Introduction: A rapidly advancing digital technology in orthodontics is 3-dimensional (3D) modeling and printing, prompting a transition from a more traditional clinical workflow toward an almost exclusively digital format. There is limited literature on the accuracy of the 3D printed dental models. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of 2 types of 3D printing techniques. Methods: Digital and alginate impressions of the oral environment were collected from 30 patients. Subsequently, digital impressions were used to print 3D models using digital light processing (DLP) and polyjet printing techniques, and alginate impressions were poured up in stone. Measurements for the 3 model types (digital, DLP, and polyjet) were compared with the stone models. Tooth measurements (first molar to first molar) included mesiodistal (crown width) and incisal/occlusalgingival (crown height). Arch measurements included arch depth and intercanine and intermolar widths. Intraobserver reliability of the repeated measurement error was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficients were high for all recorded measurements, indicating that all measurements on all model types were highly reproducible. There were high degrees of agreement between all sets of models and all measurements, with the exception of the crown height measurements between the stone and DLP models, where the mean difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: Both the DLP and polyjet printers produced clinically acceptable models and should be considered viable options for clinical application.

A class of thin, lightweight, fl exible, near-fi eld communication (NFC) devices with ultraminiaturized format is introduced, and systematic investigations of the mechanics, radio frequency characteristics, and materials aspects associated with their optimized construction are presented. These systems allow advantages in mechanical strength, placement versatility, and minimized interfacial stresses compared to other NFC technologies and wearable electronics. Detailed experimental studies and theoretical modeling of the mechanical and electromagnetic properties of these systems establish understanding of the key design considerations. These concepts can apply to many other types of wireless communication systems including biosensors and electronic implants.

Image-based dietary records could lower participant burden associated with traditional prospective methods of dietary assessment. They have been used in children, adolescents and adults, but have not been evaluated in pregnant women. The current study evaluated relative validity of the DietBytes image-based dietary assessment method for assessing energy and nutrient intakes. Pregnant women collected image-based dietary records (via a smartphone application) of all food, drinks and supplements consumed over three non-consecutive days. Intakes from the image-based method were compared to intakes collected from three 24-h recalls, taken on random days; once per week, in the weeks following the image-based record. Data were analyzed using nutrient analysis software. Agreement between methods was ascertained using Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman plots. Twenty-five women (27 recruited, one withdrew, one incomplete), median age 29 years, 15 primiparas, eight Aboriginal Australians, completed image-based records for analysis. Significant correlations between the two methods were observed for energy, macronutrients and fiber (r = 0.58–0.84, all p < 0.05), and for micronutrients both including (r = 0.47–0.94, all p < 0.05) and excluding (r = 0.40–0.85, all p < 0.05) supplements in the analysis. Bland-Altman plots confirmed acceptable agreement with no systematic bias. The DietBytes method demonstrated acceptable relative validity for assessment of nutrient intakes of pregnant women.

Abstract:The future allied health workforce needs to be flexible to meet the needs of an ageing population with increasing chronic health care needs and geographically dispersed populations in many developed countries. Existing research shows the maldistribution of the Australian health workforce, with allied health professionals being poorly represented in rural and remote areas. This mixed-methods longitudinal workforce outcomes study is ongoing to determine the rural and remote allied health workforce outcomes from an immersive student placement program based in rural New South Wales, Australia. Outcomes, to date, show 52% of graduates working in a rural or remote area (RA2-RA5) after one year and 37.5% at three years post-graduation. Students from a rural or remote background were 2.35 times (95% CI 1.056-5.229) more likely to be located in a rural or remote workplace after one year than graduates from a metropolitan background. Graduates provided reasons for their plans to move from or stay in their current position. Four key themes emerged: Seeking new and different opportunities; Better income and job security; Personal change and lifestyle improvement and Level of job satisfaction. An existing program to develop the allied health workforce in rural Australia is demonstrating positive short-term outcomes. Ongoing monitoring of workforce outcomes is required to determine the long-term outcomes for rural and remote communities.

Objective:  The present study aims to review current available data that describe the dietetics workforce in Australia. Design:  A literature search was conducted using CIHNAL and hand searches. Following this, a review of the current available dietetics workforce data was conducted. Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) membership data were analysed. Subjects and setting:  Sources of workforce data included: the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, DAA membership database, state health department and national workforce reports, reports by allied health organisations and independent research. Main outcome measures:  Descriptive data profiling the Australian dietetic workforce and employment trends. Statistical analysis:  A descriptive analysis of DAA membership data was undertaken. The DAA membership data were mapped by postcode with the Australian Standard Geographical Classification for remoteness. Counts and proportions were used to summarise and compare available data. Results:  There has been a growth and diversity of the dietetics profession in Australia in recent years, despite a lower proportion of qualified dietitians working as dietitians. The dietetic workforce is relatively young, predominantly female and unevenly distributed across the country. The available data are complex and difficult to interpret. Conclusions:  The present review of currently available dietetic workforce data provides a profile of the dietetics profession in Australia. Further workforce data are required in order to adequately describe the dietetics workforce in Australia and to determine future needs for the profession. National monitoring and systematic workforce data collection are urgently required.