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H M Parker

Publications and source records attributed to H M Parker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The immediate impact of semen diluent and rate of dilution on the sperm quality index, ATP utilization, gas exchange, and ionic balance of broiler breeder sperm.

The sperm quality index (SQI) is a tool used to predict overall rooster semen quality, fertility, and hatchability. However, semen must be diluted before SQI analysis, and research has shown that the SQI is most predictive of fertility at lower semen dilutions. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine why the SQI is not as predictive of fertility at higher semen dilutions and whether semen diluent type alters the SQI, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) utilization, gas exchange, and ionic balance of broiler breeder sperm. Semen was diluted with saline, seminal plasma, or minimum essential medium (MEM) from 2- to 200-fold. The following parameters were measured for each diluent type at each dilution: SQI, ATP, Na+, Ca2+, K+, Cl-, CO2, and O2. To examine the rate of sperm motility, the SQI was expressed as SQI/million sperm per mL (SQI/sperm). There was an interaction between diluent type and dilution for the SQI, SQI/sperm, CO2 generated, O2 used, as well as Na+, Ca2+, and K+ internalization. For sperm diluted with saline, the SQI declined more rapidly with increasing dilution. However, SQI/sperm increased rapidly when semen was diluted with MEM or SP. Sperm diluted in SP used ATP with increasing dilution whereas sperm diluted with saline and MEM generated ATP. Neat semen contained no free O2; however, each diluent type contained abundant O2 resulting in more O2 available as semen was diluted. Sperm diluted in SP produced more CO2 and used more O2 than semen diluted in saline or MEM. For SQI/sperm, ATP and CO2 generated, as well as Na+ and Ca2+ internalization, differences between diluent types occurred when semen was diluted 50-fold and greater. In conclusion, it appears that sperm motility, ATP utilization, gas exchange, and ionic balance are altered by diluent type and rate of dilution. These alterations in semen quality are exacerbated at semen dilutions of 50-fold and greater yielding an SQI that is not indicative of sperm motility or fertility.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2006

Similarities and differences between the sperm quality index and sperm mobility index of broiler breeder semen.

The sperm quality index (SQI) and sperm mobility index (SMI) both predict sperm motility. Previous research was conducted comparing the SMI with the SQI; however, semen was diluted improperly for the SQI (40-fold). For an accurate comparison, semen must be diluted 10-fold for the SQI. Therefore, the overall objective of this study, utilizing 4 experiments, was to examine the relationship of the SQI with the SMI when: 1) active, heat-inactivated, and boiled sperm were incubated and analyzed over 60 min, 2) motile and immotile sperm were combined, 3) dead sperm (boiled or frozen) and live sperm were combined, and 4) sperm were rendered immotile by adding Zn. In experiment 1, the SQI was stable throughout incubation for active sperm and zero for heat-inactivated and boiled sperm. The SMI from active sperm steadily increased over incubation. However, the SMI from heat-inactivated sperm increased drastically resulting in values higher than active sperm after 35 min of incubation. The SMI from active sperm was higher than boiled sperm throughout incubation. For experiment 2, a cubic increase in the SQI occurred as active sperm increased from 0 to 100%. However, there was no difference in SMI readings until samples contained 80% active sperm. In experiment 3, for both boiled and frozen sperm, as the percentage of viable sperm increased, there was a logarithmic increase in the SQI. The SMI values were similar for 0 and 100% viable sperm when using boiled sperm, and all SMI readings were similar to 0% viable for frozen sperm. For experiment 4, both the SQI and SMI values from semen incubated with Zn were lower than that of saline. The SQI from sperm incubated in saline was higher than that of Zn throughout incubation, yet there were no differences in SMI values after 90 min of incubation. In conclusion, both the SQI and SMI of sperm decrease in response to Zn. However, it appears that immotile and dead sperm are capable of increasing SMI values but not SQI values.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Broiler breeder semen quality as affected by trace minerals in vitro.

