Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-26eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1640915
Salma Kabbashi, Yvonne Prince, Ndonwi Elvis Ngwa, Haly Holmes, Glenda Mary Davison, Saarah F G Davids, Manogari Chetty
{"title":"Correction: Feasibility and preliminary findings of a bacterial diversity study in periodontitis: a pilot investigation from the Western Cape.","authors":"Salma Kabbashi, Yvonne Prince, Ndonwi Elvis Ngwa, Haly Holmes, Glenda Mary Davison, Saarah F G Davids, Manogari Chetty","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1640915","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2025.1640915","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1568393.].</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1640915"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12243027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144610697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-24eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1572665
Shreya Raj, Ankita Singh
{"title":"Cracked tooth syndrome: a diagnostic dilemma- a mini review.","authors":"Shreya Raj, Ankita Singh","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1572665","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1572665","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cracked tooth syndrome is one of the five types of longitudinal fracture. It has been described as an incomplete fracture progressing from the vital tooth crown and progressing subgingivally, usually in a mesio-distal direction, involving dentin and often the dental pulp. Though termed as a syndrome it doesn't present with a set of classical symptoms. Hence, its diagnosis has always been arduous. This review paper summarises the current strategies in diagnosing a cracked tooth. This paper is an attempt to draw standardized protocols for diagnosing cracked tooth.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this paper is to delve deeper into cracked tooth syndrome, thereby examining and simplifying each method to elucidate better its representation in clinics, such as history, examination, imaging etc. for an easier diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance and relevance: </strong>Cracked tooth syndrome is a prevalent problem in dental practice. However, its ambiguous symptoms make a definitive diagnosis difficult, leading to a delay or failure to give appropriate therapy. Thus, it is imperative for a clinician to know about the various methods to correctly diagnose and provide apt and early treatment for cracked teeth.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1572665"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12234462/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144593240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-20eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1561781
Samantha Schaffer Pugsley Baratto, Allan Abuabara, Débora Cristina Cardozo Bueno, Thalita de Paris Matos, Camila Paiva Perin, Gisele Maria Correr, César Penazzo Lepri, Christian Kirschneck, Flares Baratto-Filho, Erika Calvano Küchler
{"title":"Investigating the impact of polymorphisms in the <i>ANKK1</i> and <i>DRD2</i> genes on oral health-related quality of life in male patients with temporomandibular disorders.","authors":"Samantha Schaffer Pugsley Baratto, Allan Abuabara, Débora Cristina Cardozo Bueno, Thalita de Paris Matos, Camila Paiva Perin, Gisele Maria Correr, César Penazzo Lepri, Christian Kirschneck, Flares Baratto-Filho, Erika Calvano Küchler","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1561781","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1561781","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Previous studies have reported that genetic polymorphisms may impact the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the <i>Dopamine Receptor D2</i> (<i>DRD2</i>) and <i>Ankyrin Repeat and Kinase Domain Containing 1</i> (<i>ANKK1</i>) genes and oral health-related quality of life of male patients with TMD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included construction workers with at least one sign or symptom of TMD. The reduced version of the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14) was used to assess oral health-related quality of life. Genomic DNA was used to genotype genetic polymorphisms in the locus 11q22-q23, one in <i>ANKK1</i> (rs1800497) and two in <i>DRD2</i> (rs6275 and rs6276), using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The total OHIP-14 score and those for each domain were compared among the genotypes using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's test in the genotypic co-dominant model. The Mann-Whitney test was used in the recessive model (alpha = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sample included a total of 114 male patients. OHIP-14 total score ranged from 0 to 33. Chronic pain (87.7%), followed by disc displacement (38.2%), was the most common sign and symptom observed. All the genetic polymorphisms assessed were within the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The \"Handicap\" domain (D6) was statistically associated with the genetic polymorphism rs1800497 in <i>ANKK1</i> (<i>p</i> = 0.008). The genetic polymorphism rs1800497 Taq1A in <i>DRD2/ANKK1</i> was associated with oral health-related quality of life, as measured by the handicap domain in OHIP-14, in male patients with TMD.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study showed that genetic polymorphisms can negatively impact the oral health-related quality of life, as measured by the handicap domain of the OHIP-14. The physical and emotional condition of patients, together with biological pathways, should receive more attention in future studies, and personalized treatment plans should be created to improve patients' quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1561781"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12226474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-20eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1527355
