Biomedical subjects

Sherri M Lukes

Publications and source records attributed to Sherri M Lukes.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Dental services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers in US community/migrant health centers.

CONTEXT: Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are recognized as a medically underserved population, yet little information on need, access, and services is available-particularly with regard to oral health care. PURPOSE: This study describes the facilities, services, staffing, and patient characteristics of US dental clinics serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and identifies trends and issues that may impede or improve dental care access and service. METHODS: National databases were used to identify community and migrant health centers providing oral health care to migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Mailed surveys collected information on clinic history, operational details, services provided, patient demographics, employment and resource needs, and perceived barriers to care. FINDINGS: Among the 81 respondents (response rate 41%), hours of operation varied from 1 evening a week to more than 40 hours a week; 52% had no evening hours. Almost all the clinics offered preventive, diagnostic, and basic restorative dental services, and roughly two thirds also offered complex restorative services. Patients most frequently sought emergency dental care (44%) followed by basic restorative services (32%) and preventive services (26%). The dentist position was the most difficult to fill, and new funding sources were cited as the most important resource need. Respondents perceived cost of services, lack of transportation, and limited clinic hours as primary barriers to care. CONCLUSIONS: While some barriers to care have been almost universally addressed (eg, language), there is evidence that some impediments remain and may present significant obstacles to a broad improvement in oral health care for migrant and seasonal farmworkers.

Agriculture↗

PubMed2006

Healthy Smiles Healthy Growth 2004--basic screening survey of migrant and seasonal farmworker children in Illinois.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain baseline data for caries prevalence, use of dental sealants, and dental treatment needs for children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs) enrolled in the Illinois Summer Migrant Education Program, 2004. METHODS: This study adapted the methodology of Healthy Smiles Healthy Growth 2003-2004, by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Oral Health. Oral screenings were conducted for children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers at participating schools. RESULTS: Of the 840 eligible children 58% participated in the assessment. Overall caries experience was 64%. Untreated decay was observed in 42%, 8% urgently needed treatment, and sealant prevalence was 51%. Among those 6-9 years old (n = 254), 47% had cavitated lesions, 12% urgently needed treatment, and 45% had dental sealants. For children 10-15 years old (n = 198), 34% had cavitated lesions, 4% urgently needed treatment, and 65% had dental sealants. CONCLUSIONS: The population's mobility suggests need for more frequent surveillance for effective programmatic planning.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Identification of a giant cell fibroma.

Fibrous hyperplastic connective tissue lesions are common in the oral cavity and may be similar both clinically and histologically. A giant cell fibroma, a type of fibrous hyperplasia, was discovered during a preventive patient visit in the dental hygiene clinic at a Midwestern university. The patient, a 19-year-old female, presented with a dome-shaped lesion of normal mucosal color on the attached gingiva apical to tooth number 11. She was referred to the dental school for biopsy, which revealed fibrocollagenous connective tissue exhibiting large stellate fibroblasts. She returned after 10 months and was referred to the graduate periodontal department, where the lesion was removed. Several fibrous hyperplastic lesions can be considered in the differential diagnosis of giant cell fibroma. Dental hygienists should be familiar with the different fibrous hyperplasias, noting lesions during the intra- and extra-oral examinations for further evaluation by the dentist.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

An assessment of printed oral cancer materials from local health departments in Illinois.

Local health departments can be resources for the public and health professionals to access educational materials on a variety of topics. Though the dental office is ideal, it should not be the only venue for obtaining oral cancer educational materials. As part of a cancer prevention and early detection project, this pilot study solicited printed educational materials concerning oral cancer from all local health departments (LHDs) in Illinois. Sixty of the 94 health departments responded, for a response rate of 63.8%. Only 32 had printed oral cancer educational materials for public and professional distribution, and most focused on tobacco. Forty-eight different samples were received. At least one risk factor was identified in all materials. The most common was tobacco usage, present in 100% of the materials. Twenty-nine (61%) identified tobacco use as the only risk factor. Alcohol consumption, the second most frequently identified risk factor, was mentioned in only 12 (26%) of the materials. Few materials comprehensively covered areas such as signs and symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of examinations for early detection. Only five materials (11%) acknowledged that early lesions are often asymptomatic. Local health departments are in an influential position to disseminate educational materials to the public and health professionals. Dental hygienists have the knowledge and expertise required to identify quality materials. They should be proactive in assisting LHDs with acquisition of appropriate printed materials and partner with them to advocate for prevention and early detection of oral cancer. In collaboration, the two can ensure that all LHDs have current and comprehensive printed materials about oral cancer to distribute to the public and other health professionals.

Dental Hygienists↗

PubMed2005

Dental decay in southern Illinois migrant and seasonal farmworkers: an analysis of clinical data.

CONTEXT: Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are a population at risk for oral health problems. Data on the oral health conditions of migrant and seasonal farmworkers' permanent teeth are particularly lacking. PURPOSE: To document the relative rates of treated and untreated dental decay in a sample of southern Illinois migrant and seasonal farmworkers who had sought care at a farmworker health center dental clinic. METHODS: Existing migrant health dental clinic records from 1995-2002 were reviewed. Final sample size was 650. Data for decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces were recorded using both anatomical recording and treatment notes. FINDINGS: Sixty-nine percent of migrant farmworkers had at least 1 decayed (untreated) tooth surface, and more than half had 3 or more decayed surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that untreated dental decay is significant among migrant and seasonal farmworkers who seek care at this dental clinic. Recommendations include addressing barriers to care, improved monitoring of dental health conditions, and further research to better document the treatment needs of this population.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Compound odontoma: a case study.

Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumors and are usually incidental findings in radiographic examination. They are classified as either compound or complex. Both types are composed of enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp tissues. Compound odontomas appear radiographically as rudimentary toothlets and can be diagnosed from radiographs alone, while complex odontomas appear as indistinguishable radiopaque masses and require resection for definitive diagnosis. They are frequently found in association with other abnormalities, and surgical excision is recommended for both types by most practitioners. The possibility of discovering lesions such as the odontoma supports the practice of recommending baseline radiographic surveys for all dental patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Oral health issues among migrant farmworkers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine utilization patterns of dental services, unmet dental needs, access to care barriers, and oral health behaviors as perceived by migrant farmworkers at a rural southern Illinois farmworker health clinic. METHODS: Two bilingual dental hygiene students and one member of the local Hispanic community verbally administered a 26-item survey questionnaire to 119 migrant farmworker clients at a health center as they waited to receive care. RESULTS: Utilization results showed that 51% of those surveyed had not sought oral health care in the previous year, citing absence of pain or discomfort as the primary reason. Forty-one percent reported seeking oral health care on a yearly basis, while 42% only sought care when in pain. Primary services received were examinations, prophylaxes, and restorations. Having received brushing instructions was reported by 58%, while 45% had received instructions on flossing. Barriers to care were reported as limited clinic hours (57%), high fees (33%), and lack of transportation (17%). Most respondents reported regular brushing habits, but only 11% used floss daily, 38% occasionally, and 52% didn't use it at all. Only 7% reported smoking. Meanwhile, bleeding gingiva was reported by 50%, swollen or tender gingiva by 37%, and tooth loss by 49%. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of migrant farmworkers in a southern Illinois community reported access to care barriers, and having never or episodically received dental services. Nearly half reported signs of periodontal disease.

Adolescent↗