Background
Objectives were to: (1) determine the likelihood that a clinician accepts an impression for a single-unit crown; and (2) document crown remake rates.
Methods
A questionnaire was developed that asked dentists about techniques used to fabricate single-unit crowns. Dentists were shown photographs of 4 impressions and were asked to accept or reject the impression. Answers were correlated with dentist and practice characteristics. Other questions pertained to laboratory usage and crown remake rates.
Results
Response rate was 83% (1,777 of 2,132 eligible dentists). Of the impressions evaluated, 3 received consistent responses, with 85% agreement. One impression was more equivocal; 47% accepted the impression. The likelihood of accepting an impression was significantly associated with the clinician’s sex, race, ethnicity, and practice busyness. Clinicians produce 18 crowns per month on average, and 9% used in-office milling. Most (59%) reported a remake rate of less than 2%, while 17% reported a remake rate >4%. Lower remake rates were significantly associated with more-experienced clinicians, optical impressions, and not using dual-arch trays.
Conclusions
While dentists were largely consistent in their evaluation of impressions (greater than 85%), non-clinical factors were associated with whether an impression was accepted or rejected. Lower crown remake rates were associated with more-experienced clinicians, optical impressions, and not using dual-arch trays.
Practical Implications
These results provide a snapshot of clinical care considerations among a diverse group of dentists. Clinicians can compare their own remake rates and impression evaluation techniques to this sample when developing best practice protocols.
Physical activity and nutrition are influential factors for childhood obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Maryland adolescents typically get fewer than the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily and do not eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. Improving access to healthy foods in schools and increasing availability of active time can potentially influence the development of these chronic conditions. Description: The Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle (HEAL) coalition created a Healthy Schools Challenge to promote healthy eating, physical activity and overall wellness with students. It is open to all public schools in Washington County. The challenge includes three categories: Fuel Your Body (nutrition), Get Moving (physical activity) and Feel Your Best (mental health). Criteria is based on best practices from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Schools select options in each category to earn points. Schools can earn a ''healthy school status'' as well as prize money based on their points accumulation. At the end of the school year, schools that go above and beyond in creating a a healthier school environment are recognized. Evaluation: Both teacher and student evaluations are completed to assess changes in school environments and behavior changes. Conclusions and Implications: Competition promotes healthy schools as our second year of the Healthy Schools Challenge created more activity and innovation. This challenge can be easily adapted in other communities.
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