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Biomedical subjects

E G Grace

Publications and source records attributed to E G Grace.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Computerized local dental anesthetic systems: patient and dentist satisfaction.

A computer controlled dental anesthetic delivery system was studied with the OBJECTIVE of evaluating and comparing the unit to the traditional method of anesthetic delivery. The research design and METHOD of study involved the use of trained dentists who used both types of delivery systems on patients seen during their routine practice of dentistry. After the dental appointment was finished each dentist completed a survey concerning the injection. Patients completed a survey before the injection concerning their previous anesthetic experiences and completed another survey at the end of the dental appointment concerning the injection they had just received. Statistical analyses yielded RESULTS showing the two methods were rated very similarly by both patients and dentists. CONCLUSIONS resulting from the study are that computer controlled dental anesthetic injections and traditional anesthetic injections were accepted equally well by both dentists and patients.

Adult↗

Patient and dentist satisfaction with a computerized local anesthetic injection system.

The fear of dental injections is common among dental patients. Many approaches to reducing this fear of injections and improving local dental anesthesia delivery have been tried in the last few decades. One approach is the use of a computerized or electronic local anesthetic system. This study surveyed dentist and patient satisfaction when local dental anesthesia was delivered with a computerized delivery system. The patients and dentists were both satisfied with the effectiveness of the anesthesia. The patients were satisfied with the level of comfort with the injections. This was particularly true when compared to their previous anesthetic injections. Although the dentists were very satisfied with the performance of the anesthetic delivery system and the anesthesia itself, they did not, in general, choose to use the system in everyday practice. Possible reasons for this within the context of this study are discussed.

Anesthesia, Dental↗

Evaluation of a one-day AIDS continuing education course.

The effectiveness of a one-day acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) continuing education course for dentists and hygienists was evaluated using pretest, posttest, and six-month follow-up questionnaires. There was a general, though not statistically significant, increase in the percentage of respondents who reported they planned to be immunized against hepatitis B, and a statistically significant increase in dentists' perceptions of the percentage of their patients at risk for AIDS. The percentage of respondents who believed the private practice setting is the preferred practice site for treating healthy patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increased, though the increase was not statistically significant. Six-month follow-up results found a significant increase in the percentage of respondents who reported being immunized against hepatitis B. Other posttest results were maintained at the six-month follow-up. These results support the contention that a traditional lecture approach in AIDS continuing dental professional education can be beneficial.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Public knowledge/perceptions about AIDS transmission: concerns about use of dental services.

This telephone survey of 739 adults living in the State of Maryland (response rate 68.9%) examined the association between public perceptions and knowledge about the routes of transmission of AIDS, and concerns about contracting AIDS in a dental office and attitudes toward confidentiality of AIDS infected dentists and patients. The greatest areas of inaccuracies related to the risk of giving and receiving blood. Associations were demonstrated between public knowledge and concern about AIDS. Racial differences were found in both knowledge and concerns. Accurate dissemination of information to the public about AIDS is essential for the maintenance of public confidence and trust in the safety of dental offices and dental treatment.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Attitudes of Maryland dentists toward AIDS and hepatitis patients.

A survey of dentists practicing in the state of Maryland found differences between general dentists (n = 905), oral surgeons (n = 88), and periodontists (n = 89). Oral surgeons were more willing to treat and had actually treated more AIDS patients. Also, almost twice as many oral surgeons agreed with the American Dental Association opinion that all dentists have a professional responsibility to treat AIDS patients. General dentists and oral surgeons were more willing to permit an AIDS infected dentist to continue to practice than were periodontists. There was more agreement concerning hepatitis patients between all three groups. Also, both specialty groups had been tested for the hepatitis antigen significantly more frequently than had general dentists.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Maryland residents' attitudes toward AIDS and the use of dental services.

This project was conducted to examine the impact of Maryland residents' attitudes about AIDS on dental services utilization. A telephone survey of 1,477 households was conducted (response rate 68.9%). Less than 7 percent of the respondents volunteered a concern about contracting AIDS in the dental office. When asked directly, approximately 35 percent stated they would change dentists if their dentist were treating AIDS patients. Respondents who were most aware of the wide-spread treatment of AIDS patients by dentists were more likely to believe their dentist was treating AIDS patients. Also, they were less likely to report that they would leave the practice of dentists with AIDS or those who treated AIDS patients. It is critical for the public to be educated properly about the continued safety of the dental office and to receive accurate information about AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

A clinical approach to the diagnosis of facial pain.

Following completion of the patient history, physical evaluation, and cranial nerve assessment, the next step should be a thorough dental evaluation with appropriate radiographs to evaluate caries, periodontal disease, and any other hard- or soft-tissue pathology. If indicated, a thorough evaluation of the craniomandibular complex also should be performed. At this point, the clinician should have a general idea as to the cause of the patient's facial pain and the appropriate course of treatment can then be instituted. If the problem is not solely dental in etiology, the diagnosis and management must be coordinated between the dentist and the appropriate medical specialties.

Facial Pain↗

The public's attitude toward physicians and the care of AIDS patients in the state of Maryland.

A telephone survey of 1477 households in Maryland examined the public's attitudes toward physicians and the treatment of AIDS patients. The results indicated that most respondents (86%) want to know their physician's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and that 65% would change physicians if that physician had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Approximately 50% did not know if their doctor treated AIDS patients, but the majority (68%) responded they would not change doctors because they treated AIDS patients. Significant differences were found in respondents' opinions related to age and education. It was also found that the majority of respondents (57%) received their information about AIDS from the mass media and that very few received their information from medical or other health sources.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Attitudes of dentists concerning hepatitis and hepatitis vaccination.

Many dentists do not understand that hepatitis B infection poses a greater threat to their lives and health than acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This survey examined the attitudes and beliefs of dentists concerning hepatitis and hepatitis vaccination. Many dentists have not been vaccinated. The reasons for avoiding vaccination are examined.

Adult↗