• Adhesives for fixed orthodontic bands. A systematic review.

      Millett, Declan; Mandall, Nicola; Hickman, Joy; Mattick, Rye; Glenny, Anne-Marie; University College Cork, Ireland. d.millett@ucc.ie (2009-01)
      To evaluate the effectiveness of adhesives used to attach bands to teeth during fixed appliance treatment.
    • Adverse reactions to facial dermal fillers: a case report

      Kehily, Elaine; Hayes, Martina; McCreary, Christine (Journal of the Irish Dental Association, 2015-02)
      Our current social and cultural environment places great importance on our appearance. Collagen, the major structural component of the dermis, serves to strengthen and support the skin. As we get older, decreased production of collagen by fibroblasts occurs, leading to loss of tissue bulk and elasticity.1 As a result, deep folds, wrinkles and rhytides can develop. Injectable soft tissue fillers (ISTFs) provide an attractive option in facial rejuvenation. ISTFs can be categorised into biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances. Biodegradable fillers (such as bovine collagen and hyaluronic acid) are safer to use; however, they have a relatively short lifespan (three to 12 months).2 Non-biodegradable fillers (such as silicone) have a longer tissue presence but cause more adverse reactions than the biodegradable fillers.3 ISTFs are usually injected into the deep dermis or the dermal-subdermal junction (Figure 1).4
    • Age-related oral changes.

      Mckenna, Gerald; Burke, Francis M; Restorative Dentistry, University College Cork, Ireland. (2010-10)
      Age-related oral changes are seen in the oral hard and soft tissues as well as in bone, the temporomandibular joints and the oral mucosa. As older patients retain their natural teeth for longer, the clinical picture consists of normal physiological age changes in combination with pathological and iatrogenic effects. Clinical Relevance: With an ageing population retaining more of its natural teeth for longer, dental professionals should expect to observe oral age changes more frequently.
    • Attitudes of final year dental students to the use of rubber dam.

      Mala, S; Lynch, C D; Burke, F M; Dummer, P M H; School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, UK. (2009-07)
      To investigate the attitudes of final year dental students in Wales and Ireland to the use of rubber dam.
    • Attitudes of Irish dental graduates to vocational training.

      McKenna, G; Burke, F; O'Sullivan, K; Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University College Cork, Ireland. (2010-05)
      Vocational training (VT) is a mandatory 12 month period for UK dental graduates after graduation. Graduates of Irish Dental Schools are eligible to enter the general dental service in Ireland or obtain an NHS performers list number in the UK immediately after qualification. Reports would suggest that some graduates of Irish Dental Schools are choosing to take part in VT in the UK and find the experience beneficial. This study aimed to record the uptake of VT amongst recent graduates from University College Cork and to document their experiences. It was designed to compare the attitudes and experiences of graduates of Irish Dental Schools who undertook VT compared with those who entered the general dental service.
    • An audit of orthodontic treatment eligibility among new patients referred to a Health Service Executive orthodontic referral centre

      Meade, Maurice J; Millett, Declan T (Irish Dental Association (IDA), 2013-10)
      Aim: The aim of this audit was to evaluate orthodontic treatment eligibility among new patients referred for assessment from primary dental care clinics in the Health Service Executive (HSE) South region to a HSE orthodontic referral centre. Method: A data collection form was designed and applied prospectively to consecutive new patient referrals who attended diagnostic clinics at the Orthodontic Unit, Cork University Dental School and Hospital, between October 2011 and February 2012. Orthodontic treatment eligibility was based on guidelines introduced by the HSE in 2007. Results: Data on 291 patients (147 males and 144 females) with a mean age of 11.6 years (SD ± 2.4 years; range 8-19 years) were evaluated. Of the 83 (29%) patients eligible for orthodontic treatment under the guidelines, the most commonly diagnosed malocclusion traits were a crossbite with greater than 2mm discrepancy between retruded contact position and intercuspal position (24 patients), followed by an overjet greater than 9mm (21 patients). Conclusions: A total of 29% of new patient referrals were deemed eligible for orthodontic treatment under HSE eligibility guidelines introduced in 2007. Reduction of new patient referrals not eligible for treatment, under these guidelines, is required to enable more efficient use of resources.
    • An audit of the caries status of patients about to start orthodontic treatment

      Meade, Maurice J; Millett, Declan T (Irish Dental Association, 2011-06)
    • Career choices on graduation a study of recent graduates from University College Cork.

