Objectives: Dental utilization is an important determinant of oral health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential associations between a variety of biopsychosocial factors and dental utilization in north-central Appalachia, USA, a region where oral health disparities are profound. Methods: This study used household-based data from the Center for Oral HealthResearch in Appalachia (COHRA1) study in north-central Appalachia, including 449 families with 868 adults. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach was used to determine the best-fitting predictor model for dental utilization among adult family members. Results:On average across West Virginia and Pennsylvania, having dental insurance was associated with greater dental utilization over a 3-year time period (OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.54, 3.14). When stratified by state, the association held for only West Virginia (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.54, 3.79) and was nonsignificant for Pennsylvania residents (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 0.80, 2.79). Individuals from Pennsylvania were more likely to utilize dental care and participants from West Virginia less so (2.31, 95% CI = 1.57, 3.40). Females from Pennsylvania were more likely than males to regularly

We examined unique associations between surface personality traits of emotional intelligence, core self‐evaluations, and subjective well‐being in dental students. A cross‐sectional study of 218 undergraduates showed that trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) and core self‐evaluations (CSE) predicted subjective well‐being controlling the Big Five personality traits. Structural equation modeling showed that trait EI and the neuroticism component of CSE better predicted affective components of subjective well‐being, and cognitive CSE traits (self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, and locus of control) better predicted life satisfaction, the cognitive component of subjective well‐being. These findings demonstrate the utility of a parallel‐process approach that specifies differential prediction of cognitive and affective subjective well‐being components.

Recent changes to the system of remuneration and contracting arrangements with Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) has meant that dental practitioners in the UK have experienced several types of incentive and governance arrangements. This paper uses data from a qualitative study of 20 dental practitioners to examine the influence of different systems of incentives and governance on their motivational system. Results show that a perceived reduction in autonomy was the least acceptable aspect of the health reforms. The study also suggests that conflict between self-interested and altruistic motives may occur where medical professionals operate as independent contractors in a small business environment. Whilst dentists appeared to show altruistic motives towards their patients, priorities towards running an autonomous business enterprise meant that PCT managerial requirements, for example, to widen access were not welcomed, because of their impact on managerial autonomy. Moreover, whilst dentists' professional ethos appeared geared towards achieving technically high quality standards of work, this produced tensions against a background of cost containment in a fee-per-item system of remuneration. The paper raises issues such as the person-system interaction associated with professional and individual autonomy and the importance of reciprocity and fair payment.

These findings lend support to self-determination theory and provide a platform for the future development of interventions that can promote and maintain well-being in dentists.

In this study, we examined the effectiveness of a theory-based psychological implementation intention strategy on the volume and frequency of intake of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution by participants engaged in submaximal exercise. Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to an implementation intention or control condition. Participants assigned to the implementation intention condition were required to write down when and where they would carry out their intention to drink a sports drink in the upcoming exercise trial. Participants completed self-report measures of intentions, the psychological antecedents of intentions, and past behaviour for sports drink use and physical activity before and after receiving the experimental manipulation. Participants then engaged in a one-hour submaximal exercise trial on a cycle ergometer and had free access to a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution throughout. The frequency and volume of sports drink consumed by participants over the course of the trial was recorded. Participants also provided pre- and post-trial urine samples, which were tested for osmolality. Experimental participants imbibed a significantly greater volume of sports drink and had significantly higher urine osmolality than controls. The intervention had no effects on psychological variables. Results support the use of implementation intentions to effectively promote sports drink intake among sports participants.