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Biomedical subjects

S M Levy

Publications and source records attributed to S M Levy.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Dental hygiene and predoctoral dental curricula concerning dietary fluoride supplements.

Deficiencies have been identified in dentists' knowledge about and use of proper protocol in systemic fluoride supplementation and water fluoride assay. Although AADS curriculum guidelines include systemic fluoride supplementation, little is known about actual predoctoral dental and dental hygiene curricula in this area. This study used a mail survey format to investigate dental and dental hygiene curricula concerning systemic fluoride supplementation. The majority of pertinent topics were reported to be included in most program curricula. However, the majority of programs reported no opportunities for students to apply the lecture material presented. Clinical evaluation of the fluoride supplement needs of all child patients is recommended. Student experience should be enhanced by the use of simulated experiences, especially in urban dental and dental hygiene programs. The dentist/dental hygienist team approach should be encouraged.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Use of systemic fluoride supplements by North Carolina dentists.

This 1984 survey focuses on the use of systemic fluoride supplements by North Carolina dentists. Respondents included all the state's pediatric dentists and general practitioners who assay water supplies before prescribing fluoride supplements, and other randomly selected general practitioners who treat children. Whether practicing in fluoridated or nonfluoridated communities, most dentists prescribed systemic fluoride supplements but only a small number of practitioners assayed water supplies before doing so.

Child↗
PubMed1986

Primary and secondary prevention of cancer in children and adolescents: current status and issues.

Within the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death by disease among adults and children alike. Although cancer has been characterized as primarily a disease of aging, there is growing awareness that many of the cancer risk factors have their origins earlier in life. In keeping with the current trend of pediatricians assuming the primary care responsibility of adolescents and young adults, this article reviews the current status of primary and secondary cancer prevention as it relates to pediatric practice.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Determinants of requests for water fluoride assay among North Carolina dentists.

Fluoride content of drinking water is an important criterion in prescribing fluoride supplements. The majority of practicing dentists and physicians prescribe fluoride supplements, yet many apparently are unaware of the fluoride levels in their patients' drinking water. Characteristics of North Carolina (NC) dentists, their practices, and their communities were investigated to determine factors associated with whether they requested fluoride assays of their patients' drinking water. Comparisons were made between dentists sampling (assaying) and those not sampling. Licensure renewal files provided characteristics of the 79 pedodontists and 1768 general practitioners (GP's) active in NC. Eighty-eight GP's (5%) and 26 pedodontists (33%) requested water fluoride analyses between December, 1982, and May, 1983. Significant predictors of fluoride assay request by GP's were the dentist's age, the geographic region of the state, the number of dentists in the practice, and an interaction between geographic region and the number of dentists in the practice. Younger GP's and those with fewer dentists in the practice were more likely to request fluoride assays of patients' water. For pedodontists, dentist's age and geographic region were significant predictors. Additional training concerning the need for water fluoride assay appears necessary, especially among older practitioners.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1986

Review of systemic fluoride supplementation and consideration of the pharmacist's role.

Interprofessional contact and consultation among dentists, physicians, and pharmacists can help to optimize patient care. Because pharmacists are readily accessible to the public, their influence is essential for the appropriate prescribing and continued use of systemic fluoride supplements. Pharmacists should be familiar with various aspects of fluoride therapy, such as mechanisms of caries inhibition, dosages associated with acute and chronic toxicity, and recommended daily dosage levels. The impact of breastfeeding, multiple sources of water intake, and changing age of the patient must be considered in determining proper systemic fluoride dosage. Pharmacists should consult with both physicians and dentists to coordinate water fluoride assay and prescribing responsibilities. They also can help to educate both prescribers and patients. Because of frequent patient contact and access to medication records, pharmacists can encourage and monitor patient compliance. Fluoride prescriptions and results of water fluoride assays should be documented on the patients' computerized or card profiles. In addition, pharmacists can counsel patients about the fluoride ion content of various home-use products and make recommendations to ensure that an optimal level of fluoride ingestion is maintained.

Dental Caries↗
PubMed1986

Expansion of the proper use of systemic fluoride supplements.

Systemic fluoride supplements, such as tablets and drops, are recommended as alternatives to community and school water fluoridation. Assay of patients' drinking water should be used to determine the water fluoride content. Supplements should be used only when the water fluoride level is found to be deficient. In this way, the appropriate dosage supplement can be determined and prescribed, and unnecessary risks of fluorosis can be avoided. Research has shown that many practitioners prescribe fluoride supplements, although relatively few practitioners assay patients' water supplies. Increased use of water assay and fluoride supplements is warranted if the dental profession is to continue its emphasis on prevention. This increase should be in conjunction with water fluoridation, topical fluorides, and pit and fissure sealants.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1986

Considerations in differential diagnosis of adverse reactions to local anesthetic: report of case.

A 62-year-old woman with reported allergies to procaine and lidocaine requested dental care. Consultation with the patient, the patient's physicians, and the patient's dentists did not identify the causes of the adverse reactions had occurred only when anesthetic was administered without vasoconstrictor. There were no reactions when vasoconstrictor was used. Skin testing by an allergist disclosed no evidence of true allergic reaction to any of the 'caine drugs. In addition, no evidence of reaction to preservatives was found during patch testing. The adverse reactions were determined to be caused by an idiosyncratic low threshold to toxic side effects of 'caine drugs. The use of vasoconstrictor (epinephrine) apparently promoted the retention of the anesthetic locally and prevented systemic absorption sufficient to cause the toxic reaction. Practitioners must be aware that adverse reactions to dental anesthetic may be a result of true allergy, psychogenic reaction (syncope), normal toxic overdose, or idiosyncratic toxic overdose.

Anesthesia, Dental↗
PubMed1985

Prognostic risk assessment in primary breast cancer by behavioral and immunological parameters.

Although findings from recent animal studies suggest that behavioral factors such as "helplessness" play a role in cancer progression, very few such studies with humans have been carried out. The study investigated the predictive power of an immunologic effector cell, the natural killer (NK) cell, as well as selected psychological and demographic factors, to breast cancer prognostic risk status. It was found that NK activity predicted the status of cancer spread to the axillary lymph nodes. Patients who had low levels of NK activity were rated as well-adjusted to their illness; patients who had higher NK activity appeared to be distressed or maladjusted. These findings are discussed in the light of recent animal findings linking environmental stress and behavioral responsiveness to biological vulnerability via endocrine and immune pathways.

Adult↗