Definitions Assignment

For this definitions assignment, we are challenged to create a breakdown of a term that was familiar to us in order to work on our abilities to communicate and educate. By using parenthetical, sentence, and expanded definitions, the term “operculectomy will be explained to the reader.

In this assignment, I am imagining a dental hygienist explaining this term to their patient who is having pain in the gum around their wisdom tooth and are looking at options for relief.

“Operculectomy”

Parenthetical: Operculectomy (type of gum surgery) is indicated in some situations when there is gum pain. (Abate, 2020)

Sentence Definition: An operculectomy is the removal of any excess skin over a partially erupted tooth via surgery, or, used with orthodontic treatment in correcting the position of a tooth. (Abate, 2020)

Expanded definition:

Operculectomy

What is an “operculectomy”?

“Operculectomy” is a surgical procedure where there is removal of excess tissues surrounding a partially erupted tooth due to pain or infection, in most cases. This procedure can also be used to aid unerupted teeth to erupt by creating an easier path of eruption (Bonetti, 1999). This procedure is commonly used with partially erupted or impacted (unable to erupt due to it being stuck against bone or another tooth), 3^rd molars (wisdom teeth). In many cases, an operculum is formed when there is pressure or forces from the occluding (tooth on opposite jaw) teeth which result in a damaged and inflamed gum tissue. Another reason for this pain would be if the tooth is impacted and unable to erupt properly, leading to a food trap in the mouth that may become infected.

Etymology

The world “operculectomy” comes from the latin derived word “operculum” which means “cover or lid” (Harper, 2022). This is referring to the excess gum tissue covering the tooth like a cover would. The second part of the word “-ectomy”, comes from the latinized Greek -ektomia “a cutting out of,”(Harper, 2022). This part of the word refers to the surgical removal of the excess tissue.

https://images.app.goo.gl/52gdFj2Z7cLeJ

Why is it done?

An operculectomy is usually an elective procedure (not a danger if not done but may be used to reduce pain/infection). This surgery can be performed with either laser technology, or traditional surgical removal. Operculectomies are not often a permanent solution, as patients find that pain and swelling can return as tissues heal around the area again. A more permanent solution would be braces (orthodontics) to fix the affected area or removal of the tooth under operculum. An operculectomy is not the removal of the tooth itself, simply the removal of gum tissue covering the tooth. This is a common misconception amongst dental patients.

Works Cited

Abate, Andrea et al. “Efficacy of Operculectomy in the Treatment of 145 Cases with Unerupted Second Molars: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.” Dentistry journal vol. 8,3 65. 1 Jul. 2020, doi:10.3390/dj8030065

Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of operculum.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/operculum. Accessed 1 June, 2022.

Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of -ectomy.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/-ectomy. Accessed 1 June, 2022.

Bonetti G.A., Pelliccioni G.A., Checchi L. Management of bilaterally impacted mandibular second and third molars. J. Am. Dent. Assoc. 1999;130:1190–1194. doi: 10.14219/jada.archive.1999.0373.

Peer Review Definition for Izabel 

Name of the Reviewer:  Olivia Fournier

Author’s Name: Izabel Lopez

Title of the Expanded Definition: “Machine Learning”

As someone who does not know much at all about computer science, I certainly found your work to have taught me more about this field. Other than the “algorithm” that we hear so much about, machine learning is quite the foreign concept among most individuals. Reading through your work helped me to understand the concepts behind machine learning and how it came to be what we know today.

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment was very well executed. I understand not only what machine learning is, but also the origins of the term and how it is used in everyday life. I liked how this term was expanded upon in the expanded definition, but the parenthetical definition was well done too, indicating a high level of understanding of the subject.

Audience

I found this assignment to be well suited for the audience it was addressing. As someone who does not know much about computer science and artificial intelligence, this term was daunting at the beginning, however, as it was explained I became more comfortable to reading further. Very well done!

Changes

First, the picture as a reference to where we’ve seen this sort of AI before was a very smart addition to this piece. The paragraphs were structured well and in a logical manner.

Where it gets confusing is in the second paragraph of the expanded definition where the author goes more in-depth into machine learning and how it is done. The word “model” is not well described, so the reader cannot visualize what the author is referring to.

The use of examples at the end of that second paragraph does clear things up, but some further definitions would be beneficial.

