Browsing by Author "Maldupa, Ilze"
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Item Artificial intelligence chatbots and large language models in dental education : Worldwide survey of educators(2024-11) Uribe, Sergio E; Maldupa, Ilze; Kavadella, Argyro; El Tantawi, Maha; Chaurasia, Akhilanand; Fontana, Margherita; Marino, Rodrigo; Innes, Nicola; Schwendicke, Falk; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral HealthINTRODUCTION: Interest is growing in the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and large language models like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, particularly in dental education. To explore dental educators' perceptions of AI chatbots and large language models, specifically their potential benefits and challenges for dental education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A global cross-sectional survey was conducted in May-June 2023 using a 31-item online-questionnaire to assess dental educators' perceptions of AI chatbots like ChatGPT and their influence on dental education. Dental educators, representing diverse backgrounds, were asked about their use of AI, its perceived impact, barriers to using chatbots, and the future role of AI in this field. RESULTS: 428 dental educators (survey views = 1516; response rate = 28%) with a median [25/75th percentiles] age of 45 [37, 56] and 16 [8, 25] years of experience participated, with the majority from the Americas (54%), followed by Europe (26%) and Asia (10%). Thirty-one percent of respondents already use AI tools, with 64% recognising their potential in dental education. Perception of AI's potential impact on dental education varied by region, with Africa (4[4-5]), Asia (4[4-5]), and the Americas (4[3-5]) perceiving more potential than Europe (3[3-4]). Educators stated that AI chatbots could enhance knowledge acquisition (74.3%), research (68.5%), and clinical decision-making (63.6%) but expressed concern about AI's potential to reduce human interaction (53.9%). Dental educators' chief concerns centred around the absence of clear guidelines and training for using AI chatbots. CONCLUSION: A positive yet cautious view towards AI chatbot integration in dental curricula is prevalent, underscoring the need for clear implementation guidelines.Item Caries prevalence and severity for 12-year-old children in Latvia(2021-06-01) Maldupa, Ilze; Sopule, Anete; Uribe, Sergio E.; Brinkmane, Anda; Senakola, Egita; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral HealthObjectives: To study caries prevalence/severity in 12-year-old children in Latvia and potential risk indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional oral-health national survey of 12-year-old children was conducted in 2016. A nationally representative stratified-cluster probabilistic sample of 2,138 pupils in 92 schools was selected. Children were examined by seven calibrated examiners (kappa inter-examiner, intra-examiner scores of 0.71–0.77, 0.81–0.97, respectively) at school. Enamel-non-cavitated decay (D1), enamel cavitation (D3), dentine cavitation (D5), missing (M) or filled (F) status at the tooth (T)/surface (S) levels were evaluated, and decayed, missing, and filled (DMF) index scores for severity, along with the Significant Caries Index (SiC), were calculated. An associated caries factor questionnaire was completed by participants. Results: The prevalence of caries was 98.5% for D1MFT, 79.7% for D3MFT, and 71.9% for D5MFT. The means (standard deviations) for severity were 9.2 (5.3) for D1MFT, 3.3 (3.0) for D3MFT, and 2.4 (2.4) for D5MFT, and 5.6 (2.1) for the SiC. Indicators associated with a lower risk of caries (D5MFT) were irregular dental visits (prevalence odds ratio POR = 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36, 0.56) and irregular use of mouthwashes (POR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.89). Conclusions: We found a high caries prevalence and severity in 12 year-old children in Latvia. Although the WHO target for 2010 (D5MFT ≤ 3) is met, the values for caries prevalence (D5MFT > 0 = 71.9%) and severity (D5MFT = 2.5) in 12-year-old Latvian children are higher than the European averages (D5MFT > 0 = 52%, D5MFT = 1.1).Item Child dental neglect and legal protections : a compendium of briefs from policy reviews in 26 countries and a special administrative region of China(2023) Foláyan, Morẹ́nikẹ́ Oluwátóyìn; Ramos-Gomez, Francisco; Fatusi, Olawunmi Adedoyin; Nabil, Nouran; Lyimo, Germana V.; Minja, Irene Kida; Masumo, Ray M.; Mohamed, Nadia; Potgieter, Nicoline; Matanhire, Cleopatra; Maposa, Pamela; Akino, Chiedza