March 2008

Volume 25, Issue 1

Exposure to water fluoridation and caries increment

Authors: G.D. Slade J.M. Armfield A.J. Spencer
doi: 10.1922/CDH_2067Spencer11

Abstract

Objective This study examined the mix of presenting problems faced by a large diverse dental service treating low-income Australian adults and provides a basis for communities to understand and manage demand for dental services. Design A retrospective analysis in a state-wide multi-centre dental health service. Data for all patients (in all public adult dental clinics in the state of Victoria during MayAug 2005) who used the emergency services in a 12 week period were recorded and analysed. A triage question tree was developed and embedded into a neural network based computer triage tool. Results Approximately 52% of low income adults presenting for emergency treatment required treatment on the day of triage. The main problem was with natural teeth (89.6%). Of those with natural teeth problems, 41.3% had pain disturbing their sleep patterns and 14.7% had experienced a swelling. Metropolitan patients accessed the services 2.3 times more than rural patients. Conclusion These data clearly highlight that there is significant opportunity to reduce nearly 48% of on-day demand for emergency dental care through the application of appropriately clinical based triage. Key words: Dental triage, emergency, presenting complaints

Download

Other articles in this issue

Article Pages Access
Editorial - Oral health promotion by the oral health products industry: unrecognised and unappreciated? 2-3 Download
Report of the EGOHID I Project 4-10 Download
Acknowledgment of referees 11-11 Download
Exposure to water fluoridation and caries increment 12-22 Download
A comparison of two methods for the evaluation of the daily urinary fluoride excretion in Romanian pre-school children 23-27 Download
A randomised control trial of oral health education provided by a health visitor to parents of pre-school children 28-32 Download
The influence of social indices on oral health and oral health behaviour in a group of Flemish socially deprived adolescents. 33-37 Download
Development of a shortened Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) for young and middle-aged adults 38-43 Download
Parents’ views on factors influencing the dental health of Trinidadian pre-school children. 44-49 Download
Coronal caries experience in dentate Jordanian adults 50-54 Download
The prevalence of enamel opacities in permanent teeth of 11-12 year-old school children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 55-58 Download
Factors associated with restoration and extraction receipt among New Zealand children 59-64 Download

Subscribe

Online (Single user only)
£150
Institution Online (IP address validation)
£250

Back issues may be obtained from the publisher

Consider recommending subscription to your institution's library

You can view Open Access papers without a subscription.