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Biomedical subjects

R Isman

Publications and source records attributed to R Isman.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1983

Public views on fluoridation and other preventive dental practices.

The political nature of fluoridation is due in part to public misconceptions about its purpose, and about its efficacy and practicality in preventing tooth decay as compared with other preventive practices. This paper describes a public opinion survey conducted in Portland, Oregon in May 1980, immediately following a referendum that repealed an earlier vote to fluoridate Portland's water supply. A household interview survey was conducted of 313 Portland residents aged 18 and over. The primary objectives of the survey were to: 1) determine attitudes on fluoridation; 2) gauge the effectiveness of several pro- and antifluoridation arguments; 3) determine key target populations for fluoridation education efforts; and 4) determine the relative impact of different sources of information about fluoridation. Among the significant findings of the survey were: 1) preventive practices involving fluorides were rated less important to dental health than other preventive practices; 2) 71% of respondents knew the purpose of fluoridation; 3) newspapers were the predominant source of information about fluoridation; and 4) the "loss of freedom of choice" was by far the most powerful argument against fluoridation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Appraising the performance of dentists.

This paper has attempted to provide an overview on the subject of performance appraisal of dentists, particularly those in supervisory positions in publicly funded clinical programs. Some of the problems inherent to the definition and measurement of the quality, quantity, and effective management of dental care have been discussed. The qualitative aspects of dental care have been the most thoroughly investigated of the subareas, but primarily with regard to evaluating the care rather than the performance of the person providing it. Less has been written on the quantitative or managerial aspects of appraising a dentist's performance. While further research is certainly indicated about the appropriateness of the measures proposed and their usefulness in identifying and helping to correct performance deficiencies, the intent is to begin using such a system on a pilot basis rather than waiting for the "perfect" program to come along. As long as the scarcity of public resources for dental care persists, public programs ought to use those appropriate means available to demonstrate their accountability in order to ensure optimal use of public dollars.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The use of dental sealants in the Washington State Medical Assistance Program: a second-year report.

The second year utilization and cost data were reviewed for the Medical Assistance sealant program in Washington State. This report covers the period from November 1, 1986 to October 31, 1987. A total of 6,814 children received sealants, or 17.2 percent of all individuals (ages six to fourteen) who made at least one visit to a dentist. Sealants were placed on 21,685 teeth, with an average of 3.18 teeth sealed per child. This represents 2,095 or 10.7 percent more teeth sealed than in the first year of the program. There were 726 dentists who participated in the sealant program during the study period, for an increase of 22 percent over the previous year of the project. The total cost of providing sealants to this group of children was $193,303. This represents an increase of 12 percent for the second project year. In 1987 there were eighteen states that included sealants as a dental benefit for EPSDT children. A 1988 survey of dental programs in Medicaid reveals, however, that twenty-two states now provide sealants as a covered service. The second-year report shows steady progress in the Washington State Medical Assistance sealant program.

Adolescent↗