This survey was conducted on young dental students, with the aim of evaluating the influence of scientific information dispensed during their studies on their own oral state and on their behavior towards it. Therefore, various parameters were considered at the very beginning of their university studies and at the end of their studies. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the socioeconomic origin and oral hygiene habits of the students. In order to assess actual improvement in oral health standardized clinical examinations were utilized. The comparison of parameters measured at the beginning and at the end of the clinical studies of the students revealed that the OHI-S and the GI scores had decreased highly significantly (P less than 0.01), and that the DMFT score had increased significantly (P less than 0.01). The increase in the DMFT score was mainly due to a high number of fillings. The answers to the questionnaire were indicative of a favorable modification in hygiene habits. At the end of their clinical studies the students were on an average more aware of their oral health, the quality and the duration of their toothbrushing had improved, and they more often sought early treatment and preventive care than at the beginning of their studies.

Background Persons with dementia spend most time of their day not engaging in activities or social interactions. A care concept of a dementia special care unit that promotes activities and social interaction through a household‐like design and individualised stimuli is studied. Aim To evaluate the main outcomes of the care concept of a dementia special care unit, namely, engagement in activities and social interactions. Methods We conducted an observational study as part of a theory‐driven evaluation. The Maastricht Daily Life Observation Tool was used to collect momentary assessments multiple times per participant, including engagement in activity, type of activity, engagement in social interaction, interaction partners, location, agitation and mood. Thirty‐three residents of the dementia special care units that implemented the care concept and 54 residents with dementia of two traditional nursing homes participated in the study, resulting in 2989 momentary assessments. Results Residents of both settings did not engage in activities or social interaction in approximately half of the observations. Compared to residents of traditional nursing homes, residents of special care units had a significantly higher chance for engagement in activities and social interaction in the afternoon but not in the morning or evening. Conclusion The care concept of the special care unit facilitated engagement but had its limitations. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate appropriate interventions to enhance engagement of persons with dementia.

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