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Biomedical subjects

D R Collier

Publications and source records attributed to D R Collier.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Dental caries and sealant prevalences in schoolchildren in Tennessee.

This article presents findings on the prevalence of dental caries and dental sealants from the 1988 oral health survey of schoolchildren in Tennessee. The purpose of the study was to describe the prevalence of dental caries, dental sealants, and periodontal disease, as well as the need for restorative, exodontia, and periodontal treatment among schoolchildren. A multistage probability sample was designed to represent 927,000 children enrolled in grades K-12 in public and private schools across the state. Analyses of the data collected from the examination of 2,588 children aged 5-17 revealed that 55 percent were caries free in their permanent dentition and that the mean DMFS score was 2.86. For those aged 5-9, the mean dfs score was estimated to be 5.52. Only 10 percent of schoolchildren in Tennessee had dental sealants on their teeth. Comparisons of the results of this survey with those reported from earlier state surveys indicated that caries levels have declined steadily. We assumed that the reduction in caries experience observed in Tennessee is the result of widespread exposure of children to systemic and topical fluorides. Further reduction in caries experience is possible with continued fluoridation of community water supplies, in conjunction with increased utilization of pit and fissure sealants.

Adolescent↗

Dietary fluoride supplements for Tennessee's children: the role of the physician.

1. All children should receive some form of systemic fluoride and appropriate forms of topical fluoride. 2. If a child is not receiving optimally fluoridated water, the physician or dentist should prescribe a dietary fluoride supplement as tablets or drops. 3. The correct dosage must be determined, based on patient age and fluoride content of the patient's drinking water. 4. Special attention is necessary concerning fluoride intake for children breast-feeding or consuming infant formula. 5. To arrive at the correct fluoride dose, these steps should be followed: (A) Whenever you do not have specific knowledge of water fluoride content, have a sample of the main drinking water source (usually home water) analyzed for the fluoride content before prescribing a fluoride supplement. (B) When the fluoride content of the water has been determined, the fluoride level and the child's age should be matched on Table 1 to arrive at the correct supplement dose. 6. The Fluoridation Program of the Tennessee Division of Water Supply can provide lists of communities and schools in Tennessee that are optimally fluoridated.

Child↗

Retention of pit and fissure sealant on the primary molars of 3- and 4-year-old children after 1 year.

An investigation of pit and fissure sealant retention in 1,871 children in the Head Start program was conducted in Tennessee in September 1985 to determine the retention of the sealant after application to the occlusal surfaces of primary molars of 3- and 4-year-old children. The investigation shows pit and fissure sealants are retained on primary molars at a rate comparable to that expected on permanent molars.

Child, Preschool↗

Fluorine: an essential element for good dental health.

Universal water fluoridation will have a positive impact on the oral health of the nation. The ultimate goal is to have every individual's teeth last a lifetime. Fluoridation of community water supplies provides the best cost containment public health measure known for improving the dental health of the nation's citizens.

Adult↗