BackgroundAlthough the use of removable dentures can improve oral function and esthetics for elderly people, compared to those who do not wear removable dentures, those wearing removable dentures could have worse oral health related-quality of life (OHRQoL). Additional information is required to assess which factors related to denture wearing influence the OHRQoL of elderly individuals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between denture wearing and OHRQoL in a sample of elderly individuals in Taiwan.MethodsThe study population included 277 elderly people wearing removable dentures (mean age = 76.0 years). Using face-to-face interviews, we collected data on the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, dental care service usage (regular dental checkups, treatment during toothache, dental visits in the last year), and factors related to denture wearing (perceived oral pain, perceived loose denture, perceived oral ulcer, perceived halitosis, perceived dry mouth, and perceived total denture satisfaction scores). OHRQoL was measured using the Taiwanese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-T). The location and number of remaining natural teeth and the type of denture were also recorded. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed using GOHAI-T scores as the dependent variable.ResultsAll the predictors together accounted for 50% of the variance in GOHAI-T scores. Further, education level, number of natural teeth, denture status, perceived loose denture, perceived oral ulcer, and perceived total denture satisfaction scores had statistically significant influences on OHRQoL. When compared with other variables, factors related to denture wearing, especially perceived total denture satisfaction scores, had the greatest impact on GOHAI-T scores.ConclusionsOf the factors analyzed in this study, denture satisfaction was the strongest predictor of OHRQoL. This suggests that denture satisfaction is useful for assessing the effect of denture treatment on the OHRQoL of elderly individuals wearing removable dentures.

Sleep‐related breathing disorders are complex problems that decrease quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality in patients. Comprehensive evaluation is essential for selecting and planning obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatments. However, the many proposed OSA treatments are rarely compared in the literature. The literature on OSA consists largely of case series studies, and the paucity of controlled studies makes comparisons of OSA treatments difficult. This article provides a brief overview of the most common OSA interventions. Because of the controversies and unanswered questions about OSA treatments, further studies are needed to define what treatments are best for specific OSA patients.

Background/purposeResearch on work stress and occupational burnout among Taiwanese dental staff is scarce. Thus, this study aimed to explore work stress and occupational burnout among dental staff in a medical center.Materials and methodsThis study is a cross-sectional survey that included the dental staff of a medical center in Taiwan. They were asked to complete self-reported questionnaires anonymously. The Questionnaire on Medical Workers' Stress (QMWS) was used to assess work stress, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey (MBI-HSS) was used to evaluate occupational burnout. In total, 108 valid questionnaires were collected, with a response rate of 79.9%. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation, and stepwise linear regression.ResultsOverall QMWS score indicated that visiting staff perceived significantly higher stress than post-graduate year residents. Average scores of MBI-HSS showed dental assistants' scores as similar to those of high burnout groups; visiting staff and moderate burnout groups had similar scores. Stepwise regression analyses revealed that the significant predictor of emotional exhaustion was the QMWS score, of depersonalization were working as a dental assistant and QMWS score, and of personal accomplishment was holding a teaching position.ConclusionWork stress and occupational burnout were common among dental staff; this may affect patient safety and should be valued. A stress management program is recommended to promote mental health of dental staff, along with adjustment of working environment, performance evaluation, and promotion systems.