Research has shown that trace elements, such as Se, Mn, and Zn, can alter reproductive functions. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the sperm quality index (SQI) and sperm viability as affected by various levels and sources of Se, Mn, and Zn when added in vitro to broiler breeder semen. In vitro treatments consisted of the following sources and levels of minerals: Control, no minerals added to sperm; seleno L-methionine, 4 levels ranging from 8.78 to 7,896 microg/L; sodium selenite, 4 levels ranging from 8.78 to 7,896 microg/L; MnSO4, 8 levels ranging from 6,500 to 65,000 mg/L; Zn 180 (Zinpro Corporation), 4 levels ranging from 0.65 to 650 mg/L; and ZnSO4, 4 levels ranging from 0.65 to 650 mg/L. The addition of 7,896 microg of sodium selenite/L to semen was detrimental to sperm motility. Also, MnSO4 adversely affected SQI and sperm viability at concentrations of 6,500 mg/L and greater. Sperm viability was decreased when 650 mg/L of Zn 180 was added to semen. Sperm motility was depressed by exposure to Zn 180 at 650 mg/L and ZnSO4 at 65 and 650 mg/L. Our results suggest that these trace minerals must act at the reproductive tissue level during spermatogenesis to improve semen quality. Direct in vitro application of these elements to semen appears to be detrimental to spermatozoa.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Semen dilution prior to analysis influences the ability of the sperm quality analyzer to predict fertility whether inseminating with a constant number of sperm or a constant volume of semen.

Previous research has shown that the sperm quality index (SQI) is positively correlated with semen characteristics as well as fertility when broiler breeder semen is diluted 10-fold prior to analysis. However, research has not been conducted to establish if semen dilution rate affects the ability of the SQI to predict fertility when inseminating a constant number of sperm or a constant volume of semen. As a result, 3 experiments were undertaken. The objective of the first study was to determine if diluent, minimum essential media, or 0.85% saline affects the SQI. The second objective was to identify potential semen dilution rates for the SQI by obtaining the range in live sperm concentrations to which the SQI is most sensitive. The purpose of experiment 3 was to determine which semen dilution rate, 10-, 25-, 50-, 75-fold, or a constant concentration of 180 x 10(6) sperm/mL, yields an SQI that is most predictive of fertility. Once a week for 3 wk, 20 hens were individually inseminated with either 20 microL of 4-fold diluted semen or a constant 45 x 10(6) sperm from each of 29 broiler breeder males. To determine which semen dilution rate yielded an SQI that was most predictive of fertility, Pearson's correlation coefficients were obtained between the SQI at each dilution rate and fertility. There was no difference in the SQI due to diluent. Sperm quality index values declined logarithmically as live sperm concentration decreased. The SQI was most sensitive to live sperm concentrations from 11 to 232 x 10(6) sperm/mL. The SQI for semen diluted 10-fold was the best predictor of fertility when inseminating with a constant volume of 4-fold diluted semen (r = 0.71). When hens were inseminated with a constant 45 x 10(6) sperm/hen, the SQI for semen diluted 10- and 25-fold as well as to a constant concentration of 180 x 10(6) sperm/ mL was equally effective at predicting fertility (r = 0.59, 0.52, and 0.61, respectively). Apparently, the SQI is predictive of fertility when semen samples are diluted 10-fold prior to analysis regardless of insemination method used. Dilution beyond 10-fold appears to alter semen quality, rendering the SQI less accurate.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

The effects of heat stress and sperm quality classification on broiler breeder male fertility and semen ion concentrations.

1. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of heat exposure on fertility, semen quality, and semen ion concentrations of broiler breeders classified on sperm quality index (SQI) before heat stress. 2. Cobb males (108) were individually caged in 6 temperature-controlled rooms. Each room contained an equal number of males from each of the 4 SQI population quartiles as follows: best (B), good (G), fair (F), and poor (P). Three rooms were heated to 35 degrees C, and the other three rooms were maintained at a constant 23 degrees C as controls. For each SQI group in each room, 15 Leghorn hens were artificially inseminated (5 x 10(7) sperm/hen) once a week for 8 weeks for fertility observations. 3. Body weight, sperm concentration, SQI, and fertility of P males were lower than in the other three SQI groups. Body temperature of the top three SQI groups was increased by heat exposure, but body temperature was not altered by heat stress in the P group. Fertility, sperm viability, and SQI of the top three SQI groups, but not the P group, was decreased by heat stress. Seminal plasma K+ of P males was lower than that of B males. However, seminal plasma Ca2+ concentration of P males was higher than that of B males. 4. In conclusion, high ambient temperatures had more impact on semen quality and fertility of males in the top 75% of the SQI population than in males in the bottom 25% of the population. In addition, calcium ions (Ca2+) appear to play a major role in heat stress infertility.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Elevated body temperature directly contributes to heat stress infertility of broiler breeder males.

