Jorge Moldes, Joao Botelho, Manuel Rodríguez-Yáñez, Vanessa Machado, Juan Blanco, Tomás Sobrino, Rogelio Leira, Yago Leira
{"title":"The Impact of Periodontal Health Interventions on the Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Jorge Moldes, Joao Botelho, Manuel Rodríguez-Yáñez, Vanessa Machado, Juan Blanco, Tomás Sobrino, Rogelio Leira, Yago Leira","doi":"10.1111/idh.70079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To systematically review the evidence on the relationship between periodontal health interventions and the risk of first-ever ischemic stroke.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Search strategy included electronic and hand searching to January 2025. MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), SCOPUS, LILACS, Web of Science (WOS) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched. Eligible studies included clinical trials and observational designs reporting on any periodontal health intervention and ischemic stroke. Screening and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate. Meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven studies involving 1,886,947 participants met the inclusion criteria from an initial set of 634 records. In a random-effects meta-analysis, periodontal interventions were associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke (HR: 0.88 [0.81-0.95]). Tooth scaling, in particular, was associated with a reduced risk (HR: 0.84 [0.76-0.92]).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Periodontal health interventions-especially tooth scaling-appear to be associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke. These findings suggest a potential role for periodontal care in stroke prevention.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>PROSPERO number: CRD42023450471.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Wan-Lin Lim, Tengku Nurfarhana Nadirah Tengku Hamzah, Nabihah Dziaruddin, Thaddius Herman Maling, Nor Azlida Mohd Nor
{"title":"Current Perspectives on Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation Among Dental Therapists in Malaysia.","authors":"Sarah Wan-Lin Lim, Tengku Nurfarhana Nadirah Tengku Hamzah, Nabihah Dziaruddin, Thaddius Herman Maling, Nor Azlida Mohd Nor","doi":"10.1111/idh.70078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a common developmental defect of enamel (DDE) seen in children. In Malaysia, dental therapists (DTs) are favourably positioned as front-liners to identify children with MIH due to their involvement with the school dental service. However, MIH is often misdiagnosed and referred to dentists in an untimely manner.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess awareness about MIH and aspects of continuing education, perception towards MIH, and confidence in early detection of and intervention for MIH among Malaysian DTs.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A cross-sectional study using a self-administered bilingual (English and Malay) questionnaire, distributed using Google Forms to DTs working in the public dental service in Sarawak, Malaysia. Data were transferred to SPSS software and analysed using descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 176 DTs responded, with 64.8% indicating that they had encountered teeth with MIH. However, 60.2% were unsure whether the incidence of MIH has increased in the period of their practice. In total, 31.3% reported receiving information regarding MIH and 79.5% were keen for further training. Whilst 29.0% and 23.9% felt confident detecting and managing MIH teeth respectively, 37.5% felt confident in providing care for children with MIH.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Malaysian DTs' level of awareness about MIH was low and a majority were keen to receive continuing education on MIH. Although the majority of DTs had a positive perception towards MIH, most of them were not confident in the early detection of and intervention for MIH.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preparedness of Dental Hygiene Students for Clinical Practice: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Suadah Ismail Asraf, Ahsan Sethi, Kamran Ali","doi":"10.1111/idh.70076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dental hygienists (DHs) play a crucial role in promoting oral health and prevention of dental diseases. Dental hygiene educational programs must ensure that the future workforce is prepared for delivering effective and high-quality oral care to communities.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this scoping review is to explore the published literature to identify gaps in the preparedness of dental hygiene students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest Central, CINAHL, and Embase, covering studies published from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2025. Keywords and MeSH terms related to preparedness, dental hygiene students, and clinical practice guided the search. Data were synthesised narratively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ten studies published between 2012 and 2023 were identified from Canada (30%), the United States (30%), Finland (10%), Australia (20%), and New Zealand (10%). Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed. Studies focused on a wide range of attributes of dental hygiene students including clinical skills (70%), communication skills (80%), cultural competence (30%), adaptability (50%), professional resilience (30%), and policy use and advocacy (40%). Gaps were noted in research use, policy engagement, and advocacy, with graduates reporting low confidence in these areas. Baccalaureate programs provided broader preparation than diploma programs, though both lacked sufficient applied learning experiences.