Rebecca S. Wilder

Circulating Omentin-1 and Chronic Painful Temporomandibular Disorders.

AIMS To investigate the relationship between omentin-1 levels and painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD). METHODS In a case-control design, chronic painful TMD cases (n = 90) and TMD-free controls (n = 54) were selected from participants in the multisite OPPERA study (Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment). Painful TMD case status was determined by examination using established Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD). Levels of omentin-1 in stored blood plasma samples were measured by using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence limits (CLs) for the association between omentin-1 and painful TMD. Models were adjusted for study site, age, sex, and body mass index. RESULTS The unadjusted association between omentin-1 and chronic painful TMD was statistically nonsignificant (P = .072). Following adjustment for covariates, odds of TMD pain decreased 36% per standard deviation increase in circulating omentin-1 (adjusted OR = 0.64; 95% CL: 0.43, 0.96; P = .031). CONCLUSION Circulating levels of omentin-1 were significantly lower in painful TMD cases than controls, suggesting that TMD pain is mediated by inflammatory pathways.

Empowerment through mentorship and leadership

UNLABELLED Leadership is vital to future growth and change in the dental hygiene profession. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE As health care reform emerges, state practice acts expand and new models of dental hygiene practice are created and implemented, dental hygienists will assume leadership positions that may be quite different from the more traditional leadership roles they assume today. These dental hygienist leaders will envision, creatively design and implement oral health care programs to improve the oral health of the public. Mentoring, a vital component of leadership development, is critical for dental hygienists to acquire knowledge, guidance, and growth. METHODS This paper provides a literature-supported overview of leadership and mentoring principles applicable to dental hygienists in their personal and professional lives. Opportunities for dental hygienists to assume leadership roles are also described. CONCLUSIONS Dental hygienists are poised to become leaders and vital members of the professional team promoting and integrating oral health care as a part of general health. Consequently, the dental hygienists leadership roles are likely to expand and can be strengthened through mentoring relationships and mentoring teams. Ultimately, this can increase professional growth and career satisfaction for the dental hygienist as well as improve oral health care for the public.