Frontiers in oral health最新文献

{"title":"Transverse dentoalveolar changes of mandibular canine and premolar regions after lip bumper therapy: a retrospective CBCT study.","authors":"Jiahui Li, Normand S Boucher, Chun-Hsi Chung, Shalin Shah, Chenshuang Li","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1605132","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1605132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Lip bumpers (LB) treatment has been used to expand the mandibular arch during mixed dentition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of LB on the mandibular transverse changes in the canine and premolar regions using CBCT.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective study utilized pre- (T1) and post-treatment (T2) CBCT images from the children who were treated either with rapid maxillary expander (RME) alone (RME group) or with RME and lip bumpers (RME + LB group) for interceptive orthodontic treatment. The T1 (pre-interceptive orthodontic treatment evaluation) and T2 (pre-comprehensive orthodontic treatment evaluation) CBCT images from the children who did not go through the interceptive orthodontic treatment were used as control. The CBCT images were oriented according to the occlusal plane and the three-dimensional superimposition on the mandible of T1 and T2 images was performed in the Dolphin 3D software, followed by a series of dental and alveolar linear and angular measurements. Only the mandibular canine and premolar regions with solid primary teeth that showed root structure below the furcation bilaterally at T1 and permanent teeth fully erupted in occlusion bilaterally at T2 were included. The intergroup comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>As the control group did not have a sufficient number of subjects after excluding the non-qualified regions, the following comparisons were only performed and reported between the RME group and the RME + LB group. RME + LB group (<i>n</i> = 30, 9.00 ± 0.86 years old at T1, 11.99 ± 0.59 years old at T2) showed significantly more bodily buccal movement of mandibular canines and premolars than the RME group (<i>n</i> = 25, 8.72 ± 0.88 years old at T1, 12.00 ± 0.96 years old at T2), but inter-mandibular buccal surface width increase was only observed in the second premolar region. In addition, the RME + LB groups showed less buccal alveolar bone thickness and height than the RME group in the mandibular canine and first premolar regions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>LB significantly expanded the mandibular transverse dimension dentally, with permanent canine and premolars erupting more buccally. However, it does not increase the skeletal transverse dimension of the alveolar bone at the canine and first premolar regions. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of LB.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1605132"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12271112/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144677055","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":"E-cigarette use and knowledge of its effect on oral health among health sciences students in Trinidad and Tobago.","authors":"Cherisse Z Beard, Anil J Ragbir, Tia L Rice, Makiba M Thomas, Rahul S Naidu","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1547246","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1547246","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has become more common among younger age groups around the world. Health concerns, including oral health effects have been reported.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This research aimed to assess prevalence of e-cigarette use and knowledge of oral health effects among young university students in Trinidad and Tobago and implications for oral health promotion.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A sample of 193 students, >18 years old, consisting of health sciences students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences, the University of the West Indies. Participants completed an online self-administered questionnaire including demographics, e-cigarette use habits and effect on oral health.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority were female participation (75.1%). Age range of participants was 19 to 25-years-old, mean age 22 years old. 15% of participants currently used e-cigarettes. Most participants believed that e-cigarette use affects health (97.9%), is possibly addictive (91.2%), delivers nicotine (87%) and contains chemicals (87.6%). 51.3% believed that e-cigarette use, related to tooth decay and 58.5% gum disease. 44% of participants were not familiar with research on e-cigarette use and its effects on oral health. Most participants thought the information on e-cigarettes was important (78.3%) and (71.5%) would speak to a dentist about its effects on oral health. 76% of participants indicated willingness to quit e-cigarette use if adverse oral health effects were understood.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Among this sample of health sciences students, e-cigarette use was low. There was limited knowledge of its effects on oral health. Adverse effects of e-cigarette use on oral health should be included in oral health promotion initiatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1547246"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12256429/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144639076","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":"Interdisciplinary research on periodontitis and depression: a bibliometric analysis of research trends, hotspots and future directions.","authors":"Qian Tang, Weiye Xu, Fushen Zhang, Guangyi Yuan, Dian Zhou","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1588737","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1588737","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting nearly 50% of the global population, has been increasingly linked to depression, a prevalent psychiatric disorder.