Sarah Al-Rai, Mohanad Alyousefy, Zainab Al-Twaili, Eshraq Anqa, Mohammed Amin, Jameil Al-Bateit, Halah Al-Mogahed, Ola B Al-Batayneh
{"title":"Knowledge, practice, and challenges in the use of stainless steel crowns and the Hall technique among Yemeni general dental practitioners: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Sarah Al-Rai, Mohanad Alyousefy, Zainab Al-Twaili, Eshraq Anqa, Mohammed Amin, Jameil Al-Bateit, Halah Al-Mogahed, Ola B Al-Batayneh","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1527355","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1527355","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) and Hall technique (HT) are used to restore decayed primary molars. This study aimed to critically evaluate the practice, knowledge, and challenges faced by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Yemen when restoring caries-affected primary molars using stainless steel crowns (SSCs) and the Hall technique (HT) in their routine clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A web-based cross-sectional survey was randomly distributed among GDPs registered with the Yemeni Dental Association using a Google Form (Google LLC, California, USA). The questionnaire comprised 21 questions organized into four sections: demographic information, SSC and HT practice, knowledge of SSC and HT, and challenges in SSC placement and HT use.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 501 participants were included in the final analysis, with (54.7%) were females and (45.3%) were males. The majority graduated from public universities (68.5%). SSCs were used in daily practice by 51.3%, primarily for multisurface caries (67.3%). A low percentage used HT (30.1%), with the main concern being insertion difficulty due to lack of preparation (43.5%). Age and residency place significantly influenced SSC usage (<i>p</i> = 0.01 and <i>p</i> < 0.001, respectively). Frequent SSCs use was higher among dentists >30 years and those with >10 years of experience (<i>p</i> < 0.001). No demographic factors were associated with HT use. However, females and younger practitioners <30 were more likely to report needing additional practical training (<i>p</i> = 0.023 and <i>p</i> = 0.04, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Enhancing GDPs' knowledge and skills in SSCs and HT through updated curricula and training could improve and enhance pediatric dental care.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1527355"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12226548/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-20eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1597243
Abimbola M Oladayo, Folake B Lawal, Oyinkansola O Sofola, Omolara G Uti, Afolabi Oyapero, Adetayo Aborisade, Mojisola Olujitan, Omotayo F Fagbule, Adeola T Williams, Aderonke Dedeke, Ejiro Idiga, Yahya-Imam Abdul-Kabir Adegoke, Ilori Adeniji Oluwagbenga, Aishatu Baba Mele, Amina Sani Baffa, Ifeoluwa Adetula, Khadija Saad Musa, Bernal Stewart, Carlo Amorin Daep, Deon Hines, Jacinto Beard, Taiwo A Lawal, Azeez Butali
{"title":"Integrating oral health into primary healthcare: lessons from project OHE-NCHeW (oral health education for nurses and community health workers) in Nigeria.","authors":"Abimbola M Oladayo, Folake B Lawal, Oyinkansola O Sofola, Omolara G Uti, Afolabi Oyapero, Adetayo Aborisade, Mojisola Olujitan, Omotayo F Fagbule, Adeola T Williams, Aderonke Dedeke, Ejiro Idiga, Yahya-Imam Abdul-Kabir Adegoke, Ilori Adeniji Oluwagbenga, Aishatu Baba Mele, Amina Sani Baffa, Ifeoluwa Adetula, Khadija Saad Musa, Bernal Stewart, Carlo Amorin Daep, Deon Hines, Jacinto Beard, Taiwo A Lawal, Azeez Butali","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1597243","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1597243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Oral health disparities in Nigeria highlight the need to integrate basic oral health into Primary Health Care (PHC). Project OHE-NCHeW (Oral Health Education for Nurses and Community Health Workers) was developed to train PHC workers in providing basic oral health care, education, and referrals in underserved communities. This study explored the impact of the training program on participants' knowledge, referral practices, and patient outcomes, and gathered feedback to optimize the program for future implementation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with participants to gather insights on knowledge acquisition, changes in referral practices, and barriers or facilitators to implementation. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using the CREATIVE framework. Additional feedback from trainers and observed patient impact were also considered.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The trained PHC workers reported enhanced knowledge and confidence, resulting in improved patient education and referrals. Patients also noted better oral health literacy and increased trust in dental referrals. Facilitators viewed the program as valuable and feasible, emphasizing the importance of ongoing training, resource allocation, and policy integration to maintain the program's impact. Key barriers included insufficient resources, lack of supervision, and cultural beliefs.