Table 1.

Published research findings from the Caribbean region.

Publication year	Country	Research hypothesis	Research conclusion	Area of research	Type of publication	References
(2014)	Puerto Rico	Epidemiology of hypodontia in 10–14 years	The prevalence of hypodontia in Puerto Rico was 6.02%.	Epidemiology – Oral Disease	Original research	(64)
(2015)	Puerto Rico	Efficacy of CPC and essential oils mouthwashes compared to a negative control mouthwash in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis	CPC mouthwash showed a reduction of gingival index scores and gingival interproximal index scores. However, these reductions were not considered clinically significant.	Preventive dentistry - Periodontology	Original research	(65)
(2018)	Puerto Rico	To investigate frequency, severity, and risk factors associated with gingival inflammation in adult populations from Kingston (Jamaica), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), and San Juan (Puerto Rico).	Gingival inflammation was highly prevalent, but most study subjects presented a moderate level of gingival inflammation.	Periodontology	Original research	(27)
(2013)	Puerto Rico	Estimation of Dento-Gingival Complex dimension variation based on gingival biotype.	Dentogingival complex dimensions are different for thin, mixed, and thick gingival biotypes.	Periodontology	Original research	(66)
(2015)	Puerto Rico	Evaluate the clinical efficacy of two commercially available, fluoride-free, alcohol-free mouthwashes containing either 0.075% or 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in controlling established dental plaque and gingivitis compared to a non-antibacterial control mouthwash.	Participants rinsing mouth rinse containing Cetylpyridiium chloride exhibited statistically significant reductions in all the gingivitis and plaque parameters. Whereas, in those using the non-antibacterial mouthwash, significant reductions were only observed in whole mouth and interproximal plaque scores.	Preventive dentistry - Periodontology	Original research	(67)
(2013)	Puerto Rico	Evaluate the efficacy of 0.8% arginine, potassium nitrate, and sodium fluoride mouthwashes on dentine hypersensitivity reduction.	Mouthwash containing arginine provides a significant and superior reduction in dentine hypersensitivity compared to potassium nitrate	Preventive dentistry - Restorative dentistry	Original research	(68)
(2013)	Puerto Rico	Evaluate the efficacy of three regimens integrating toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash in reducing dentine hypersensitivity.	Arginine regimen provided the greatest reduction in Tactile and Air-Blast dentine hypersensitivity compared to potassium. It also provides faster dentine hypersensitivity relief than the potassium regimen.	Preventive dentistry - Restorative dentistry	Original research	(69)
(2016)	Puerto Rico	To identify the types, food sources, and patterns of carbohydrates that significantly contribute to dental caries in Puerto Rican children.	Total carbohydrates, total sugars, ≥10% kilocaloric energy from total sugars, and sucrose, fructose, and inositol intake significantly increased caries risk	Preventive dentistry - Cariology	Original research	(70)
(2010)	Puerto Rico	Comparison of the efficacy of two commercially available dentifrices for the control of supragingival plaque and gingivitis.	Dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan, 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer, and 0.243% sodium fluoride provides a significant reduction in established supragingival plaque and gingivitis	Preventive dentistry- Periodontology	Original research	(71)
(2009)	Puerto Rico	Clinical investigation of the efficacy of a commercial mouth rinse containing 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride in reducing dental plaque.	Mouthrinse containing 0.05% CPC provides significantly greater efficacy for reducing dental plaque 12 h after use than does a control mouth rinse without 0.05% CPC.	Preventive dentistry- Periodontology	Original Research	(72)
(2016)	Puerto Rico	To estimate caries levels of 12-year-old school Puerto Ricans in 2011, and to compare results to data obtained in 1997 to explore any possible change in caries outcomes after a government health insurance (GHI) reform was implemented.	Dental caries prevalence was high and the health disparity persists between children enrolled in public and private schools after more than a decade of the GHI implementation.	Preventive dentistry- Cariology	Original research	(73)
(2008)	Puerto Rico	To assess the efficacy of a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan/2.0% polyvinylmethyl ether/maleic acid (PVM/MA) copolymer/0.243% sodium fluoride in a 17% dual silica base for controlling established supragingival plaque and gingivitis	The dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan/2.0% PVM/MA copolymer/0.243% sodium fluoride in a 17% dual silica base is efficacious for the control of established supragingival plaque and gingivitis.	Preventive dentistry- Periodontology	Original Research	(74)
(2002)	Puerto Rico	To compare the long-term caries increment associated with the use of two dentifrices: (1) a test dentifrice containing 0.836% sodium monofluorophosphate (1,100 ppm F) in a dicalcium phosphate dihydrate base plus 10% xylitol; and (2) a positive control dentifrice containing 0.836% sodium monofluorophosphate (1,100 ppm F) in a dicalcium phosphate dihydrate base.	For both DFS and DFT, the increments associated with the test dentifrice containing 10% xylitol were statistically significantly lower than those associated with the positive dentifrice without xylitol (P < 0.05), with the observed reductions in caries increment exceeding 10% in for both parameters.	Preventive dentistry- Cariology	Original Research	(75)
