The Estimation of Need for Dental Care

Abstract

This paper presents a background discussion of the estimation of normative need for dental care. Definitions are given which differentiate normative need for dental care from perceived need, demand, or utilization. Four different approaches to obtaining estimates of normative need for dental care are outlined. They are the translation of data from surveys of dental status, surveys of need for dental care, analyses of service or treatment records, and best judgment of dental practitioners. Present limitations within the four aproaches to estimating need to include factors such as objectivity, directness, completeness, precision, and extent of population coverage. Applications of estimates of need for dental care are identified in the areas of evaluation, setting of priorities, and planning of dental health programs. Current developments in the area of health services, including the concepts of an adequate minimum standard for personal health services, quality assurance, and rationing by need, are seen as providing some impetus for greater interest in need for dental care. Future directions in the estimation of dental needs will depend upon the validation of the approaches outlined, as well as general factors including costs of collecting data on dental status and need for dental care in population.

A Study on Prevalence of Dental Attrition and its Relation to Factors of Age, Gender and to the Signs of TMJ Dysfunction

“…Joint tenderness was seen in 5.2% of the sample and this is in agreement with studies done by Pullinger et al [10], Solberg et al [8], Spencer [9], Swanljung et al [15], Hansson et al [16] and Grossfield et al [17] which showed joint tenderness from 2 to 10%. In this study no significant relation was found between joint tenderness and attrition.…”

“…The frequency of TMJ clicking (22.0%) and crepitus (12.5%) confirms the studies of Solberg et al [8] and Spencer [9] which showed 17% clicking and 12% crepitation. A study done by the Pullinger et al [10] however, showed 29% clicking and 3% crepitation.…”

“…This does not agree with studies done by Pullinger et al [10], Solberg et al [8], Spencer [9], De Laat et al [11] which showed a frequency between 29 and 34%. In contrast Gross and Gale [12] in their study found only 8.8% of the sample population with muscle tenderness which is in agreement with our result.…”

Viscoelastic characterization of the porcine temporomandibular joint disc under unconfined compression

“…Approximately 3-4% of the population seeks treatment for TMJ disorders (Gray et al, 1995), yet it has been commonly reported that 20-25% of the population exhibits signs or symptoms of these disorders (Posselt, 1971;Solberg et al, 1979;Spencer, 1980;Carlsson, 1999). The TMJ's complex mechanical environment may be central in the etiology of TMJ disorders.…”

A Surface–Regional and Freeze–Thaw Characterization of the Porcine Temporomandibular Joint Disc

“…Epidemiological studies typically report that 20-25% of the population exhibits a sign or symptom of a TMJ disorder 6,30,[34][35][36] ; it is estimated that approximately 3-4% of the population seeks treatment for these disorders. 34,35 Current surgical treatments aimed at alleviating TMJ dysfunction have improved but remain imperfect.…”