The South Texas Oral Health Network and Dr. Alexander Testa are seeking your participation in an anonymous Quick Poll about dental providers' role in utilizing trauma-informed care with patients who have had Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Key Definitions:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (ages 0-17), such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction (e.g., parental substance use or incarceration).
- Trauma-Informed Care is an approach to health care that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma (including trauma from ACEs), recognizes its signs and symptoms, and responds by integrating knowledge about ACEs and resultant trauma into practices and policies. It emphasizes creating a safe, supportive environment and avoiding re-traumatization.
Please complete the 5-question quick-poll about Adverse Childhood Experiences. Your response will help determine whether this issue merits further investigation by the STOHN PBRN. Responses are voluntary and anonymous. We will keep you posted about the results of the quick poll.
Quick-Poll Link: https://redcap.link/qoknyilm
Our Fall 2024 Interns had the opportunity to present at the 2024 Community Engagement Symposium hosted by the Institute for Integration of Medicine and Science. Held at The Neighborhood Place on December 7th, the interns were able to collaborate with fellow researchers and present current STOHN research.
Isabella Rodriguez presented "The Association Between Maxillary Frenum Attachment and Anterior Caries in Children Aged 6 months - 3 years: A South Texas Oral Health Network Pilot Study". Faith Ortiz presented "Exploring Dental Practitioners and the South Texas Community Members' Attitudes and Behaviors Towards Smokeless Tobacco Use and its Cessation Practices, A South Texas Oral Health Network Study".
Current Studies:
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Questionnaire (KAPQ) Regarding Bruxism Study:
Dr. Mungia, in partnership with Dr. Frank Lobbezoo (Bruxism expert at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam) are actively recruiting dental practitioners and dental hygienists to fill out the KAPQ survey. Our goal is to have 200 completed surveys and also understand and increase dental practitioner knowledge about contemporary bruxism viewpoints. We aim to gather an understanding of the evolving bruxism paradigm that has undergone fundamental changes in recent years. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, but the data will be worthwhile for future endeavors, including creating opportunities for subsequent studies on bruxism and how to better treat patients with bruxism.
Interested in participating? Access the KAPQ Survey here: https://redcap.link/1i35ui8z
Nomie Fairley
College: University of Texas San Antonio
Graduation Date: Spring 2025
Future Plans: After graduating with her undergraduate degree, Nomie plans to continue her education by pursuing a master's in physician assistant studies in the summer of 2026. Her gap year will include furthering her education and taking steps to enhance her resume in research and clinical skills.
Puneet Basra
College: University of Texas San Antonio
Graduation Date: Spring 2025
Future Plans: After finishing her undergraduate degree this May, Puneet plans on applying to a master's program in anesthesiology this Fall, with the goal of joining the class of 2028. During her gap year, she plans on pursuing research and developing skills necessary to excel in her future career.