Effectiveness of Plaque Score Detection Techniques

The Effectiveness of Detecting Plaque on Tooth Surfaces Using Traditional and Artificial Intelligence Monitoring

This study investigates the similarity between microbial plaque scores when assessing the entire dentition versus select teeth. The hypothesis posits that plaque buildup on single teeth mirrors that of the entire mouth, facilitating efficient plaque data collection and generalized deductions. Additionally, the research explores the potential of Dental Monitoring© photos in accurately identifying plaque indexes, aiming to enhance plaque evaluation efficiency in dental appointments. The null hypothesis suggests no significant difference between full dentition plaque scores and selected teeth. Results may streamline plaque tracking in patient appointments and enable remote monitoring, potentially detecting plaque accumulation issues earlier.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Plaque, Dental
• Intervention / Treatment: Diagnostic test: Dental Monitoring images

Detailed Description

Following the obtainment of participant consent, data will be collected during participant's routine prophylaxis appointment or during designated clinic time open for participants to volunteer. Utilizing a scan box provided by Dental Monitoring©, a scan (series of intra-oral images) will be taken of the participant's dentition. The scan will be taken once before disclosing solution (erythrosine) is introduced to the dentition and once after.

The disclosing solution will allow for visualization of plaque. The presence of plaque on all teeth surfaces will be recorded using the O'Leary Plaque Index. No procedures (other than the intra-oral photos), interventions, evaluations or tests will be performed more frequently than they would be if the participant was not participating in the research. The only participant demographic information that will be recorded for this study is age.

Participants who opt to come in voluntarily for only data collection will not receive a prophylaxis. Their plaque information will be collected, and they will be dismissed.

Oversight procedures in place: The Scan Boxes will be utilized by the investigators to take intra-oral photographs of each patient's dentition. These will be sterilized between each participant and stored in the College of Dentistry's clinic lockers when not in use.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 50

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Amy Killeen, DDS, MS; Phone Number: 402-472-7848; Email: akilleen@unmc.edu

Study Locations

• United States
  • Nebraska
    • Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68583-0740
      • Recruiting
      • University of Nebraska Medical Center Dental College
      • Contact: James Wahl, PhD; Phone Number: 402-472-1324; Email: jwahl@unmc.edu

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Participants will be routine patients at the UNMC College of Dentistry clinics.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• 19-85 years old
• Patient at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry
• One molar, premolar or canine pe quadrant

Exclusion Criteria:

• No permanent dental devices (braces, splints)
• Less than 20 non-restored teeth present in the dentition

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Presence of Visibly Detectable Plaque	The presence of dental plaque will be determined by visual presence or absence of dental plaque at 6 sites per tooth. The presence of dental plaque is reported as a percentage of tooth surfaces with visibly detectable plaque.	Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Nebraska
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Amy Killeen, DDS, MS, University of Nebraska

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): November 20, 2024
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 15, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 15, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): July 22, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 11, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 9, 2025
• Last Verified: June 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Stomatognathic Diseases; Tooth Diseases; Dental Deposits; Dental Plaque
• Other Study ID Numbers: 0341-24-FB

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No