Table of Contents. Highlights of this Report... Mission Statement... Staff...

Transcription

1 report 23/06/ :57 Page 1

2 report 23/06/ :57 Page 3 Table of Contents Highlights of this Report... Mission Statement... Staff... Director... Consultant... Other staff members... Post-graduate students... Main Activities and Achievements... WHO re-designation as a Collaborating Centre... Health Research Board funded projects... Health Services Research Fellowship - The impact of dental fluorosis on dental aesthetics and quality of life Project Grant - Economic modelling of services utilisation data and epidemiological data for oral health services Project Grant - A study of the relationship among oral hygiene habits, salivary fluoride levels and dental caries Cochrane Fellowship - Frequency of examination and scaling and polishing for maintaining oral health in adults Health Services Research Fellowship Grant - The Fluoridation Debate: Social and Scientific Dynamics Programme Grant - The Benefits and Risks of Fluoride on the Island of Ireland Project Grant - Prevalence and distribution of dental caries among young adults Health Services Research Fellowship - Development of methods for measuring outcome of treatment provided within a third party funded dental service..... Epidemiological contracts for Department Of Health... Lot Epidemiology... Lot Oral Health Services Research - Fluorides... Lot Oral Health Services Research Fissure sealing, targeted approach to service delivery... Lot Oral Health Services Research Oral Health Promotion / Education... Lot Dental Treatment Services Scheme Service Utilisation and treatment need... Lot Provision of a Consultancy Service on an agreed basis.... Fluoride Intakes in Infants.... Fluorosis in -year-olds... EU funded research projects... Dental Unit Water Systems project... Clinical trials for industry... Shannon study... Venice study... Florence study... Lough Conn study... Lee study... Lough Ine study... Other Funded Research... Dental Recall Guidelines... Collaborative Development of Standard Fluoride Analytical Methods... A Controlled Trial of an Oral Health Promotion Programme for - -year-old Children to Promote the Use of Fluoride Toothpaste... Post-Graduate Qualifications Awarded... PhDs... Masters... Publications... Book Chapters... Papers... Abstracts... Reports... In Press... Invited Lectures... Dr. Helen Whelton... Professor Denis O Mullane... Conferences Attended and Presentations made Prizes Awarded... IADR Distinguished Service Award... IADR /Lion Dental Research Award... ORCA-Zsolnay Prize... Other activities... Dr. Helen Whelton:... Professor Denis O Mullane... Future Plans... List of Appendices...

3 report 23/06/ :57 Page 4 4 Highlights of this Report Research Board funded Programme Grant Presentation of the final report of Lot to the Department of Health and Children Completion of an EU funded project in collaboration with partners in countries on the microbial risk assessment of dental unit water systems in general dental practice Completion of six clinical trials funded by industry Publication of papers in the scientific literature Awarding of the International Association for Dental Research Distinguished Service Award to Professor Denis O Mullane in June The year marked the nineteenth year of the existence of the Oral Health Services Research Centre (OHSRC) as a dedicated research facility at UCC. During the period covered by this Report (October to September ) the OHSRC has seen further growth in research and postgraduate training. This Bi-annual Report is the first of the term of Dr. Helen Whelton as Director of the Centre, (Professor Denis O Mullane having retired as Director on st September ), and coincides with the launch of our website: which went live in March. Educational / Training highlights covered by this Report include: Conferring of PhD student Conferring of Masters students Our research and educational programmes draw on the knowledge, experience, talents and skills of a diverse team of people. We enjoy excellent links with a number of other departments and centres in the University. This report provides a brief overview of our activities and outputs. Research at the OHSRC is focused in four major strands: National and regional epidemiological surveys of oral health Randomised Controlled Clinical trials of oral health products Applied dental research contracts Laboratory research Research highlights covered by this Report include: Re-designation as a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre in for a further period of four years to March Launch of the Preliminary Report of the National Survey of Oral Health of Irish Children on June th by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr. Micheál Martín. Significant funding awards from the Health Research Board ( Fellowships, Project Grants) Commencement of work on a very large Health

4 report 23/06/ :57 Page 5 5 Mission Statement Vision: To improve the health of the population through the promotion of excellence in epidemiology and health services research. Research Strategy: The Oral Health Services Research Centre is committed to: Continuous improvement of quality in oral health services research The standardisation of methods in oral health services research internationally The promotion of interdisciplinary and intersectoral health services research The identification and exploration of research questions relating to oral health services or technologies which have a bearing on the oral health of the population The development of a skilled team of health service researchers available to work in the centre or in the health service The monitoring of oral health in the Irish population These goals are furthered by: Development of a health services research program in consultation with the health board dental service The OHSRC has a long history of collaborative work with the Health Board Dental Service. In the OHSRC directed the National Survey of Children s Oral Health. Since then it has directed regional oral health surveys, National Surveys of Adult Oral Health in / and /, a national survey of children s oral health in / as well as national surveys of oral health of special needs groups. Since the OHSRC has held a contract with the Department of Health and Children and the Health Board for the conduct of epidemiological services. Providing expert research and consultancy services in relation to health service evaluation The centre is a WHO Collaborationg Centre for oral health services research. It provides assistance to the Global Oral Health Division through the development of standardised epidemiological methods for measurement of oral health and related issues. As well as reviewing health board dental services, the centre has worked with the Department of Defence in reviewing the army dental service. Staff have been contracted to review the Northern Ireland Dental Service. The food safety advisory board have commissioned research by the centre. The centre provides a service to review the utilisation pattern within the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. Working with postgraduate students from other faculties and developing expertise in their subject as applied to dentistry. The OHSRC staff currently and in the past have supervised postgraduate masters and PhD students jointly with Economics, Statistics, Microbiology, Nutrition and Applied Social Studies. Development of high standards in Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials and in epidemiological research The OHSRC runs Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials on a contractual basis for the oral health care industry. These trials are conducted to GCP standards and are monitored and audited to ensure that the highest standards are observed. This process incorporates quality assurance and leads to continuous quality improvement. The standards driving this part of our research are applied across the board to all research carried out in the centre. Standardisation of measurements internationally The centre is involved in the development of standardised methods for measurement of enamel fluorosis and measurement of fluoride content of foods and beverages Further Development of laboratory facilities The laboratory is currently used to conduct fluoride research, plaque ph studies and microbiology. Dissemination of research findings through publication of reports and papers in peer reviewed journals Staff at the OHSRC have an active publications policy and an extensive publications record.

