A majority of Michigan general dentists treat patients with developmental disabilities. Addressing barriers like training and improved reimbursements might help in increasing the number of dentists willing to treat patients with developmental disabilities.

This study has shown clear associations between DFC categories and caries and tobacco risk wherein DFC 3 and 4 soldiers are at higher risk for future caries and of being tobacco users. This relationship warrants the inclusion of caries and tobacco risk in the overall dental assessment of soldiers.

To improve oral hygiene education, we evaluated the perception and potential impact of microbiology-focused oral hygiene instructions (OHI) given to pregnant patients. Dental hygienists provided this supplemental education and administered Saliva-Check Mutans (SCM) tests to pregnant patients (n = 188) in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) settings. Patients reported their self-perceived understanding of the relationship between oral bacteria and dental disease and returned postdelivery to receive a second SCM test and follow-up questionnaire (n = 47). Prior to the hygienist instruction, 84% of participants understood that bacteria caused tooth decay, while only 36% understood they could transfer these bacteria to their children. After instruction, patient understanding increased to 97% and 95%, respectively. Participants attributed these increases to the hygienist’s explanation and SCM test. In postdelivery participants, >80% reported adherence to routine oral hygiene practices, and a significant decrease in patients with high-risk levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans was determined by SCM test (p = 0.0253). Participants agreed that the SCM test (89%) and microbiology explanation (95%) should be provided to every pregnant patient. Evaluation of patient perception of this intervention highlights how focused instruction on the infectious nature of dental disease can increase perinatal oral health literacy. Microbiology-focused education should be given to pregnant patients to reduce oral health disparities.

Dental caries is the most common childhood disease worldwide.Between 60 and 90% of children are affected, but the majority of dental decay remain untreated [1]. Childhood dental caries has been reported to be the most prevalent infectious disease in our nation. It is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever among 5 to 17 year old American children [2]. In 1996, oral disease resulted in 1.6 million days of school lost; an average of 3.1 day per 100 students in the United States [3]. In 2009 -2010, the prevalence of untreated decay and decay Background experience among 6 -8 year old children examined by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) throughout the United States was 17% and 45% respectively [4]. Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination survey for 2011 -2012 reported that approximately 37% of children aged 2 -8 years in the US had experienced dental caries, and 14% of the same age group had untreated tooth decay in primary teeth. While 21% of children aged 6 -11 had experienced dental caries in permanent teeth and 6% had untreated decay in permanent teeth [5].Background: Significant Caries Index (SCI) was proposed by WHO to draw attention to those individuals with the highest caries score in each population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and untreated caries, using combined decay, filling for primary teeth (dft) and permanent teeth (DFT) and SCI indices.Methods: 144 School children aged 4-13 years old were examined in a mobile dental clinic as part of the school-based dental services program. Combined dft/DFT and Significant Caries Index were used to evaluate dental caries prevalence. Dental caries were recorded when cavitation was observed clinically or radiographically. The services provided to children included comprehensive diagnostic, preventive and restorative treatment. Results:The mean combined dft/DFT for all groups was 3.18. As the age increased, the mean decreased with no significant differences. The SCI for all age groups was significantly higher than combined dft/DFT. The caries prevalence for this school was 63. 9%. About 77% of children had untreated caries. Conclusion:The study reported high prevalence of caries experience and untreated caries. The SCI is designed to focus attention to high caries risk group; it is useful indicator and helps in targeting the preventive program for this group. IRB # 1819-49.