• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.91-96
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• 2010

Many studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between the congenitally missing primary teeth and their succedaneous permanent teeth. However, especially in case of lower anterior region, we can observe the existence of permanent teeth even though their precedent primary teeth were missed at times. The purpose of this study was to reveal the relationship between the congenitally missing primary lower anterior teeth and their succedaneous permanent teeth in Korean children. Total of 14,307 children, under 6 years of age, who attended the department of pediatric dentistry, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea from January 1st 2005 to September 5th 2008 were radiologically examined using the panoramic x-ray in order to analyze the relationship between the congenitally missing primary lower anterior teeth and their succedaneous permanent teeth. The results were as follows : 1. The prevalence of congenitally missing lower anterior teeth in primary dentition was 0.24%. The odds ratio of both the primary and permanent anterior teeth being present was 7163.5 and only the permanent anterior teeth being present was 0.79. 2. The percentage of all succedaneous permanent teeth being present was 44.12% in cases of missing lower primary anteriors. The odds ratio of at least one succedaneous permanent teeth being present in cases of bilateral primary anterior teeth missing was 1.57 times more common than in cases of unilateral primary teeth missing. 3. The odds ratio of primary missing teeth being unilateral was 2.2 times higher in females. Moreover, the odds ratio of succedaneous permanent teeth being present in cases of primary teeth missing was 2.22 times higher in males.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.9-33
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• 2007

In the field of dentistry, there existed relatively few emergency patients or patients who need intensive care and thus had low medical dispute rates. However, these days, there is a general tendency of increased medical disputes. Although many medical disputes are caused by medical accidents of the dentists, because dental assistants are also lawfully involved in practicing dentistry, there is a possibility of medical disputes or medical accidents caused by dental assistants. Therefore, the role of the dental assistants cannot be ignored. This study consists of a survey given to dental hygienists currently working in general hospitals, dental hospitals and private dental clinics. Following is the results of the analysis of 275 respondents' backgrounds, medical disputes rates including patients' complaints, their understanding of medical regulations and their general understanding of overall dental practice and medical disputes. 1. 251 of 274(91.6%) respondents doubted the risk of medical accident and dispute. 2. 81(29.5%) dental hygienist experienced complaint from patients. They have been working in the private dental clinic, the rate of this experience was high. 3. 349 case of 1805(19.3%) the complaints by patients, highest percentage among its category, were those regarding dental fees and poor service. 4. 129 case of 1805(7.1%) patients' complaints, highest percentage among it's subcategory, were those regarding the absence of explanations of precautions or request of agreements before dental treatment. 5. 252 of 267 (94.4%) dental hygienists chart after a scaling treatment. However, only 55(20.7%) dental hygienists chart the fact of explaining the precautions. 6. 6(2.2%) dental hygienists do not inspect patients' medical history, if patients don't mention it. 7. 104 of 274(38.0%) dental hygienists responded to be capable of administering first aid treatment. 8. 115(41.8%) dental hygienists have a first aid kit and equipment. 9. In case of medical dispute, 268(97.8%) dental hygienists respond that, charting plays a big role in resolving the dispute. 10. In case of medical dispute, 272(93.3%) dental hygienists respond that, explanation and agreement before treatment have an important role in settlement of dispute 11. Only 160(58.4%) dental hygienists responded correct answer that the duration of keeping medical records is 10 years. 12. 124(45.3%) respondents thought that it is legal for a dental hygienist to take a panoramic dental X-ray, 71(25.9%) respondents thought that it is legal practice cervical resin treatment by dental hygienist, and 37(13.5%) respondents thought that it is legal extract primary teeth by dental hygienist. 13. 24(18.76%) respondents thought that it doesn't matter to tell patient's state to others 14. 272(99.27%) responded that receiving education for the prevention of medical disputes was needed and of them, 61.0% thought it was urgent. 15. 186(64.2%) has never had classes regarding the prevention of medical disputes while in school and 212(77.4%) has not had the same type of classes after graduating from school. 16. 256(93.4%) responded that there will be even more of an increased number of medical disputes. Among them, 83.3% of respondents though that due to the increased opportunity of acquiring information through the internet and mass media. The study shows that 29.5 percentage of dental hygienists have experienced the medical disputes and complaints and they are lack of recognition of medical regulations and dental hygienist's official duty. So, there is a big potential of the percentage to increase. Therefore, the correct understanding of explaining precautions and requesting agreement before dental treatments and performing them are mandatory. Moreover, classes regarding the prevention and counterplans of medical disputes need to be widely offered.