Runyararo; Adeniyi, Abiola; Mohebbi, Simin Z.; Ellakany, Passent; Chen, Jieyi; Amalia, Rosa; Iandolo, Alfredo; Peedikayil, Faizal C.; Aravind, Athira; Al-Batayneh, Ola B.; Khader, Yousef S.; Al-Maweri, Sadeq Ali; Sabbah, Wael; Abeldaño Zuñiga, Roberto Ariel; Vukovic, Ana; Jovanovic, Julijana; Jafar, Ro’aa Mohammed; Maldupa, Ilze; Arheiam, Arheiam; Mendes, Fausto M.; Uribe, Sergio E.; López Jordi, María del Carmen; Villena, Rita S.; Duangthip, Duangporn; Sam-Agudu, Nadia A.; El Tantawi, Maha; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral HealthBackground: Child neglect is a public health, human rights, and social problem, with potentially devastating and costly consequences. The aim of this study was to: (1) summarize the oral health profile of children across the globe; (2) provide a brief overview of legal instruments that can offer children protection from dental neglect; and (3) discuss the effectiveness of these legal instruments. Methods: We summarized and highlighted the caries profile and status of implementation of legislation on child dental neglect for 26 countries representing the World Health Organization regions: five countries in Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe), eight in the Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Unites States of America, Uruguay), six in the Eastern Mediterranean (Egypt, Iran, Libya, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), four in Europe (Italy, Latvia, Serbia, United Kingdom), two in South-East Asia (India and Indonesia) and one country (China) with its special administrative region (Hong Kong) in the Western Pacific. Results: Twenty-five of the 26 countries have legal instruments to address child neglect. Only two (8.0%) of these 25 countries had specific legal instruments on child dental neglect. Although child neglect laws can be interpreted to establish a case of child dental neglect, the latter may be difficult to establish in countries where governments have not addressed barriers that limit children's access to oral healthcare. Where there are specific legal instruments to address child dental neglect, a supportive social ecosystem has also been built to facilitate children's access to oral healthcare. A supportive legal environment, however, does not seem to confer extra protection against risks for untreated dental caries. Conclusions: The institution of specific country-level legislation on child dental neglect may not significantly reduce the national prevalence of untreated caries in children. It, however, increases the prospect for building a social ecosystem that may reduce the risk of untreated caries at the individual level. Social ecosystems to mitigate child dental neglect can be built when there is specific legislation against child dental neglect. It may be more effective to combine public health and human rights-based approaches, inclusive of an efficient criminal justice system to deal with child dental neglect.Item Clinical effectiveness/child-patient and parent satisfaction of two topical fluoride treatments for caries : a randomised clinical trial(2024-04-07) Maldupa, Ilze; Innes, Nicola; Viduskalne, Ilona; Brinkmane, Anda; Senakola, Egita; Krūmiņa, Karīna; Uribe, Sergio E; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral HealthKnowledge gaps exist regarding optimal silver diammine fluoride (SDF) regimens and the efficacy of new products for arresting dental caries in young children. We evaluated the effectiveness of 38%-SDF (SDI-RivaStar), Tiefenfluorid (TF) comparing with Placebo (P), all in conjunction with behavioural modification (BM), in preventing major complications (endodontic/extractions/pain)-a patient-centred outcome-due to early childhood caries over 12 months in children under 71-months. A six-arm, patient/parent-blinded, superiority, placebo-controlled randomised control trial at the university clinic in Riga, Latvia, from 1/9/20-31/8/22 (Protocol registration ISRCTN17005348). The trial tested six protocols, using three compounds (P/SDF/TF) under two regimes: annual and biannual (P1/P2/TF1/TF2/SDF1/SDF2) for major complications. Secondary outcomes included minor complications and parental satisfaction. All groups received BM. 373/427 randomised children (87.3%) completed the study. SDF2 had a significantly lower rate and risk of major (21.5%, OR = 0.28, 95%CI [0.11, 0.72], p < 0.05) and minor complications (OR = 0.16 (95%CI [0.05, 0.50], p = 0.002). Overall satisfaction was 96% (p > 0.05). SDF biannual application with BM effectively prevented major complications of early childhood caries and was well accepted by children and their parents. Trial registration number: ISRCTN17005348, principal investigator: Ilze Maldupa, registration date: 30/06/2021.Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN17005348, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17005348 , registration date: 30/06/2021.Item Comparative analysis of CRT Buffer, GC saliva check buffer tests and laboratory titration to evaluate saliva buffering capacity(2011) Maldupa, Ilze; Brinkmane, Anda; Mihailova, Anna; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral HealthOBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of two commercial strip tests and laboratory titration to detect saliva buffer capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sixty-four patients were examined. Stimulated saliva was collected and buffer capacity was determined with two different chair-side strip tests in addition to immediate transportation to the laboratory to check the buffering ability by titrating with 0.005 M HCl and measuring pH by digital pH/Ion meter, used as a gold standart. The correlation were analyzed using the Spearman Rank Correlation Test, Cohen's Kappa coefficient and Pearson's Correlation test, p < 0.01. Sensitivity and specificity were used to measure precision of these tests. RESULTS. The response rate was 80%. High buffer capacity was found in 23.4% of cases, medium in 62.5%, and low in 14.1%. The Spearman Rank Correlation coefficient between the titration method and CRT Buffer test was 0.685 and the GC Saliva Check Buffer was 0.837. The Kappa coefficient for the CRT Buffer test was 0.508, while the coefficient for the GC Saliva Check Buffer was 0.752. The Pearson Correlation for the GC Saliva Check was 0.675. The difference is found in the buffer capacity at initial pH and at pH value 3. CONCLUSIONS. Both colorimetric tests correlate with the acid titration method in laboratory and are usable for saliva buffer capacity detection in dental offices. Buffer capacity detected in laboratory at different pH values can provide more information regarding caries risk.Item COVID-19 as an opportunity for minimally-invasive dentistry : a national cross-sectional survey(2022-09-12) Maldupa, Ilze; Sļepcova, Olga; Viduskalne, Ilona; Brinkmane, Anda; Senakola, Egita; Uribe, Sergio E; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral HealthBACKGROUND: During the COVID19 pandemic, the Latvian government issued first absolute restrictions (elective treatments prohibited, only emergency care) and later relative restrictions (preference for non-aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) and emergency care) on dental care. This study aims to assess the impact of these restrictions on the decision made by Latvian dentists about caries treatment. METHODS: A Survey-based cross-sectional study was used. A minimum sample size of 174 dentists was estimated for national representativeness (N = 1524). The questionnaire was developed by experts and sent three times via email to Latvian dentists from July to September 2020 and was also delivered in printed form at two national conferences in September and October 2020. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: We received 373 completed questionnaires, with a total response rate of 24.5%. Under the recommendation to reduce AGP for the treatment of uncomplicated caries, 10% of the dentists stated that they would stop attending, 54% would only attend emergencies, and 36% would attend as usual. Under prohibition, the percentages are 15%, 74%, and 11%, respectively. Regarding the type of treatment, more than 75% would opt to proceed with selective caries removal for both primary and permanent teeth and 10% for extraction. CONCLUSION: Latvian dentists are willing to treat patients with caries during the pandemic and state that they prefer to use non- or minimally invasive and less aerosol-generating methods for caries treatment.Item Dental Research Data Availability and Quality According to the FAIR Principles(2022-10) Uribe, Sergio E.; Sofi-Mahmudi, Ahmad; Raittio, Eero; Maldupa, Ilze; Vilne, Baiba; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Health; Bioinformatics GroupAccording to the FAIR principles, data produced by scientific research should be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable—for instance, to be used in machine learning algorithms. However, to date, there is no estimate of the quantity or quality of dental research data evaluated via the FAIR principles. We aimed to determine the availability of open data in dental research and to assess compliance with the FAIR