(2016)	Puerto Rico	To evaluate the association between vitamin D levels and periodontal disease in Puerto Rican adults.	Lower serum vitamin D levels are significantly associated with periodontitis in Puerto Rican adults.	Periodontal medicine	Original Research	(76)
(2006)	Puerto Rico	To estimate the prevalence of pit and fissure sealants on first permanent molars in 12 years old living in Puerto Rico and to further evaluate dental sealant prevalence by (1) urban/rural and public/private school status as well as (2) gender;	The prevalence of dental sealants in the first permanent molars of 12-year olds living in Puerto Rico during 1997 (4.3%) is lower than that reported in the United States (18.5%). Sealant prevalence was higher in males and students attending (urban) private schools.	Preventive dentistry - Cariology	Original Research	(77)
(2003)	Puerto Rico	To assess the prevalence of dental caries amongst 12-year-old Puerto Ricans.	The mean DMFS for 12 years old is higher than the mean DMFS of 4.2–4.7, reported for 12–17 years olds in the USA. Dental caries is a highly prevalent disease amongst 12-year-old in Puerto Rico.	Epdiemiology - Cariology	Original Research	(78)
(2018)	Puerto Rico	To estimate the prevalence of gingivitis and calculus among 12-year-old Puerto Ricans	Gingivitis prevalence is higher among 12-year-old Puerto Ricans compared to data reported for U.S. adolescents.	Epidemiology - Periodontology	Original Research	(79)
(2017)	Puerto Rico	To estimate the prevalence of gingivitis in 35- to 70-year-olds residing in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and assess the differences in gingivitis distribution between age and gender groups.	Gingivitis was observed in all participants. Men had significantly higher GI, compared to women. The prevalence of gingivitis was higher in Puerto Rico than in the US.	Epidemiology - Periodontology	Original Research	(80)
(2014)	Puerto Rico	Details the strategies for engaging Caribbean dental researchers		Public health	Review	(81)
(2015)	Trinidad and Tobago	to compare the effect of Motivational Interviewing, in contrast to traditional dental health education (DHE), on oral health knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors among parents and caregivers of preschool children in Trinidad.	Using a Motivational Interviewing approach when delivering oral health information had a positive effect on parent/ caregiver oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors compared to traditional Dental Health Education.	Preventive dentistry-Patient education	Original Research	(82)
(2013)	Trinidad and Tobago	To describe the prevalence and severity of early childhood caries in preschool children in a region of central Trinidad and to explore its relationship with social and behavioral factors	The prevalence and severity of ECC in central Trinidad were related to oral health behaviors and access to dental care.	Epidemiology - Cariology	Original Research	(83)
(2015)	Trinidad and Tobago	To describe the prevalence of missing teeth, use of bridges and dentures, and unmet dental needs among those aged 60 years and above.	The prevalence of missing teeth, use of bridges and dentures, and unmet dental needs were high in the SABE cities in 1999–2000.	Epidemiology – Geriatrics	Original Research	(84)
(2012)	Trinidad and Tobago	To explore and understand parents and caregivers' experience of oral healthcare for their preschool aged children and how, within their own social context, this may have shaped their oral health attitudes and behaviors	Parents and caregivers in this qualitative study showed generally positive attitudes toward oral health but appear to have encountered several barriers and challenges to achieving ideal preventive care for their child, with respect to a healthy diet, good oral hygiene, and dental attendance.	Preventive dentistry-Patient education	Original Research	(85)
(2016)	Trinidad and Tobago	The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) and their relationship with early childhood caries (ECC) among preschool children in Trinidad.	Developmental Defects of Enamel are prevalent among this group of preschool children in Trinidad and are risk factors for Early childhood caries, which emphasizes the importance of preventive oral health care in early childhood for these high-risk children.	Epidemiology – Oral disease	Original Research	(86)
(2016)	Trinidad and Tobago	To describe the relationship between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and Early Childhood Caries (ECC) among preschool children in a Caribbean population.	The study sample of preschool children OHRQoL was associated with ECC	Preventive dentistry	Original Research	(87)
(2002)	Trinidad and Tobago	To investigate sources of stress and psychological disturbance in dental students across the 5 years of undergraduate study at a dental school in Trinidad.	A psychological disturbance was significantly associated with stress levels for male students but not generally for female students.	Dental Education	Original Research	(88)
(2004)	Trinidad and Tobago	To describe levels of self-rated competency of dental graduates from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and to investigate relationships with gender and the effect of curriculum change	Female graduates rated four competencies significantly higher than males. Graduates exposed to the new curriculum perceived greater overall preparedness for a general dental practice, suggesting the change to a competency-based curriculum was effective.	Dental Education	Original Research	(89)
