Thesis (M.Sc. (Odontology)) -- University of Pretoria, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Municipal water fluoridation began in 1945, and in the past 70 years, it appears to have decreased the rate of dental caries nationwide. Despite being deemed one of the top ten innovations of the 20th century, there continues to be misconceptions with this controversial practice. The intent of this thesis is to address some of the misconceptions with water fluoridation, and what possible solutions could be provided to alleviate the concerns. This was accomplished through a literature review of current research articles. Two main topics were explored: the public health and oral health concerns and how they contribute to the controversy. Results from the literature show that there was an increasing campaign from anti-fluoridators that use misleading information to advocate for ceasing water fluoridation. There was also a common concern about fluoridated water causing dental fluorosis. Furthermore, there was a trend with the lack of education and knowledge about water fluoridation, predominately in rural and low-income communities. Overall, it was reasoned that the best way to reduce the misconceptions of water fluoridation is to increase educational opportunities through medical professionals creating inter-department relationships and redirecting various government programs to target different populations.

No description available.

Purpose This study assessed ETSU dental hygiene students’ perceptions and attitudes toward their careers after graduation in relation to underserved populations’ lack of access to dental care and nontraditional roles for dental hygienists. Methods A voluntary simple survey was used to assess the following: dental hygiene students’ exposure to and knowledge about underserved populations and nontraditional roles for dental hygienists, students’ favor or opposition toward these nontraditional roles, students’ interest in nontraditional roles, and students’ perceived preparedness to work outside of a traditional dental office in nontraditional roles to provide care for underserved populations. The survey data was aggregated and analyzed within the general context of the ETSU Dental Hygiene Program, and differences in responses based upon student classification were investigated using an independent samples t test. Results Between classes, a significant difference was seen in the responses for seven questions, all of which addressed either students’ knowledge about underserved populations and corresponding solutions to the lack of access to care or students’ perceived preparedness for nontraditional roles after graduation. The majority of the dental hygiene students responded as being in favor or completely in favor of expanded or nontraditional roles for dental hygienists and as being interested or highly interested in functioning in such roles. However, 88.89% of participants reported that they were either likely or highly likely to choose private practice as their primary place of employment. Conclusion The senior dental hygiene students both possess higher levels of knowledge about underserved populations and nontraditional roles for dental hygienists and feel more prepared to function in nontraditional roles after graduation than do the junior dental hygiene students. The program could consider focus areas, such as the reason for students’ high interest in nontraditional roles and simultaneous high likelihood to work primarily in private practice and ways to address this discrepancy.

September 2003" / Includes bibliographical references. / xxi, 387 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / This study showed that a set of social characteristics systematically differed by socioeconomic position. Socioeconomic gradients in personal control, social support, stress and life satisfaction underlie patterns of dental behaviour that are in turn associated with oral health. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dental School, 2003

published_or_final_version / Dentistry / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

No description available.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Dentistry, 2000. / Bibliography: p. 320-341.

Thesis (M.S.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1940.

Thesis (M.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1943.