5 report 23/06/ :57 Page 6 6 Staff Director On st September, Professor Denis O Mullane retired as Director of the Oral Health Services Research Centre and as Head of the Department of Oral Health and Development in the Dental Hospital. Dr. Helen Whelton, previously Deputy Director, was appointed as Director for a term of years. Consultant Professor Emeritus Denis O Mullane provides Consultancy services to the OHSRC and is also involved in overseeing the completion of projects on which he is Principal Investigator. Other staff members Paul Beirne, part-time Research Fellow Mary McSweeney, Research Nurse Catherine Mills, Research Assistant (non-academic) Susan O Donovan, Office Manager Theresa O Mahony, Research Assistant (non-academic) Ita Rattray, Executive Assistant Maria Tobin, Projects Manager Other personnel eg. dental hygienists and non-academic research assistants are employed on a project basis as required. Elspeth Cameron, Senior Executive Assistant (to July ) Maura Gallagher, Clinical Trials Co-ordinator Helena Guiney, Research Assistant Virginia Kelleher, Research Assistant Rose Kingston, Clinical Trials Examiner Jennifer Leyden, Executive Assistant Eileen MacSweeney, Laboratory Technician

6 report 23/06/ :57 Page 7 7 Post-graduate students Paul Beirne. PhD student jointly supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton and Dr. Orla O Donovan, Dept of Applied Social Studies, UCC. Thesis entitled: Fluoridation and the Politics of Risk. Deirdre Browne. PhD student supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton. Project entitled: The Impact of Enamel Fluorosis on Dental Aesthetics and Quality of Life. Michael Cronin. PhD student jointly supervised by Dr. Helen Whleton and Professor Finbar O Sullivan, Dept of Statistics, UCC. Project entitled: Statistical Issues in the Design and Analysis of Studies of the Outcome of Treatment Provided within a Third Party Funded Dental Service. Evelyn Crowley. PhD student supervised by Professor Denis O Mullane Project entitled: Dental caries pattern and distribution amongst young adults in Ireland. Cáit Fitzgerald. MSc student jointly supervised by Professor Denis O Mullane and Professor Kevin Cashman, Dept of Nutrition, UCC. Thesis entitled: Dietary Fluoride Intake by Infants and Young Children: With Particular Emphasis on Development of Protocols and Methodologies. Edel Flannery. PhD student jointly supervised Dr. Helen Whleton and Professor Finbar O Sullivan, Dept of Statistics, UCC. Project entitled: Improving the efficiency of Dental Screening with respect to Fissure Sealing. Susan Gleeson. MDPH student supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton. Dissertation entitled: The relationship of dental fluorosis to dental caries levels in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Isam Mohamed Ahmed Idris. MDPH student supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton. Dissertation entitled: Oral Health Survey in Khartoum, Sudan. Rose Kingston. PhD student supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton. Project entitled: A study of the relationship among oral hygiene habits, salivary fluoride levels and dental caries increment. Anne McKeon. MDPH student supervised by Professor Martin Kinirons, Dept of Oral Health and Development, UCC. Dissertation entitled: A review of dental trauma in Ireland based on the North South Survey of Children s oral health. Noel Woods. PhD student jointly supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton and Professor Brian Nolan, Economic and Social Research Institute. Thesis entitled: Aligning Treatment Provided with Epidemiologically Predicted Need for Oral Health Services by GMS Recipients in the Republic of Ireland.

7 report 23/06/ :57 Page 8 8 Main Activities and Achievements WHO re-designation as a Collaborating Centre Health Research Board funded projects The OHSRC was first designated as a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Oral Health Services Research in, and has been re-designated for a further period of four years until March under the following terms of reference: (a) to determine oral treatment needs of handicapped groups and the elderly, and to develop standard methodologies for planning preventive and treatment services for these groups (b) to measure the effectiveness and costeffectiveness of a sodium fluoride mouthwash programme and fissure sealing in the prevention of dental caries in children with varying exposure to fluorides and fluoridation (c) to establish predictors of high risk of dental caries in children with a view to improving the efficiency of preventive services (d) to provide consultant services to the oral health global programme as required (e) to monitor changes in the prevalence of enamel opacities and defects in children and young adults in fluoridated and non fluoridated areas and to continue the development of appropriate indices in this area (f) to measure the impact of oral health care systems in Europe on the oral health status of persons eligible for care under those different systems. An annual report of OHSRC activities addressing the terms of reference is supplied to WHO in January of each year. Health Services Research Fellowship - The impact of dental fluorosis on dental aesthetics and quality of life Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton. Researcher: Deirdre Browne Aims: to measure the aesthetic impact of fluorosis on adolescents and their peer group; to identify the level of fluorosis which is aesthetically objectionable; to measure the impact of fluorosis on the quality of life of Irish adolescents. Methods: Transition-year students will be recruited into the study. Clinical examination, Quantitative Laser Fluorescence, photographic recording, and Quality of Life questionnaires will be used to assess the impact of varying degrees of enamel fluorosis. Progress to date: Study commenced in October. Detailed protocol currently being developed. Project Grant - Economic modelling of services utilisation data and epidemiological data for oral health services Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton Researcher: PhD student Noel Woods. Aims: to explore the relationship between epidemiological survey data and treatment data from a third party payment system (Dental Treatment Services Scheme); to determine the validity of epidemiological data in the assessment of

8 report 23/06/ :57 Page 9 9 treatment need against that actually carried out in the DTSS; to establish a predictive demand model for each oral health treatment type; to utilise estimates of future demand by treatment type; to support and influence policy formulation and decision making for oral health services for lowincome medical cardholders; to use the demand estimates to inform a weighted capitation formula for oral health services to medical cardholders to replace the current fee per item service. Methods: The data to be used is the Health Board Medical Card Register and DTSS utilisation data from the General Medical Services (Paymnents) Board. A Probit model will determine the likelihood of using the DTSS. Individual characteristics such as age, gender, being disabled, lone parenthood, marital status, location and health board all influence the probability of a medical cardholder using the DTSS. With maximum likelihood estimates of DTSS utilisation, OLS/tobit/binary choice or percentile regressions can be used to estimate the relationship between utilisation or demand for oral health services. Progress to date: Data collection completed. Statistical analysis in progress. teenagers, in fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities. Progress to date: Field-work has been completed and saliva samples have been frozen for analysis at a later date. Projected end-date is September. Cochrane Fellowship - Frequency of examination and scaling and polishing for maintaining oral health in adults Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton / Dr. Helen Worthington of the Cochrane Oral Health Group, University of Manchester. Methods: Dr. Paul Beirne was engaged days per week for year to complete the Cochrane review (a systematic review of the literature according to the guidelines detailed by the Cochrane Oral Health Group). Progress to date: End-date of project was October. Final Report has been sent to the HRB. Projected end-date is September. Project Grant - A study of the relationship among oral hygiene habits, salivary fluoride levels and dental caries Principal Investigator: Professor Denis O Mullane Researcher: PhD student Rose Kingston. Aims: to develop a laboratory based objective method of monitoring frequency of use of fluoride toothpaste in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas; to measure the substantivity of fluoride in saliva over time among thirteen year old teenagers according to concentration of fluoride in toothpaste and amount of toothpaste used; to measure the association between salivary fluoride levels and development of dental caries. Health Services Research Fellowship Grant - The Fluoridation Debate: Social and Scientific Dynamics Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton. Researcher: Paul Beirne Aims: to identify the nature and sources of public concerns about water fluoridation in Ireland; to conduct a critical analysis of the current debate on water fluoridation in Ireland. Progress to date: The project was completed by Paul Beirne in October. Final report has been sent to HRB. Methods: Saliva sampling, questionnaire completion and clinical examination for dental caries in