principles (or FAIRness) of shared dental research data. We downloaded all available articles published in PubMed-indexed dental journals from 2016 to 2021 as open access from Europe PubMed Central. In addition, we took a random sample of 500 dental articles that were not open access through Europe PubMed Central. We assessed data sharing in the articles and compliance of shared data to the FAIR principles programmatically. Results showed that of 7,509 investigated articles, 112 (1.5%) shared data. The average (SD) level of compliance with the FAIR metrics was 32.6% (31.9%). The average for each metric was as follows: findability, 3.4 (2.7) of 7; accessibility, 1.0 (1.0) of 3; interoperability, 1.1 (1.2) of 4; and reusability, 2.4 (2.6) of 10. No considerable changes in data sharing or quality of shared data occurred over the years. Our findings indicated that dental researchers rarely shared data, and when they did share, the FAIR quality was suboptimal. Machine learning algorithms could understand 1% of available dental research data. These undermine the reproducibility of dental research and hinder gaining the knowledge that can be gleaned from machine learning algorithms and applications.Item Effect of COVID-19 on Coverage of Dental Services in Latvia(2024-03-04) Maldupa, Ilze; Senakola, Egita; Brinkmane, Anda; Ķīvīte-Urtāne, Anda; Uribe, Sergio E.; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Health; Institute of Public Health; Department of Public Health and Epidemiology; Bioinformatics GroupThis study aimed to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health decisions on dental services. A retrospective study was conducted using secondary data on dental services (2019–2021). Data were obtained from the Latvian National Health Service and the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and analysed using descriptive statistics and data visualisation methods. In the first wave of COVID-19, the frequency of routine dental services decreased by 81.6% at the patient level, which coincided with the restrictions imposed as public health measures. The amount of regular dental manipulations returned to its previous level immediately after lifting restrictions. Still, they decreased to a more moderate extent (not exceeding 25% decline) with the beginning of the second wave. We observed a decrease in all manipulations, regardless of their aerosol-generating risk, and no increase in preventive manipulations that could be performed without any physical contact. We conclude that the most significant decrease in the availability of services was directly linked to existing public health measures. It seems that these measures allowed time to adapt the clinics to the new sanitary requirements, further ensuring continuity of service provision.Item Evidence based toothpaste classification, according to certain characteristics of their chemical composition(2012-03) Maldupa, Ilze; Brinkmane, Anda; Rendeniece, Inga; Mihailova, Anna; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityToothpastes are daily oral care products, the chemical composition of which is constantly changing due to manufacturer's competition. It becomes more and more difficult for dentists to recommend the best toothpaste and for patients to choose one. The objective of this paper was to draw out recommendations based on the best evidence available and to propose a new classification of toothpastes. Publications were searched in PubMed database (published between 1991-2011, limited to English language articles in dental journals). Recommendations for toothpaste choice and usage were developed from the best evidence available.Item Fluorīdu biopieejamība siekalās Latvijas tirgū pieejamām zobu pastām: Kopējās un šķīstošā fluorīdu analīze(Rīga Stradiņš University, 2024) Kronberga, Elīna Ilze; Maldupa, Ilze; Faculty of Residency; Rezidentūras studiju fakultāteSince the 1970s, the prevalence of caries has decreased, yet a significant portion of the population still suffers from this disease. If caries are not treated promptly, it can lead to serious health issues. The most accepted and widely used method for caries prevention is regular tooth brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride concentrations above 1000 ppm. However, studies indicate that the fluoride concentration in toothpaste may be lower than stated on the packaging, which can mislead consumers and reduce the effectiveness of caries prevention. Additionally, myths questioning the efficacy of fluoride remain prevalent in society. It is crucial for dentists to have a solid understanding of