Faculty Bibliography

Interprofessional education is interactive learning focused on collaboration and prepares professionals to improve patient care in a collaborative team environment. This article explores how registered dietitians' views and clinical practices regarding pediatric oral health and nutrition have been influenced by interprofessional education with pediatric dentists. Surveys were e-mailed to 150 dietitians who graduated from New York University and may have participated in a pediatric dental rotation between 2005 and 2010. Out of the 109 who were eligible, 36 (33%) responded. The respondents experienced positive collaboration (72%) as well as an increase in awareness (61%) and knowledge (58%) of the relationship between oral health and dietary habits. Dietitians and dentists have the potential to address overall health and the current obesity epidemic.

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to determine the efficacy of indirect pulp treatment (IPT) in primary molars when using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate disinfecting solution and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) liner after 12 months. METHODS: Three- to 10-year-old subjects with deep carious lesions who met selection criteria participated. Infected dentin was removed using a caries detector, and residual affected dentin was left on the pulpal floor to prevent pulp exposure. A 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution and a RMGI liner were placed. Teeth were restored with composite or full-coverage (stainless steel crown [SSC]) restorations. Follow-up evaluations at 3, 6, and 12 months included clinical, radiographic, and photographic assessments. RESULTS: A total of 60 teeth were treated. Treatment was successful in 50/50 (100%), 41/42 ( approximately 98%), and 31/32 ( approximately 97%) teeth at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits, respectively. Failures included one at 6 months in a primary second molar with a composite restoration and another at 12 months in a primary first molar with a SSC. CONCLUSIONS: Indirect pulp treatment is effective in primary teeth, although appropriate case selection and an adequate marginal seal are essential for a successful outcome. Further prospective studies are needed to expand the body of evidence that clinicians use to justify decisions on clinical care.

Transitioning to adulthood is challenging for young people who have a mental illness or substance use disorder, especially those who are transitioning from institutional care. For young people with serious mental illnesses to succeed in the adult world, they need more than treatment.These youth need to be truly integrated into their communities. They need jobs that offer skills, dignity, independence, and peers. They need a responsible and caring older adult who can help them to make better choices, learn from their mistakes, and applaud their successes, no matter how small. Community providers can create these opportunities through their own programs or appropriate community collaborations

A comprehensive oral health care program for Head Start children in New York City is described. Head Start is a federally funded pre-school program for low-income families and their children. It provides activities that help children grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. In 1994, a public-private partnership was created between New York Administration for Children's Services and New York University College of Dentistry. The program consists of periodic visits to different Head Start centers by a dental team composed of pediatric dentists, residents, hygienists and students. At the center, the team provides diagnostic and preventive services to children and oral health education to children, parents and staff. Referrals are then made to the College of Dentistry or to a community provider for treatment and follow-up. Free transportation is provided between Head Start centers and the college clinic. Over 13 years, 25,000 children have received diagnostic, preventive and treatment services

America's rapidly changing demographics present an enormous challenge for today's healthcare leaders to redesign the organization and delivery of care to accommodate people who now represent every language, culture and religious belief in the world. So will mental health and addictions services in this country be ready to address the unique needs of these multicultural patients? A survey of the present landscape in 2008 tells us that we have a long, long way to go. Not only are mental health and addictions fields lacking in cultural competency, but there is little diversity in our leadership ranks. Top administrators and executives in behavioral health today are overwhelmingly non-Hispanic whites. This lack of cultural diversity among our leaders will lead to an ever-widening gap in the current chasm of racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare

The author emphasizes the need to focus on quality in mental health and addictions treatment. High-quality care means care that is personalized, prevention-oriented, and based on evidence about the benefits, costs, and the desires of each person. Whereas the challenges to improving quality are formidable, four critical issues can and must be addressed: focus on whole health, clinical excellence, workforce, and information technology. With strong leadership, commitment, and persistence, we can have a system that supports recovery and ensures a meaningful life in the community for our sickest and poorest citizens