Biomedical subjects

S B Corbin

Publications and source records attributed to S B Corbin.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

1985 NHIS findings on public knowledge and attitudes about oral diseases and preventive measures.

Two objectives for the nation for 1990 set goals related to the need for schoolchildren and adults to understand the causes of oral diseases and methods of prevention. Five questions related to these objectives were included in the 1985 National Health Interview Survey. Survey responses of adults ages 18 years and older indicated that while the public is generally aware of the importance of a number of factors in the prevention of tooth decay, only 18 percent had both heard of, and knew the purpose of, dental sealants. At the same time, the public fails to discriminate between effective disease preventive factors related to periodontal diseases as opposed to those related to dental decay. Knowledge of oral disease prevention modalities generally varies across educational, income, age, and racial categories. However, there appears to be little variation in knowledge by gender. Additional information from upcoming surveys may shed more light on the relationships between knowledge of oral diseases and their prevention and personal preventive practices.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Use of a compliance index for community fluoridation.

Fluoridation of public water supplies is the best method of preventing dental caries. Yet, many water systems do not maintain the optimal concentration of fluoride. The Community Fluoridation Compliance Index was developed to provide retrospective and prospective information on water systems in complying with local and State standards. This index permits flexibility in the amounts of optimal fluoride concentration and the frequency of fluoride sample testing. In addition, the index can be modified to address the size of the population served by the water system. The index's components are reviewed, and its use is demonstrated on 50 water systems from Illinois and 50 from Ohio. Annual data from these two States show how this information can be used for targeting corrective action so that the population receives the greatest benefit from fluoridation. These findings suggest that the Community Fluoridation Compliance Index can be a useful administrative instrument for comparing relative compliance results. Further studies to determine its acceptance at the State and local levels are warranted.

Fluoridation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

New opportunities for enhancing oral health: moving toward the 1990 objectives for the nation.

In July 1983, the Assistant Secretary for Health reviewed progress toward achievement of a dozen national objectives in fluoridation and dental health. These 12 objectives, classified under the categories of improved oral health status, reduced risk factors, increased public and professional awareness, improved services and protection, and improved surveillance-evaluation systems, hold promise for improved oral health in this country. It is noteworthy that the objective that 40 percent of 9-year-old children be caries-free in their permanent dentition has been accomplished (51 percent of 9-year-olds were caries-free according to a 1979-80 National Institute of Dental Research study). Still, dental caries is highly prevalent among teenaged children, and gingival and periodontal conditions are highly prevalent among children and adults. A number of highly effective methods are available for preventing dental decay in children as well as adults; they include community or school water fluoridation, the use of multiple forms of supplemental fluorides, avoidance of frequent consumption of foods that are high in sugar content, and the use of adhesive pit and fissure sealants. Personal use and professional provision of these methods in appropriate combinations can contribute significantly to future improvements in oral health. Meticulous personal oral hygiene practices combined with periodic professional care are the currently available means of protecting periodontal health. Through increased collaboration among various governmental, academic, and corporate entities, as well as active participation by individuals, the achievement of a number of these objectives becomes feasible to the benefit of national productivity, health care financing, and the quality of life for Americans.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Concepts of modern risk assessment and management.

An emerging and increasingly complex array of environmental health concerns face dental practitioners in both the private and public sectors. These concerns are challenging and possibly threatening the traditionally inviolable dentist-patient relationship. Regulatory bodies, health risk experts, attorneys, and enthusiastic media are inserting themselves into the process. Essential assets for "successful" dental practitioners include enhanced expertise in basic science and technology, including the area of risk assessment, and development of broadened perspectives and skills for communicating with patients and the public.

Dental Materials↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Public knowledge of prevention of dental disease.

The authors present data describing the level and extent of the general public's knowledge of oral diseases and their prevention. They discuss data from the 1990 National Health Interview Survey's Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Supplement in the context of national oral health objectives. They focus on demographic and socioeconomic differences seen in the public's knowledge of the preventive purposes of fluorides and dental sealants for dental caries and of symptoms of gum disease. Reported low levels of knowledge regarding oral disease symptoms and their prevention show the continuing trend reported during the past decade. Racial and ethnic minorities and groups with low levels of formal education demonstrate the least knowledge of prevention of oral diseases. For example, 76 percent of those with more than 12 years of schooling know the preventive purpose of water fluoridation, compared with 61 percent of those with 12 years, and 36 percent of those with less than 12 years of school. Efforts to increase levels of knowledge about oral disease prevention are required to achieve national objectives for oral health.

Adolescent↗