From the Paper " There is existing evidence that dentistry was practiced in Mexico before and after the Conquest. This can be seen by studying the dental mutilations, consisting of skillfully executed filing and inlaying with a variety of different materials. This is confirmed by X-rays, taken of excavated skulls. These skulls are part of the Mexican collection of mutilated teeth, which is the largest in the world. There are also numerous documents that verify the use of medicinal plants in the practice of dentistry. The sophistication of this pharmacology and the intricate work found in the inlays and filings lends qualification to the theory that these native Mesoamericans were part of a very civilized culture. "
Tags: bodyart, maya, pharmacology, teeth, dentistry, mexico, dental, history
Abstract This paper examines dentistry from a sociological/psychological perspective. The paper begins by defining oral health, as well as sociology and psychology. Next the paper investigates the sociological and psychological problems a dentist may encounter in his practice. The paper offers many researched recommendations for addressing these issues.
From the Paper "Sociology is concerned with the social and political organizations of society and how these affect the behavior of a person living in a particular community, whereas psychology is concerned with individuals and their relationships with others."
Abstract This paper looks at the origins and history of fluoride and how it is used within modern dentistry. Looking at the earlier discoveries as a poisonous mind altering gas, to its uses as an acid for etching glass and finally how fluoride works in dentistry to help fight bacteria and plaque.
Abstract This paper provides a personal description of the events that led the writer to choose a career in dentistry. It describes the writer's first exposure to dentistry and discusses the impression that it made on him. The paper also describes the writer's previous work experience and how it was very informative and has greatly reinforced his heightened enthusiasm for the dental profession.
From the Paper "My initial exposure to taking dentistry as a career path was purely accidental. About four years ago, I had to accompany my mother to the dentist because she was still unable to speak a single word of English during that time. I myself was not that fluent at that time since it has only been a few months since I arrived in the US. The doctor informed me that mother's teeth needed to be crowned, but the procedure was not covered by her medical plan. The dentist also told me that extraction was the only alternative procedure covered under her plan. So I gave the dentist permission to perform the extraction procedure, not knowing exactly what extraction really meant. When we got home, my mother got upset and started to cry when she realized that her teeth have been extracted. I love my mother very much and seeing her cry broke my heart. I wanted to correct my mistake so I went back to the dentist, but he informed me that new teeth implant would cost $7,000.00. He referred me to the financial manager after I asked for the possibility of paying on installment basis. Unfortunately, the financial manager ignored me completely. I cannot help but blame myself for making such a stupid mistake and the feeling of helplessness pains me severely. It was then that I decided to become a dentist, not only to give my mother her teeth back but also to help other people like me."
History
In conventional radiology, anatomy is depicted in only two dimensions. The depth or thickness of structures cannot be measured on projection images. For a comprehensive evaluation of morphology of a structure, data related to the third dimension are essential. For nearly three quarters of a century, multiple, different angle views were used in routine radiography to gain three-dimensional perception of structures through triangulation. In a continuing quest for methods to access data in the third dimension, techniques such as stereoscopic pair image acquisition and tomography were developed. Although they were highly valuable technical advancements, they still could not provide accurate quantitative information in all three dimensions of a volume structure."
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 provides an extensive review of the literature on odontology in the courtroom and shows how it has been misused to sway juries against factual evidence and to gain a conviction in capital murder cases. The paper clearly illustrates how this expert identification process is ineffective in locking up dangerous criminals and has even been used to convict innocent individuals resulting in these individuals being sentenced to death row. The paper recommends that forensic dentistry organizations immediately reassess the use of bitemark identification in the courtroom and how that identification information is to be used.
Outline:
Introduction
Background of Study
Literature Review
Summary and Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "Forensic evidence in the courtroom relating to bitemark evidence has been used to effectively imprison many individuals for crimes of murder however, the problem is that bitemark evidence is not reliable and has in fact been accredited for being the primary evidence used to convict innocent individuals on capital murder cases resulting in these individuals being sentenced to death row. In recent years as DNA evidence technology has increased and can test smaller samples of DNA evidence taken from crime scenes many of these individual wrongly convicted and imprisoned are being set free and many after serving decades for something they were innocent of doing."
Abstract This paper gives an overview of the original paper ?Human Root Caries: Microbiota of a Limited Number of Root Caries Lesions,? by doctors P. Schupbach, V. Osterwalder, and B. Guggenheim, which researched the microbiota of root caries lesion of different grades of severity. This paper includes a review of the methods used in that study, a discussion of the results, and a comparison of the study with other papers that were read and abstracted on this subject.