Alterations in the male reproductive tract, sperm, or both may be responsible for heat stress infertility of broiler breeder males. The present study was conducted to determine the direct effects of hyperthermia during heat stress on sperm viability, the spermquality index (SQI), and seminal plasma ion concentrations by incubation of semen in vitro at and above normal body temperature. Thirty-seven Cobb males were divided into the upper (best group = B) and lower (poor group = P) 50% of the population according to their SQI. Semen characteristics and seminal plasma ion concentrations (Ca++, Na+, K+, and Cl-) for B and P males were evaluated at two temperature treatments (41.5 and 42.5 C) and four incubation times (0, 30, 60, and 90 min). The results revealed that sperm viability and the SQI were decreased by increasing incubation temperature and duration of exposure. Seminal plasma ion concentrations were not affected by semen incubation temperature; however, plasma Ca++ concentration in the P-SQI group was higher than that of the B-SQI group. Seminal plasma K+ concentration increased in both SQI groups over time. In conclusion, it is apparent that changes in semen characteristics due to elevated body temperature alone contribute to heat stress infertility of broiler breeders.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Role of seminal plasma in heat stress infertility of broiler breeder males.

The present research was undertaken to determine the role of seminal plasma in heat stress (HS) infertility. Males were exposed to HS at 32 C or maintained at 21 C as controls. Centrifugation and reconstitution of semen samples created four final treatments: control sperm + control plasma (CsCp), control sperm + HS plasma (CsHp), HS sperm + HS plasma (HsHp), and HS sperm + control plasma (HsCp). Semen samples with HS males' seminal plasma had lower sperm quality index values than those containing plasma from control males. Seminal plasma from HS males diminished fertility of control sperm, and control seminal plasma did not improve fertility of HS sperm. Therefore, regardless of seminal plasma source, HS sperm had a lower fertilization rate than control sperm. Also, seminal plasma from semen samples with HS sperm (HsHp and HsCp) contained lower Ca, Na+ and Cl- concentrations than seminal plasma from semen samples with control sperm (CSCp and CsHp). When HS seminal plasma was mixed with control sperm, plasma ion concentrations increased, indicating an efflux of ions from the control sperm to the HS seminal plasma. On the other hand, when control seminal plasma was mixed with HS sperm, plasma ion concentrations decreased, indicating an influx of ions from the control seminal plasma to the HS sperm. Therefore, control sperm appear to have higher intracellular ion concentrations than the sperm from HS males. In conclusion, high temperatures might decrease male fertility by decreasing seminal plasma and intracellular ion concentrations.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Fertility of broiler breeders following categorization by the OptiBreed sperm quality index when hens are inseminated with a constant number of sperm.

If semen quality was known prior to insemination, sperm doses could possibly be decreased, maximizing the number of hens inseminated. The sperm quality index (SQI), an indicator of overall semen quality, is determined by the number of deflections in a light path due to sperm movement inside a capillary tube. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the age at which the SQI becomes a static predictor of semen quality and 2) to determine if fertility of males with a higher SQI responds more favorably to insemination dose reduction than that of males with a lower SQI. Weekly from 23 to 32 wk of age, 144 Cobb males were tested for SQI. At 32 wk of age, males were placed into four groups that represented the SQI population quartiles as follows: poor, fair, good, and best. A fifth SQI group, uncategorized, was created to determine fertility of the original population by mixing equal amounts of semen from each of the four groups. Semen was collected weekly from 33 to 40 wk of age from 18 males in each of the four groups, pooled by group, and used to inseminate 30 hens per group with 50 or 100 million sperm. Eggs were collected daily, incubated, and broken out to determine fertility. Correlation coefficients between weekly SQI results and overall averages for individual males indicated that the SQI stabilized after the birds were 28 wk of age. The main effect for SQI selection revealed that the best SQI group had the highest fertility (88%), which did not differ from the good (83%) or fair group (82%) but was greater than the uncategorized group (80%). Fertilities of the top three groups and the uncategorized group were higher than the poor group (63%) (P < 0.0001, SEM 2.18). In addition, there was an interaction between SQI classification and insemination dose. Fertilities of the top three SQI groups were similar at the 50 and 100 million sperm doses. However, the poor and uncategorized SQI groups had lower fertility at the 50 million dose as compared to the 100 million dose. By categorizing males into SQI groups after 28 wk of age, insemination dose can be reduced, maximizing a male's fertilizing potential.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Use of a sperm analyzer for evaluating broiler breeder males. 2. Selection of young broiler breeder roosters for the sperm quality index increases fertile egg production.

