| A new phase of field research for two oral health studies funded by Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. (Delta Dental) began on July 11 at La Casa de Don Pedro, a family and youth services center in Newark, NJ. Research includes oral health exams to collect data from up to 2,000 students, and to provide treatment, if needed and requested. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Delta Dental, which provided a $1 million grant to fund the project, and the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) New Jersey Dental School, whose staff is conducting the exams and providing care.
Initial field research for the study began in April at the Luis Munoz Marin Middle School in Newark. UMDNJ created a partnership with La Casa de Don Pedro so the program could be extended into July and August. Exams and treatment were provided at the center through the end of the summer.
"Statistics indicate a disparity in the oral health of underserved populations," said Dr. Scott Navarro, dental director, Delta Dental. "The purpose of these studies is to gather substantive baseline data and provide immediate treatment to those in need of care. The long-term goal of the project is to evaluate the findings and offer methods of prevention to those susceptible to periodontal disease and caries before they are affected."
The first study, "Occlusal Hidden Caries," will look at patterns of tooth decay among African-American teens between the ages of 11 and 16. Researchers will follow students over time to study a possible link between early enamel lesions that could heal, and those that progress to cavities. Identification of the early lesions would allow for preventative treatment to be provided prior to the onset of decay. The second study will examine Juvenile Aggressive Periodontal Diseases in African-Americans in the same age group.
During the field research for these studies, students are examined for cavities and gum disease by UMDNJ dental staff in a Colgate mobile unit. Many of these students do not visit a dentist regularly. If cavities or gum disease are found, students may undergo treatment at UMDNJ for up to two years, free of charge. They also have the option of visiting their own family dentist for treatment; however, that is not part of this free service.
"Blending our long-term research partnership with Delta Dental and our history of working with the city of Newark to help improve access to health care for its citizens is extremely exciting," said Daniel Fine, DMD, director, Dental Research Center, UMDNJ. Jeffrey Linfante, DMD, co-director of the research project, added, "Not only will this research improve general oral health for students in the future, it also benefits local children in urgent need of dental care right now."
Although tremendous strides have been made in oral health among Americans in recent decades, certain groups including minorities, seniors, and those with special needs have not benefited from these advances. In May 2000, former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher declared a "silent epidemic" in the oral health status of underserved populations in America. He called for public and private partnerships to increase access to quality dental care through community outreach programs.
"Delta Dental's participation in this research program is a result of our commitment to the community, and is also part of our ongoing response to the surgeon general's call in 2000 to offer assistance to those most in need," said Walter VanBrunt, president and CEO, Delta Dental. As a result of these studies, UMDNJ has become eligible for increased federal funding for additional research to improve oral health in minority populations nationwide.
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