(2003)	Trinidad and Tobago	To determine the views of dental students concerning the acceptability of the use of sedation in the management of dentally anxious children.	Dental students' perceptions of the acceptability of interventions for use with dentally anxious patients are related to the effectiveness of the intervention. Sedation, regardless of the outcome, is seen as less acceptable than the use of rewards and relaxation.	Dental Education	Original Research	(90)
(2008)	Trinidad and Tobago	To describe parents' views on the dental health of pre-school children in Trinidad.	The generally inaccurate factual knowledge and low awareness of preventive care among parents suggest the need for accurate information about factors influencing the dental health of pre-school children.	Preventive Dentistry	Original Research	(91)
(2013)	Dominican Republic	To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a single professional application of a Pro-Relief desensitizing fluoride-free paste containing 8% arginine and calcium as compared to a fluoride-free prophylaxis paste on dentin hypersensitivity	Single professional application of Pro-Relief desensitizing fluoride-free paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate provided a greater level of instant relief of dentin hypersensitvity that differs significantly from that of a fluoride free prophy paste.	Preventive dentistry - Restorative dentistry	Original research	(92)
(2020)	Dominican Republic	To achieve consensus on the learning domains of cariology education among undergraduate dental schools in the Caribbean countries.	The consensus was obtained from 15 participating dental schools in the Caribbean region.	Restorative dentistry and dental education	Original research	(93)
(2014)	Dominican Republic	To evaluate the healing of extraction sockets after implantation of biphasic calcium sulfate (CS) alone or in combination with a gamma-radiated human mineralized allograft.	Biphasic CS used alone or in combination with an allograft resulted in the same amount of NB formation in alveolar ridge preservation procedures.	Implantology	Original research	(94)
(2013)	Dominican Republic	To evaluate the histometric characteristics of the peri-implant mucosa of human subjects that received textured implant abutments with conventional (implant and abutment with the same diameter) or platform-switched (implant diameter wider than that of the abutment) configurations	The different configurations between the groups tested, the apical extension of the junctional epithelium, an apical extension of the inflammatory cell infiltrate, and maximum occupied by inflammatory cells did not differ between groups.	Implantology	Original research	(95)
(2005)	Dominican Republic	To estimate the prevalence of periodontal attachment loss among Dominican adolescents.	Clinical attachment loss is common in adolescents in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, suggesting the necessity for improved standards of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these lesions.	Epidemiology Periodontology	Original research	(96)
(2019)	Dominican Republic	To investigate the oral health related quality of life associated with gingival parameters on the Caribbean adult population.	The study identified modifiable risk factors associated with poor oral health related quality of life among participants from the Caribbean region.	Periodontology	Original research	(56)
(2018)	Dominican Republic	To investigate the efficacy of commercial Chlorhexidine mouth rinses available from the Dominican Republic. The efficacy was investigated focusing on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8) action.	Commercial Chlorhexidine digluconate mouth rinses demonstrated inhibition of plaque in concentrations of 0.12 and 0.15%.	Periodontology	Original research	(10)
(2016)	Dominican Republic	To compare the periodonto-pathogen prevalence and tetracycline resistance genes in Dominican patients with different periodontal conditions.	Red complex bacteria and D. pneumosintes were significantly the most prevalent species among periodontitis patients. T. forsythia was the most frequently detected in this population	Periodontology	Original research	(97)
(2015)	Dominican Republic	To evaluate the effect of the platform-switching phenomenon, the use of a smaller diameter abutment on a larger diameter implant platform.	Histological findings for both conventional and platform-switched implant-abutment configurations showed a similar composition of the soft tissue	Implantology	Original research	(98)
(2019)	Jamaica	To investigate the frequency and compare HPV strains in HIV and non-HIV Jamaicans.	HPV prevalence was 8.65%. HPV 84 was the most common type in both HIV and non HIV patients.	Microbiology	Original research	(99)
(2016)	Jamaica	To investigate frequency and gender disparity of torus (palatinus and mandibularis) among UWI medical and dental students.	The frequency of torus was 27.76%. The prevalence rate is comparatively higher than neighboring countries in the Caribbean region.	Oral disease	Original research	(100)
(2020)	Jamaica	To investigate the frequency of smoking practice and gingival inflammation in three nations (Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico) from the Caribbean region.	Smoking was most prevalent among Jamaicans and least in Dominican republicans. The study findings also showed that smokers have a 4-fold increased risk for developing severe gingival inflammation; and 2-fold increased risk for developing moderate gingival inflammation.	Periodontology	Original research	(26)