Organization

The methods of expansion used are:

• How does it work?
• History
• How is it used or applied?
• What are its parts?

These expansion techniques worked well for the word being defined. It included the information that would be needed to learn and explained this term to someone else.

I would have preferred to have perhaps a visual guide for how the information is passed along or processed to become data that is used in machine learning. It is explained in the assignment, however it can be difficult to understand just with words.

Final Impressions

Very well done! I enjoyed learning about a concept I am faced with every day but did not know anything about! You know your work and passions very well.

There are a couple changes that I would suggest, such as further expanding on what a “model” is in this context, as well as perhaps providing a sort of visual for the processing of data in machine learning. All are small changes. Great work with the references, I find it very clean and neat when they are done in this way.

Izabel_WriteThreeDefinitions-

Revised Formal Report Proposal

To: Dr. Erika Paterson
From: Olivia Fournier
Date: June 20th, 2022
Subject: Proposal for Determining Effectiveness of Subsidised Dental Programs in Ontario, Canada

Introduction
In Ontario, Canada, there are 7 subsidised dental care programs for residence assistance, each with its own set of qualifiers and limitations. The dental programs are used for services done at a private dental office, such as cleanings, restorative work, denture, crowns, bridges, tooth removal, and in some cases, orthodontics. The programs look at the individual’s yearly income, health, and age to determine eligibility.

These 7 programs are:

-OSDCP: Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan

– HSO: Healthy Smiles Ontario (children under 17)

-ODSP: Ontario Disability Support Plan

– OW: Ontario Works Dental Coverage (income and employment support for temporary financial need)

– IFHP: Interim Federal Health Program (for resettled refuges)

– NIHB: Non-Insured Health Benefits (First Nations people and Inuit)

– VAC: Veteran Affairs Canada

These services are free of charge to the participant if they qualify. They cover both preventative and restorative care, as well as dentures in some cases with prior approval. The 4 main programs to be evaluated are NIHB, ODSP, HSO and OSDCP due to their popularity and the use within my practice.
Statement of Problem
These programs do cover certain procedures and preventative care; however, they have also been the cause of frustration for many patients. As mentioned previously, these programs have limitations, and sometimes the patient requires more aid than what is given. This leads to a gap in healthcare which can be stark. A dental program is not one-size-fits-all and should not be provided as such. Unfortunately, funded coverage is often provided in this way. By determining the level of success through evaluating the individual who are in these programs, we can evaluate the shortcomings of the dental care allowed.

Proposed Solution 

By creating a universal dental care plan for individuals who need help, are uninsured, are under a certain age or seniors, these funded systems could be better and more thorough for all individuals who need care. In integrating a more community-based system that is more widely accepted at dental offices, there will be better care available to these individuals as well. I plan on introducing the proposed plan after determining the short comings of the current dental care programs to the Honourable Patty Hajdu who is the current minister of health, as well as the NDP and Liberal government coalition for finding a solution for a universal dental care program.

Scope

To assess the acceptance and efficacy of the 4 main subsidized dental care programs in Ontario through the knowledge gained by interviewing current dental patients participating in these programs. I will be asking questions about 4 areas of research.

– Ease of the application process.
– Use of the program for restorative and preventative work.
– Knowledge of the program.
– If the program provides enough for their dental needs.

Methods

My primary data sources will be through interviewing or providing questionnaires to participants in these programs who are currently dental patients that I see in my clinic. They will remain anonymous and will be asked for their consent first regarding their participation. I will also be looking into responses from the 4 working dentists at my clinic to see their views regarding the programs and their experiences in working with them.

Second sources will be publications regarding these programs and overall functionality.

My Qualifications 

I earned my accreditation of Registered Dental Hygienist in 2020 from John Abbott College and am graduating in 2023 from the BDSc program from the University of British Columbia. When in college I did a stage in Mistassini, Quebec doing early childhood education with their dental program. I also just started my 3^rd year working in a private dental clinic where we see many patients from subsidized dental programs.

Conclusion

Action needs to be taken to determine the efficacy of these subsidized dental programs, as there have been so many complaints and inadequate dental care for their needs.  By addressing the 4 main areas of inquiry, I can determine needs and well as what should be doe next to improve on the programs available. With your approval for my topic, I will begin assembling questions and compiling my panel of patients.

Olivia Fournier

Lloyd Peaches