Blinkhorn As

The reasons for the extraction of various tooth types in Scotland

This study analyses the effect of tooth type on the reasons for tooth extraction and the effect of the age of the patient undergoing the extraction. Data concerning tooth extractions were collected from a sample of Scottish General Dental Practitioners. The results indicate that caries affects the younger age-groups and posterior teeth while periodontal disease tends to affect anterior teeth in older patients. Dental attendance patterns influence the tooth types extracted.

Report of two dental health programmes for adolescents in the Lothian Region of Scotland

One thousand and sixty secondary school children were enrolled in a study to assess the value of two dental disease prevention programmes over a period of 24 months. The effects of an education programme utilizing a hygienist working from a dental caravan were compared with a teacher-based scheme, and a control group. The hygienist group had a lower incidence of dental caries, but the results were of little clinical importance. Both active groups had significantly less gingivitis than the control group at the end of the programme (P < 0·01). The cost of the two schemes was computed, and the teacher-based programme was two-thirds cheaper than the hygienist-based exercise. However, neither programme could be currently recommended as either clinically or economically effective.