      McKenna, Gerald; Burke, Francis; School of Dentistry, University College Cork. g.mckenna@ucc.ie (Irish Dental Association, 2009-12)
      Irish dental graduates are eligible to enter general dental practice immediately after qualification. Unlike their United Kingdom counterparts, there is no requirement to undertake vocational training (VT) or any pre-registration training. VT is a mandatory 12-month period for all UK dental graduates who wish to work within the National Health Service. It provides structured, supervised experience in training practices and through organised study days.
    • The caries-preventive effect of chlorhexidine varnish in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

      James, Patrice; Parnell, C; Whelton, H; Oral Health Services Research Centre, Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. p.james@ucc.ie (2010)
      Our purpose was to systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of chlorhexidine varnish for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents and to determine its effectiveness compared to fluoride varnish.
    • Case report: Presentation of lacrimo-auriculodento- digital (LADD) syndrome in a young female patient.

      McKenna, G J; Burke, F M; Mellan, K; Dept. Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. g.mckenna@ucc.ie (2009-11)
      BACKGROUND: Lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital (LADD) syndrome (OMIM #149730) is an autosomal-dominant congenital disorder that can be caused by heterozygous mutations in the tyrosine kinase domains of the genes encoding fibroblast growth factor receptors 2 (FGFR2) and 3 (FGFR3), and has been found in association with a mutation in the FGF10 gene, which encodes an Fgfr ligand. Clinical signs vary, but the condition is characterised by involvement of the lacrimal and salivary systems, cup-shaped ears, hearing loss and dental abnormalities. Additional features may include involvement of the hands and feet with other body systems particularly the kidneys. CASE REPORT: Previous literature on the subject has been reviewed and this case is the first presentation of LADD syndrome in the Republic of Ireland, as a sporadic case in a 12-year-old girl who exhibited a range of dental and digital anomalies. TREATMENT: Her general medical practitioner managed her medical care whilst her oral care necessitated a multidisciplinary approach involving restorative and orthodontic elements. FOLLOW-UP: The initial restorative phase of treatment has successfully improved the appearance of the patient's anterior teeth using direct resin composite build-ups.
    • Case study: limitations of panoramic radiography in the anterior mandible.

      Walker, Cameron; Thomson, Donald; McKenna, Gerald; Dundee Dental Hospital, Park Place, Dundee, UK. (2009-12)
      Dental Panoramic Tomography (DPT) is a widely used and valuable examination in dentistry. One area prone to artefacts and therefore misinterpretation is the anterior region of the mandible. This case study discusses a periapical radiolucency related to lower anterior teeth that is discovered to be a radiographic artefact. Possible causes of the artefact include a pronounced depression in the mental region of the mandible or superimposition of intervertebral spaces. Additional limitations of the DPT image include superimposition of radio-opaque structures, reduced image detail compared to intra-oral views and uneven magnification. These problems often make the DPT inappropriate for imaging the anterior mandible. Clinical Relevance: Panoramic radiography is often unsuitable for radiographic examination of the anterior mandible.
    • Catecholamine-o-methyltransferase polymorphisms are associated with postoperative pain intensity.

      Lee, Peter J; Delaney, Patrick; Keogh, John; Sleeman, Duncan; Shorten, George D; Departments of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, University College Cork, Ireland. peterjohnlee@hotmail.com (2011-02)
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes for catecholamine-O-methyltransferase (COMT), μ-opioid receptor and GTP cyclohydrolase (GCH1) have been linked to acute and chronic pain states. COMT polymorphisms are associated with experimental pain sensitivity and a chronic pain state. No such association has been identified perioperatively. We carried out a prospective observational clinical trial to examine associations between these parameters and the development of postoperative pain in patients undergoing third molar (M3) extraction.
    • Clinical experiences of undergraduate dental students in pediatric dentistry at Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Ireland.

