Introduction to Dental Indices PDF

Introduction to Dental Indices Foundations of Clinical Skills and Practice Sarah Balian Intended Learning Outcomes By the end of this session students should be able to: Define the term index (in relation to healthcare) Explain the ideal features of a dental ‘index’ Briefly explain how in...

Introduction to Dental Indices Foundations of Clinical Skills and Practice Sarah Balian Intended Learning Outcomes By the end of this session students should be able to: Define the term index (in relation to healthcare) Explain the ideal features of a dental ‘index’ Briefly explain how indices can be use on an individual, for research purposes or measuring community health List various types of indices that may be used in dentistry Justify the importance of recording outcomes from indices in patient records The teeth and their surrounding structures are so definite, so easy to observe and carry with them so much of their previous disease history. This means measurement of dental diseases is much easier than the measurement of any other forms of disease. Definition of an ‘Index’ Index is a graduated scale – with upper and lower limits Scores on the scale correspond to specific criteria which is designed to permit and facilitate comparison with other population classified by the same criteria and methods Russel AL Epidemiological indices are attempts to quantitate clinical condition on a graduated scale, thereby facilitating comparison among populations examined by the same criteria and methods Glickman Irving Ideal Criteria of an index Quick – simplicity – easy to apply & no undue lost time Objectivity – clear criteria & unambiguous Validity – measure what is intended to measure so accommodates with clinical stages of disease Acceptability - to the patient/pain free Reliability – should measure consistently at different times with varying conditions Easy to record No expensive equipment Why might it be useful to utilise an index on an Individua individual patient? l patient Gather baseline data before experimental factors are introduced In research Measure effectiveness of agents or measures introduced Show prevalence of a condition Baseline data for existing practices Assess the need of the Community Health community Compare effects of community programmes & evaluate results What indices do you know about?  What do we do with that data? Drive political change Motivational tool Measuring short/long Measuring term short/long responses Treatment term planning responses Ethical and legal responsibility Image references https://www.amateurradio.com/the-three-laws-of-electronic-measurement/ https://artlabdentistrywoodlandhills.com/implants-aesthetic-zone/ https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/funny-picture-guy-holding-loupe-front- his-mouth-showing-his-smile-he-stand-near-big-white-wall-making-some-fun- isolated-white-wall_6847659.htm https://www.icanbea.org.uk/app/explore/organisations/nhs-norfolk-community- health-and-care-35/