Advances in Dental Research, Vol 3, 30-41, Copyright © 1989 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Advances in the epidemiological study of oral-facial diseases
B. A. Burt, J. E. Albino, J. P. Carlos, L. K. Cohen, R. Dubner, J. A. Gershen and J. C. Greene
Both demographic patterns and disease distribution are changing rapidly in
the United States. These developments have led to the recognition that the
epidemiology of many conditions is poorly understood, and that other
research has thus been hindered. Four areas of epidemiological study were
chosen for detailed analysis of how new technology will affect the conduct
of future research. These areas, selected because information about them
will be increasingly needed in an aging society, were periodontitis,
temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and other orofacial pain, salivary gland
disturbances, and health services research. The potential effect of new
technology was examined in the short, intermediate, and long term. While
the nature of epidemiological study is unlikely to change with the advent
of new technology, the scope of potential studies will become broader.
Advances in diagnostic techniques from elsewhere will permit far more
precise diagnosis than is possible at present. Computer technology will
permit an efficient system of epidemiological surveillance to provide
current data on trends in tooth loss, caries, and periodontitis--data which
will complement the results of national surveys. Analytical studies to
produce hypotheses on the etiology of oral conditions, especially in such
poorly-understood areas as chronic pain and TMD, will help direct clinical
research in those areas.
