Life Course Framework

Virginia Henderson is famous for her definition of nursing, “The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge, and to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible" (Blais, 2012). Her philosophy supports that caring is the foundation, the center of all patient healing.

The accessibility of dental care in relation to race, ethnicity, income level, and overall socioeconomic status is evaluated. Across the board, a huge lack of dental care is seen in individuals of low-income levels and minority groups. In addition, the most susceptible groups to dental disease are identified as children, low-income adults, and the elderly. Ways to improve the oral health status of these groups are recognized. The various needs of underserved communities with respect to the access of dental care are assessed, despite a lack of sufficient dental insurance coverage of individuals who are members of these communities. This includes the improvement of both preventative and restorative care via public health programs, such as

Evidence increasingly shows that poor oral health is associated with functional disability that can lead to deficits and decline” (Overview of oral health, 2017). According to an article in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, dental fear can have a significant impact on a person’s awareness of their oral health, as well as one’s pro-active steps towards prevention and treatment. Therefore, it is paramount in helping a patient alleviate their fear by listening to the patient, acknowledging their concerns, and taking things slowly (Yildirim,

Periodontal disease and pregnancy is an important thing for all of us to take into consideration when dealing with clients. When it comes to pregnancy there is a great change occurring in the body, these changes can leave women more susceptible to infections within the body. So it is important for us to have the knowledge as to what we should do to help and teach our patients so they can help prevent periodontal disease as well as treat it to help better their overall health as well as their baby’s health.

One of my patients just found out that she is pregnant, and what a coincidence, we had just had a lecture over oral health during pregnancy. I was excited to do OHI and share all the information I could think of with her. She was at ease knowing that having radiographies taken during a dental exam is safe for her baby. I think another of the areas I will focus on when appropriate is patient education regarding periodontal disease and the different levels or ways to treat it, and to inform those patients that periodontal disease can exacerbate other systemic diseases. And that unfortunately, periodontal disease is not something that goes away. I want to educate my patients and help them see the whole picture of oral health, I want to motivate them to a higher level of home oral care, it’s in our hands to inspire them and to teach them how to prevent caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease. I love talking about the benefits of xylitol with patients, especially for those with xerostomia. For those who are gum chewer lovers, why not share with them that they can chew gum and at the same time benefit their teeth by preventing bacteria to stick to their teeth, therefore protecting their teeth from decay. There are topics such as Fluoride

“Oral health care is not uniformly attainable across the nation” (Fineberg, H, 2011, p. ix). “Unfortunately, individuals who face the greatest barriers to care are often among the most vulnerable members of our society” (Yi, G., Logan, H. L., Dodd, V. J., Muller, K. E., Marks, J. G., & Riley III, J. L. 2014). It has been said that low health literacy may be associated with barriers to accessing care and with oral health behaviors such as seeking preventive care (Ratzan S, Parker R., 2000). It has also been suggested that those with low health literacy are at highest risk for oral diseases and problems (Horowitz, A., Kleinman D., 2012).

Oral disease is on of the most common health problems affecting children in the United States (Oral Health in America, 2000). Dental caries is the most prevalent dental disease in children which occurs more often in disadvantaged children than in others. Additionally, children with public insurance have great difficulty gaining access to primary oral care services (Kaye N, 1998; Oral health, 2000). A Report of the Surgeon General stated that minority and low-income children in the United States experience poorer oral health and poorer access to dental health care services than do their majority and higher-income peers (Oral Health in America, 2000). Each year, less than one in five children enrolled in Medicaid use preventive services (Kaye N, 1998; Oral health, 2000). Even if the public insured children get some access to preventive care, access to comprehensive dental care is much more less (Oral Health in America, 2000).

Complex physiological changes during pregnancy have a significant impact on almost every organ on the body system including the oral cavity -- these changes are due to hormonal changes. Estrogen causes increased blood flow to the oral cavity, making the gums friable and easy to bleed, contributing to gingivitis. Pregnancy-associated gingivitis is highly prevalent. It affects approximately 30%-75% of pregnant women and resolves after delivery. Nausea and vomiting during

Dental health is continuing to play a substantial role in the overall health for both adults and children. Dental health may affect several domains of child development and growth69. Good child dental health is essential for developing several physical and social functions such as feeding, breathing, speaking, smiling, and social adaptation. In the other hand, dental diseases can impact the children in many ways which may include pain, discomfort, embarrassment, challenged cognitive development, reduced self-esteem, and impairments of daily life activities70. In order to create a healthy future for Australian school children, we need to understand the epidemiology of child oral health and oral health behaviors 71. Establishing good oral health behaviors and attitudes at early age can create an opportunities to minimize the oral disease burden in the future 72, which may reduce the overwhelming cost of treating oral diseases that has been accounting for around 6.5% ($5.3 billion) of total health care expenditure 73. In addition, a good oral health has not being a privilege for all Australian school children; obvious differences exist across each state and territory 72. Such differences can be related to socio-economic disadvantage, residence in geographical locations that have restricted access to health and other services, and Indigenous or non-English

Oral health is an important part of an overall health. Oral diseases ranging from cavities to cancer are all serious threats to an oral health. Research shows that there may be a link between oral disease and other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke as well as pre-term and low-birth-weight babies. If left untreated, it can cause more complications to the oral health. Periodontal disease, root caries and infections and other oral cancer can lead to severe pain, loss of teeth and serious health conditions. As a health care provider, it is significant to realizing the connection between oral diseases and systemic diseases so that we all can deliver our services to prevent and help treat disease while it is still manageable. Expanding the role of dental hygienists might reduce the most serious consequences of limited access to dentists, and dental hygienists are potentially well suited to play an important role in expanding affordable access (1). Collaborative practice of dental hygiene

Pregnancy signifies the start of an incredible journey in a woman’s life, characterized by dynamic psychological and physiological changes in which the oral-facial system is not exempted. In 2010, a study conducted by Lee et al., found that of the 1, 604 dentists involved, 75% were hesitant to perform treatments associated with dental emergency while more than 50% were reluctant to perform routine services.

The life course perspective theory is a micro theory that delves into a subject’s past to interpret present endeavors that may assist in predicting future behavior or misconduct. It could be classified as a road map to an individuals expected behavior and may provide reasoning for that individuals’ life choices, not only in relation to criminal behavior but also on ones ability to sustain relationships.

Although many Americans have good oral hygiene due to fluoride and making everyday good decisions, others do not have any access at all to oral health care. Over the years, dentists have been trying to demonstrate the importance of oral care. (“Access to Dental Care”) From commercials to campaigns, dentists will continue to demonstrate to their patients as well as to the people who don't have insurance the importance of oral health care. They will teach them preventative care and some techniques on how to prevent from getting any diseases.

Prenatal care is widely accepted as an important element in improving pregnancy outcome. (Gorrie, McKinney, Murray, 1998). Prenatal care is defined as care of a pregnant woman during the time in the maternity cycle that begins with conception and ends with the onset of labor. A medical, surgical, gynecologic, obstretic, social and family history is taken (Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary, 1998). It is important for a pregnant woman as well as our society to know that everything that you do has an effect on your baby. Because so many women opt not to receive the benefits of prenatal care, our society sees the ramification, which include a variety of complications primarily

A conversation on tooth decay immediately heads towards a discussion of one’s daily dental hygiene care and routine followed by comments on the number of annual dentist visits. One rarely makes the vital connection between their eating habits and overall dental health. Refueling