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The review highlighted several gaps in the teaching and training of dental hygiene students in multiple countries. The findings underscore the need for educators and regulators to address these educational shortfalls to facilitate a smooth transition of dental hygiene students into professional practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Barriers and Facilitators for Caregivers Providing Involuntary Oral Care to Individuals With Dementia: A Qualitative Literature Review.","authors":"M Jonker, C Engelsma, A Visser","doi":"10.1111/idh.70075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess barriers and facilitators for caregivers providing involuntary oral care to individuals with dementia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative review was performed. Due to the scarcity of studies on involuntary oral care provision, the strategy to reach the aim was to identify barriers and facilitators for providing involuntary care in general, and to infer from these barriers and facilitators for providing involuntary oral care. The online databases PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PhilPapers were searched for papers on involuntary care. In addition, three key journals and the reference lists of the included studies were hand searched for additional studies. Thematic analysis was used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 18 studies were included, four on involuntary oral care provision and 14 on involuntary care in general. Multiple barriers and facilitators were identified and categorised in three main themes: Work environment (e.g., workload), legislation (e.g., guidelines) and provision (e.g., attitude).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The provision of involuntary oral care involves more and larger barriers than the provision of oral care to nursing home residents. In addition, this review highlights the need for more research about barriers and facilitators for involuntary oral care provision to individuals with dementia.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Parents' View and Awareness About Their Children's Fluoride Therapy: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Imaneh Asgari, Sharare Jahangiri, Jurgita Andruškienė, Viktorija Venevičienė","doi":"10.1111/idh.70072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To deliver a comprehensive overview of scientific evidence on the parents' awareness and perception of fluoride use in their children's oral care routine.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Scientific literature search was conducted for the period from 1974 to February 2023, using the keywords 'fluoride, parents, attitude, perception, children'. Quality and Risk of Bias assessment was performed using the appropriate critical appraisal checklists.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The final list of records included 33 articles published from 2006 to 2022 (9 of which were excluded after critical appraisal). Findings revealed that 30% to 36.9% of parents were aware of the recommended frequency of fluoride toothbrushing, while 90.2% were unaware of the fluoride concentration in the toothpaste used for their children. Mostly, the parents supported the use of topical fluoride products. However, 40% of parents had concerns about the safety of fluoride varnish. Fluoride therapy refusal varied from 5% to 50% across different studies, and a relationship between fluoride and vaccination refusal was reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Many studies did not specifically focus on parental attitudes as a primary outcome. As a result, the interpretation of their findings may have been affected by the inadequacy or inappropriateness of the questionnaires used in these studies. However, a prominent finding across all studies was the notable deficiency of awareness and the lack of evidence-based scientific perspectives among parents. The findings highlight the need for further high-quality research and interventions to address the issue of fluoride refusal among parents and caregivers, particularly those who are more likely to do so.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of Tooth Erosion Potential of Zero and Carbonated Beverages in Korea: A Laboratory-Based Study Focused on pH.","authors":"Eun-Ha Jung, Hyun-Kyung Yim, Ji-Hyun Min","doi":"10.1111/idh.70069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>With increasing health consciousness, the consumption of zero-calorie beverages (zero beverages) is also increasing. Zero beverages are devoid of sugar or alternative sugar content. Tooth erosion possibility continues to be reported in cases of carbonated beverage consumption. However, studies evaluating the likelihood of tooth erosion from carbonated beverages containing alternative sugars are lacking. Therefore, this study assessed the tooth erosion ability of carbonated beverages distributed in South Korea.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>After purchasing 135 types of commercially available beverages in Korea, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's standards, those with less than 5 kcal were classified as carbonated zero beverages (CBzero), and those with more than 4 kcal per 100 mL were classified as typical carbonated beverages (CBnon-zero). The experimental beverages were measured in 50 mL quantities at 25°C. An experienced investigator immediately measured the pH of the beverages using a pH meter. The pH between groups was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test in SPSS statistics version 27.0 analysis program.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the beverages included, 62 (average pH of 2.97 ± 0.36) and 73 (average pH was 3.19 ± 0.63) were in the CBnon-zero and CBzero groups, respectively. Differences between the groups were not significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study demonstrated that the mean pH of zero beverages was not significantly different from that of regular carbonated beverages available in the Korean market. Given that the majority of these beverages exhibited a pH below 4.0, both CBzero and CBnon-zero drinks may pose a comparable risk for dental erosion. Therefore, consumers should be aware that zero beverages, despite their reduced sugar content, are not exempt from potential erosive effects on teeth.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147698612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jessica Persson Kylén, Dawn Stacey, Inger Wårdh, Krystina B Lewis