9 report 23/06/ :57 Page Health Research Board funded projects (continued) Programme Grant - The Benefits and Risks of Fluoride on the Island of Ireland Principal Investigator: Professor Denis O Mullane Co-investigators: Professor Ivan Perry, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCC; Dr. Helen Whelton; Professor Frank Kee, Queen s University, Belfast. Researchers: PhD student Edel Flannery, PhD student Deirdre Browne. A programme of research consisting of studies: Study Oral Health of Children Aim: to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the oral health status of children resident in the RoI and NI; to identify the relative contribution of caries risk indicators and factors to the prevalence of dental caries in both communities. Methods: The Oral Health Services Research Centre collaborated with the DHSS in NI; in directing the first joint RoI/NI epidemiological study of the oral health of children ( ). The sample size for NI is, and for RoI it is,. As part of this programme grant, the data will be analysed to identify the relative importance of determinants of oral health in the two communities. Progress to date: Initial literature search (caries and fluoride) has been completed and will be updated as appropriate. PhD student (statistics) is now familiar with clinical dataset, and methods of extraction of relevant data. Clinical data has been cleaned. Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland questionnaire data has been cleaned. Questionnaire data is now ready for analysis. Caries risk indicators have been identified from questionnaire data and a list of tables has been drawn up. Multivariate analyses and logistic regression will be conducted to examine the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the oral health status of children in ROI and NI. Study Oral Health of Adults Aim: to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the oral health status of adults resident in the RoI and NI. Methods: This study will be conducted by the Oral Health Services Research Centre (OHSRC) in University College Cork in collaboration with the School of Dentistry and the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Queens University Belfast. The study will be designed to control for confounding variables such as response rate, gender and socio-economic status. The design of the studies and their analyses will account for independent variables such as period of residence in fluoridated (RoI) and non-fluoridated (RoI and NI) communities, use of fluoride toothpaste, dietary patterns, frequency of visiting the dentist, pattern of dental treatment, social class and other factors. The dependent variables or outcomes of interest will be caries and quality of life on the benefits side and fluorosis and quality of life on the risk side. A new variable, tooth colour, will also be measured to determine whether fluoride enhances the colour of the teeth. The statistical techniques to be applied will be multivariate analyses and logistic regression. Progress to date: Protocol Oral Health of Employed Adults and its impact on Quality of Life in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland has been submitted and approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Cork Teaching Hospitals. Consent form and Questionnaire also approved. Training and fieldwork to take place in. Study Quality of Life Adults Aim: to measure the impact of better oral health on the quality of life of adults on the island of Ireland. Methods: Traditionally, oral disease has been assessed using purely clinical parameters such as the DMFT index. However, commonly used clinical measures such as DMFT indicate stages in the disease process and reflect only a component of the overall impact of oral disease. Recent publications have shown that oral disorders have a much broader impact on daily living than was previously appreciated. In addition to the clinical presentation, the consequences of oral disease may include work loss, reduction in social interaction, disruption of family life and severe dietary restriction. Consequences of

10 report 23/06/ :57 Page disease can only be fully captured using subjective assessment of health status as well as clinical indicators of disease. The validated shortened version of Oral Health Impact Profile will be used to measure the impact of oral health on the quality of life of the sample of adults to be clinically examined in this study. Analysis will be by generalised linear modelling. Progress to date: Initial literature search (Quality of Life and dental caries) completed and will be updated as appropriate. Detailed protocol, consent and questionnaires approved by Ethics Committee (see under study above). Questionnaire to be distributed to adults participating in Study above. Children Aim: to measure the impact of oral health on the quality of life of children on the island of Ireland. Methods: The conceptual issues for measuring oral health outcomes in adults also apply to children. However, measures derived for use in adults are not considered appropriate for children. Child specific measures have been developed for use in assessment of asthma and recently an oral specific measure has been developed for use in children. This method will be reviewed, piloted and adapted as necessary for use amongst Irish children. Oral health related quality of life has not previously been measured on Irish children. The year old children (and their parents) participating in the National Survey of Children s Oral Health will be circulated with a questionnaire designed to assess the impact of oral health, particularly dental caries, on quality of life. This questionnaire will also include measurement of the quality of life impact of dental fluorosis (see below, Study Impact of Fluorosis on Quality of Life). The results of the all Ireland survey of oral health of children will inform the study design. Statistical analysis will be by generalised linear modelling. Progress to date: The protocol The Impact of Enamel Fluorosis and dental Caries on Quality of Life in Year-Old Children in Ireland has been approved by the Ethics Committee. Questionnaire has been distributed to children examined using QLF (see under study below). The questionnaire is to be distributed to children examined in the National Survey. Study Multivariate Data Analysis of all Ireland Survey of Children s Oral Health Aim: to measure and compare the levels and determinants of dental fluorosis in NI and the RoI. Methods: Enamel fluorosis has been measured amongst the, and year olds included in the all Ireland children s oral health survey. The methods used to measure fluorosis included the photographic method developed by the OHSRC in collaboration with six EU partners as part of a Biomed project. In the proposed programme levels of dental fluorosis will be recorded from these standardised photographs of incisor teeth of -year-old children taken by trained and calibrated examiners according to a standardised protocol in NI and ROI. For -, - and -year-olds, enamel defects and fluorosis have also being recorded using Deans index and the Developmental Defects of Enamel Index. Using these data and questionnaire data from the same study, cross border comparisons will be drawn on; levels of enamel opacities, levels of dental fluorosis, toothpaste usage patterns, early feeding habits and aesthetic impact of fluorosis (both positive and negative) from the perspective of parents, adolescents and dentists. Multivariate analytical techniques will be used to investigate the determinants of fluorosis in the two communities. Progress to date: Initial literature search (fluorosis and fluoride) has been completed and will be updated as appropriate. Preparation for conducting multivariate analyses and logistic regression is underway. Study Objective Measurement of Fluorosis Aim: to develop an objective measure of tooth colour and dental fluorosis, to relate quality of life measurement to this objective measurement and to relate subjective opinions of dental fluorosis to objective measurements. This will address the lack of objective methods of measuring dental fluorosis. Specifically, a facet of fluorosis, which has never been incorporated in indices of fluorosis, is that of contrast. Opacities, which contrast starkly with the surrounding enamel, create a greater visual impact than those of equal extent (same % of tooth surface affected) but with less contrast. This feature is not adequately incorporated in any of the indices of enamel defects or fluorosis.

