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Biomedical subjects

C M Flaitz

Publications and source records attributed to C M Flaitz.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Comparison of pit and fissure sealant utilization by pediatric and general dentists in Colorado.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of Colorado pediatric and general dentists concerning attitudes toward and use of sealants. The survey results indicated that sealants were used in the following manner by pediatric vs. general dentists, respectively: 1) Routinely 73.4% vs. 40.1%; 2) Occasionally 15.6% vs. 32.6%; 3) Seldom 6.6% vs. 10.0%; 4) Do Not Use 4.4% vs. 17.3%. Reasons for limited or non-utilization of sealants by both groups included: 1) Not covered by insurance; 2) Inadvertent sealing in caries; 3) Do not last; 4) Not cost effective. Delegation of primary responsibility for sealant placement differed as follows between pediatric and general dentists, respectively: 1) Dentist 73.3% vs. 64.8%; 2) Hygienist 0% vs. 17.8%; 3) Assistant 26.7% vs. 17.4%. Continuing education courses on sealants had been attended by 62% of pediatric dentists and 16.9% of their auxiliaries and by 29.1% of general dentists and 6.3% of their auxiliaries. Approximately 50% of pediatric and general dentists expressed an interest in attending sealant courses. This study indicates that: 1) Colorado dentists report a relatively high sealant utilization rate. 2) Pediatric dentists place sealants more frequently than general dentists. 3) The most frequent reason for restricting sealant placement was lack of insurance coverage. 4) A need for continuing education of dentists and auxiliaries exists.

Colorado↗
PubMed1989

Prevalence of bottled water usage by pediatric dental patients: implications for dental health.

Drinking bottled water has become a popular substitute for tap water because of the concern over the contamination of municipal water supplies. The purpose of this study was to determine the percentage of pediatric dental patients drinking bottled water as their primary source of water. The fluoride content of these products was obtained from the distributors and the products were independently analyzed to ensure accuracy. Approximately 10 percent of 1,126 randomly selected patients from a private pediatric dental practice were routinely using bottled water from nine different sources. The fluoride content of these products varied from 0.04 ppm to 1.4 ppm. Independent analysis of the fluoride content of the different brands of bottled water using a microanalyzer with a fluoride-specific electrode indicated that the measured fluoride content was within +/- 0.1 ppm of the distributors' reported fluoride levels. The results of this study found that 16.9 percent of the pediatric patients were receiving less than the optimal level of fluoride and 72.4 percent were receiving greater than the recommended level of fluoride. Ten percent of the patients were being supplemented with additional fluoride tablets by their pediatrician, although the fluoride levels in the bottled water ranged from 0.9 to 1.4 ppm. In order for children to receive the optimal caries-preventive benefit from fluoride, the pediatric dentist needs to question the source of the patients' drinking water routinely. When bottled water is being used, the fluoride content should be obtained from the distributor or submitted for laboratory evaluation for fluoride content.

Child↗
PubMed1989

Colorado pit and fissure sealant survey: attitudes toward and use of pit and fissure sealants by Colorado general dentists.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of Colorado general dentists regarding the use of and attitudes toward pit and fissure sealants. The survey consisted of a questionnaire to determine the utilization levels of sealants by general dentists, reasons for limited placement or non-utilization of sealants, whether sealant placement was delegated to dental auxiliaries or not, and if continuing education courses on sealants had been attended by the dentists and/or their dental auxiliaries. A total of 544 completed questionnaires were available for study. The results indicated that sealants were used by 82.7% of the dentists. Approximately 70% of the practitioners reported that they utilized sealants either routinely or occasionally. Reasons for limited placement or non-utilization of sealants were, in descending order: 1) Not covered by insurance; 2) Inadvertent sealing in of caries; 3) Sealants do not last; 4) Sealants too expensive; 5) Not familiar with sealant technique; 6) Sealants not effective. Placement of sealants was delegated as follows: 1) Dentists, 64.8%; 2) Hygienists, 17.8%; 3) Assistants, 17.4%. Continuing education courses had been attended by 29.1% of the dentists surveyed. Only 6.6% of the dentists indicated that their staff had attended continuing education courses on sealant placement. A relatively high percentage of Colorado dentists are utilizing sealants on a frequent basis. Major reasons for limited usage or non-utilization of sealants relates to lack of insurance coverage and concern regarding sealing in of caries. A need for continuing education courses on sealants appears to exist.

Colorado↗
PubMed1988

Sweetener content of common pediatric oral liquid medications.

The types and concentrations of sweeteners in common prescription liquid and chewable medications for pediatric use were determined by manufacturer survey. Oral-liquid and chewable antibiotic, antifungal, bronchodilator, antihistamine, anticonvulsant, and miscellaneous products were identified. The manufactures were asked by telephone the type and amount of sweeteners in their products. Two follow-up letters requested confirmation of the sweetener contents; manufacturers' approval for publication of the information was also requested by mail. Sweetener information on 160 preparations was obtained. For antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin ethylsuccinate, and penicillin VK, products from different manufacturers had a wide range of sucrose concentration (18%-80%). Only four antibiotic preparations were sucrose free. The bronchodilators and antihistamines contained either sucrose, sorbitol, or saccharin. The anticonvulsants contained 0%-60% sucrose. Health-care practitioners who prescribe or dispense oral liquid or chewable prescription drug products should know that products in a given category can vary in type and amount of sweetener.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1987

A comparison of Ultraspeed and Ektaspeed dental x-ray film: in vitro study of the radiographic appearance of interproximal lesions.

This study investigated the difference between Ektaspeed and Ultraspeed dental x-ray film in detecting incipient interproximal carious lesions, in vitro. Molars and premolars were radiographed with 60, 70, or 90 kVp and 15 mA. Time was varied, so the density of all films was closely matched. The radiographs were viewed by ten dentists who judged the presence and extent of caries according to a predetermined scale. Inter-rater reliability was determined for each film type and tooth surface by using Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Test. Results showed that inter-rater reliability was high and significant at p less than 0.01. Differences in kilovolt (peak) exposure had no significant effect on Ektaspeed and Ultraspeed film correlation. This study suggests no statistically significant difference in caries-detection ability for Ektaspeed or Ultraspeed radiographic film.

Dental Caries↗
PubMed1984

A scanning electron microscopic and polarized light microscopic study of acid-etching of caries-like lesions in human tooth enamel treated with sodium fluoride in vitro.

Types of etching patterns and histological appearances were examined in acid-etched, NaF-treated caries-like lesions of enamel. Etching patterns similar to those for etched-sound enamel were found. Remineralization was limited to the surface zone and superficial portion of the body of the lesion following acid-etching of NaF-treated caries-like lesions.

Acid Etching, Dental↗