{"title":"Shared Decision-Making Theories, Conceptual Models, and Frameworks Within Oral Healthcare: A Theory Analysis.","authors":"Jessica Persson Kylén, Dawn Stacey, Inger Wårdh, Krystina B Lewis","doi":"10.1111/idh.70074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To appraise the quality of theories, conceptual models, and theoretical frameworks about SDM for oral healthcare practices.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial to person-centred care. Yet little is known about how (and if) patient engagement in SDM is conceptualised in oral healthcare.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a theory analysis of theories, conceptual models, and frameworks. We searched Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL. Eligible theories/conceptual models/frameworks had to specifically focus on SDM in oral healthcare. Eligible papers were analysed using Walker and Avant's theory analysis steps and mapped onto the 8 core elements of SDM.</p><p><strong>Main findings: </strong>Of 195 citations, two conceptual models specific to oral healthcare were identified. The SDM System on Dental Restorations (SDMS-DR; South Korea) focuses on decisions between dentists and patients about restorative treatment. The Four + one Habits Model for dental visits (4 + 1 HB; Norway) is an approach for SDM across oral healthcare decisions, more broadly. Both conceptual models focus on the patient-professional encounter and met 4 (SDMS-DR) and 6 (4 + 1HB) of the 8 core elements of SDM. The SDMS-DR provided no reference to the patients' expertise. The 4 + 1HB presented SDM as a standardised linear process rather than a dynamic process. Neither has been empirically tested, and they do not acknowledge the broader healthcare system within which the encounters take place.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We identified two conceptual models that incorporated some elements of SDM for oral healthcare. Neither was evaluated, and both focus exclusively on the patient-oral healthcare professional encounter, without consideration of intersectional, multidisciplinary healthcare services.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147698636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Changes in Dental Hygiene Students' Working Posture Using a Clock Position Guide.","authors":"Ju-Hui Jeong, Ja-Hye Yoo, Min-Young Lee, So-Jung Mun, Sun-Young Han, Hiejin Noh","doi":"10.1111/idh.70056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to use three working posture assessment tools to investigate changes in working posture among dental hygiene students when using a clock position guide.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was collected from 31 fourth-year dental hygiene students at U University from September 9, 2021 to October 8, 2021. The working postures of the students were video-recorded as they worked in a self-position and guided position, and the working postures were assessed using RULA, REBA and M-DOPAI. After excluding three participants who withdrew from the study, 28 were included in the final analysis. The data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Kruskal-Wallis test with statistical significance set at 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The total RULA, REBA and M-DOAPI scores improved for all clock positions (p < 0.05). The RULA score had positive work position changes in all clock positions in all body parts, but only the wrist, trunk, neck and legs showed siginificant differences (p < 0.05). The REBA score had positive work position changes in the trunk, neck and wrist in all clock (p < 0.05). The M-DOPAI score showed positive work position changes in all body parts in all clock positions except the hips in the 10-11 o'clock position, and there was a significant difference in the head and neck and wrists (p < 0.05). Dental hygiene students' satisfaction also showed positive changes from 2.84 ± 0.56, 3.06 ± 0.59 and 3.08 ± 0.57 to 3.82 ± 0.58, 4.00 ± 0.57 and 4.04 ± 0.49, respectively (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Using clock position guides for working posture training of dental hygiene students will help establish an appropriate neutral position and reduce discomfort in various body parts in dental workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147698598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Empathy, Professional Quality of Life and Stress Coping Strategies Among Dental Hygienists-A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Nir Uziel, Efrat Gilon, Alina Haj, Ilana Eli","doi":"10.1111/idh.70070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dental hygienists work in a stressful environment and often experience substantial personal distress, which can adversely affect their empathy as well as their professional quality of life. The present study attempted to evaluate stress coping strategies and their effect on empathy, burnout, compassion satisfaction and secondary traumatic stress among dental hygienists.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the following self-report questionnaires (i) Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy for Health Professionals (JSPE-HP); (ii) professional quality of life questionnaire (ProQoL) to measure burnout, compassion satisfaction and secondary traumatic stress; and (iii) Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations-Situation Specific Coping inventory (CISS-SSC) to measure task-focused coping, emotion-focused coping and avoidance focused coping strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>127 hygienists responded. Subjects' empathy could be best predicted by task-oriented coping style and burnout (stepwise linear regression, R<sup>2</sup> = 0.19, p < 0.01.). Subjects' burnout could be best predicted by emotion-focused coping style, empathy and age (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.346, p < 0.001.), their level of secondary traumatic stress could be best predicted by emotional-focused coping (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.283, p < 0.001) and level of compassion satisfaction could be best predicted by task-focused coping style, emotion-focused coping style and professional experience (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.315, p < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings suggest that in the dental hygiene profession, coping styles play a significant role in empathy and the different aspects of subjects' professional quality of life. While task-coping style positively affects subjects' empathy, emotion-focused coping causes dental hygienists to be more vulnerable to secondary traumatic stress and burnout.</p>","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147698623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Letter to Editor Regarding 'Who Gets To be Read? Factors Affecting Full-Text Access Rates in Periodontology and Implantology Research'.","authors":"Jiayi Chen","doi":"10.1111/idh.70077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70077","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13791,"journal":{"name":"International journal of dental hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}