11 report 23/06/ :57 Page Health Research Board funded projects (continued) Methods: It is proposed to address this gap in research methodology by adapting Quantitative Laser Fluorescence technology to the measurement of tooth colour and dental fluorosis. Tooth colour will also be measured using Vita shade guides. A convenience sample of up to children resident in Cork city will be examined. Progress to date: Quantitative Laser Fluorescence (QLF) equipment has been purchased under an equipment grant from the HRB. A training and calibration study Enamel Fluorosis in year-old children: An Examiner Training and Calibration study using Quantitative Laser Fluorescence and the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index, and an Exploration of the Aesthetic Impact of Enamel Fluorosis, was conducted in February. The trainer was Dr. Roger Ellwood from the University of Manchester, a recognised expert in the use of QLF and the TF index. A collaborative relationship with the research team working under the direction of Dr. Roger Ellwood has been established. Both teams have benefited from sharing their expertise and cooperating in tackling issues as they arise. The protocol Enamel Fluorosis in year-old children: an objective measure using Quantitative Laser Fluorescence and the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index, an exploration of the aesthetic impact of enamel fluorosis and its impact on Quality of Life has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Cork Teaching Hospitals. Consent form and questionnaires to year-old children and to their parents also approved. To date, fifty children have been examined using QLF, the TF index and the photographic method. The data collected is being analysed by the University of Manchester to determine if there is any correlation between QLF data and the various grades of the TF index. Following initial analyses, a decision will be taken as to whether further data needs to be collected. questionnaire designed to assess the impact of mild fluorosis in the wider context of quality of life. Statistical analysis will be by generalised linear modelling. Progress to date: Initial literature search completed (Quality of Life and enamel fluorosis), will be updated as appropriate. The protocol The Impact of Enamel Fluorosis and dental Caries on Quality of Life in Year-Old Children in Ireland has been approved by the Ethics Committee. Questionnaire has been distributed to children examined using QLF (see under study above). To be distributed to children examined in the National Survey. Project Grant - Prevalence and distribution of dental caries among young adults Principal Investigator: Mr. Tim Holland. Researcher: PhD student Evelyn Crowley. Aim: to measure caries increments prospectively over a two-year period in adults aged years at the start of the study for whom caries data at age are available. The data will be used to formulate appropriate preventive strategies for young adults and to identify markers of caries risk amongst this age group. Methods: Consenting subjects will be examined over a two-year period for dental caries using WHO standardised visual methods and Fibreoptic Transillumination. Subjects will also complete a questionnaire pertaining to their oral health knowledge and practices and their utilisation of dental services. Progress to date: Year field-work has been completed. Projected end-date is January. Study Impact of Fluorosis on Quality of Life Aim: to measure the impact of fluorosis on the quality of life of children. Methods: The year old children (and their parents) who participated in the all-ireland survey of children s oral health will be circulated with a

12 report 23/06/ :57 Page Health Services Research Fellowship - Development of methods for measuring outcome of treatment provided within a third party funded dental service Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton. Researcher: PhD student Michael Cronin Aims: to measure the -year outcome of various treatments provided for cohorts of patients in the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) for Medical Card holders; to determine whether demographic factors influence choice of treatment and their -year outcomes; to facilitate evidence based development of the DTSS. Methods: sophisticated statistical analyses of the DTSS data, including Survival analysis, Logistic regression and Cluster analysis. Progress to date: Currently analysing the historical data. Projected end-date is March. Epidemiological contracts for Department Of Health In, the Eastern Health Board, on behalf of the Department of Health, published a Request for Proposal (Consultancy) in Epidemiology, Oral Health Services Research and Specified Consultancy Services for the Dental Services in the Eight Health Boards. The Oral Health Services Research Centre submitted tenders for of the Lots. Over the period July to June the OHSRC has been successful in securing consultancy services under the following Lots: Lot 1 Epidemiology Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton The OHSRC is the co-ordinator of the second National Survey of Oral Health of Irish Adults and the second National Survey of Oral Health of Irish Children, including Special Needs groups such as the elderly, the disabled, travellers, the homeless and long-stay psychiatric patients. Responsibilities of the OHSRC include training of dentists and dental nurses from all health boards in survey methods; provision of support during field-work; data management, data cleaning and data entry; statistical analysis of data and provision of reports. Field work on both surveys is now complete. The report of the preliminary results of the National Children s Survey was launched in June th by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr. Micheál Martín. Data analysis and report writing for the National Adult Survey and the various Special Needs groups is ongoing. Lot 2 Oral Health Services Research - Fluorides Principal Investigator: Professor Denis O Mullane Aim: to investigate the current use of fluorides in the promotion of health and in particular of oral health in the Republic of Ireland and to make recommendations of their use in the future. Methods: The project was divided into three main tasks: The first task was to establish the extent to which fluoride programmes including fluoride mouthrinsing, toothpastes, tablets, gels, varnishes and combinations of these were in place in Ireland. In addition, the quality control measures currently in place for each programme were assessed. The main project undertaken under this first task was to conduct a detailed situation analysis. It should be noted that the engineering and other aspects of fluoridation plants in Ireland were the subject of another contract awarded to University Dental School and Hospital, Trinity College, Dublin. The second task was concerned with the various matters relating to the intake of fluoride amongst the Irish population. It was designed to develop internationally accepted methods for measuring intake of fluoride from various sources. Specifically in this task, measurement issues relating to fluoride intake, fluoride absorption, fluoride excretion

13 report 23/06/ :57 Page and fluoride accumulation in body tissues were considered. In the conduct of this second task the OHSRC collaborated with a number of internationally recognized fluoride research expert laboratories. The final task was to prepare proposals for development of methods for the measurement of fluoride accumulation in bone in the Irish population. Progress to date: Final report has been sent to the Department of Health & Children, to be published in. Lot 3 Oral Health Services Research Fissure sealing, targeted approach to service delivery Principal Investigator: Professor Denis O Mullane Aim: to evaluate the fissure sealing programme currently targeted at Irish school-children in specific age-groups. Methods: The project is being conducted in collaboration with Health Board staff in Ireland. The outcome will be the development of agreed Critical Success Factors and Key Performance Indicators for fissue sealing programmes targeted at high-risk caries groups. These will be developed following a detailed systematic review of fissure sealing programmes worldwide and take account of the disease patterns in the Irish population. Progress to date: This project is now well advanced. Final report will be issued in. Lot 4 Oral Health Services Research Oral Health Promotion / Education Aim: to develop and co-ordinate the implementation of programmes to evaluate and promote the quality of oral health promotion with an emphasis on health education initiatives and materials. Methods: This study was completed by the Centre for Health Promotion Studies, National University of Ireland, Galway. The Centre reported directly to the Department of Health and Children in July. Lot 9 Dental Treatment Services Scheme Service Utilisation and treatment need Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton. Aim: To assess service utilisation patterns of the general population and special needs groups under the DTSS; to assess the patterns of dental care provided under the DTSS in comparison with the patterns of treatment need in the general population and special needs groups at local, regional and national level, as established through the epidemiological initiatives described in Lot. Methods: Part A, Assessment of DTSS Utilisation Patterns, was divided into the following phases: information gathering and consultation; database design and system programming; data analysis, reporting, dissemination of information. Part B, Relationship between treatment need and treatment conducted in the DTSS, was divided into the following phases: consultation; review; development of methodology; data analysis; consultation and interpretation. Progress to date: Data collection is complete. Statistical analysis is in progress. Lot 10 Provision of a Consultancy Service on an agreed basis. Fluoride Intakes in Infants Prinicpal Investigators: Dr. Helen Whelton; Dr. Mairead Kiely, Department of Food Science, Food Technology and Nutrition, UCC. Co-investigators: Professor Denis O Mullane; Professor Albert Flynn, Department of Food Science, Food Technology and Nutrition, UCC. This project is jointly funded by Department Of Health & Children and Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Aim: to investigate formula feeding practices in infants aged - weeks in order to provide a basis for estimating fluoride intake from tap water.