fluoride mechanisms to withstand societal pressure and industry marketing activities. Therefore, this study developed an experimental protocol for a co-curricular activity in a diploma program to investigate fluoride's ability to inhibit demineralization under acidic conditions. The experiment was refined by exploring various toothpaste and acid exposure durations and concentrations to determine the most effective and shortest experimental timeframe. The result was the development of the shortest effective experimental protocol, in which boiled eggs are kept in toothpaste for 48 hours and in 9% acetic acid for 7 hours. It was concluded that the experiment is an effective way to understand fluoride's ability to inhibit tooth demineralization.Item Kariesa riska noteikšanas metožu loma profilakses programmu izstrādē augstas kariesa intensitātes reģionā. Promocijas darba kopsavilkums(Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2013) Maldupa, Ilze; Brinkmane, AndaPasaulē kariess joprojām ir visas sabiedrības problēma, arī Latvijā. Kaut jau gandrīz gadsimtu ir labi zināmi kariesa izsaucēji, zobārstniecības speciālistiem nav izdevies izskaust šo problēmu nevienā valstī. Darba mērķis bija novērtēt kariesa riska metožu lomu profilakses programmas ieviešanā augsta kariesa riska reģionā. Skola ir atzīta par ideālu vidi kariesa profilakses programmām, tādēļ pētījumam tika izraudzīti skolas vecuma pusaudži, kuriem ir visaugstākais kariesa risks – 12-13 gadu vecums, kad formējas pastāvīgais sakodiens, rodas jaunas zobu virsmas, kas pakļautas kariesu izraisošo faktoru darbībai. Nejauši tika atlasīta pētījuma dalībnieku grupa, kas sastādīja ~30% no Gulbenes novada 12-13 gadus vecu skolēnu populācijas. Pētījums ietvēra trīs dažādas sadaļas – epidemioloģisks pētījums kariesa izplatības, intensitātes un riska faktoru izvērtējumam 12-13 gadus veciem skolēniem Gulbenes novadā, kohortas dizaina pētījums kariesa riska noteikšanas metožu precizitātes un izmaksu efektivitātes novērtējumam, pielietojot Cariogram, CAMBRA un eksperimentālu 4 faktoru modeļus Gulbenes novada skolēniem un randomizēts kontrolēt klīnisks pētījums zobu tīrīšanas kā skolu profilakses programmas efektivitātes novērtējumam Gulbenes novada skolēniem. Pēc atbilstošas metodikas pielietošanas, ņemot vērā pētījuma rezultātus un ierobežojumus var secināt, ka, plānojot kariesa riska noteikšanu ieviest valsts programmā kā standarta pacientu izmeklēšanas procedūru, nepieciešams izstrādāt konkrētai populācijai atbilstošu metodi, iepriekš analizējot kariesa riska faktorus un to ietekmes proporcijas ilgtermiņa garengriezuma pētījumā, bet, tā kā Gulbenes novadā 12-13 gadus vecu pusaudžu vidū kariesa izplatība, intensitāte un incidence ir ļoti augsta, un zema kariesa riska grupa ir nenozīmīga, nav nepieciešamības pēc augsta riska stratēģijas, ieviešot kariesa profilakses programmas, tā vietā jāpielieto uz populāciju vērstas metodes, piemēram, zobu tīrīšanas ar fluorīdus saturošu pastu nodrošināšana skolās.Item Kariesa riska noteikšanas metožu loma profilakses programmu izstrādē augstas kariesa intensitātes reģionā. Promocijas darbs(Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2013) Maldupa, Ilze; Brinkmane, AndaPasaulē kariess joprojām ir visas sabiedrības problēma, arī Latvijā. Kaut jau gandrīz gadsimtu ir labi zināmi kariesa izsaucēji, zobārstniecības speciālistiem nav izdevies izskaust šo problēmu nevienā valstī. Darba mērķis bija novērtēt kariesa riska metožu lomu profilakses programmas ieviešanā augsta kariesa riska reģionā. Skola ir atzīta par ideālu vidi kariesa profilakses programmām, tādēļ pētījumam tika izraudzīti skolas vecuma pusaudži, kuriem ir visaugstākais kariesa risks – 12-13 gadu vecums, kad formējas pastāvīgais sakodiens, rodas jaunas zobu virsmas, kas pakļautas kariesu izraisošo faktoru darbībai. Nejauši tika atlasīta pētījuma dalībnieku grupa, kas sastādīja ~30% no Gulbenes novada 12-13 gadus vecu skolēnu populācijas. Pētījums ietvēra trīs dažādas sadaļas – epidemioloģisks pētījums kariesa izplatības, intensitātes un riska faktoru izvērtējumam 12-13 gadus veciem skolēniem Gulbenes novadā, kohortas dizaina pētījums kariesa riska noteikšanas metožu precizitātes un izmaksu efektivitātes novērtējumam, pielietojot Cariogram, CAMBRA un eksperimentālu 4 faktoru modeļus Gulbenes novada skolēniem un randomizēts kontrolēt klīnisks pētījums zobu tīrīšanas kā skolu profilakses programmas efektivitātes novērtējumam Gulbenes novada skolēniem. Pēc atbilstošas metodikas pielietošanas, ņemot vērā pētījuma rezultātus un ierobežojumus var secināt, ka, plānojot kariesa riska noteikšanu ieviest