Week 2 better

Question 1

What is the role of the National Institute of Health (NIH) in dental healthcare?

Answer 1

Headquarters: Maryland
Governments’ primary medical research organization
Comprises 27 separate health institutes
Includes the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Question 2

What is the function of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in dental care?

Answer 2

Established: 1906
Ensures the safety and efficacy of foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices
Regulates dental materials, equipment, and over-the-counter dental care products

Question 3

What role does the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) play in oral health?

Answer 3

• Established: 1946 in Atlanta, GA
• Provides health surveillance to prevent and monitor disease outbreaks
• Maintains national health statistics
• Prepares guidelines for preventing oral diseases

Question 4

What services does Indian Health Services provide?

Answer 4

Established: 1955
Provides medical and dental services to Native Americans
Includes independent contractors, civil servants, and commissioned officers
Alaska Dental Therapists are part of this system

Question 5

What is the role of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)?

Answer 5

Provides health resources for medically underserved populations
Focuses on building a healthcare workforce

Question 6

What agency is responsible for enhancing the independence of older populations?

Answer 6

• Agency: Administration on Aging
• Established: Under the Older Americans Act of 1965
• Responsibilities: Supporting and enhancing the independence of older adults

Question 7

What is the agency for healthcare research and quality?

Answer 7

• supports health care systems, quality and cost, success to health care and effectieness of medical treatments

Question 8

What does the Administration for Children and Families do in the context of dental healthcare?

Answer 8

Responsible for promoting the economic and social well-being of families and communities

Administers Early Head Start programs

Question 9

What federal agency administers Medicare and Medicaid related to dental care?

Answer 9

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Responsible for administering Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP

Also handles HIPAA and clinical laboratory improvement amendments

Question 10

Within the US government which branch of government has a direct impact on dental care delivery and who is in charge of the US public health service?

Answer 10

• The executive branch
• US Surgeon general

Question 11

What are the barriers to oral healthcare delivery in rural areas?

Answer 11

• Lack of workforce in rural areas

Barriers:
Lack of insurance/payment options
Aging population
Limited transportation
Insufficient availability of providers

Question 12

What advanced roles exist for dental hygienists?

Answer 12

• ADHP (Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner):
  Performs broader services (e.g., local anesthesia, preventive procedures)
  Works in underserved areas
• RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice):
  Provides dental hygiene services independently in schools, nursing homes, and homes
  No direct supervision from a dentist needed

Question 13

What are the duties of dental therapists?

Answer 13

• Perform preventive and basic restorative procedures
• Work in underserved areas

Services include:
Dental exams
Fillings
Simple extractions
Placing stainless steel crowns

Question 14

Which states allow independent or expanded practice for dental hygienists?

Answer 14

Colorado: Dental hygienists work under collaborative agreements

Maine: Dental Hygiene Therapist program permits expanded services

Minnesota: Authorizes Dental Therapists for restorative procedures

Alaska: ADHPs offer a broader range of services in underserved areas

Oregon: RDHAPs provide independent services in schools and nursing homes

Question 15

What is the concept of alternative oral healthcare providers?

Answer 15

Developed to increase access to dental care

Originated in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and the UK

Providers such as Dental Therapists and Oral Health Therapists address underserved communities

Question 16

What factors contribute to oral health disparities?

Answer 16

• Contributing Factors:
  1. Socioeconomic status
  1. Education level
  1. Race and ethnicity
  1. Geographic location
• Impact: Higher rates of caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss among marginalized communities

Question 17

What are individual behaviors that influence oral health?

Answer 17

Behaviors:
Diet
Oral hygiene practices
Tobacco use

Environmental Factors:
Water fluoridation
Access to dental care

Socioeconomic factors:
Income
education

Systemic health conditions:
Diabetes
HIV/AIDS

Question 18

What are contributing factors to poor oral health in low-income countries?

Answer 18

Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia

Factors:
Limited access to dental care
Lack of preventive measures (e.g., water fluoridation)
Poverty and malnutrition

Regions: Some European countries (bulgaria, romanina, ukraine)

Factors:
Socioeconomic disparities
inadequate healthcare infastructure
challenges in oral health education and prevention programs

Question 19

How is professional regulation important in dental hygiene?

Answer 19

• Protect Public Health: Ensures professionals provide safe and effective care
• Maintain Professional Standards
• Regulatory bodies oversee licensure and certification (e.g., State Boards of Dental Examiners)

Question 20

What is professional regulation ?

Answer 20

A framework of rules and standards designed to ensure that professionals meet specific standards of practice ethics and competence.

Question 21

What trends are moving toward dental hygienist autonomy?

Answer 21

Expanded scope of practice for hygienists
Direct access legislation (e.g., California’s law allowing preventive services without a dentist’s exam)

Question 22

What is the benefits and challenges of autonomy?

Answer 22

Improved access to care
enhanced role in preventive care
professional growth

Challenges: regulatory hurdles, education and training.

Question 23

What is the difference between direct and general supervision?

Answer 23

direct: dentist is physically present in office and must be available to oversee procedures performed by DH.
- Dr must review and approve
- DH cannot perform certain procedures without direct oversight.

General Supervison: authorized dh perform procedures under a general set of guidelines but is not required to be present in office.
- procedures are pre-approved by dr. with regular communication and check-ins like preventine care( regualr) and maintenance

Question 24

What is independent referred practice?

Answer 24

DH operate independently of a dentist, based on a referral or under specific agreements with healthcare entities.