Abstract The paper describes periodontal disease as an infection of the gums and tissues that stems from gingivitis and leads to the degradation of gingival tissues and alveolar bone, resulting in tooth loss and potentially carcinogenic lesions. The paper shows that many people suffer from this disease due to genetic reasons and from bad habits that catalyze this inflammation. It shows how bad habits such as malnutrition, smoking, alcoholism, and brushing habits can all attribute to the formation of this disease.
From the Paper "At this point, the bad habits discussed this far have been minute because most people are not going to consciously think about how many vitamins, carbohydrates, or proteins they are consuming; and at the same time most people have already developed their brushing habits and are reluctant to change. The one bad habit that has its negative consequences that people are aware of is smoking. Smoking is bad for overall health, but its affect on oral health has been of significant interest to researchers within the last few years."
From the Paper "The early detection and treatment of juvenile, or early-onset, periodontitis is a significant concern for practicing dentists. Prevalence of periodontitis in children and adolescents is considerably lower than in adult populations but its extent is still under study. Epidemiological studies vary widely, from 1.0/1000 to 8.0/1000, but variations seem to be due to differences in diagnostic methods and criteria (1:57; 4:368). As Neely notes, useful screening methods are still a matter of considerable debate (4:367). Distinctive populations also present the disease at higher rates (e.g., geographically distinct groups or periodontitis associated with systemic disease). There are also considerable differences in the definition of the disease and the term juvenile periodontitis sometimes refers simply to the localized form of the disease (2)...."
Abstract Evaluates new advances in the use of sealants to treat caries (cavities). Examines research and clinical evaluation of dental sealant advances. Length and quality of their retention. Importance of the methods of applying sealants. Causes of sealant failure. Errors in technique. CCC (Color, Coverage, Caries) Sealant Evulation System.
From the Paper "INTRODUCTION
As innovations come out to further the way in which the oral professionals overcome patients' problems, it is necessary to look at some of this new technology, and how it is dealt with in scientific journals. One such area in which new advances have occurred is in the area of sealants, the plastic which a dentist bonds into the grooves of the chewing surface of a tooth in order to help prevent tooth decay and cavities. "While research findings overwhelmingly document the need to educate the public and increase knowledge and acceptance of oral health care professionals about this caries-preventive technology" (Gilpin). By looking at the research and critical comments, as well as clinical evaluations of sealant advances, it is possible to create a useful picture of just how well sealants currently ..."
Abstract The paper brings many sources to examine the controversy surrounding the use of fluoride supplements. Some of the articles show that fluoride supplements for young children are associated with some serious risks to dental health, many of which dentists may not even be aware of. Others defend fluoride as a solely positive addition to a child's oral hygiene.
From the Paper "In terms of the relationship of each article to the central premise of Riordan (1997)---which is that fluoride supplements should only be prescribed within certain limited parameters---the Ismail (1994) article is merely an example of a poor methodological approach to investigating this premise. The Wang and Riordan (1999) article assist in establishing one of the parameters in that it found a weak but beneficial relationship for supplements in preventing carries in deciduous teeth. The Wang, Gropen and Ogaard article support certain dosage parameters than are delineated by Riordan (1997) in the main review article."
Abstract This paper discusses some of the career choices available for a student who graduated after four years of dentistry medical studies. The options examined include the military, opening one's own practice, public health and partnership practice.
From the Paper "After obtaining an undergraduate education and spending four years in dental school, a freshly licensed dentist is finally ready to make his or her mark in the world of oral care. They?re ready to begin a career that includes ?gratification and prestige of working in the health care field, job security, flexibility, and a sense of personal satisfaction from helping others.? (Careers) But, where should they go? What should they do? As diversified as the oral healthcare industry, so are the options of a recent dental school graduate. Maybe the military is an option the recent grad will consider, or charitable services. Possibly a career involving prison dentistry or even forensic dentistry could be a choice. (Links) Someone else may never consider an option that is most attractive to another graduate. In the end, a graduate's choice is a personal one, and may set the direction of their future career."
Abstract This paper examines the idea of replacing teeth with teeth in the dentistry field. The research and exploration in this field is discussed, as well as the author's view that this type of procedure is becoming more common and produces a more risk-free procedure.
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+)."