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The pilot training enhanced PHC worker capacity and was positively perceived by trainers. Patients reportedly responded favorably, indicating potential impact. However, addressing identified systemic and resource barriers is crucial for sustainable integration. This study offers multi-perspective insights for optimizing oral health integration within PHC in similar settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1597243"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12226467/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Oral health knowledge, behavior, and barriers to dental care of adult Jordanians adorning oral and/or perioral piercings-a cross-section study.","authors":"Sabha Mahmoud Alshatrat, AbdelRahman Murtada Ramadan, Hanan M Hammouri, Yousef Saleh Khader, Isra Abdulkarim Al-Bakri, Tamadur Mahmoud Falah, Abedelmalek Kalefh Tabnjh","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1573786","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1573786","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The global prevalence of oral piercings is increasing, and there are mounting concerns about complications associated with oral and/or perioral piercings. Providing precautionary advice about piercing complications is important.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>to determine the oral health knowledge, behavior, and barriers to dental care for oral and/or perioral piercings in adult Jordanians.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A web-based, anonymous, self-administered closed-end questionnaire was distributed across Jordan. It included questions regarding oral health knowledge, behavior, and barriers to dental care.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>About (81.5%) liked how it looked. Most participants (49%) reported no complications, while 35% reported pain. The beauty parlors placed 76% of piercings and were also the source of help in case of complications. Most common barriers to seeking regular care were the perception that health professionals would refuse to treat them and the lack of confidence in the health professionals (90%) to treat the complications. Most participants (47%) brushed their teeth at least twice a day, and 68% spent 1-2 min brushing. Most participants (86%) knew that sugars and sweets caused dental caries. Also, (73%) believed bleeding gums was abnormal.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that adult Jordanians primarily choose piercings for aesthetic reason, with beauty parlors being the preferred place for both piercings and assistance in the event of complications. The lack of trust in healthcare professionals, with the believe that experts may refuse treatment were the reasons for participants avoided seeking regular dental care, which might increase risk of periodontal and gingival diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1573786"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12222198/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144562415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Topical fluoride and regulation of salivary pH in Peruvian Altiplano schoolchildren: a comparative longitudinal study.","authors":"Vilma Mamani-Cori, Talia Paola Calcina-Asillo, Marleny Chino-Mamani, Yang Rodrigo Mendoza-Quispe, Sidgar Orlando Yucra-Sardón, Heber Isac Arbildo-Vega, Tania Carola Padilla-Cáceres, Betsy Quispe-Quispe, Franz Tito Coronel-Zubiate","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1620432","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1620432","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Saliva acts as a natural buffer, neutralizing the acids produced by bacterial metabolism. Maintaining salivary pH in a range close to neutrality is essential for enamel remineralization processes. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of different concentrations and formulations of topical fluoride on the regulation of salivary pH in schoolchildren from the Altiplano region of Peru.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A quantitative, longitudinal, double-blind, randomized experimental design was employed. A total of 200 children aged 6-12 years who voluntarily agreed to participate were randomly and equally distributed into four study groups. To ensure homogeneous assignment, sociodemographic variables (sex, family type, age, number of siblings, and frequency of daily brushing) and clinical variables (caries severity and oral hygiene level) were controlled. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while Kruskal-Wallis test was used for between-group comparisons and the Friedman test for intragroup comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Intragroup analysis revealed statistically differences in salivary pH at initial, post-brushing, 10, 30, 60 min and 24-hours measurements across all groups (Friedman's Test; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Between-group comparisons also showed significant differences in salivary pH at 10, 30, 60 min, and at 24 and 48 h (Kruskal-Wallis test; <i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, the 5% fluoride varnish and fluoride gels (1.23% and 2%) demonstrated greater efficacy in regulating salivary pH, especially during the initial hours following application.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1620432"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12222226/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144562416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-18eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1524715
