'Dental News
According to a recent study published in the online edition of the American Journal of Public Health, black Americans receive poorer dental care than white Americans, even when they have some dental insurance coverage.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the College of Dental Medicine, surveyed 118 black American adults living in New York City who had recent oral health symptoms and found that despite 75% of of them having at least some type of dental insurance coverage, this was largely limited to Medicaid (50%) rather than private coverage (21%) or other types of dental insurance (4%).
In addition, the study found that those surveyed indicated several insurance-related dental care problems such as insufficient coverage for needed treatments, inability to find a dentist who accepts their insurance, and having to wait usually long for their coverage to take effect.
Dr. Eric Schrimshaw, assistant professor of Sociomedical Sciences at the Mailman School, described it this way; "For the 25% of respondents who reported having no dental insurance coverage, the costs of dental care and the lack of insurance coverage were consistently noted as critical barriers to obtaining quality dental treatment of their dental symptoms. Even among those who had some dental insurance - such as Medicaid - it was often not enough to eliminate the obstacles to obtaining needed dental treatment."
The authors also report that even when participants were able to see a dentist with the limited insurance they had or while uninsured, many believed that because of their lack of private insurance they received a poorer quality of care than did others.
'Dental News
Researchers at the University of Louisville announced this past week that they are one step closer to helping millions of people who suffer from dry mouth because their salivary glands no longer work or because of disease. The salivary glands are essential for lubrication, defense and beginning digestion in the mouth.
The scientific discovery could form the basis for advanced therapies for patients whose salivary glands are damaged or no longer function due to radiation therapy, prescription drugs or Sjogren's Syndrome - a disorder often defined by its two most common symptoms - dry eyes and a dry mouth.
The scientific finding of Douglas Darling, PhD, professor, Department of Oral Health and Rehabilitation, UofL School of Dentistry, and his team identified a protein sorting mechanism used by the salivary gland. The National Institutes of Health supported study published on-line first this past week in the Journal of Dental Research.
'Dental News
In an effort to better combat the condition known as Dental Phobia (a.k.a. the fear of being treated by a dentist), the International Organization for Dental Phobia Treatment (IODPT) has developed a special website for both patients and dental professionals alike that provides information on ways to improve the treatment of this condition.
In a nutshell, IODPT has identified five key areas dentists should be aware of so as to better empathize with and treat their patients who suffer from this condition. These areas are:
(1) Explanation Of All Procedures
If you have a question about a procedure, your dentist should answer it. By asking questions, you can empower yourself with knowledge to alleviate fear of the unknown.
(2) Comfortable & Friendly Environment
Your dentist should do everything to ensure that you are greeted by a smiling, friendly staff in a quiet, orderly environment.
(3) Assurance Of Minimal Or No Pain
You won't have to worry about feeling pain or discomfort during treatment. Newer techniques and better anesthetics make this possible.
(4) Sense Of Control
A simple signaling system, such as raising your left hand can be used to stop your dentist for any reason.
(5) Relaxation Techniques
A relaxed body promotes a clear and relaxed mind. The dental environment, in and of itself, can often induce phobias. Your dentist should design his or her office to calm you, and can also have specific well-established techniques to help you relax during your visit. These can include deep breathing, distractions like television, iPods, virtual reality glasses, and aromatherapy.
