Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene (CJDH)

Aim: To evaluate the impact of online social networks (OSN) as resources for promoting behaviour changes related to the prevention and promotion of oral health. Methods: This was a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials identified in databases (MEDLINE/Embase/Lilacs), published up until May 2022, and prepared according to Cochrane recommendations. Studies that used OSN (WhatsApp®, Telegram®, TikTok®, Facebook®, Twitter®, YouTube®, Instagram®, Soundcloud®, Flickr®, LinkedIn®, and Webradio®) were included. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021248045). Results: In total, 3171 studies were evaluated, of which 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review and contained data on 1669 participants. The most frequently investigated OSN were WhatsApp®, followed by Telegram®, and YouTube®. All studies included were at high risk of bias. Data extraction allowed the meta-analysis of gingival index (GI) and oral health knowledge (OHK) outcomes for young people. Findings revealed that young people exposed to digital interventions via OSN showed a reduction in GI when compared with traditional educational interventions. This reduction occurred in all young people (standardized mean difference, –0.48; 95% CI, –0.75 to –0.21; p = 0.0006, I2 = 0%; very low certainty), including those who were undergoing orthodontic treatment (standardized mean difference, –0.58; 95% CI, –0.92 to –0.24; p = 0.0008, I2 = 0%; very low certainty). Furthermore, young people undergoing orthodontic treatment and exposed to OSN showed an increase in OHK when compared with participation in traditional educational interventions (standardized mean difference, +0.86; 95% CI, +0.46 to +1.26; p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%; very low certainty). Conclusion: OSN could be effective tools for improving oral health outcomes in young people.

Background: In March 2020, COVID-19 public health restrictions impeded inperson clinical assessment. In response, a dental hygiene program administered a virtual objective structured clinical exam (vOSCE) using Zoom to assess student competency in performing a health history. This study aimed to explore the vOSCE experience from both student and clinical instructor perspectives. Methods: This 2-part cross-sectional study gathered student and clinical instructor perceptions of the vOSCE. Forty-two students were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Basic descriptive statistics reporting percentages were tabulated. Twelve clinical instructors were invited to participate in focus groups, which were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Questionnaires were received from 23 (55%) students. Students supported (91%) the vOSCE experience and believed it assessed their knowledge (87%), their ability to complete a health history (91%), and ability to communicate effectively (87%). Students reported high agreement (87%) with how the Zoom platform facilitated the examination. Some students (35%) felt the vOSCE was more stressful than an in-person OSCE. However, 43% indicated it wasn’t more stressful. Focus groups with clinical instructors revealed perspectives on using vOSCEs, which were captured under 4 themes: preparation, assessment suitability, authenticity, and future considerations. Conclusion: Based on student and instructor perspectives, vOSCEs could be a viable alternative to in-person OSCEs for health history evaluations. As technology applications continue to emerge for conducting virtual examinations, there may be increased use of and ease of use with a virtual platform to conduct other types of clinical evaluations.

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) contributes to functional impairments in the performance of personal tasks such as oral hygiene. This study aimed to compare oral health behaviours and consumption of cariogenic foods in children diagnosed with ADHD and healthy control peers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 children with ADHD aged 6 to 11 years made up the study group, and 60 peers of the same age, sex, and from the same school, without a history of ADHD, made up the control group. To compare the parent-reported behaviours between the 2 groups, conditional logistic regression was used to obtain matched pairs odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Children with ADHD were 0.4 times less likely than their non-ADHD peers to brush their teeth at least once a day (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18–0.91, p = 0.028). Moreover, compared to the control group, children with ADHD were 4.71 and 9.67 times more likely to consume cariogenic foods (95% CI: 2.08—10.66, p < 0.001) and drinks (95% CI: 2.94–31.73, p < 0.001), respectively, at least thrice a day. Conclusion: In comparison to their non-ADHD peers, children diagnosed with ADHD were less likely to brush their teeth and simultaneously more likely to consume both cariogenic foods and drinks.

Background: The Student Health Initiative for the Needs of Edmonton (SHINE) dental clinic is a student-volunteer-operated clinic offering free oral care to lowincome individuals. However, little is known about how SHINE impacts access to care. Drawing on Penchansky and Thomas’ theory of access, this study assessed patient satisfaction to measure access. For further context, patient-reported oral health concerns and alternative oral care options if SHINE were not available were recorded. Methods: The University of Alberta’s Research Ethics Board (Pro 00101981) approved the study. Surveys adapted from Penchansky and Thomas were distributed over 12 weeks to all presenting patients. Survey data were triangulated with observations. Data were represented using descriptive statistics, and variables were compared using Chi-squared tests of independence. Results: A response rate of 77% (140/170) was achieved. The survey revealed that patients were generally satisfied with access to SHINE. However, observations revealed physical accessibility barriers. Dissatisfaction was correlated with attending SHINE without receiving treatment. Patients primarily presented to SHINE for pain (55%, 76/139). If SHINE were not available, 38% (46/121) of patients reported they would seek care from an alternative oral health professional, 32% (39/121) through an emergency department or physician, and 27% (33/121) would not attain oral health care at all. Conclusion: SHINE could be seen as addressing the need for access to oral health care services. The remaining barriers to care include long waiting times and clinic capacity to deliver care. A faster triage process may reduce waiting times. However, SHINE cannot provide more oral health care due to clinic capacity. Lastly, access to clinics such as SHINE may reduce visits to emergency departments for oral health care.

Background: Charcoal-based preparations have recently gained popularity, particularly in oral hygiene products such as tooth whitening dentifrices, owing to their abrasive and adsorptive properties. The present in vitro study evaluates the efficacy of a charcoal-based tooth whitening dentifrice compared with a non-charcoal-based whitening dentifrice in removing coffee stains on tooth surfaces. Methods: Thirty-three human extracted tooth specimens were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 study groups: Group 1 (charcoal-based whitening dentifrice [CBWD]), Group 2 (non-charcoal-based whitening dentifrice [NCBWD]), and Group 3 (distilled water [DW]). All tooth specimens were immersed in a prepared coffee extract for 4 weeks to facilitate staining and then mounted on blocks where they were brushed with an electric toothbrush daily for 8 seconds with 1 of the 2 allocated dentifrices or with DW for 4 weeks following staining. Spectrophotometric analysis was conducted using the CIELAB system to measure the L*, a*, and b* values at 3 time points: before staining, after staining, and following the brushing protocol. These values were used to calculate the colour change (?E) between time points. Results: Following the coffee staining, the tooth samples’ whiteness (?L) decreased with the overall colour change (?E). Next, there was a significant improvement in the degree of tooth whiteness (?L) values following the brushing protocol in all 3 groups (p = 0.003), with the greatest improvement occurring in the CBWD group. However, the overall colour change (?E) was not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: CBWD, NCBWD, and DW were effective in removing coffee stains from the tooth surface. However, the amount of colour change (?E) produced by CBWD was not significantly different from NCBWD or DW.

Lobodontia is a rarely documented dental condition associated with pointed or conical cusps on premolars and canines, multitubercular occlusal surfaces on molar teeth, and irregularly shaped incisors. Information on this uncommon condition continues to be scarce, with particularly little information available on the primary dentition. The purpose of this article is to describe 6 cases of lobodontia and discuss the variability in presentation and management. Previously unreported manifestations in the primary dentition are included. The cases described in the current study demonstrate the spectrum of clinical and radiographic features of the condition, and show that a varied, individualized approach to treatment is necessary.