14 report 23/06/ :57 Page Methods: Eighty infants aged - weeks who are fed on infant formula (and not currently breastfed), will be selected randomly from the child health registers of public health nurses (PHN) in Cork city and environs. Equal numbers of medical card holders and non-medical card holders will be recruited, to give an even socio-demographic spread to the sample. Parents will be provided with a food diary to record consumption of formula at each feed, consumption of other fluids, and consumption of solid foods over a period of days. Samples of infant formula will be collected and analysed for fluoride concentration. Compliance of parent(s) with manufacturer's instructions for reconstitution of the formula will be evaluated by analysing the formula samples for moisture content. Progress to date: Field and laboratory work is underway, with over % of the target of infants recruited to date.. Fluorosis in -year-olds Principal Investigator: Professor Denis O Mullane Clinical Examiner: Dr. Mairead Harding, Southern Health Board. Aim: to ascertain the infant feeding patterns of a sample of year old children and to link these patterns with the prevalence of fluorosis and dental caries. Methods: Enamel opacities and dental caries was measured in a sample of -year-old children in Cork city and county. The parents of these children completed an Oral Hygiene and Infant Feeding Practices Questionnaire and supplied details regarding the length of residence of the child in fluoridated / non-fluoridated areas and on the use of fluoride supplements. Statistical analyses were performed to ascertain if there are any links between infant feeding patterns and the prevalence of fluorosis and caries. Progress to date: The study has been completed. Results will be published in. EU funded research projects Dental Unit Water Systems project Principal Investigator: Professor Denis O Mullane. In co-operation with Dr. Frank Burke of the Department of Restorative Dentistry, Professor G. FitzGerald of the Department of Microbiology. Fieldwork by Dr. Marguerite O Sullivan BDS of the Southern Health Board. Field and laboratory work has been completed on a project entitled Microbial risk assessment of dental unit water systems in general dental practice, funded under the EU th Framework programme. This project involved partners in EU countries. The Co-ordinating partner was the Centre for Applied Microbiological Research (CAMR) in the UK. Also participating were teams from: University of Aarhus, Denmark University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Technological Educational Institute, Athens, Greece University of Jena, Germany University of Barcelona, Spain Plus a commercial company Schülke & Mayr, Germany This has been the largest study devised to assess the quantity and range of bacterial contamination in DUWS. The overall objective of the project was to provide evidence-based, practical guidelines for dental pactitioners for the routine control of microbial contamination in dental unit water systems (DUWS). Specific objectives were: To determine the quantitative and qualitative nature of microbial contamination in DUWS in general dental practices. To determine the current patterns of use of disinfection strategies for DUWS in general dental practices, and the attitudes of dental practitioners to DUWS contamination and control.

15 report 23/06/ :58 Page To design and develop an appropriate, reproducible, in vitro model system for the systematic evaluation of current and novel strategies for control of DUWS microbial contamination. To evaluate the most promising control strategies in situ in DUWS in general dental practices. To develop and disseminate comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for control of microbial contamination in DUWS in dental practices across Europe The study commenced in March and the final report was presented to the EU in October. Preparation for the drawing up of EU Guidelines is ongoing. Clinical trials for industry Shannon study A randomised controlled clinical trial on tooth stain involving randomised subjects. Clinical phase has been completed. Data entry and query resolution in progress. Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton Clinical Examiner: Dr. Rose Kingston The Oral Health Services Research Centre conducts clinical trials of oral health products for the oral health care industry. The trials are conducted according to EU Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Specific details of individual clinical trials may have commercial sensitivity and are therefore treated as confidential. Code names are allocated to avoid disclosing the identities of sponsors of the research. Venice study A randomised controlled clinical trial on tooth stain involving randomised subjects was completed in April. Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton Clinical Examiner: Dr. Rose Kingston Florence study A randomised controlled clinical trial on plaque acids involving randomised subjects was completed in February. Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton Clinical Examiner: Dr. Rose Kingston Laboratory Personnel: Dr. David Cocker, Department of Chemistry, UCC; Ms. Eileen MacSweeney

16 report 23/06/ :58 Page Lough Conn study A research project involving clinical examinations and focus group discussions on cervical dentinal sensitivity involving subjects was completed in August. A draft report has been presented to the sponsor for review. Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton Clinical Examiner: Dr. Rose Kingston Focus Group Facilitator: Ms. Eileen Hogan, Department of Applied Social Studies, UCC Lee study A randomised controlled clinical trial on tooth staining involving randomised subjects was completed in March. Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Whelton Clinical Examiner: Dr. Rose Kingston Lough Ine study A randomised controlled clinical trial on gingivitis and plaque involving randomised subjects was completed in. Principal Investigator: Professor Denis O Mullane Clinical Examiners: Dr. Suru Mankodi; Dr. Rose Kingston Other Funded Research Dental Recall Guidelines Funded by the National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care, Institute for Clinical Excellence (NCC- AC), Royal College of Surgeons of England. Dr. Paul Beirne was engaged days per week as the Research Fellow for Dental Recall Guidelines to complete a systematic review of the literature. The review is now complete and is published on the NCC-AC website at Collaborative Development of Standard Fluoride Analytical Methods Funded by the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Eileen MacSweeney is working on a project entitled Collaborative Development of Standard Fluoride Analytical Methods. Eight established analytical laboratories with experience of fluoride analysis are participating, including laboratories in the USA, Brazil, England and Thailand. The aim is to develop standard, global methods for analysing fluoride in various materials. Methods: A common series of biological and environmental samples were independently analysed by each laboratory using its usual methodology. The results were collated, a plan developed to resolve any differences in results and to identify preferred analytical procedures. Another series of common samples are currently being analysed by all laboratories using the preferred methods. A consensus will be reached on detailed protocols that will identify and describe gold standard techniques for fluoride analysis of specific types of samples. A Controlled Trial of an Oral Health Promotion Programme for 8-9- year- old Children to Promote the Use of Fluoride Toothpaste Funded by the Department of Health Promotion, Department of Health & Children, Dublin, and by the Research and Development Office, Directorate of the Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Agency, Belfast. Co-ordinating Agency: Dental Health Foundation, Dublin.

