Abstract This paper examines how dental hygiene is a field of study and practice that, in contrast to dentistry, is sometimes referred to as a para-profession in that it is regarded as not having all the attributes of a profession. While dental hygienists and commentators writing on the discipline dispute this perception, they nonetheless argue that the field of dental hygiene must address a number of issues in order to shift its popular image - as well as its mandate under the law - as a full and autonomous profession. This paper examines these issues, with a particular emphasis on an Ontario perspective, in order to explain both the current situation and the steps that must be taken for dental hygiene to progress as a profession into the future.
Abstract This paper presents an examination of national dental care and argues the time has come to implement such a plan in the United States. The writer discusses health issues that can arise from dental problems that will have a negative impact on the medical community, and provides the argument that a national dental program will help to alleviate the risk for those diseases and illnesses. In addition the writer argues that children should be provided national dental care so that they can enter adulthood with healthy teeth and gums.
Introduction
Why
Is it Possible?
The Time has Come
Canada's Health Care System (Medicare)
How it Could Work
Conclusion
From the Paper "For the past few years the skyrocketing cost of health care has come under fire by politicians, voters and media outlets on a regular basis, but the increasing rise in dental care has been largely ignored. Dental care costs have increased along with health care costs. At the same time it is becoming increasingly difficult for Americans to get dental care at affordable rates and sometimes at any rate.
One of the reasons that dental care is becoming increasingly difficult for people to obtain in the states is because of the reduced number of dentists practicing in the dental field today. The availability of dental professionals compared to the ratio of potential patients creates a backlog of availability in which many patients are being turned away or being asked to wait months for needed care(Dental Care http://drc.nidcr.nih.gov/report/images/section16-wrkfrce_cost.pdf.).
"Dental insurance coverage, the lack of dental health professionals in many areas of the country prevents those living in under-served areas from obtaining optimum oral health care. The ratio of dentists to population by state ranges from 31.3 to 69.0 per 100,000 population (Dill et al., 2000). The District of Columbia has a higher ratio of dentists to population (94.9 per 100,000) than any state. "
Abstract This paper discusses dental plaque, how it forms, what it consists of, what it causes, and how it can be controlled. The paper notes that dental plaque is actually a combination of bacteria and sticky bacterial products forming on the teeth within hours of cleaning. It discusses that there are more than 300 different species of such bacteria that have been identified.
From the Paper "Dental plaque is actually a combination of bacteria and sticky bacterial products forming on the teeth within hours of cleaning. The cause is the natural bacteria in the mouth, and more than 300 different species of such bacteria have been identified. When newly formed, plaque exists in small amounts and is both invisible and relatively harmless. If plaque is allowed to accumulate, however, it increases in volume, often to the point where it can be seen as a soft whitish deposit. As the amount increases, the proportion of harmful species in the plaque also increases (Shepherd, 1990). Studies have shown significant correlations between root surface caries incidence and baseline scores for root surface caries, salivary lactobacillus count, and the age of the patient."
Abstract The paper discusses a dilemma facing a student witnessing unethical practice whilst in employment in a dental office. The paper questions situations in what should be done where an action appears to be correct but in reality is totally incorrect. The paper stresses that the patient's safety is of foremost importance and cannot be endangered in any manner during treatment. The paper also questions whether the negative activity should have been reported as an incorrect procedure, which the student found difficult, as the student was not a permanent staff member.
From the Paper "This experience was certainly a shock merely because the act was done in a setting associated with cleanliness and a professional environment that was autonomous and upheld the highest standards of health care. Moreover, it sent a message that real life in general was wrought with gray areas and more importantly, less than ideal practices. What is meant here is that, as a profession that is self-governed, its constituent members should perform their duties to the best of their abilities without compromise up to the standards set by governing professional organizations. As clear cut as this may seem to do, reality is often wrought with conflicting interests such as this one."
Abstract The paper looks at the history of dental care and explains how dental care used to involve a few cursory check-ups and a visit when a cavity hurt. The paper discusses how today dental care is something that is used to prevent infection and tooth loss. It is also something that is used to enhance one's appearance. The writer predicts the future of dental care that will see an expansion of cosmetic care, an increase in elderly care and an explosion of managed care insurance plans.
Outline:
Introduction
Dental Care History
The Future
How?
