Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Pages: 1457-1464

Journal: Clinical Oral Investigations

Volume number: 21

Issue number: 5

ISSN: 1432-6981

eISSN: 1436-3771

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-016-1906-0

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 

The objective of this study was to develop a simple tool for the assessment of possible dental treatment needs (DTN) for non-dental professionals (Mini Dental Assessment, MDA). To keep the assessment universal, we aimed to base it on the patient's history and a simple chewing efficiency test (CET) as the dental status is a known determinant for chewing efficiency.

The assessment was developed using data from 169 patients from two sites (University Hospital Giessen, St. Bonifatius Hospital Lingen, both Germany). In all patients, a dental examination was performed, the denture status was evaluated (based on the California Dental Association criteria; CDA criteria), and the DTN was determined. In addition, the time since the patient's last visit to a dentist (TLVD) and denture age (DA) were assessed. Furthermore, a CET was carried out and the comminution score was determined (CETS).

In total, 108 patients required dental treatment. The mean value (+/- SD) was 2.9 +/- 0.9 score points for the DTN, 2.5 +/- 3.8 years for the TLVD, and 10.8 +/- 8.9 years for the DA. There was a significant correlation (Spearman, P < .05) between the DTN and degree of comminution (3.4 +/- 1.8). Based on the results of the statistical analysis, the intended assessment tool was developed using the variables CETS, TLVD, and DA weighed by their respective regression coefficients (10:3:1). Subsequently, the resulting MDA score (51.32 +/- 28.14) was calculated. A sensitivity/specificity analysis was conducted and a receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated (SPSS 17.0, area under curve 0.805; 95 % CI 0.738-0.873).

It can be concluded that the dental status of elderly patients is reflected in the outcome of the MDA. However, ongoing validation is needed.

DRKS00003219.

Harvard Citation style: Woestmann, B., Seelbach, M., Seelbach, P., Podhorsky, A., Kolb, G., Bretzel, R., et al. (2017) Mini dental assessment: a simple screening test for non-dental staff, Clinical Oral Investigations, 21(5), pp. 1457-1464. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-016-1906-0

APA Citation style: Woestmann, B., Seelbach, M., Seelbach, P., Podhorsky, A., Kolb, G., Bretzel, R., & Rehmann, P. (2017). Mini dental assessment: a simple screening test for non-dental staff. Clinical Oral Investigations. 21(5), 1457-1464. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-016-1906-0