17 report 23/06/ :58 Page Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Helen Whelton; Professor Ruth Freeman, Queen s University, Belfast Clinical Researcher: Dr. Rose Kingston Laboratory technician: Ms. Eileen MacSweeney The main objectives are: ) To evaluate the effectiveness of school-based oral health promotion programmes designed to encourage the use of fluoride toothpaste in children in primary education residing and attending schools in areas of social deprivation in Dublin and Belfast. Salivary fluoride levels will be used as an objective indicator of the regularity of use of fluoride toothpaste. Salivary fluoride levels will be determined from saliva samples collected from the children. A subsidiary of the first objective of this study will be to determine whether the equilibrium baseline salivary fluoride concentration measured at hours separates the regular from the irregular brushers, in the same way that this measurement taken at hours does. In addition reported toothpaste use, as measured using a questionnaire will be recorded. ) To measure the impact of both programmes on dental health knowledge, self esteem, and oral health-related quality of life. ) To assess the impact of both programmes on oral health-related attitudes and behaviours Methods: The study is being conducted in Dublin schools in the Republic of Ireland and in Belfast schools in Northern Ireland. A convenience sample of over one hundred children in their th year in primary school (aged around years), have been recruited in schools in areas of socio-economic deprivation in each jurisdiction. The children are those participating in the school-based programmes designed to promote the use of fluoride toothpaste. The children completed a questionnaire at Baseline (time ) and months, and provided saliva samples at Baseline, months and months. Attitudes and behaviour of the Oral Health Promoters / Dental Health Educators, the children and parents with respect to dental health education intervention programme and tooth brushing will be assessed using qualitative methodologies. Saliva samples are being analysed for fluoride content. Post-Graduate Qualifications Awarded PhDs Doctoral student Paul Beirne (jointly supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton and Dr. Orla O Donovan, Dept of Social Studies, UCC) was conferred in December. Thesis entitled: Fluoridation and the Politics of Risk. Masters MDPH student Mary Coleman (supervised by Professor Denis O Mullane) was conferred in. Dissertation entitled: An Investigation into the Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis and Oral Hygiene Practices among, and year old adolescents in the Mid-Western Health Board Region. MDPH student Michael Donaldson (supervised by Professor Denis O Mullane) was conferred in. Dissertation entitled: An Outcome Evaluation of a Campaign to Encourage Dental Registration among Primary One Children in Northern Ireland. MSc student Cait FitzGerald (jointly supervised by Professor Denis O Mullane and Professor Kevin Cashman, Dept of Nutrition, UCC) was conferred in December. Thesis entitled: Dietary Fluoride Intake by Infants and Young Children: With Particular Emphasis on Development of Protocols and Methodologies.

18 report 23/06/ :58 Page MDPH student Susan Gleeson (supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton) was conferred in. Dissertation entitled: The relationship of dental fluorosis to dental caries levels in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Publications MDPH student Ruth Grey (supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton) was conferred in. Dissertation entitled: Survey of Oral Health Status of Methadone Clients in ERHA. MSc student Mary Niamh Harney (jointly supervised by Professor Denis O Mullane and Dr. Niall McGuinness, Western Health Board) was conferred in December. Thesis entitled: Predictors of Outcome among Patients with Class Malocclusion treated with Fixed Appliances. MDPH student Isam Mohamed Ahmed Idris (supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton) was conferred in. Dissertation entitled: Oral Health Survey in Khartoum, Sudan MDPH student Anne McKeon (supervised by Professor Martin Kinirons, Dept of Oral Health and Development, UCC) was conferred in. Dissertation entitled: A review of dental trauma in Ireland based on the North South Survey of Children s oral health. MDPH student David O Connor (jointly supervised by Professor Denis O Mullane and Mr. Noel Woods, Dept of Economics, UCC) was conferred in. Dissertation entitled: An economic evaluation of the use of dental hygienists in the fissure sealant programmes of the Mid-Western Health Board public dental service: a pilot study. MDPH student Michael Thornton (supervised by Dr. Helen Whelton) was conferred in. Dissertation entitled: Evaluation of an area based deprivation index as an indicator of need for dental services. Book Chapters Whelton H. Dental Disease - Fluoride in the Prevention of Dental Caries. Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition, rd Edition Eds Caballero B., Trugo L., Finglas P., ISBN X Academic Press. Published April Whelton H. Introduction: The Anatomy and Physiology of Salivary Glands. Saliva and Oral Health, rd Edition Eds Edgar M., Dawes C., O Mullane D. British Dental Association, Published. Papers Árnadóttir IB, Ketley CE, van Loveren C, Seppä L, Cochran JA, Polido M, Athanossouli T, Holbrook WP, O Mullane DM. A European perspective on fluoride use in seven countries. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - Beirne P, Forgie A, Clarkson JE, Worthington HV. Recall intervals for oral health in primary care patients (Protocol for a Cochrane Review). The Cochrane Library, Issue,. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Cochran JA, Ketley CE, Sanches L, Mamai-Homata E, Oila A-M, Árnadóttir IB, van Loveren C, Whelton HP, O Mullane DM. A standardised photographic method for evaluating enamel opacities including fluorosis. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : -

19 report 23/06/ :58 Page Cochran JA, Ketley CE, Árnadóttir IB, Fernandes B, Koletsi-Kounari H, Oila A-M, van Loveren C, Whelton HP, O Mullane DM. A comparison of the prevalence of fluorosis in -year-old children from seven European study sites using a standardised methodology. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - Cochran JA, Ketley CE, Duckworth RM, van Loveren C, Holbrook WP, Seppä L, Sanches L, Polychronopoulou A, O Mullane DM. Development of a standardized method for comparing fluoride ingested from toothpaste by. -. -year-old children in seven European countries. Part : Field work. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - Cochran JA, Ketley CE, Duckworth RM, van Loveren C, Holbrook WP, Seppä L, Sanches L, Polychronopoulou A, O Mullane DM. Development of a standardized method for comparing fluoride ingested from toothpaste by. -. -year-old children in seven European countries. Part : Ingestion results. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - Crowley E, O'Brien G, Marcenes W. School league tables: a new population based predictor of dental restorative treatment need. Community Dental Health. Jun; ( ): - Harding MA, Whelton H, O'Mullane DM, Cronin M. Dental erosion in -year old Irish children and associated factors: a pilot study. Community Dental Health. Sep; ( ): - Ketley CE, Cochran JA, Holbrook WP, Sanches L, van Loveren C, Oila A-M, O Mullane DM. Urinary fluoride excretion by preschool children in six European countries. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - Khan AA, Whelton H, O Mullane D. A map of natural fluoride in drinking water in Pakistan. Int Dent J. Aug; ( ): - Khan AA, Whelton H, O Mullane D. Determining the optimal concentration of fluoride in drinking water in Pakistan. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Jun; ( ): - Khan AA, Whelton H, O Mullane D. Is the fluoride level in drinking water a gold standard for the control of dental caries? Int Dent. J. Oct; ( ): - McDonnell ST, O Mullane D, Cronin M, MacCormac C, Kirk J. Relevant factors when considering fingernail clippings as a fluoride biomarker. Community Dental Health Mar; ( ): - O Mullane DM, Cochran JA, Whelton HP. Fluoride ingestion from toothpaste: background to European Union-funded multicentre project. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - O Mullane DM, Ketley CE, Cochran JA, Whelton HP, Holbrook WP, van Loveren C, Fernandes B, Seppä L, Athanossouli T. Fluoride ingestion from toothpaste: conclusions of European Union-funded multicentre project. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - Sigurjóns H, Cochran JA, Ketley CE, Holbrook WP, Lennon MA, O Mullane DM. Parental perception of fluorosis among -year-old children living in three communities in Iceland, Ireland and England. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - van Loveren C, Ketley CE, Cochran JA, Duckworth RM, O Mullane DM. Fluoride ingestion from toothpaste: fluoride recovered from the toothbrush, the expectorate and the after-brush rinses. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - Whelton H. Overview of the Impact of Changing Global Patterns of Dental Caries Experience on Caries Clinical Trials. J. Dent. Research. ; Spec No C:C - Whelton H, Crowley E, O'Mullane D, Donaldson M, Kelleher V, Cronin M. Dental Caries and Enamel Fluorosis among the fluoridated and non fluoridated populations in the Republic of Ireland in. Community Dental Health Mar; ( ): - Whelton HP, Ketley CE, McSweeney F, O Mullane DM. A review of fluorosis in the European Union: prevalence, risk factors and aesthetic issues. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. Apr; Suppl : - Abstracts Cronin M, Whelton H, O Mullane DM.. The effects of age and gender on service utilisation and

20 report 23/06/ :58 Page treatment type in a government funded dental treatment scheme. Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss A): Abstract. Reports Cronin M, Whelton H, O Mullane DM.. Factors affecting the one-year re-treatment rate of dental restorations provided in a government-funded treatment scheme. Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss B): Abstract. Crowley E, Whelton H, O Mullane DM, Gavin G, Cronin M, Kelleher V. ( a). The Prevalence of Enamel Fluorosis among Children in the Republic of Ireland. Caries Research ( ): Abstract. Crowley E, Whelton H, O Mullane DM, Gavin G, Cronin M, Kelleher V. ( b). The Prevalence of Traumatic Injuries to Permanent Incisors of Children and Adolescents in the Republic of Ireland. Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss B): Abstract. Whelton H, Beirne PV, O Mullane DM, Cronin M. ( a). Subject Awareness of Fluorosis According to Dena s Index Score. Retrieved from the International Association of Dental Research website: SanAnton/ techprogram/abstract_.htm Whelton H, Crowley E, Donaldson M, O Mullane DM, Gavin G, Wilson D, Kelleher V, Cronin M. ( b). Caries Levels among Children and Adolescents in the Non-Fluoridated North of Ireland and Fluoridated Areas in the Republic of Ireland. Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss B): Abstract. WheltonH, Crowley E, Kingston R, O Mullane DM, Cronin M, Delleher V, Gavin G. ( c). Presence of Fissure Sealants and Level of Unmet Treatment Need According to Deprivation Status Among Children and Adolescents in Ireland Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss B): Abstract. Whelton H, Crowley E, O Mullane DM, Gavin G, Cronin M, Kelleher V. ( e). Caries Levels among Children and Adolescents in the Republic of Ireland in. Caries Research ( ): Abstract. Whelton H, Crowley E, O Mullane DM, Gavin G, Cronin M, Kelleher V. ( f). Use of Fissure Sealants among Children and Adolescents in the Republic of Ireland in. Caries Research ( ): Abstract. Whelton H, Crowley E, O'Mullane D, Cronin M, Kelleher V Children's Oral Health in Ireland Preliminary Results Department of Health & Children June National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care. Dental Recall: Recall interval between routine dental examinations. Methods, Evidence & Guidance. October. Commissioned by National Institute for Clinical Evidence. Full and short versions of the Guidelines available on the internet at In Press O'Mullane DM, Harding M, Whleton HP, Cronin MS, Warren JJ Dental Fluorosis in Primary Teeth of year-olds in Ireland. European Journal of paediatric Dentistry.

21 report 23/06/ :58 Page Gallagher C, Gallagher V, Whelton H, Cronin M. The Normal Range of Mouth Opening in an Irish Population. J Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. Crowley E, Whelton H, O Mullane D, Cronin M, Kelleher V, Flannery E. Parents preference as to whether they would like to accompany their child when receiving dental treatment - results from a national survey. Irish Dental Journal. Browne D, Whelton H, O Mullane D. Fluoride Metabolism and Fluorosis. Journal of Dentistry. Invited Lectures Dr. Helen Whelton Cork, February - Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board- Fluorides and Oral Health Lyon, France, September - European Oral Health Indicators Development Project meeting - Using Payments Databases to Evaluate the Outcome of Third Party Funded Oral Health Care Systems Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany, th September - WHO Symposium "Oral Health and Oral Health Promotion Across Europe - Presentation entitled The Impact of Oral Health on the Quality of Life. Dr. Whelton also chaired the morning session of the symposium. Professor Denis O Mullane Konstanz, Germany - As winner of the ORCA Prize - invited to give open address to the Annual ORCA Congress on my research career to date. Tralee - Irish Science Teachers Association - "Fluoride and Dental Care" Stockholm - Eastman Dental Centre - "Fluorides in Caries Prevention" Cork MDPH Course / - Various lectures and seminars Irish Expert Body on Fluorides - "Research Activities on Fluorides in the OHSRC - A Progress Report" Conferences Attended and Presentations made Woods N. Factors Influencing the Demand for The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) in Ireland. International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Annual Conference, Cork, Jan. Woods N. Factors Influencing the demand for The Dental Treatment by Medical Cardholders in Ireland. Interdisciplinary Health Services Research Group (HSRG) Seminar, Cork, Feb. Woods N. Utilisation of oral health services by medical card holders, in Ireland, in. Health Economics Association of Ireland (HEAI) Conference, Dublin April. DM O Mullane, M Harding, HP Whleton, MS Cronin, JJ Warren. Dental Fluorosis in Primary Teeth of year-olds in Ireland. Paper presentation at American Association for Dental Research conference, San Antonio, USA in March : N Woods, HP Whleton. Estimates of Demand for Oral Health Services by Low Income Adults in the Republic of Ireland. Poster presentation at nd Annual Conference of the American Association for Dental Research, San Antonio, USA in March. N Woods. Demand for Oral Health Services by GMS Recipients in the Republic of Ireland in. Oral presentation at th World Congress of the International Health Economics Association, in San Francisco, California, USA in June. Dr. Helen Whelton attended the WHO Workshop Effectiveness of Community-based Oral Health promotion and Oral Disease Prevention, Geneva, Switzerland, June. Dr. Whelton acted as rapporteur jointly with Professor Andrew Rugg-Gunn. Cronin M, Whelton H and O'Mullane DM ( ). "Factors Affecting the One-year Re-treatment Rate of Dental Restorations Provided in a Governmentfunded Treatment Scheme." Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss B): Abstract. Oral presentation at IADR Conference, Goteborg, Sweden, June.