Conclusion
From the Paper "As the world continues to move forward, society's expectations continue to advance as well. It was not long ago when dental care involved a few cursory check-ups and a visit when a cavity got bad enough to hurt. In recent history however, the world of dentistry has exploded with knowledge of the importance of preventative care, cosmetic options and the concerns of the elderly who are living longer than ever before and attempting to maintain healthy teeth and gums. As American settles comfortably into the new millennium attention turns to the cost and delivery of dental care. Managed dental care has moved to the forefront of concern with regards to the future and it is something that will become a reality in most areas of the nation soon."
Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to answer the question: "Is radiation safe in the dental office?" It hypothesizes that despite predominate thinking by dentists, cumulative radiation over time, even exposure to dental radiation in small amounts, can lead to health problems and significant health and safety issues for the patient and for personnel working in the dental office. This is especially true of women during their child bearing years. It also investigates whether information or empirical studies exist that quantify the amount of radiation people are exposed to for dental procedures and whether this level is safe to the patient or the people that may be around or inside of the room where the radiation is occurring.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis of Dental Practices
Conclusion
From the Paper "The proposition or purpose of radiography in the dental office is to provide dentists with diagnostic information about the bones in the mouth or teeth, while keeping radiation levels as low as possible. Dentists claim that X-ray examinations are ordinary examinations performed in the office with the purpose of maintaining a patient's dental care. There is evidence however that cumulative X-ray exposure may prove detrimental, so why would dentists continue to use it? I propose the use or over use of X-rays is partly a result of the lack of information about the cumulative effects of dental radiation. Dentists are as ignorant as patients in many cases when it comes to the safety of radiological exams. Most are likely taught at the university level that X-rays should be done annually or as often as necessary to promote proper health and detect early damage to the teeth."
Abstract The paper discusses the ergonomic hazards in the dental hygiene profession, known as musculoskeletal disorders. The paper reveals that an estimated 75% of dental hygienists experience hand problems during the course of their careers. The paper examines some of the causes of musculoskeletal disorders and the use of certain strategies to reduce their incidence. The paper concludes that when dental hygienists are fully aware of work related injuries common in the dental office, they will be more likely to choose to practice ergonomic techniques that promote musculoskeletal health.
From the Paper "Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant work related problem that warrants attention because researchers estimate 75% of dental hygienists experience hand problems during the course of their careers. As many as 56% develop symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Bureau of Labor Statistics supports these findings too (Simmer-Beck, Bray, et al, 2006). Dental hygienists are also exposed to certain body positions that produce stress and pain (Nelson & Jevack, 2001). The end result may be cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) when the body becomes unable to heal itself from "the long-term effects of repetitive motion, exposure to vibration, and/or mechanical stress" (Kerschbaum, 1997, p. 162)."
An examination of technology in the dental implant industry and how certain factors need to be considered when dealing with people suffering from various diseases.
Abstract This research examines the use of dental implants on patients systemically compromised by diabetes. The research shows the basis on which implants have come to be viewed as a viable alternative to other resolutions for dental problems and then discusses factors that must be considered when implants are the resolution of choice for affected patients.
From the Paper "When implant technology began to emerge in the late 1980s, implants were viewed as a convenient, easily managed alternative preferable to the more traditional dentures or bridges for medically compromised patients. Implants were deemed a superior solution for patients who had "lost the tooth-bearing portions of the bone and simply cannot manage removable prostheses, or are medically compromised and cannot properly masticate food" (Dental Implants, 1988, p. 1). However, certain health risks were associated with implants that should be of special concern to diabetes patients. To see why, it is necessary to review the symptom pattern of diabetes."
Abstract This paper is a proposal to the Board of Directors of Rex International, for the acquisition of Global Dental Marketing Inc., a high quality, unique dental product development and marketing company in Cape Town, South Africa. It discusses the new company's strategic, operational, HR, financial and technological plans, making it viable for Rex to adopt the organization.
Abstract Discus Dental, a dental supply manufacturing company, implemented a Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program to help integrate all the information in the company. This paper discusses the benefits and setbacks of such a system, as well as ways that the implementation could have gone smoother.
