Correlates of root caries experience in middle-aged and older adults in the Northwest Practice-based REsearch Collaborative in Evidence-based DENTistry research network

BackgroundThe authors examined the correlates of root caries experience for middle-aged adults (aged 45–64 years) and older adults (65 years and older) to test the hypothesis that the factors related to root caries are different for middle-aged adults than they are for older adults.MethodsThe authors conducted an observational cross-sectional study that focused on adult patients aged 45 to 97 years recruited from the Northwest Practice-based REsearch Collaborative in Evidence-based DENTistry research network (N = 775). The outcome variable was any root caries experience (no/yes). The authors hypothesized that sociodemographic, intra- oral and behavioral factors were root caries correlates. The authors used Poisson regression models to generate overall and age-stratified prevalence ratios (PRs) of root caries, and they used generalized estimating equations to account for practice-level clustering of participants.ResultsA total of 19.6 percent of adults had any root caries. A dentist’s assessment that the patient was at high risk of developing any caries was associated with greater prevalence of root caries experience in both middle-aged adults (PR, 2.70; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.63–4.46) and older adults (PR, 1.87; 95 percent CI, 1.19–2.95). The following factors were associated significantly with increased root caries prevalence but only for middle-aged adults: male sex (P = .02), self-reported dry mouth (P < .001), exposed roots (P = .03) and increased frequency of eating or drinking between meals (P = .03). No other covariates were related to root caries experience for older adults.ConclusionsWithin a practice-based research network, the factors associated with root caries experience were different for middle-aged adults than they were for older adults. Research is needed to identify relevant root caries correlates for adults 65 years and older.Practical ImplicationsInterventions aimed at preventing root caries are likely to be different for middle-aged adults than for older adults. Dentists should use root caries prevention programs that address appropriate aged-based risk factors.     

The impact of teaching experimental research on-line: Research-informed teaching and COVID-19

IntroductionAs part of the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography programme students learn and undertake research relevant to their development as first post radiographers (dose optimisation and image quality) within the Research-Informed Teaching experience (RiTe). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of RiTe to our year 2 students was moved to an online format using Microsoft Teams and Blackboard Collaborate and focused on a key area of current practice - COVID-19 and chest X-ray imaging. Within RiTe students are placed into collaborative enquiry-based learning (CEBL) groups to share tasks, but to also support and learn from one another.MethodsAn online survey was used to explore the year 2 student cohort task value and self-efficacy of this online version of RiTe.ResultsA 73% (32/44) response rate was achieved. Students found the online version of RiTe to be a positive learning and development experience. There was strong agreement that they not only found it relevant to their area of practice (task-value), but also strongly agreed that they understood and could master the skills taught (self-efficacy).ConclusionThis online version of RiTe was effectively structured to help scaffold student learning and development of research data analysis skills despite the lack of face-to-face teaching. The students also valued the topic area (COVID-19 and chest X-ray imaging). A blended learning approach with RiTe will be used next year with a combination of collaborative online teaching and physical data collection and analysis in the university-based X-ray imaging laboratory. Further evaluation and data collection will also be undertaken.Implications for practiceUniversity-based empirical work in groups to learn about research can be replaced by an online mechanism whilst still maintaining task-value and acceptable self-efficacy.     

Une approche de collaboration en centre d’hébergement. Retour sur l’unité de vie La clé des champs

GoalThis paper is discussing an intervention program that has been developed in the housing unit called La clé des champs, in a residential centre of Montreal. This unit is trying to create an adaptive environment for persons who live with severe or moderate neurological disorders due to an accident or a disease.MethodThe research project relied on Chen's theory-driven evaluation model (2012, 2015) and combined a document analysis with research interviews conducted with several persons living in the unit and with members of the staff.ResultsOn this basis, the intervention model distinctive features, its levers for action and some of its outcomes, for the persons who live in the residential centre, are drawn.ConclusionFinally, we discuss the issues at stake concerning the conditions of implementation of the program, its sustainability and its transfer in other residential centres.