Bahar Boroumand Rad

Intern Mentor GT 5-6

2014-15
Proposal:
Over the years modifications have been made to improve products. However, in some cases,
those changes require a certain level of training that is overlooked. Because of an overall lack of
required training, technology can become a dissatisfactory product for dental patients.
Research Title:
Technology: help or Hindrance to Teeth
Overview:
The main focus of the project will be on investigation of the benefits and drawbacks of modern
technology used in dentistry. Although hard work is done to perfect the machines, a minimum
amount of effort goes towards the training required to use these equipment. The main focus of
this project will be on the lack of education regarding the use of machines leading to fright that
patients develop over time. This paper will include history and background, rationale,
methodology, product overview, and logics behind the research.
Background and History of Issues:
There are 32 teeth in the human mouth, each with a certain level of sensitivity needing attention.
There has always been trouble with maintaining those 32 teeth in perfect or even working
condition. In order to help ease dental hygiene, dental machines have been modified over
centuries for better dental care.
According to statistics run by University of Maryland, in the year 2047 over 80% of adults
would end with 8 root canals and 12 deteriorated teeth. This number is predicted to be due to
careless mistakes of both patients and doctors. Different machines and advancements are allowed
in public that should not be. People who lack the needed training start using those machines and
disregard their dentists. Recent research from the University of Michigan has presented that over
45% of their dental students lack the ability to use dental machines properly. These machines
were designed to bring comfort to patients and doctors; however, in the long run, they will be
more destructive than helpful.
Most of these advancements include x-ray machines, crown making machines, and various
instruments made for patients at home and they will be analyzed for the purpose of this project.

Problem Statement and Rationale:

This study will provide a summary of how dental machines have evolved over time to create
quicker and more easily handled machines. More and more inventors are providing the public
with instruments made for professional handling. Other machines are made for success, however,
regulations on those machine are not as strict as they should be. It is important for people to
understand that even though technology does save time and make teeth look their best, they are
not always the best options for the teeth. They cause future problems or bring more major risks.
In order to prevent that, this paper will serve as an attempt to raise awareness on the issue.
Research Methodology:
Research Question and Hypothesis:
How can dentists and people use these machines to help advance
dental care?
If enough effort is put into educating the public
about dental machines, then less dental problems would emerge. Through
rigorous courses and training the effectiveness of machines will also
increase.
Basis of Hypothesis:
Not everything comes naturally and the usage of dental equipment
is one of them. In order to correct mistakes a better training course needs to be put
in place to educate more dentists regarding the topic.
Research Design:
This research is causal-comparative. It focuses on how technology
benefits its users but also at the same time presents numerous issues. It could also
be classified as historical as it compares previously used machines to modern
dental equipment. Interview will be used for support. This research will include
some historic and qualitative research.
Operative Definitions:
Ease: The comfort level to decrease anxiousness.
Modern Technology/ Machines: equipment, instruments, and/or
machines developed and used to improve teeth. As stated in previous sections
they can be used in dental offices by dentists or at home by the patients.
Examples: Cavitrons, Panoramics, CBCT scans, CREC machines, gel whiteners,
mouthguards
Dental problems: gum bleeding, geographic tongues, excessive
cavities, sensitive teeth
Training courses: classes offered when machines are purchases
Product
Overview:
In order to put this information for people to use, a video will be made to present at various

dental offices or shared on the internet. The benefit of a video would be its visual effects, which
can reduce feelings of anxiety towards the machines. The equipment used in the office would be
shown with a brief background, the training needed to use the machines, and also a
demonstration of its use. This will provide the insight patients need to feel less anxious about
seeing the dentist.
Logical Considerations:
Finding reliable resources to contact regarding the training classes and dentists who use the
equipment has been difficult. Besides the three dentists who have cooperated to help (Dr. Pareja,
Dr. Ghozati, and Dr. Jarboe) over the past two years, all 20 people contacted have ignored the
request. Dentists in Dr. Parejas building are willing to help with the project. Making the video
would be difficult and the information might not seem interesting enough for people to
acknowledge. The cost is not a problem; however the whole process costs time. Most of the
gathered information will be gathered via videos uploaded by various dentists and transcribed
videos online. The audience members will include Dr. Parejas patients and other dental patients
within the area. The product will be delivered to dental offices close to Long Reach High School.