From the Paper "Efficient business flow depends on an enterprise being able to develop effective channels of collaboration with all enterprises on its value chain. The value chain of any organization consists of the functions and processes that a company performs that add value to the services or products that the company sells to customers in return for payment. The value chain is very effective in identifying the value added services (product offering that extends beyond the basic price factor and may include logistic and distributing services, collaborative efforts and cost verification and payment) that can help improve the market share of the product."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of dental lasers. The paper identifies four types of lasers that are used in dentistry: carbon dioxide, Nd:YAG, argon, and holmium:YAG. Each type of laser is examined and explained through an extensive literature review. The paper contends that there are many benefits to the use of laser treatments in dental procedures.
Outline
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "While lasers have become more widespread in the past decade, it did take the FDA a certain amount of time to approve their use for more than soft-tissue procedures. "For soft tissue surgery, lots of patients report less postoperative pain. There are sealed off nerve endings, so recovery is less painful," according to Marilyn Miller, D.M.D., co-director of the Princeton Dental Resource Center in Princeton, N.J. (Quoted by Lewis 1995 15+). Her observation, however, is that despite the gains in reduced pain, reduced fear and reduction in some of the immediate results of dental procedures, such as swelling, healing time may actually increase slightly because the laser seals off blood vessels that would otherwise help healing by delivering blood to the tissues more rapidly (Lewis 1995 15+)."
Abstract This paper discusses pain mechanisms pertaining to dental pain. It focuses on the most recent and relevant advances in pain research, specifically the neuroanatomical, neurochemical and genetic aspects of pain modulation mechanisms. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor is used to illustrate the model's plasticity and the ways in which pain modulation works. This paper also discusses other mechanisms relevant to dental pain.
From the Paper "With the present volume of research that has accrued, pain control may have to veer away from the "killing two birds with one stone" approach that is still in use today. The mere number of modulating mechanisms at work at the genetic, intracellular and neuroanatomical level suggests a shift towards more individualized and effective pain treatment using these mechanisms is in order. Pain control generally attempts to inhibit the propagation of nerve impulses. The mechanisms are numerous, from directly or indirectly inhibiting the firing of neurons propagating pain impulses, stopping the inflammatory cascade at discrete steps in the process to disabling neurons from firing altogether. These include anesthetics, as well as analgesics such as the opioids, non-opioids, some antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants among others (Dewar 343). The targets receptors of the opioid analgesics mainly lie along the periaqueductal grey and substantia gelatinosa."
Abstract In this article, the writer offers a letter requesting that the admissions committee of a dental school consider her admission to the school. The writer explains why she chose to apply to dental school even though there were so many other career options available to her. The writer states a desire to give whatever talents she possesses to the public good through health care service, as well as a wish to share expertise with local communities and young families so that they can develop the habits and skills they will need to prevent oral diseases from negatively impacting their lives.
From the Paper "Beyond simply possessing a humanitarian ethic and an abiding love for the health care profession in all its manifold forms, I also feel myself well-qualified academically to become a highly successful entrant with your dental program. For one thing, I was an excellent undergraduate student with a strong concentration in both Biology and in Health Sciences. Additionally, I am naturally inquisitive and this has fostered a personal interest in the biological, psychological, sociological, historical and physical aspects of medicine. In light of my strong work ethic, my unwavering commitment to developing my talents to the full, and my studious nature, I feel that I will be an exemplary student and a model for others while a student at your institution."
Abstract This paper states that dental hygienists must study ethics before they begin their actual employment so that they are better prepared to make sound decisions and actions based on ethical considerations. The paper reinforces this statement by looking at some of the ethical dilemmas dental hygienists commonly face and how the study of ethics would help them deal with these dilemmas. The paper maintains that a multifaceted approach to formal ethics instruction that includes community-based service-learning can improve learning and influence the students' attitudes and perceptions about their role as oral healthcare providers in such areas as access to care, disparity, and working in a diverse community.
From the Paper "As all other healthcare professionals, dental hygienists have responsibilities to their patients, employers, associations and, most important, to their own personal integrity. It is therefore critical that they be prepared to make sound decisions and actions based on ethical considerations. The growing importance of enforcing ethical behavior in dental hygiene is observed by seeing the number of dental schools that now have formal ethics courses as part of their curricula. Over the last three decades, dental professionals have emphasized the requisite for ethics training and dialogue."
