title: Mini dental assessment: a simple screening test for non-dental staff.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to develop a simple tool for the assessment of possible dental treatment needs (DTN) for non-dental professionals (Mini Dental Assessment, MDA). To keep the assessment universal, we aimed to base it on the patient's history and a simple chewing efficiency test (CET) as the dental status is a known determinant for chewing efficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  The assessment was developed using data from 169 patients from two sites (University Hospital Giessen, St. Bonifatius Hospital Lingen, both Germany). In all patients, a dental examination was performed, the denture status was evaluated (based on the California Dental Association criteria; CDA criteria), and the DTN was determined. In addition, the time since the patient's last visit to a dentist (TLVD) and denture age (DA) were assessed. Furthermore, a CET was carried out and the comminution score was determined (CETS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 108 patients required dental treatment. The mean value (±SD) was 2.9 ± 0.9 score points for the DTN, 2.5 ± 3.8 years for the TLVD, and 10.8 ± 8.9 years for the DA. There was a significant correlation (Spearman, P < .05) between the DTN and degree of comminution (3.4 ± 1.8). Based on the results of the statistical analysis, the intended assessment tool was developed using the variables CETS, TLVD, and DA weighed by their respective regression coefficients (10:3:1). Subsequently, the resulting MDA score (51.32 ± 28.14) was calculated. A sensitivity/specificity analysis was conducted and a receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated (SPSS 17.0, area under curve 0.805; 95 % CI 0.738-0.873).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It can be concluded that the dental status of elderly patients is reflected in the outcome of the MDA. However, ongoing validation is needed.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  DRKS00003219.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany. Bernd.Woestmann@dentist.med.uni-giessen.de.|Poliklinik für Zahnärztliche Prothetik, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Schlangenzahl 14 D-35392, Gießen, Germany. Bernd.Woestmann@dentist.med.uni-giessen.de.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wöstmann
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seelbach
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Seelbach
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Podhorsky
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatrics, St. Bonifatius Hospital, Lingen, Germany.
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Kolb
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine III, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Bretzel
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rehmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003729:Dental Care; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005858:Germany; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
keywords: Clinical studies/trials; Decision-making; Diagnostic systems, gerontology; Geriatric dentistry