22 report 23/06/ :58 Page Crowley E, Whelton H, O'Mullane DM, Gavin G, Cronin M and Kelleher V ( ). "The Prevalence of Traumatic Injuries to Permanent Incisors of Children and Adolescents in the Republic of Ireland." Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss B): Abstract. Poster presentation at IADR Conference, Goteborg, Sweden, June. Grey R, Whelton H ( ). Oral Health Status of Methadone Clients in Dublin, Ireland. Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss B): Abstract. Poster presentation at IADR Conference, Goteborg, Sweden, June. Whelton H, Crowley E, Donaldson M, O'Mullane DM, Gavin G, Wilson D, Kelleher V and Cronin M ( ). "Caries Levels among Children and Adolescents in the Non-Fluoridated North of Ireland and Fluoridated Areas in the Republic of Ireland." Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss B): Abstract. Poster presentation at IADR Conference, Goteborg, Sweden, June. Whelton H, Crowley E, Kingston R, O'Mullane DM, Cronin M, Kelleher V and Gavin G ( ). "Presence of Fissure Sealants and Level of Unmet Treatment Need According to Deprivation Status Among Children and Adolescents in Ireland." Journal of Dental Research (Sp Iss B): Abstract. Poster presentation at IADR Conference, Goteborg, Sweden, June. Crowley E, Whelton H, O'Mullane DM, Gavin G, Cronin M and Kelleher V ( ). "The Prevalence of Enamel Fluorosis among Children in the Republic of Ireland." Caries Research ( ): Abstract. Poster presentation at ORCA th Annual Congress, Konstanz, Germany, July. Whelton H, Crowley E, O'Mullane DM, Gavin G, Cronin M and Kelleher V ( ). "Caries Levels among Children and Adolescents in the Republic of Ireland in." Caries Research ( ): Abstract. Poster presentation at ORCA th Annual Congress, Konstanz, Germany, July. Whelton H, Crowley E, O'Mullane DM, Kingston R, Gavin G, Cronin M and Kelleher V ( ). "Use of Fissure Sealants among Children and Adolescents in the Republic of Ireland in." Caries Research ( ): Abstract. Poster presentation at ORCA th Annual Congress, Konstanz, Germany, July. Professor Denis O Mullane attended the WHO Workshop Nutrient Minerals in Drinking Water and Potential Consequences of Long Term Consumption of Desalinated and other Low Mineral Content Waters in Rome, Italy, November. Professor O Mullane and Dr. Michael Lennon presented a paper prepared by Drs. Lennon and Whelton entitled Nutrient Minerals in Drinking Water and Potential Consequences of Long Term Consumption of Desalinated and other Low Mineral Content Waters: Fluoride. Whelton H, Crowley E, Donaldson M, Gavin G, Wilson D, Kelleher V, Cronin M, Flannery E. Comparing Dental Service Utilisation and Children s Oral Health in Ireland. Oral presentation at International Association for Dental Research - Irish Division Annual Scientific Meeting, Belfast, Ireland, January. Whelton H, Crowley E, Donaldson M, O Mullane D, Gavin G, Wilson D, Kelleher V, Cronin M, Flannery E. Age at which Irish Children commence toothbrushing. Oral Presentation at International Association for Dental Research - Irish Division Annual Scientific Meeting, Belfast, Ireland, January. Forde A, Tobin M, O Reilly P, Fitzgerald G, O Sullivan M, O Mullane D, Burke F. Microbial Contamination of Dental Unit Water Systems. Poster Presentation at International Association for Dental Research - Irish Division Annual Scientific Meeting, Belfast, Ireland, January. Cronin M, O Sullivan F, Whelton H. A Development of the Cox Proportional Hazards Model for the Analysis of Factors Associated with Tooth Re-treatment. Presentation at Conference on Applied Statistics in Ireland, Galway, May Kingston R, Whelton H, O Mullane D, Cronin M. Appropriateness of Selection of School Years for Application of Fissure Sealants in Ireland. Presentation at Health Services Research Group conference, Cork, September. Browne D, Whelton H, Crowley E, O Mullane D, Cronin M, Kelleher V, Flannery E. Changes in Dental Fluorosis in Ireland between and. Poster presentation at Health Services Research Group Conference Evidence Based Health Policy held in UCC, September th.

23 report 23/06/ :58 Page Flannery E, Whelton H, O'Mullane D, Crowley E, Cronin M, Kelleher V. Tooth brushing habits of year-old children in the Republic of Ireland. Oral presentation at Health Services Research Group Conference Evidence Based Health Policy held in UCC, September th. Prizes Awarded Other activities Dr. Helen Whelton: Board Memberships Governing Body of UCC - present Womens Health Council - present Medical Faculty Board ongoing National Obesity Taskforce - Professional Societies Member of International Association for Dental Research (IADR). Secretary/Treasurer of International Cariology Group. Past Council member of International Council, past President of Irish Division. Member, past board Member and past Co-President of the European Organisation for Caries Research (ORCA). Member and past President of Irish Society of Dentistry for Children. Ministerial Nominee on Health Research Board -. Member of Irish Dental Association. Member of European Association of Public Health Dentistry Consultant and temporary expert to World Health Organisation IADR Distinguished Service Award Professor Denis O Mullane was awarded the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Distinguished Service Award at the IADR Göteburg meeting in June. IADR /Lion Dental Research Award Michael Cronin was awarded the IADR/Lion Dental Research Award at the IADR Göteburg meeting in June. ORCA-Zsolnay Prize Professor Denis O Mullane was awarded the Organisation for Caries Research ORCA-Zsolnay Prize in. Reviewer Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology (Editorial Board Member - Journal) British Dental Journal Journal of Dental Research Paediatric Dentistry Community Dental Health (Journal) Caries Research (Journal) Journal of the Irish Dental Association (Scientific Advisor) Dental and Oral Hygiene Group IADR (Abstracts) Journal of Maramara School of Dentistry, Istanbul. Performance Management and Development Review System Pilot - Dr. Helen Whelton and the administrative / secretarial staff of the Oral Health Services Research Centre participated in the piloting of the Performance Management and Development Review System in collaboration with the Department of Human Resources, UCC. Several other UCC Departments participated in the Pilot, the