The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between different types of malocclusion and the impact on quality of life among preschoolers and their families. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 451 children 3-5 years of age. A clinical exam was performed to evaluate the malocclusions according to criteria proposed by Foster and Hamilton. This examination was conducted by a calibrated dentist. Parents/caregivers answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) for the assessment of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and the questionnaire on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square, Mann-Whitney and hierarchically adjusted Poisson regression. The prevalence of malocclusion was 28.4%. The most frequent conditions were posterior crossbite (20.4%), anterior open bite (9.5%) and increased overjet (8.4%). A significant association was found between anterior open bite and OHRQoL (p < 0.001). The adjusted analysis confirmed the association between anterior open bite and a negative impact on quality of life (PR = 2.55; 95%CI: 1.87 to 3.47; p < 0.001). Anterior open bite was associated with a negative impact on the quality of life of preschoolers.

Throughout the years many studies have explored the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to support collaborative work. However few studies looked into CSCW (Computer Supported Cooperative Work) collaboration models that could help VR systems improve the support for collaborative tasks. This paper analyzes the applicability of the 3C collaboration model as a methodology to model and define collaborative tools in the development of a collaborative virtual reality application. A case study will be presented to illustrate the selection and evaluation of different tools that aim to support the actions of communication, cooperation and coordination between users that interact in a virtual environment. The main objective of this research is to show that the criteria defined by the 3C model can be mapped as a parameter for the classification of interactive tools used in the development of collaborative virtual environments.

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