Heilok Cheng, Rebecca Chen, Bradley Christian, Jessica Appleton, Amit Arora, Elizabeth Denney-Wilson
{"title":"Carer perspectives on overweight, obesity and dental caries in early childhood: findings from a systematic qualitative review.","authors":"Heilok Cheng, Rebecca Chen, Bradley Christian, Jessica Appleton, Amit Arora, Elizabeth Denney-Wilson","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1524715","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1524715","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Formula and bottle feeding behaviours can increase obesity and tooth decay (early childhood caries, ECC) in early childhood, through non-responsive feeding and prolonged exposure to sugar. Parents' beliefs can be barriers to behaviour change for obesity and ECC prevention. Understanding these beliefs towards children's teeth and weight can address parents' priorities and develop prevention messages. This qualitative systematic review (PROSPERO registration #CRD42022348783) aimed to identify parent or carer perspectives on obesity and ECC in children aged ≤6 years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Database searching of CINAHL, Medline and EMBASE, with hand searching, was undertaken. Included papers were qualitative research publications, focused on parent or carer beliefs and attitudes towards overweight, obesity or ECC in infants and children. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken to generate themes, with a strengths-based approach focused on parents' lived experience. Quality appraisal was undertaken with the CASP Qualitative Checklist. Descriptive characteristics of the study and participants, and qualitative findings, were extracted qualitatively in NVivo.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>7,365 references were identified from database and hand searching, with 98 references included for analysis. Three research themes were generated: (1) parenting to support child wellness, including healthy teeth and weight; (2) parents' response to unwellness, including identifying symptoms, causes and protective factors for unhealthy weight and teeth; (3) information and resources needed to support healthy weight and teeth. There was high or potential risk of bias in qualitative methodology when studies did not address researcher-participant relationships or rigorous data analysis processes.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Findings highlight the need for strength-based messages for children's teeth and weight, increased understanding of formula and bottle feeding as obesity and ECC risk factors, and holistic approaches to care by dental and primary care professionals.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42022348783, PROSPERO CRD42022348783.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1524715"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12213562/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-18eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1545214
Prashanti Eachempati, John Martin, Sally Hanks, Mona Nasser
{"title":"Digital strolls using UniCDent toolkit-part 2: reimagining the walking method for online participation.","authors":"Prashanti Eachempati, John Martin, Sally Hanks, Mona Nasser","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1545214","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1545214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Distance and remoteness no longer pose barriers to conducting meaningful research, as the adaptation of participatory methods can address these challenges effectively. This article examines the transformation of the UniCDent Toolkit, originally designed to capture patients' perceptions of uncertainty in dental environments, for online participatory interactions with dentists. The toolkit, which uses the walking method, incorporates components such as imagery, gallery walks, quadrant mapping, and trade-offs to explore uncertainty in dental practice. Initially, dentists expressed discomfort in sharing their uncertainty in a group setting, prompting a shift to an online format that maintained participant engagement and created a safe space for open dialogue. Each component was carefully tailored for the virtual setting: dentists documented their uncertainty using auto-photography, shared insights through a structured slide walk, collaboratively mapped their uncertainty with a virtual grid, and participated in trade-off discussions using Mentimeter polling. This process highlights the importance of adapting participatory methods to meet the needs of remote participation, while preserving the participatory ethos. We provide an example of such an adaptation, demonstrating how the UniCDent Toolkit which was initially designed for dental environments can be applied to various healthcare settings and research questions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1545214"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12213479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-18eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1636820
Phoebe P Y Lam, Duangporn Duangthip
{"title":"Editorial: Improving children's oral health.","authors":"Phoebe P Y Lam, Duangporn Duangthip","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1636820","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1636820","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1636820"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12213776/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}