      Stewart, Christopher J; Moloney, Elizabeth J; Kinirons, Martin J; Department of Oral Health and Development, Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. c.stewart@ucc.ie (2010-03)
      The objectives of this study were to evaluate the number and range of clinical procedures completed by undergraduate dental students in pediatric dentistry in Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Ireland, and to compare the number of procedures undertaken with the subsequent examination scores. The work comprised a retrospective audit of clinical logbooks for all of the undergraduate dental students in one cohort through their fourth and fifth clinical years between 2004 and 2006. Thirty-four quantitative logbooks were audited. Students had seen a total of 1,031 patients, and each student had completed a full course of dental treatment for an average of twenty-two children. Students completed means of 30.2 restorative procedures for children, fourteen in deciduous dentition (range six to twenty-eight), and seventeen in permanent dentition (range seven to twenty-eight). Continuity of education and care (measured through children having their treatment fully completed by the same student) was 72 percent. A moderate positive correlation between levels of clinical experience and exam score was identified. All students gained experience in management of child patients with students providing care for an average of thirty children and a minimum of nineteen.
    • A cross-national comparison of income gradients in oral health quality of life in four welfare states: application of the Korpi and Palme typology.

      Sanders, A E; Slade, G D; John, M T; Steele, J G; Suominen-Taipale, A L; Lahti, S; Nuttall, N M; Allen, P Finbarr; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC 27599, USA. anne_saunders@dentistry.unc.edu (2009-07)
      The extent to which welfare states may influence health outcomes has not been explored. It was hypothesised that policies which target the poor are associated with greater income inequality in oral health quality of life than those that provide earnings-related benefits to all citizens.
    • The demographic and academic profile of Irish dental school faculty members.

      O'Sullivan, Eleanor M; Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton, Cork. eleanor.osullivan@ucc.ie (Irish Dental Association, 2009-12)
      This paper reviews the demographic, academic and professional profile of Irish dental school faculty members. Faculty duties are explored.
    • Demographics of implant placement and complications of a patient subgroup in a dental hospital population.

      Brennan, Maire; Houston, Frank; O'Sullivan, Michael; O'Connell, Brian; Department of Restorative Dentistry, University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton, Cork. (Irish Dental Association, 2010-05)
      Little has been reported about the demographics of implant placement in the Irish population and the complications that occur. This is important in terms of service planning and providing patient information.
    • Dental patients' use of the Internet.

      Ní Ríordáin, R; McCreary, C; Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. richeal.nirordain@ucc.ie (2009-12-19)
      To determine the use of the Internet by patients attending a range of dental clinics to search for information regarding dental procedures, and also to investigate their interest in online dental consultations and 'dental tourism'.
    • Dentists’ requirements for continuing professional development in Ireland. A pilot study conducted at University College Cork

      Stewart, Christopher; Kinirons, Martin (Journal of the Irish Dental Association, 2015-02)
      This research was a pilot study of the ways in which the continuing professional development (CPD) needs of dentists could be provided. A web-based questionnaire facility was used to enable dental practitioners to register their level of interest in a range of clinical topics presented as CPD lectures and practical courses to provide hands-on experience. The findings were reviewed with reference to the available literature on dental CPD. The study sought to inform development of dental CPD programmes.
    • Determining the minimally important difference for the Oral Health Impact Profile-20.

      Allen, P Finbarr; O'Sullivan, Maeve; Locker, David; Department of Restorative Dentistry, Cork University Dental School & Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. f.allen@ucc.ie (2009-04)
      In the context of clinical trials, measurement of change is critical. The aim of this study was to determine the minimally important difference (MID) for the Oral Health Impact Profile-20 (OHIP-20) when used with partially dentate patients undergoing treatment that included the provision of removable partial dentures. In a prospective clinical trial, 51 consecutive patients were provided with removable partial dentures. In addition to demographic and dental status data, patients completed an OHIP-20 prior to treatment. One month postoperatively, patients completed a post-treatment OHIP-20 and a global transition scale. Domains assessed in the global transition scale were appearance, ability to chew food, oral comfort, and speech. The MID for the OHIP-20 was calculated using the anchor-based approach. From the initial sample of 51 patients, 44 completed post-treatment questionnaires and were included in the analysis. Change scores in the four transition domains indicated that new dentures had a positive impact in the majority of subjects, especially in perceived impact on chewing and appearance. The study provided a guideline as to what constitutes the MID for the OHIP-20. This benchmark can be used when interpreting the impact of clinical intervention for replacing missing teeth and for power calculation in statistical analyses.