation and chlorination of public water, pasteurization of milk products, artificial baby formula, and other processed or manufactured foods. My work answers the question of why women make up approximately 75% of the participants in the environmental movement today. It traces the origins of “green” behavior and “green identities” to these early debates over the utility of scientifically “modern” food and health mandates versus natural and traditional practices. I argue that gender and family structures were fundamental to these early debates as proponents of both “natural” and “artificial” sides focused on children's health as their primary litmus test to legitimize success in food and health practices. In doing so, both the organic movement and the technocratic movement levied an enormous level of anxiety on mothers as the primary household consumers and caregivers to make the right decisions for their children's health and future. My dissertation is the first to analyze these gender and family dimensions and to demonstrate the transnational connection and mutual influences between the US and UK. It also reminds us that the environmental movement began decades before Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and was not initially divided politically between left and right (as it came to be after the 1970s) but rather developed from the argument over whether “natural” or “artificial” approaches would produce the healthiest food and water for families.

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

Dental anatomy related to the maxillary anterior sextant and the patterns of bone resorption following tooth loss create specific requirements that must be considered prior to implant-supported dental restorations for the rehabilitation of function, speech, and esthetics. The work presented through this thesis aims to provide detailed information on tooth forms, bone physiology, and healing patterns specific for this anatomical region. Chapter I starts with a discussion on post-extraction soft and hard tissue contour changes. Treatment planning for oral rehabilitation of esthetically demanding cases through implant-supported dental restorations is discussed here, heavily focusing on tissue contours as clinical outcomes. A narrative review on innovative surgical protocols and biomaterials to improve peri-implant tissue contours, specifically focusing on the esthetic zone, is provided. Details on procedural developments, biomaterials, modalities, and related outcomes are also provided. Chapter II focuses on the applications of pre-/peri-implant tissue augmentation procedures through a retrospective study conducted by utilizing a patient population from an advanced training program in Periodontics. Specifically, the prevalence of pre/peri-implant tissue augmentation procedures and corrective surgeries in the maxillary anterior sextant is investigated. Patient-specific and local factors are explored as possible determinants for repeated procedures prior to functional loading. An exploratory prospective component is included to incorporate patient-centered outcomes by means of a tele-questionnaire and clinical examination.

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

Background: Sound decisions regarding appropriate treatments are dependent on health information for the entire population. Previous studies have shown wide variations in medical and dental treatments regarding health care use over well-defined geographic areas. More specifically, trends in periodontal therapy may vary between states irrespective of the disease prevalence. This study will explore potential differences in private insurance claims data to determine if variations exist between periodontal practices in Michigan and Ohio from 2010 to 2020. Methods: Current dental terminology (CDT) codes for diagnostic, preventive, periodontal, oral and maxillofacial surgery and adjunctive general services were compared between Michigan and Ohio periodontists. The retrospective data collected for claims included the number of procedures performed per year for each state, the total of procedures per year for each state divided by the number of providers, and the grand total of claims from all years. The total number of procedures per provider, per year, with the mean ± the standard error of the mean was also included Results: A significant difference was found between Michigan and Ohio in many dental procedures. Michigan claimed more CDT diagnostic (552,419 vs 178,356), preventive (55,085 vs 15,083), periodontal (1,103,884 vs 348,242), implant (58,083 vs 35,070), oral and maxillofacial surgical (126,483 vs 85,078) and adjunctive general (30,994 vs 18,334), codes than Ohio. Conclusions: There was significant variation in dental treatments between Michigan and Ohio, suggesting dental care guidelines vary between the states.

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

Purpose: We know little about what adolescents, pregnant or not, think about oral health care. We know little about barriers that pregnant adolescents face with oral health care. Our purpose was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and current practices regarding dental care and oral health in pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents and young adults as well as barriers to care during pregnancy. Methods: Between November 2020 and March 2021, surveys were distributed to pregnant patients in a teen pregnancy clinic and males and females in a primary care clinic. The 18-question survey asked about personal dental health and dental care during pregnancy. Analysis was done using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, with statistical significance at p<0.05. Results: There were 215 total respondents; 196 were female, and 31% were pregnant. Almost half were Black or African-American, 70% had Medicaid or public insurance, and 75% went to the dentist annually or twice annually for check-ups. Only 1% indicated that pregnant females should never go to the dentist. The majority of pregnant respondents had not been to the dentist while pregnant, and less than 5% had been in the six months prior to pregnancy. Conclusions: Dental care during pregnancy is underutilized, consistent with other studies. Reported barriers to dental care were providers' refusal of treatment due to respondent's pregnancy status, low priority, safety concerns, lack of time, and finances. Results suggest the need for improved knowledge for not just pregnant females to know that it is safe to get dental care, but for healthcare providers as well so pregnant women are not refused care.

