Conference Contribution Details
Mandatory Fields
Crowley, T., Browne, D., Whelton, H., Flannery, E., Di Blasi, Z., Porteous, M., & O'Mollane, D.;
36th Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference 2006
The Impact of Tooth Enamel Defects (Fluorosis) on Irish Children's Quality of Life: A New Measure
Galway, Ireland
Conference Organising Committee Chairperson
2006
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Optional Fields
09-NOV-06
12-NOV-06

Water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste use reduce dental decay. Excessive ingestion of fluoride may result in Enamel Fluorosis (EF; tooth enamel defects). The prevalence of EF is increasing; in 2002, 29% of Irish 12-year-olds had EF. This study aims to develop a measure of the impact of EF on the Quality of Life (QoL) of Irish children. Using content analysis data from focus groups, an existing child QoL measure was modified. The questionnaire is undergoing validation using a convenience sample of 240 12-year-olds from Cork; to date, 195 children (mean age: 12.42 years; 52% female; 32.8% with EF) have participated. Reliability and validity statistics, as well as the new measure¿s ability to discriminate between different fluorosis levels, will be calculated when data collection is complete.