Previous research has shown that the sperm quality index (SQI) of rooster semen is indicative of overall semen quality. The objectives of the present experiments were to determine the correlation of the SQI with semen characteristics and fertility and to determine if selection of young males for the SQI would improve fertility. In Experiment 1 semen was collected from 35 Peterson males and was analyzed individually for sperm concentration and viability. To determine fertility, 100 microL of diluted semen was inseminated into 10 hens for each rooster. Positive correlations of the SQI with total and live sperm concentrations as well as fertility were found. A negative correlation of the SQI with the percentage of dead sperm was observed. In Experiment 2, four semen samples were collected at 2- to 3-d intervals from each of 142, 27-wk-old Peterson roosters to determine their SQI. Males were then allocated to six treatment groups based on their average SQI readings as follows: 0 to 150, 151 to 200, 201 to 250, 251 to 300, 301 to 350, and >350. For each SQI group, semen was collected weekly for 8 wk, pooled, and used at a rate of 50 microL/hen to inseminate 40 hens. The percentage of fertilized eggs increased linearly across the SQI groups, from a minimum of 65% for the 0 to 150 SQI group to a maximum of 98% for the >350 SQI group. The SQI groups of 301 to 350 and >350 produced the slowest decline in fertility over days postinsemination. Therefore, selection of males for the SQI at an early age appears to improve flock fertility.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Use of a sperm analyzer for evaluating broiler breeder males. 1. Effects of altering sperm quality and quantity on the sperm motility index.

A new instrument for assessing mammalian semen attributes, the Sperm Quality Analyzer, was evaluated as a potential tool for determining rooster sperm quality. The Sperm Quality Analyzer measures the "activity" of sperm in a semen sample as the sperm motility index (SMI). The SMI is defined as the number and amplitude of deflections in a light path per second as a result of sperm movement within a capillary tube. In the present study, effects of sperm concentration, viability, and motility on the SMI were evaluated. Peterson broiler breeder males (n = 40) were used as semen donors. In the initial experiment, semen was diluted from 2- to 25-fold and SMI readings were obtained. The SMI was very low in neat semen samples but increased when semen was diluted up to threefold. However, at dilutions greater than fivefold, the SMI decreased. Apparently, sperm concentration in undiluted semen is so great that sperm are unable to move freely within the capillary tube. Maximum SMI values were obtained at sperm concentrations of approximately 1 billion sperm per milliliter. When thawed, dead sperm were mixed with incubated, live sperm, the SMI decreased with decreasing sperm viability even though sperm concentration was constant. Obviously, fewer sperm move across the light beam as sperm mortality increases. When motile, aerobically incubated sperm were mixed at different rates with immotile, anaerobically incubated sperm samples, the SMI increased with increasing concentrations of motile sperm, whereas total sperm concentration was static. In addition, the SMI was strongly correlated with motility scores obtained by microscopic analysis. The Sperm Quality Analyzer provides an estimate of the overall quality of sperm from broiler breeder males by reflecting sperm concentration, viability, and motility in a single value, the SMI.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Intravenous fumonisin B1 induces cell proliferation and apoptosis in the rat.