valsts programmā kā standarta pacientu izmeklēšanas procedūru, nepieciešams izstrādāt konkrētai populācijai atbilstošu metodi, iepriekš analizējot kariesa riska faktorus un to ietekmes proporcijas ilgtermiņa garengriezuma pētījumā, bet, tā kā Gulbenes novadā 12-13 gadus vecu pusaudžu vidū kariesa izplatība, intensitāte un incidence ir ļoti augsta, un zema kariesa riska grupa ir nenozīmīga, nav nepieciešamības pēc augsta riska stratēģijas, ieviešot kariesa profilakses programmas, tā vietā jāpielieto uz populāciju vērstas metodes, piemēram, zobu tīrīšanas ar fluorīdus saturošu pastu nodrošināšana skolās.Item Recommended procedures for managing carious lesions in primary teeth with pulp involvement-a scoping review(2024-09-18) Maldupa, Ilze; Al-Yaseen, Waraf; Giese, Julius; Ahmed Elagami, Rokaia; Raggio, Daniela Prócida; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral HealthBACKGROUND: Managing dental caries in primary teeth with pulp involvement is a significant challenge. Clinical guidelines offer recommendations for effective management. AIM: To identify and analyze policies, guidelines, and recommendations for treating primary teeth with pulp-involved carious lesions, highlighting existing research gaps and setting the foundation for future research. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, GIN, and LILACS) and grey literature sources (Trip and ProQuest) to identify guidelines, consensus, policy, and position statements on primary teeth pulp therapy and extraction thresholds. Two independent reviewers screened the abstracts and titles, followed by full-text screening. RESULTS: After removing duplication, of the 1098 records, 14 were selected for analysis. This review examined various treatments for deep caries lesions in primary teeth, including indirect/direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, lesion sterilization/tissue restoration, and extraction. Time search was restricted to documents published from 30th January 2008 to 30th January 2024, offering insights into evolving clinical practices. CONCLUSION: Treatment for carious lesions in primary teeth involving the pulp depends on clinical indications and may involve minimally invasive techniques. Recommended options are indirect pulp capping, pulpotomy, and pulpectomy, while direct capping and tooth removal are discouraged. Further research is needed to address gaps, improve guideline development, and enhance consistency of recommendations.Item Response to comment on : “Transcultural adaptation and reliability of the Spanish version of a questionnaire of oral hygiene advice given by dentists in Chile”(2015-06-24) Maldupa, Ilze; Aguila, Jaime; Toloza, Pablo; Uribe, Sergio E.; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityItem The Role of Caries Risk Assessment Methods in the Development of Preventive Programmes in High Risk Region. Summary of the Doctoral Thesis(Rīga Stradiņš University, 2013) Maldupa, Ilze; Brinkmane, AndaCaries is still a problem of all society in the world, also in Latvia. Although the causes of caries are well known for almost a century, the specialists of denstistry have not succeeded to exterminate this problem in none of the countries. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the role of caries risk assessment methods in the development of preventive programmes in high risk regions. School has been acknowleged an ideal environment for implementing prevention methods, therefore in the region with the lowest rates of access to dentistry services in Latvia, teenagers with the highest caries risk (the age of 12-13 years, when permanent dentition are being formed and new dental surfaces are appearing) were selected for the research. A group of research participants was randomly selected, which added up to 30% of 12-13 years old students of Gulbene county. The study included three sections – 1) an epidemiological study to evaluate caries prevalence, severity, incidence, and risk factors in 12-13 year-old schoolchildren in the Gulbene region, 2) a cohort study to evaluate the accuracy and cost effectiveness of caries risk assessment (CRA) methods using Cariogram, CAMBRA and experimental 4-factor models on Gulbene region schoolchildren and 3) a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the school prevention programme (toothbrushing in a school environment) for Gulbene region schoolchildren. After application of proper methodology, taking into account strength and limitations of the study, it can be concluded that when planning to introduce a caries risk assessment in the state programme, it is important to work