Bossy Flossy

P20 IFDH2024
An investigation exploring the education of dental hygienists (DHs) and dental therapists (DTs) employed in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Departments (OMFS) in the United Kingdom.
Jocelyn Harding1, Kenneth Eaton2*
1Clinical Ambassador, Mouth Cancer Foundation, United Kingdom,
2Global and Lifelong Learning (GLL), University of Kent, United Kingdom

Abstract
An investigation exploring the education of dental hygienists (DHs) and dental therapists (DTs) employed in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Departments (OMFS) in the United Kingdom.

Problem Statement
Head and neck cancer (HANC) patients attending appointments with DHs and DTs can present with facial and dental deformities quite different to patients attending routine appointments in general dental practice.
The researcher sought to determine how the enhancement of DHs’ and DTs’ curricula, especially for those starting work in OMFS Departments, could be improved.

Purpose
• The study purpose is clearly defined with objectives.
This study’s aim was to gain an understanding and insight into DHs’ and DTs’ current undergraduate and postgraduate education in preparation for treating HANC patients in OMFS departments in the UK.
• To review literature exploring the curricula of DHs’ and DTs’ training courses in the UK.
• To gather DHs’ and DTs’ undergraduate and postgraduate experiences related to HANC knowledge.
• To analyse the data to identify common trends and themes.
• To discuss how DHs’ and DTs’ care of HANC patients conforms to available guidance, highlighting gaps.
• To make recommendations regarding opportunities for enhancing DHs’ and DTs’ training curricula.

Methods
A quantitative study was undertaken, with a post-positivist epistemological approach, to investigate participants’ education, knowledge, and practice when treating HANC patients. After ethics (IRB) approval had been obtained, a specially designed online questionnaire was piloted and used. The participants were DHs and DTs who were employed or previously employed in OMFS departments in the UK.

Results
Fifty-five respondents, (a response rate of 88%) completed the questionnaire. Fifty-four respondents were female, and one was male. Thirty-one respondents (56%) had not undertaken any HANC training. However, on starting in OMFS, nine respondents (16%) reported being provided training, with three (5%) of these respondents receiving formal HANC training in Wales. Psychology ranked top of six topics considered for inclusion in the future education of OMFS’ DHs and DTs.

Conclusions
The results suggest that the UK needs to standardize the DH and DT HANC curriculum. It is recommended to enhance the DH and DT curriculum at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels by including psychology training. The results suggest that DHs and DTs will feel supported in their role in OMFS departments by improved education.

IRB Approval
Given by the Global and Lifelong Learning, University of Kent, Ethics Committee (IRB)

Learning Outcomes
1. Recognise the need for standardising DHs’ and DTs’ current undergraduate and postgraduate education in preparation for treating HANC patients in the UK.
2. Define topics that could improve the HANC education and training of DHs and DTs on commencing employment in OMFS departments in the UK.
3. Discuss the importance of identifying the location of OMFS departments providing HANC surgery in the UK.

P19 IFDH2024
Periodontal disease, systemic pathologies and psychological impact in patients with colorectal carcinoma.
Antonia Abbinante1, Anna Antonacci2*, Cinzia Bizzoca2, Leonardo Vincenti2, Valeria Andriola2, Germano Orrù3, Nicola Bartolomeo2, Valeria Lorusso2, Maria Teresa Agneta2, Massimo Corsalini2
1Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", contract professor, Italy,
2Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", other, Italy,
3Surgical Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, ordinary professor, Italy

Abstract
Periodontal disease, systemic pathologies and psychological impact in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Problem Statement
The colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer globally and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Growing scientific evidence links periodontal disease to both systemic inflammatory conditions and malignant neoplasms like CRC. Periodontitis has been associated with an increased risk of developing CRC and higher mortality related to it. The mechanisms underlying these correlations seem to be related to both increased inflammation mediators and carcinogenic factors, as well as the direct and indirect effects of virulence factors from periodontal pathogens. Chronic stress can also influence the onset and progression of periodontal disease, just as periodontal disease causes significant stress for the patient.

Purpose
The aim of this research is to verify the presence of periodontal disease in patients with CRC, with/without systemic diseases, while investigating the perceived stress levels.