In the rat, the target organs of fumonisin B1, a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium moniliforme, are the kidney and liver. Fumonisin B1 is also hepatocarcinogenic in the rat and is associated epidemiologically with esophageal cancer in humans. We investigated the effect of a single intravenous dose of fumonisin B1 on cell proliferation, lesion development, and glutathione status in the major target organs of the rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intravenously with fumonisin B1 at 0 or 1.25 mg/kg and were euthanized at 12 hr or, 1,2,3, or 5 days. An intraperitoneal injection of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine at 100 mg/kg was given 90 min prior to euthanasia. In fumonisin B1 treated rats, serum cholesterol and serum urea nitrogen were elevated; however, the activity of hepatic enzymes was unaffected. Hepatic and renal glutathione concentrations were depressed at 12 and 24 hr, respectively, with subsequent recovery. Histologic changes were most prominent in the outer medulla of the kidney, with cell proliferation and apoptosis followed by nephrosis. Cell proliferation also occurred in the liver and esophagus, but in the absence of tissue injury. The labeling index peaked on day 1 for the liver and on day 3 for the esophagus. These results confirm that the primary target organ of fumonisin B1 in the rat is the kidney and support the concept that fumonisin B1-induced mitogenesis may be the mechanism of carcinogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Inhibition of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors and DNA adducts by dietary selenite.

The present studies were designed to examine the influence of dietary selenite supplementation on the initiation phase of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinogenesis and to correlate selenite-induced changes in the binding of DMBA metabolites to rat mammary cell DNA with the ultimate tumor incidence. Diets formulated to contain selenium, as sodium selenite at 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 micrograms/g were fed for 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks following treatment with DMBA (5 mg/kg body weight). Food intake and weight gain did not differ among treatments. Tumor incidence correlated inversely to the quantity of selenium consumed (r = -0.99). Final tumor incidences were 52, 32, 24, 14, and 10% for rats fed 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 4 micrograms selenium/g, respectively. In a separate group of rats fed a diet containing 4 micrograms selenium/g during both the initiation and promotion stages the final tumor incidence was 4.8%. Selenite supplementation for 2 weeks markedly depressed the occurrence of individual and total DMBA-DNA adducts. The final mammary tumor incidence correlated positively with total DMBA-DNA adducts (r = 0.99). These studies clearly demonstrate that selenite can inhibit the initiation stage of mammary carcinogenesis. This reduction in tumor incidence is likely due to a reduction in carcinogen metabolism and ultimately adduct formation.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗
PubMed1990

Identification and in vivo formation of 32P-postlabeled rat mammary DMBA-DNA adducts.

The in vivo formation of 32P-postlabeled mammary 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-DNA adducts was evaluated for female Sprague-Dawley rats following administration of DMBA (i.g.) at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 mg/rat. Adduct formation was also measured as a function of time following DMBA intubation. At least eight adducts were formed in vivo in mammary epithelial cells. The identities of four of these nucleoside bisphosphate adduct spots were determined by cross-referencing with previously characterized 3H-labeled nucleoside DMBA adducts. These identified adducts constitute four of the five major adducts formed in vivo. Two adducts were identified as the anti-dihydrodiolepoxide of DMBA reacted with deoxyguanosine (dGuo). Two other major adducts were derived from the syn-dihydrodiolepoxide and bound to dGuo and to deoxyadenosine (dAdo). Total DMBA-DNA binding increased at all DMBA doses investigated (r = 0.94). Total binding values were (mean +/- SEM) 39.3 +/- 6.1, 158.0 +/- 16.9, 194.7 +/- 9.9, 326.9 +/- 21.5 and 443.2 +/- 20.8 nmol DMBA/mol DNA for rats administered DMBA at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 mg/rat respectively. The anti-dGuo adduct predominated at all doses and times evaluated, contributing to approximately 52% of total binding. The occurrence of anti-derived adducts was greater than that of syn-derived adducts. Binding of DMBA to dGuo substantially exceeded binding to dAdo. The 32P-postlabeling procedure represents a sensitive technique for detecting specific DMBA-DNA adducts formed in vivo in the rat mammary gland.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗
PubMed1990

Transposon Tn917lacZ mutagenesis of Bacillus subtilis: identification of two new loci required for motility and chemotaxis.