out the corresponding method for a definite population by previously analyzing the caries risk factors and proportion of their effect in a long-term longitudinal study, but, since the low caries risk group in Gulbene county is so insignificant, there is no need to apply a high risk strategy by introducing caries prevention programmes, instead population-targeted programmes such as toothbrushing in schools should be used.Item Should we be concerned about the use of non-fluoride toothpaste? : A survey study in two European countries(2025-02) Maldupa, Ilze; Narbutaite, Julija; Stanceviciene, Egle; Viduskalne, Ilona; Kalniņa, Jūlija; Kroniņa, Līga; Brinkmane, Anda; Senakola, Egita; Uribe, Sergio E; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral HealthBACKGROUND: Toothpastes available in Europe contain a range of fluoride concentrations, with some meeting the recommended level for caries prevention (>1000 ppm fluoride (ppm)) and others containing low or no fluoride. This study evaluated toothpaste fluoride concentrations in Latvia and Lithuania to inform targeted public health strategies in regions with a high prevalence of dental caries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to May 2020, using a validated questionnaire in Latvia and Lithuania. Nationally representative samples (1309 families and 5436 members) provided data through a mixed-mode survey (paper and online) on sociodemographic information, toothpaste type, brand, and type. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) were used for analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of families used non-fluoridated toothpaste and 12% used <1000 part per million (ppm) fluoride. In Latvia, 56.8% of preschoolers and 28.7% of schoolchildren used <1000 ppm or non-fluoride toothpaste, whereas in Lithuania, 47.2% of preschoolers and 29.1% of schoolchildren used <1000 ppm or non-fluoride toothpaste; 63% of adolescents and 73% of adults used toothpaste with optimal fluoride content (≥1000 ppm). Of the 228 registered toothpaste types, 62% contained more than 1000 ppm, which is optimal for caries prevention; 29% of Latvian and 24% of Lithuanian families used at least one non-fluoridated toothpaste. CONCLUSION: This study revealed significant gaps in the use of fluoride toothpaste among families in Latvia and Lithuania, especially among children. To effectively prevent dental caries, targeted interventions, and education must promote optimal fluoride toothpaste use, particularly among vulnerable populations.Item Transcultural adaptation and reliability of the spanish version of a questionnaire of oral hygiene advice given by dentists in Chile(2014-12-12) Maldupa, Ilze; Aguila, Jaime; Toloza, Pablo; Uribe, Sergio E.; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityAim: To adapt and evaluate validity-reliability the spanish version of the questionnaire for oral hygiene advice given by dentist in Chile. Materials and methods: Validation study conducted according COSMIN recommendations. The original questionnaire in english was adapted to spanish by translation, back translation, expert review and pilot test sample of 56 dentists. The instrument consisted of 3 sections: recommendations for oral hygiene, relevance given to the delivery of oral hygiene instruction and training and experience in delivering oral hygiene recommendations. It was reapplied in 5 of them a week later. Reliability was measured by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest (Cohen's kappa and weighted kappa) and measurement error (limits of agreement, LdA). Content validity was evaluated by experts and construct validity through convergent validity (Pearson correlation). Results: A good level of internal consistency that applies to 5 items (Cronbach's alpha = 0.73) was obtained. For items of nominal scale the Cohen kappa coefficient was 0.80 (95% CI = 0.64 to 0.95) and for ordinal items weighted kappa coefficient (linear weighting) was 0.76 (95% CI = 0.65 to 0.88). The difference between the scores calculated for the measurements was 1 standard deviation 2.35. 95% of the differences were between -5.7 to 3.7 (+/- 4.7 LdA = 1) and the variance of the total score was 29 to 41. A good level of convergent validity (Pearson correlation = 0.63) was obtained. Conclusion: The final questionnaire obtained is valid and reliable for use in chilean dentists with a profile like those included in this study to identify and quantify the oral hygiene instruction they provide to patients. Future studies should assess the validity and reliability of this adaptation other spanish-speaking countries.