Master of Dental Hygiene, The Ohio State University, 2021, Dental Hygiene

The use of activated charcoal has become prevalent in oral health products and concerns amongst dental professionals has risen on its safety. This study aims to determine if charcoal products are too abrasive on tooth enamel by comparing surface roughness changes after being subjected to toothbrush abrasion with charcoal and non-charcoal products. Twenty central incisors, collected from the Ohio State University restorative lab, were divided into four groups. Group one was brushed with Arm&Hammer Peroxicare toothpaste, group two was brushed with a mixture of Arm&Hammer Peroxicare toothpaste and activated charcoal powder, group three was brushed with charcoal powder mixed with water, and group four was brushed with plain water. The teeth were brushed with a toothbrushing machine for two-minute intervals which was repeated 60 times to mimic a month's worth of brushing. The specimens were subjected to profilometric analysis before and after brushing to determine surface roughness changes. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. Results concluded that there was no significant difference on surface roughness values between groups, but there was a slight greater change in surface roughness changes with group two when comparing the mean RA change for each group.

Master of Dental Hygiene, The Ohio State University, 2021, Dental Hygiene

The administration of local anesthesia is an important focus in the field of dentistry, and its application has facilitated painless treatment among patients, allowing dental professionals to provide appropriate patient care. Current research related to the success and safety of local anesthesia application among registered dental hygienists, evidences its importance. However, there presents a lack of research related to the administration of local anesthetic among dental hygienists in different practice settings, as well as the utilization rate. The purpose of this study is to: identify the utilization rate of local anesthesia by dental hygienists and identify the reasoning associated with use or non-use of this skill. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey research design was used on a non-probability sample of dental hygienists practicing in the state of Ohio. The survey was designed with demographic questions, questions regarding use of local anesthesia, the non-use of local anesthesia, and attitudes related to local anesthesia application. The data evidenced that 95.7% reported having administered local anesthesia while licensed. Results further indicated that 93.5% reported that they like to administer local anesthesia. The findings from this study suggest that there is active utilization of local anesthesia among registered dental hygienists and that there is an appreciation for the skill. Additional research is recommended to explore the qualitative reasons for use and non-use of local anesthesia and the perceptions related to this skill, and to better understand the potential relationships among variables associated with the profession of dental hygiene and local anesthesia application.

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

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine if written rehearsal of informed consent improved six-months recall and comprehension compared to the current best practices. Methods: A consultation was provided and subjects read the modified informed consent. They were randomized to Group A (received the core and up to four custom elements of treatment, wrote what each image displayed) or Group B (presentation of the 18 elements with core elements chunked at the end followed by up to four custom elements). Interviews recording recall/comprehension occurred immediately and six months later. Results: Overall, no significant differences in baseline or 6-month follow-up scores were found between groups. Initially, Group A outperformed Group B in some core domains. There were no significant differences between groups in the change of scores from initial to recall. Follow-up scores were significantly lower than baseline scores (p<0.05). Higher initial scores were associated with larger drops at follow-up. A decrease in knowledge >20% was common. Conclusions: Overall the methods are comparable at baseline and 6-months. Initial content retention was roughly 2/3, with 6-9% deterioration. For areas of treatment methods, risk, discomfort, and resorption at 6-months, the current processes fail the patient and leave the practitioner vulnerable to risk management issues. Results support the rehearsal method with immediate feedback for misunderstandings as the preferred method for informed consent.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2020, Dentistry

The introduction of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) into the field of dentistry has facilitated simplified and reliable implant planning for the dental practitioner. The ability of CBCT technology to render accurate 3D volumetric data of the maxillofacial region allows the clinician involved in implant rehabilitation to make accurate assessments of the edentulous sites, thus ensuring proper surgical placement of dental implants without injuring vital structures. Available CBCT applications along with third party software provide extensive tools to conduct analysis, complete treatment plans, prepare surgical guides, study virtual prototypes, and print 3D resin models, all of which ease the process of diagnosis and executing the delivery of proper treatment. Despite the many advantages of CBCT technology, projection images are often plagued by artifacts, which are defined as visualized structures in the reconstructed data that are not present in the scanned object. Metal objects such as dental fillings, implants, and metal crowns that may be present in the patient can create severe artifacts that degrade image quality to the extent they are diagnostically unusable. Most of the artifacts are due to beam hardening and scattered radiation. Recently, it has been suggested that adequately covering metallic restorations with Memosil 2 polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) bite registration material can aid in suppressing scatter. The aim of this study was to investigate this claim. A secondary objective was to investigate other PVS bite registration materials in order to determine which material was most effective at suppressing scatter. Six commonly available bite registration materials were used in the investigation. The subject was a human mandible. Teeth in the mandible were prepared for four different full coverage restorations (two molars and two canines). The restoration materials included porcelain fused metal, gold, zirconia, and lithium disilicate (IPS e.max). Each bit (open full item for complete abstract)