Low‐wavenumber Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated for its potential to analyse mineralization abnormalities in human teeth. Four different dental samples were analysed in this study, denoted as healthy control, mild hypomineralization, enamel caries, and AI (severely degraded due to Amelogenesis imperfecta). All specimens were imaged using principal component analysis. The spectra from low‐ wavenumber and midwavenumber regions were simultaneously collected allowing for direct comparison between the two regions. This approach provided a method to characterize structural and chemical variation within samples. Structurally different hydroxyapatite was found to be present in the surface and bulk of the enamel. The thin outer layer of the enamel contained the most structurally ordered mineral. The obtained Raman images enabled characterization and comparison of lesion domains as well as relative hydroxyapatite abundances across all dental samples.

Vitamin D (25OHD) status during pregnancy is closely correlated with foetal and new-born 25OHD. Calcification for primary teeth begins from the fourth month of intrauterine life and from birth for permanent teeth. Dental consequences of severe 25OHD deficiency are well documented; however, consequences are less documented for milder degrees of 25OHD deficiency. This study examined the dental consequences of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency during gestation and infancy in a cohort of 81 New Zealand children. Pregnancy and birth data for the children and their mothers and 25OHD status during gestation, birth and at five months were obtained, and dental examinations were conducted. Associations between 25OHD and enamel defects or caries experience were investigated. Of the 81 children, 55% had experienced dental caries and 64% had at least one enamel defect present. Vitamin D insufficiency (25OHD < 50 nmol/L) at all timepoints was not associated with enamel defect prevalence, but during third trimester pregnancy it was associated with an increased caries risk IRR of 3.55 (CI1.15-10.92) by age 6. In conclusion, maternal 25OHD insufficiency during the third trimester of pregnancy was associated with greater caries experience in primary dentition. No association was found between early life 25OHD and enamel defect prevalence or severity.

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2015; 25: 349-357Background. Cost-utility analysis using the quality-adjusted life years (QALY) as an outcome measure to inform healthcare resource allocation is becoming more common. The Child Health Utility 9D (CHU9D) enables the calculation of utility values in children. Children were involved throughout its development to ensure it is child centred. Aim. To determine whether the CHU9D is responsive to the changing components of the dmfs+DMFS index score in children receiving dental care over a 1-year period. Design. The study sample comprised children aged 6 to 9 years old who were enrolled in a splitmouth, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial. All children had a comprehensive clinical examination including radiographs and healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) was measured using the CHU9D at baseline and 1 year. Descriptive statistics was followed by bivariate analyses before effect sizes were calculated. A negative binomial model was fitted to assess whether the utility score predicted the components of decayed and filled teeth (combined primary and permanent teeth). Results. Eighty (92%) children completed the CHU9D at baseline and follow-up. They presented with a mean baseline d3mfs+D3MFS of 6.7 (SD = 7.1), which rose to 7.3 (SD = 7.0) at follow-up. The mean CHU9D score improved from 0.88 to 0.90 from baseline to follow-up. No statistically significant relationships were found between caries status and the CHU9D score. Conclusion. The CHU9D was found to be unresponsive to the changing components of dental caries experience.

These study findings can help clinicians decide which caries management approach they wish to use to prevent progression of proximal lesions in primary molars. With consideration of cost and patient preference, this information could lead to more appropriate therapeutic decisions.

Introduction Dental therapists, hygienists and oral health therapists constitute up to a third of the dental workforce in Australia and New Zealand. Personality is often explored in health professions to provide insights into traits that are conducive to workforce retention and to assist in planning and training. This study aimed to investigate the current demographic and personality characteristics of oral health students in Australia and New Zealand. Materials and Methods Students in years one to three of all eight undergraduate Bachelor of Oral Health programs in Australia and New Zealand were invited to complete an online survey. The survey measured activities prior to entering into oral health, career intentions and included a personality questionnaire, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Results Three quarters of participants (n = 336; 30% response rate; females = 90%) were single, from an urban area and 20–29 years of age. Oral health students overall portrayed high trait levels of Persistence and Cooperativeness. Cluster analysis of TCI traits identified three groups. Groups of students with high Persistence and Cooperativeness tended to be older, were working in non‐dental and dental careers prior to their degree and were interested in working in regional areas after graduation. Conclusions Students with high levels of persistence and cooperativeness were interested in working in regional areas after graduation, highlighting the importance of industriousness and persistence in overcoming barriers to practicing in regional areas. Further research is warranted to investigate barriers and enablers in recruitment and retention of males in a primarily female dominated profession.