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the association between periodontitis and depression, from 2000 to 2024 via the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Bibliometric parameters were extracted and bibliometric analysis was conducted via VOSviewer, and CiteSpace software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 205 publications, comprising 173 original articles and 32 reviews, were analyzed via VOSviewer and CiteSpace, with a focus on countries, institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and citations. The results revealed a significant increase in publications, with notable contributions from China, the USA, and Brazil, accounting for 43.9% of all studies. The collaborative networks highlight the growing interdisciplinary nature of this field. \"Depression\" (<i>n</i> = 71), \"disease\" (<i>n</i> = 66), \"association\" (<i>n</i> = 50), \"oral health\" (<i>n</i> = 47) and \"stress\" (<i>n</i> = 37) were the most frequent keywords, reflecting current research hotspots. Through the time map analysis of keyword clustering, we found that the research hotspots gradually changed from \"risk factors\", \"chronic periodontitis\" and \"psychosocial factors\" to \"inflammation\", \"Alzheimer's disease\" and \"smoking\" and other keywords. Keyword analyses identify emerging research hotspots, including the interplay of stress, anxiety, and inflammation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The number of related studies on periodontitis and depression continues to increase. The analysis of countries, authors and keywords reveals development trends, collaboration opportunities, and priority themes such as psychosocial factors and systemic inflammation. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for future research on periodontitis and depression.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1588737"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12245893/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144628328","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":"Lingual nerve injuries: recognized complications or preventable errors?","authors":"Frederic Van der Cruyssen, Robin Willaert, Michael Miloro","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1608292","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1608292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lingual nerve injuries (LNIs) represent a significant clinical challenge that can compromise speech, taste perception, and overall patient well-being. These may occur during third molar extractions, inferior alveolar nerve blocks, implant placement, root canal treatment and other dental, oral, and maxillofacial procedures. A major controversy centers on whether LNIs should be regarded as recognized complications-unavoidable events despite competent care-or potential negligence arising from substandard practice. Such classification hinges on factors including adherence to standard surgical protocols, informed consent, and timely postoperative assessment. Early detection using both qualitative and quantitative sensory evaluations allow prompt referral for microsurgical intervention, potentially improving outcomes if repairs are done within six months of injury. Conversely, lapses in diagnosis or management can lead to enduring disability, increased legal risk, and allegations of negligence. Evolving guidelines and advances in imaging and artificial intelligence may ultimately refine risk assessments, reduce complications, and alter standards of care. By recognizing the multifactorial nature of LNIs and adhering to rigorous surgical protocols, continuing education, and thorough documentation, healthcare professionals can optimize patient safety and potentially mitigate medico-legal challenges and enhance patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1608292"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12245760/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144628329","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":"Construction of an HBPL antibacterial coating on a phase-transition lysozyme-modified titanium surface.","authors":"Zhangyi Li, Xiangyu Zhang, Hengyang Yu, Shuai Zhang, Hong Liang","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1615280","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1615280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In the field of dental implantation, titanium and its alloys serve as primary materials for implants due to their excellent biocompatibility. However, their insufficient antibacterial properties remain a critical limitation. Bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation on titanium alloy implant surfaces can trigger peri-implant inflammation, potentially leading to severe complications such as implant failure. To address this challenge, we developed a novel surface modification strategy that endows implants with dual functionality of antibacterial activity and enhanced cellular adhesion, thereby proposing a new approach for preventing and managing peri-implantitis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique was employed to construct polyelectrolyte coatings composed of hyperbranched polylysine (HBPL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on phase-transitioned lysozyme (PTL)-modified titanium surfaces. The surface characteristics were systematically investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated by monitoring bacterial viability and morphological alterations. Cytocompatibility assessments and molecular biological investigations were conducted to examine cellular responses and osteogenesis-related gene expression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A novel polyelectrolyte coating with favorable biocompatibility and antibacterial properties was successfully fabricated on PTL-modified titanium surfaces. This coating demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects while concurrently promoting osteogenic differentiation to a certain extent.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study presents a dual-functional implant surface coating with combined antibacterial and osteogenic-enhancing capabilities. The developed strategy provides new insights for clinical surface modification of dental implants and offers a promising solution for peri-implantitis prevention and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1615280"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12245776/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144628327","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":"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}

{"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}

{"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}

{"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}

{"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}