We have used Tn917lacZ to mutagenize the Bacillus subtilis chromosome and have isolated mutants that are defective in chemotaxis and motility. Mapping of the transposon inserts identified two new loci. Mutations in one of these loci generated mutants that had paralyzed flagella. Accordingly, we designate this a mot locus. The other locus is closely linked to the first and encodes proteins specifying chemotaxis functions. This locus is designated the cheX locus. Both the mot and cheX loci map close to ptsI. An additional transposon insert that maps in the hag locus was obtained. The pattern of beta-galactosidase expression from some of the transposons suggested that the mot locus is regulated by sigD, a minor sigma factor of B. subtilis. The cheX locus appeared to be under the control of vegetative sigA. Four transposon inserts were mapped to a previously characterized che locus near spcB. These mutants did not produce flagellin and were defective in the methylation of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins. This locus probably encodes proteins required for flagellum biosynthesis and other proteins that are required for the methylation response.

Bacillus subtilis↗
PubMed1990

Studies of sigma D-dependent functions in Bacillus subtilis.

Gene expression in Bacillus subtilis can be controlled by alternative forms of RNA polymerase programmed by distinct sigma factors. One such factor, sigma D (sigma 28), is expressed during vegetative growth and has been implicated in the transcription of a regulon of genes expressed during exponential growth and the early stationary phase. We have studied several functions related to flagellar synthesis and chemotaxis in B. subtilis strains in which sigma D is missing or is present at reduced levels. Previous studies showed that a null mutant, which contains a disrupted copy of the sigma D structural gene (sigD), fails to synthesize flagellin and grows as long filaments. We now show that these defects are accompanied by the lack of synthesis of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins and a substantial decrease in two autolysin activities implicated in cell separation. A strain containing an insertion upstream of the sigD gene that reduces the level of sigma D protein grew as short chains and was flagellated but was impaired in chemotaxis and/or motility. This reduced level of sigma D expression suggests that the sigD gene may be part of an operon. A strain containing an insertion downstream of the sigD gene expressed nearly wild-type levels of sigma D protein but was also impaired in chemotaxis and/or motility, suggesting that genes downstream of sigD may also be involved in these functions. Genetic experiments demonstrate that sigD is allelic to the flaB locus, which was initially isolated as a locus affecting flagellin expression (G. F. Grant and M. I. Simon, J. Bacteriol. 99:116-124, 1969).

Alleles↗
PubMed1989

Dental implants and third party carrier coverage.

In the exciting arena of successful dental implantology, we can only anticipate improvement and overall progress. For the dentists who have the opportunity to participate and share their skills with the public, it is hoped that such services will be uniformly accepted by third-party insurers. Training in implant construction is currently being incorporated into both predoctoral and postdoctoral curricula. According to Worthington, it is estimated that by 1992, 300,000 implants will be used per year in the United States, and that there will be a fall in the average cost of each implant. The problems of financial underwriting are at present complicated and somewhat ambiguous. It is hoped that these problems will be resolved by conferences of national representation of dentistry, medicine, and insurance carriers. At present, however, it is a vital problem, and every practitioner in the field of dental implantology should consider his or her role in urging recognition and reimbursement of a covered service.

Dental Implantation, Endosseous↗
PubMed1989

Psychological implications of provisional prostheses.

The use of provisional restorations in the practice of partial and complete prosthodontics affords the dentist a productive method of arriving at an effective and pleasing prosthesis for the patient. Similarly, it serves the patient as a means of maintenance during multidisciplinary care. It can provide immediate replacement of extracted teeth and serve as a guide for correcting pre-existing conditions such as collapsed vertical dimension, related esthetic or facial collapse, centric occlusion, and changes caused by deterioration. After one or more visits, preliminary to the dental treatment plan, in which there has been an evaluation of the patient's physical, oral, and emotional condition, the dentist can arrive at a plan in which all factors may be considered and treatment directed appropriately. This article, in its limited approach, has attempted to emphasize the importance of knowing and understanding the patient's needs, which are not often clearly expressed by the patient. There must be adequate preparation of the patient to reduce or eliminate anxieties. Patient-practitioner discussions regarding procedures and realistic expectations are most helpful. A broad span of multidisciplinary dental treatment may well be served by the use of the transitional prosthesis, affording the dentist and patient adequate time for treatment, corrections, and optimal esthetics.

Dentist-Patient Relations↗