BackgroundSocio-economic factors are considered as main determinants causing disparities in oral health across different countries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of social and economic factors with dental caries experience among 6- and 12-year-old Iranian children.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 31,146 students, aged 6 and 12 years old, were enrolled from all (31) provinces in Iran. Based on the standardized World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for oral health surveys, dental caries indices in primary and permanent teeth were assessed by clinical examination in schools. Data on socio-economic status was obtained from the modified WHO questionnaire and national data bank. The decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) indices for primary and permanent dentition were compared at the individual and provincial levels using multilevel regression analysis. Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of social (demographic and behavioral) determinants with dental caries indices among individuals. To assess the causes of difference in dental caries indices across provinces, justifiable economic factors were also analyzed using poisson regression analysis.ResultsThe mean (SE) of dmft and DMFT were 5.84 (0.05) and 1.84 (0.03), for 6-and 12-year-old children, respectively. The differences of dental caries indices were statistically significant among provinces. Higher level of parental education was negatively related to dental caries indices of both age groups. Rural residency was positively and dental flossing was reversely associated with dmft index of 6-year-old children. Negative associations were found between frequency of tooth brushing and preventive dental utilization with dmft and DMFT indices. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) index had negative and Consumer Price Index (CPI) had positive associations with dmft and DMFT indices in both age groups. However, positive relationships were observed between Gini index with DMFT index among 12-year-old children; as well as between the number of dentists per capita with dmft index among 6-year-old children.ConclusionSocio-demographic and behavioral factors were found to be associated with dental caries experience. However, economic indicators had the greatest importance.

ObjectivesDentin is composed of many minerals and growth factors. Based on this composition, we studied its effect as a possible regenerative material for alveolar healing.Materials and MethodsThis study was conducted using four 2.5-year-old mongrel dogs (male; weight, 25 to 30 kg). The third mandibular premolars were carefully mobilized with a dental elevator and then removed using forceps. The crown portions of the extracted teeth were removed with cutters, and the root portions of the remaining teeth were collectively trimmed as closely as possible to 350 to 500 µm. Dentin and cementum (DC) chips harvested from the extracted teeth were soaked in blood and packed into the fresh sockets (autograft). Biopsies were performed at the ends of day 14 and day 56 following implantation. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation and compared with t-test results.ResultsThe ratio of SA(bone) to total area of each probe was determined and was 170±16 µm2 for the control group and 71±14 µm2 for the DC group, a significant difference (P<0.05).ConclusionDC particulate grafts offered no improvement in bone regeneration in alveolar extraction sockets.

Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of dental trauma among the 5-6, 12 and 15-year-old Iranian children. Age, sex and place of residence of children with dental trauma and the correlation between parental level of education and prevalence of dental trauma were also evaluated. Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, we used the 2012-national survey data on oral health, which included a sample of Iranian individuals recruited from all provinces of Iran. A cluster random sample of 26,000 children in 3 age groups were included in this study. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis after quality control and data clean up. Results: The overall prevalence of dental trauma was 4.1% for the total sample. This value was 5.4% in boys and 3.1% in girls. The most common age of occurrence was 15 years (6%) followed by 12 years (4.9%) and 5-6 years (1.5%) of age. The highest percentage of dental trauma in 12 and 15-year-old children was noted in “Kohkiloye and Boyerahmad” Province. Higher level of parental education was associated with lower frequency of trauma in all age groups. The prevalence of dental trauma was lower among those residing in rural compared with urban areas. Conclusion: This study demonstrated relatively high prevalence of dental traumatic injuries among 5-15 year-old Iranian children (4.1%). Based on the reported associations, more effort is necessary to educate all parents and children on trauma prevention with priority in urban areas.

Background: Considering the limitations of analytical models, it is recommended that modelling methods be used to solve complex social issues. Dynamic modelling helps policymakers to have a better understanding of system behavior. In health systems, considering the available resources and impact of decisions plays a key role in improving health. The lack of a dynamic and systematic attitude sometimes ignores the impacts, and the results are not desirable despite the cost. Considering the current situation, in this article, it is strongly recommended that a system dynamics approach be adopted to improve the health of society. Methods: Using different articles, the use of modelling with a system dynamics approach has been introduced and emphasized. Results: Studies indicate the promising role of modelling with a system dynamics approach in the cost-effective improvement of oral health. Conclusion: It is suggested that oral health decision-makers should focus on applying existing data and using them in system dynamics modelling to forecast and predict new policies before implementing them at the community level.