Richard Leathers

A qualitative study of hardiness and social support among underserved, inner-city minority adults recovering from oral surgery.

Abstract Using qualitative data, this study examines hardiness and social support among twenty-two African American and Hispanic subjects, at least 18 years of age, who received treatment for a jaw fracture and participated in an hour-long focus group to discuss the treatment they received at King/Drew Medical Center, an inner-city hospital in Los Angeles, California. Treatment was either a non-surgical wiring of the teeth closed for six to eight weeks or surgical placement of a metal bone plate in the lower jaw with a short period of jaw fixation following surgery. A mandibular fracture is one of the most common orofacial traumas for minority individuals, and the majority of these fractures among patients at urban trauma centers are a result of interpersonal violence. Thus the link between psychosocial stress and oral health is evident, yet exposure to daily stress does not automatically place one at risk for distress. Some people under daily stress have hardiness, conceptualized as an internal personal resource consisting of control, commitment, and challenge. This study examines hardiness and social support relevant to an underserved, minority population. Hardiness and social support were identified and noted in order of frequency according to participant characteristics of treatment type, gender, and ethnicity. Main themes related to hardiness and social support are highlighted with verbatim quotes providing additional context to the theme presented.

Orofacial injury in underserved minority populations

The translation of clinical and epidemiological research findings into cliniical practice in the management of orofacial injuries at an inner-city community promises a reduction in the incidence and severity of orofacial injuries. This article reports on the sociodemographic characteristics, economical impact, nature of injuries, and associated risk factors of mandible fractures sustained in the inner-city community treated at KDMC. An overwhelmingly high incidence of intentional/assaultive injuries were treated at KDMC that contribute to the escalating cost of medical care provided at the public county hospital. Knowledge of associated risk factors and nature of injuries is fundamental to the development of a sound screening and interventional program tailored to the high-risk minority groups, to reduce the high burden of preventable orofacial injuries in this community. Multidisciplinary health professionals should recognize the relationship between alcohol and substance abuse and orofacial injuries and the subtle signs of domestic abuse. and should provide social support and counseling intervention to reduce risk of recurrent injuries in abused victims.

Dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth

Sublingual dermoid cysts are uncommon in the head and neck region. They are most often seen in young adults and can become unusually large with few symptoms. A case is presented to demonstrate the slow, expansive growth pattern and relatively painless swelling in the floor of the mouth that occurred over a 9-year period.