The declining trend in the prevalence of manifest caries seems to be broken. In the oldest age group mean number of DS was higher in 2013 compared with 2008, indicating a possible beginning of an increase. This needs special attention as this group increases in the population, retaining natural teeth high up in age. Manifest caries was found to be associated with socio-economic and socio-behavioural factors.

Integrating health care services has proven to be important from both the patient and organizational perspectives. This study explores what defines a perceived well-functioning collaboration in the interorganizational process of providing assistive devices in Sweden. Two focus groups comprising participants with profound knowledge of collaboration were performed, and data were analyzed in five steps, resulting in a data structure. Results yield the identification of three interacting processes: coordinating efforts to patient needs, ensuring evidence-based practice, and planning for efficient use of resources. These processes affected one another, and, therefore, would likely not have been effectively managed separately. The study contributes to theories of process management and organization by specifically focusing on how to analyze and improve sustainable collaboration in health care processes at both the management and professional levels. Theoretical frameworks that show different ways of organizing collaboration, as well as the concepts of action nets and boundary objects, can support both analysis and planning of collaboration. The intention would be to develop integration in inter-organizational health care processes, resulting in more person-centered care.

ObjectiveEpidemiological studies of the prevalence of periodontitis over an extended time using the same methodology to investigate and classify periodontitis are sparse in the literature. Smoking and socio‐economic factors have been proven to increase the risk for periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to investigate 30‐year time trends, using the same methodology to classify the prevalence and severity in alveolar bone loss (ABL) and to investigate the influence of tobacco and socio‐economic factors.MethodsFour cross‐sectional epidemiological studies in an adult population were performed in the county of Dalarna, Sweden, in 1983, 2003, 2008 and 2013. Random samples of 787–1133 individuals aged 35–85 who answered a questionnaire about tobacco use and socio‐economic factors were radiographically and clinically examined. A number of teeth, ABL and calculus visible on radiographs were registered. The severity of ABL as detected on radiographs was classified into no bone loss, moderate or severe.ResultsThe prevalence of moderate ABL decreased from 45% in 1983 to 16% in 2008, but increased to 33% in 2013 (P < 0.05). The prevalence of severe ABL remained the same from 1983 (7%) to 2013 (6%). Calculus visible on radiographs increased from 22% in 2008 to 32% in 2013 (P < 0.05). Socio‐economic factors had limited impact on the severity of ABL.ConclusionModerate ABL and calculus visible on radiographs significantly increased between 2008 and 2013. Smoking was the strongest factor associated with ABL overall.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of standing devices as experienced by users.MethodThis is the second part of a comprehensive survey in five counties in Sweden where all the subjects with standing devices were invited to participate. The impact of standing devices on functional independence, quality of life and wellbeing was assessed using a questionnaire, Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS).ResultsThe psychosocial impact of the standing devices was perceived as positive. The highest PIADS scores in relation to age were found in the oldest group, aged 65 years and older. The ability to walk and independence in ambulation resulted in higher scores than the use of a wheelchair and/or dependence on others. Those who stood often awarded higher scores in the PIADS questionnaire compared to those who used the device less frequently. When standing was integrated in various activities, its psychosocial impact received high scores.ConclusionThe psychosocial impact of standing devices was generally experienced positively. The main results indicated that standing in a standing device had a value and we as professionals should ask the users about the intended purpose of their standing in order to prescribe the optimal device. Implications for RehabilitationStanding in standing devices has positive psychosocial impact for the user.As professionals we should broaden our view of the use of standing devices, i.e. to see the standing device as an aid that not only treats the body’s structures or improves the user’s abilities in activities, but also provides a psychosocial impact on the user’s daily life, and to find meaningful goals for the user from a psychosocial perspective.