Clinical Research Directory

Oral Health in Palliative Care: A Survey Study

Oral health problems such as xerostomia or oral infections are common in palliative care patients and can significantly impair quality of life. Adequate dental care may contribute substantially to symptom control and well-being; however, oral health and dental services are often insufficiently integrated into palliative care practice. In addition, little is known about the level of awareness, knowledge, and interprofessional collaboration regarding oral health among palliative care professionals. This prospective, non-interventional survey study aims to assess the relevance of oral health in palliative care by surveying both palliative care patients and healthcare professionals who are members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine. The study investigates patients' oral health status, oral health-related quality of life, and access to dental care, as well as professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and current practices related to oral health and dental care in palliative settings. The findings are intended to identify existing gaps and inform strategies for improved integration of dental expertise into palliative care.

The Effectiveness of the Twin Block and Carriere Motion Appliances in Post-pubertal Patients and an Evaluation of the Impact of Class II Malocclusion and Its Correction on Oral Health-related Quality of Life

The investigators of this clinical trial aim to: * Compare the effectiveness and efficiency of Clark's Twin Block Appliance (CTB) vs Carriere Motion Appliance (CMA) in correcting Class II malocclusion when used in post-pubertal older adolescents, in terms of skeletal and dental change. * Evaluate potential negative oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) impacts during the active treatment phase with either CTB or CMA in post-pubertal adolescents. * Investigate the impact of Class II malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in post-pubertal adolescents. Class II division 1 malocclusion is a dental condition where the upper teeth protrude significantly over the lower teeth. It is a common type of malocclusion observed in orthodontic practice, accounting for approximately 20-25% globally. Correcting Class II malocclusion in growing patients using functional appliances and Class II correctors is relatively predictable. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, the Clark's Twin Block (CTB) is the most commonly used functional appliance. The CTB consists of two components: one for the upper teeth and one for the lower teeth. These components are engineered to position the lower jaw forward, thereby promoting the desired dentoskeletal changes (moving the upper teeth back and lower forward). Another device used for Class II correction is the Carriere Motion Appliance (CMA). The CMA is gaining popularity as a treatment option for Class II malocclusion, inducing dental changes similar to those achieved with a CTB. However, uncertainty persists regarding the effectiveness of these appliances in older adolescents in the post-pubertal growth phase (aged approximately 14.5 years or above). Additionally, although both CTB and CMA are effective in growing patients in correcting dental and skeletal discrepancies, they may influence daily activities, comfort, and psychological aspects, which often results in poor compliance. Poor adherence to orthodontic treatment, whether with fixed or removable appliances, can lead to higher rates of treatment failure.