Methods
Methodology (design, sampling, and intervention) is outlined and appropriate for the study.
A sample of 143 patients from the General Hospital Surgery Department of the University Hospital Consortium Policlinico of Bari was divided into 2 groups:
Test Group A: Patients diagnosed with CRC;
Control Group B: Patients without a diagnosis of CRC.
The sample underwent a dental examination, collection of clinical and instrumental indices to identify the presence of periodontal disease, and tests to investigate psychological status using the Perceived Stress Scale.

Results
From the evaluations on the samples, it was found that 98.5% of CRC patients examined suffer from periodontitis (more frequently at stages 3 and 4). In contrast, only 50% of the control group showed periodontal issues, more frequently at stages 1 and 2. Systemic pathologies that were more frequently observed included diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, and dyslipidemia, at a higher percentage in CRC patients.
Regarding psychological condition, CRC patients showed a moderate level of perceived stress, a known factor negatively impacting physical and mental health. In the control group, the average stress level was mild to nonexistent and well-managed.

Conclusions
Should a correlation between psychological alterations, periodontal disease, and CRC be established, it would advocate for a multidisciplinary and interprofessional approach focusing on the comprehensive assessment of individual needs to promote dignity, quality of life, and health.

IRB Approval
Comitato Etico Indipendente Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, N.6224

Learning Outcomes
multidisciplinary and interprofessional approach that focuses on the global assessment of the person's needs, to promote dignity, quality of life, and health.

Mount Sinai Researchers Discover Novel Nanoparticles in Blood With Potential to Transform Cancer Diagnosis
Next-generation extracellular vesicles containing RNA “dark matter” may lead to less invasive option of liquid biopsy

Nanotechnology
Researchers found a new class of RNA in blood nanoparticles, potentially paving the way for less invasive cancer diagnosis. They used next-generation RNA sequencing and other innovative tools to develop a cost-effective liquid biopsy test to isolate and identify these novel RNA types.

Graphic credit: Laboratory of Navneet Dogra, PhD, Icahn Mount Sinai.

New York, NY (August 16, 2024) Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified a new class of RNAs packed into tiny particles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) that could revolutionize how cancer and other diseases are diagnosed. The team found that these molecules undergo changes when cancer is present, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for detecting prostate cancer or as targets for therapy. The work, led by Navneet Dogra, PhD, Edgar Gonzalez-Kozlova, PhD, Tzu-Yi Chen, PhD, and Gustavo Stolovitzky, PhD, was published in the August 15 online issue of the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles [DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12481].
Dr. Dogra is an Assistant Professor of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, and a member of the Icahn Genomics Institute, and Dr. Gonzalez-Kozlova is an Assistant Professor of Immunology, both at Icahn Mount Sinai. Dr. Chen, a former PhD student in Dr. Dogra’s and Dr. Cordon-Cardo’s labs, is also affiliated with the Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine. Dr. Stolovitzky was formerly an Adjunct Professor at Icahn Mount Sinai and a researcher at the IBM Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York.

The research team named these RNA molecules "EV-UGRs" (short for Extracellular Vesicles-Associated Unannotated Genomic Regions) after discovering them in the blood and urine of prostate cancer patients. UGRs are often referred to as the “dark matter” of the human genome. They are believed to be crucial for controlling how genes are turned on and off and how genetic instructions are translated into proteins.

Extracellular vesicles and exosomes are tiny nanoparticles, approximately 1,000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair, secreted by all cells into biofluids such as blood and urine. These nanoparticles are known to carry genetic material, which is protected from the external environment. A collaboration between the laboratory of Dr. Dogra and Dr. Stolovitzky discovered that EVs carry these small, previously unidentified pieces of RNA dark matter.

"Until now, the RNA 'dark matter' associated with extracellular vesicles and exosomes has been largely ignored. My team wanted to explore whether EV-UGRs could be valuable for disease monitoring. We tracked prostate cancer patients before and after prostate cancer surgery and were surprised to find that EV-UGR RNA expression changed following the surgery. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to detail these 'dark matter' RNA molecules, EV-UGRs, in unprecedented detail in the context of prostate cancer," says Dr. Dogra, lead author of the study. "Our findings indicate that blood EV-UGRs undergo changes in the presence of cancer, suggesting a less invasive approach for diagnosing prostate cancer through simple liquid biopsies, potentially eliminating the need for more complex, painful, and infection-prone biopsy procedures."

"Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease, often requiring only active monitoring rather than treatment. Our study uses extracellular vesicle-associated novel RNA molecules as a diagnostic tool. This technology holds significant potential for less invasive diagnosis and liquid biopsy in the near future," says Ash Tewari, MD, MBBS, MCh, co-author, and Professor and Chair of the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology at Icahn Mount Sinai.

As part of the research, the investigators used next-generation small RNA sequencing to rapidly analyze human tissues and fluids. In addition, they developed a cost-effective liquid biopsy test and created tools to isolate tiny EVs from the blood and urine. Finally, they devised a computer pipeline to identify the new types of RNA.

The discovery of EV-UGRs, reports Dr. Dogra, holds promise for non-invasive diagnosis not only for prostate cancer but potentially for other diseases as well. Next, the researchers plan to validate their findings through rigorous randomized clinical trials, which will involve testing the new approach on a broader scale to confirm its effectiveness.

"This is a significant and timely achievement. The potential impact of this research is vast, promising a future where diagnosing diseases like prostate cancer could be done quickly and less invasively. This advancement could revolutionize care by reducing the time and discomfort associated with current diagnostic procedures, potentially leading to earlier detection and more effective treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life,” says Carlos Cordon-Cardo, MD, PhD, co-author, the Irene Heinz Given and John LaPorte Given Professor of Pathology, and Chair of the Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine at Icahn Mount Sinai.

The paper is titled “Extracellular Vesicles Carry Transcriptional ‘Dark Matter’ Revealing Tissue-Specific Information.”

The work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards P20CA264076 and R21 AGO78848.



About the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is internationally renowned for its outstanding research, educational, and clinical care programs. It is the sole academic partner for the eight-member hospitals* of the Mount Sinai Health System, one of the largest academic health systems in the United States, providing care to a large and diverse patient population.

Ranked 13th nationwide in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and among the 99th percentile in research dollars per investigator according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, Icahn Mount Sinai has a talented, productive, and successful faculty. More than 3,000 full-time scientists, educators, and clinicians work within and across 44 academic departments and 36 multidisciplinary institutes, a structure that facilitates tremendous collaboration and synergy. Our emphasis on translational research and therapeutics is evident in such diverse areas as genomics/big data, virology, neuroscience, cardiology, geriatrics, as well as gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

Icahn Mount Sinai offers highly competitive MD, PhD, and Master’s degree programs, with a current enrollment of approximately 1,300 students. It has the largest graduate medical education program in the country, with more than 2,000 clinical residents and fellows training throughout the Health System. In addition, more than 550 postdoctoral research fellows are in training within the Health System.

A culture of innovation and discovery permeates every Icahn Mount Sinai program. Mount Sinai’s technology transfer office, one of the largest in the country, partners with faculty and trainees to pursue optimal commercialization of intellectual property to ensure that Mount Sinai's discoveries and innovations translate into healthcare products and services that benefit the public.

Icahn Mount Sinai’s commitment to breakthrough science and clinical care is enhanced by academic affiliations that supplement and complement the School’s programs.

Through the Mount Sinai Innovation Partners (MSIP), the Health System facilitates the real-world application and commercialization of medical breakthroughs made at Mount Sinai. Additionally, MSIP develops research partnerships with industry leaders such as Merck & Co., AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and others.

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is located in New York City on the border between the Upper East Side and East Harlem, and classroom teaching takes place on a campus facing Central Park. Icahn Mount Sinai’s location offers many opportunities to interact with and care for diverse communities. Learning extends well beyond the borders of our physical campus, to the eight hospitals of the Mount Sinai Health System, our academic affiliates, and globally.

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* Mount Sinai Health System member hospitals: The Mount Sinai Hospital; Mount Sinai Beth Israel; Mount Sinai Brooklyn; Mount Sinai Morningside; Mount Sinai Queens; Mount Sinai South Nassau; Mount Sinai West; and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai.

Tags: Allergy & Immunology, Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Health System, Pathology, Carlos Cordon-Cardo, MD, PhD, Navneet Dogra, PhD, Edgar Gonzalez-Kozlova, PhD, Ashutosh Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon), Research
About the Mount Sinai Health System

Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 600 research and clinical labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex healthcare challenges of our time—discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it.

Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients’ medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes approximately 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians and 11 free-standing joint-venture centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida. Hospitals within the System are consistently ranked by Newsweek’s® “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals, Best in State Hospitals, World Best Hospitals and Best Specialty Hospitals” and by U.S. News & World Report's® “Best Hospitals” and “Best Children’s Hospitals.” The Mount Sinai Hospital is on the U.S. News & World Report® “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll for 2024-2025.

For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Photo of Navneet Dogra Navneet Dogra, PhD
Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine
Artificial Intelligence and Human Health

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Phone: 212-241-9200
Fax: 212-241-6512
Email: [email protected]

P18 IFDH2024
Survey of dental infection control in some countries in Southeast Asia: Based on the dental infection control checklist of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Youmi Kim1, Sojung Mun2*, Seo Young Jeong2, Da Jeong LEE2 1Dept.Rehabilitation of Spinal Cord Injury/Dept. of Dental Hygiene, National Rehabilitation Center/Yonsei University Graduate School, South Korea,
2Department of Dental Hygiene, Yonsei University Graduate School, South Korea

Abstract
Survey of dental infection control in some countries in Southeast Asia: Based on the dental infection control checklist of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Problem Statement
With the spread of COVID-19, infection control in dental clinics is emerging as a more important issue, and sensitivity to infection control is increasing. Accordingly, reports on the status of dental infection control and research on dedicated personnel are being conducted. However, there has been no monitoring of the status of dental infection control in Southeast Asian countries, and there is a shortage of infection control personnel. Therefore, there is a need to investigate whether dental infection control is being implemented appropriately.

Purpose
1) Investigate the status of dental infection control in Southeast Asian countries to raise the importance of dental infection control
2) Providing basic data for developing and implementing educational programs tailored to each country’s circumstances
Methods
This study conducted a convenience sampling of 7 dental hospitals and clinics in 5 countries in Southeast Asia. Using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dental infection control checklist, a total of 125 questions were surveyed regarding general characteristics, infection control administrative support, and infection control performance by item. The survey was conducted using Google. A frequency analysis was conducted on the infection control status for each question and item.

Results
In Southeast Asian countries, most infection control practices are performed by dental assistants. In some countries, infection prevention education and training are not provided, and education on sterilization and disinfection of instruments and items is very low. Additionally, the frequency of use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was low.

Conclusions
The most vulnerable aspect of dental infection control in some countries in Southeast Asia is the lack of education on sterilization and disinfection of instruments and items. Dental infection control training courses tailored to the circumstances of each country are needed. In addition, there is a need to introduce a system for professional occupations such as dental hygienists.

Studies in Progress
Survey completed

Learning Outcomes
Through this study, we will understand the current status of dental infections in Southeast Asian countries and collaborate in developing infection control programs tailored to the national situation.

Your Mouthwash Might Be Harming This Key Part of Your Health
by Hannah Docter-Loeb inverse.com June 10, 2024

Researchers found there was a significant difference in the oral microbiome between those who used an alcohol-based mouthwash and a normal mouthwash.

Mouthwash is a part of many people’s hygiene routines. The rinse is supposed to reduce the potentially dangerous microbes in the mouth. But according to a recent study, it’s possible that certain mouthwashes, specifically those that contain alcohol, could lead to even more health problems.

In a study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, a group of researchers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium assessed the daily use of Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash.

The study was part of a larger study, the Preventing Resistance in Gonorrhoea trial, and all the participants were men who have s*x with men (MSM) taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The men either used the Listerine every day for three months, followed by a non-alcohol mouthwash, or vice versa. The rinse, like many other mouthwashes, contains alcohol — which is responsible for the brief burning sensation many feel when taking it, but also important for destroying bacteria.

The researchers found there was a significant difference in the oral microbiome between those who used the alcohol-based mouthwash and a normal mouthwash. Two species of bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus, were especially abundant after Listerine administration.

The increased population of oral bacteria is potentially problematic because both of these bacteria have been previously linked to several diseases. Researchers advise that the regular use of alcohol-based mouthwashes should be carefully considered.

“Alcohol-based mouthwashes are widely available,” Dr Joleine Laumen, one of the authors and researcher at ITM’s Unit of Sexually Transmitted Infections, said in a press release. “The public may use them daily to tackle bad breath or prevent periodontitis, but they should be aware of the potential implications. Ideally, long-term usage should be guided by healthcare professionals.”

