Tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases in young children. Forty per cent of preschool children have at least one tooth with decay.
A combination of factors can cause tooth decay, including presence of microorganisms, sugary drinks and snacks, and oral hygiene. Tooth decay can cause pain and infection and if it remains untreated can affect eating, speech, and sleep.
What is the Dental Screening Study about?
The Dental Screening Study aims to assess a dental photographic method as an alternative dental screening method. The method will be based on still images taken from a child’s mouth by his/her parents, using a smartphone camera and the internet. These images will then be used for an evaluation by dental practitioners.
The findings of this study will help to provide potentially low-cost and sustainable preventive dental care for children, that can still be conducted during a pandemic. This approach has the potential to prioritise children, based on their dental needs, to receive appropriate treatment at the appropriate time.
RECRUITMENT FOR THIS STUDY HAS NOW FINISHED.
PUBLICATION | 2023
An analysis of the feedback received from ORIGINS parents about the app showed that it has the potential to reduce waiting times for dental clinics and would suit families wanting less-invasive dental screening for their children. It also has ongoing potential for use in remote and lower socioeconomic areas. Read the paper at the link below:
Azimi, S., Estai, M., Patel, J., & Silva, D. (2023). The feasibility of digital health approach to facilitate remote dental screening among preschool children during COVID‐19 and social restrictions. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry doi.org/10.1111/ipd.13054
The results also received state-wide attention including news coverage in Perth. FIND OUT MORE
What did participation involve?
The examination took place at the three-year ORIGINS appointment.
- Dental inspection: A specialist paediatric dentist will examine the child’s mouth using sterile disposable dental kits on the lap of their parents (knee to knee technique), at the same time as their BOD POD assessment at the three-year ORIGINS appointment at Edith Cowan University.
- Dental photography: With the help of a trained dental research assistant, parents/guardians will also be guided to take standard dental photos of their child, using a smartphone camera. This will be done at the three-year appointment, following the dental examination.
This method is non-invasive and is less stressful for small children and may be used as an alternative method of dental examination in future. The collected dental photos will be independently reviewed by two calibrated dental therapists at a separate time. - Feedback: You will be asked to provide your feedback about the dental photography experience at the end of the session.
- Timing: The dental examination and photography will take no more than 30 minutes.
Parents received the results of their child’s dental exam and a recommendation was provided for the child’s oral health within two weeks of the appointment.
This project has been funded by the WA Department of Health - FHRI Focus Grants.
For more information:
Download the Participant Information Brochure
Ph: The ORIGINS Project office: 08 9408 3118