Notably, the study was only conducted with a limited sample and only men who have s*x with men. Additionally, researchers did not assess the participant’s smoking or drinking habits — both behaviors that could influence the oral microbiome.

Further research is needed to determine if the finding holds true across populations. And while mouth mouthwashes do contain alcohol, there are other options available that affect the bacteria balance differently and could be a safe alternative.

Using Mouthwash After Brushing
HUIZENG HU/Moment/Getty Images

https://www.inverse.com/health/mouthwash-alcohol-based-oral-microbiome-study?utm_source=recommendedreads.com

Your Mouthwash Might Actually Be Wreaking Havoc on Your Health Researchers advise that the regular use of alcohol-based mouthwashes should be carefully considered.

P17 IFDH2024
Evaluation of Pediatric Oral Care Program with a Focus on AIRFLOWING
GaHye Seo
Dental Hygiene, Erumi Dental Clinic, South Korea

Abstract
Evaluation of Pediatric Oral Care Program with a Focus on AIRFLOWING

Problem Statement
A pediatric oral care initiative rooted in Comprehensive Dental Hygiene Care ought to foster active engagement in oral care practices among children and adolescents.

Purpose
This report assesses the effectiveness of a pediatric oral care program centered around Comprehensive Dental Hygiene Care, specifically emphasizing the utilization of AIRFLOWING technology. The primary goal is to evaluate an oral care intervention administered by a skilled dental hygienist, utilizing a comprehensive dental hygiene management approach through a case study design targeting pediatric and adolescent patients.

Methods
Patients were educated on the importance of self-care, and professional biofilm control on tooth surfaces was implemented using AIRFLOWING technology (AIRFLOW, EMS, Geneva, Switzerland), finished with fluoride varnish. The procedure was conducted by a dental hygienist skilled at using air-powder equipment, aiming to enhance overall oral health.

Results
Following instruction on proper tooth brushing assisted by disclosed biofilm, patients exhibited heightened motivation to engage in the oral care program. This increased participation resulted in reduced dental treatment-related anxiety and positive behavioral changes. Parents expressed satisfaction with the pediatric oral care, and patients developed a comfort level with dental clinics, leading to consistent adherence to regular recalls and improved self-care comprehension.

Conclusions
The study affirms the efficacy of an oral care program for children and adolescents based on a comprehensive dental hygiene management process. Positive outcomes underscore the importance of promoting oral health within the targeted population and highlight the crucial professional role played by dental hygienists in fostering optimal oral care practices.

Learning Outcomes
Pediatric oral care! Applying new technology!



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P16 IFDH2024
Meeting a Dental Hygienist at an Oral Care Center for a 50-Year-Old Patient with Low Oral Health Beliefs and Periodontitis! : A Case Report on Continued Oral Care Led by a Dental Hygienist Geumchae Youn1*
1Dental hygienist, 275 dental clinic, South Korea

Abstract
Meeting a Dental Hygienist at an Oral Care Center for a 50-Year-Old Patient with Low Oral Health Beliefs and Periodontitis! : A Case Report on Continued Oral Care Led by a Dental Hygienist

Problem Statement
In Korea, dental hygienists often collaborate with dentists, leading to a high percentage of them focusing on the treatment zone. Consequently, despite cases where individuals require motivation and counseling for oral health management, as illustrated in the following example, there are many instances where the introduction of dental hygienists' preventive care tasks has not occurred, resulting in the recurrence of diseases.
Purpose / Goals / Objective
Leading individuals with low oral health literacy throughout their lifetime in oral health management, guided by dental hygienists at an oral care center.

Key Features
A Comprehensive Dental Hygiene Care Process Utilizing Airflow for Ongoing Oral Care.

Impact
Enhancing awareness of proper dental self-care, improving the O'Leary Index, reducing periodontal pockets, overall improvement in gingival swelling, regular follow-up every three months, ongoing expert management, and collaborative work between the patient, dental hygienist, and dentist.

Conclusions
Since 2021, I have been receiving ongoing care every three months from the dental hygienist at the oral care center, based on a comprehensive dental hygiene management program. This continuous management has been beneficial for preventing periodontitis and dental caries.
Learning Outcomes
To improve patient oral health and contribute to the smooth operation of dental clinics, it is crucial to establish dental hygienist-led preventive dental hygiene programs in primary dental clinics. This will make it easier for patients to prevent oral diseases.