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Application of QLF technology for assessing the oral hygiene status of children living in residential care institutions

https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0179

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Modern approaches to the prevention of dental diseases in children require the use of objective methods for assessing oral hygiene, particularly in socially vulnerable groups.

AIM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology in assessing oral hygiene status in children living in residential care institutions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included 207 students of boarding schools in the Yaroslavl and Moscow regions and 197 children living in families (control group). The observation period lasted 24 months. Examination was carried out before and after the implementation of a comprehensive preventive program, which included instruction in proper oral hygiene techniques, motivational sessions, and supervision of individual oral care. The Qscan (QLF) system, the IGR-U oral hygiene index (modified Green–Vermillion index), and clinical assessment of periodontal tissues (PMA index) were used.

RESULTS. A statistically significant reduction in the area and intensity of fluorescent dental plaque was observed in children from residential care institutions after the program (p < 0.05), accompanied by improvement in hygiene indicators. In the control group, positive changes were present but less pronounced.

CONCLUSIONS. QLF technology enabled early detection of hygiene deficiencies and provided more precise monitoring of individual preventive measures compared with visual methods. The findings support the inclusion of QLF in clinical monitoring protocols for oral health in children living in residential care institutions.

About the Authors

A. A. Ogloblin
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation

Aleksey A. Ogloblin – Assistant at the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry at the Institute of Dentistry

1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117997, Russian Federation


Competing Interests:

The authors report no conflict of interest.



I. A. Nikolskaya
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation

Irina A. Nikolskaya – Cand. Sci (Med.), Professor of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry at the Institute of Dentistry

1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117997, Russian Federation


Competing Interests:

The authors report no conflict of interest.



I. D. Kondratenko
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation

Irina D. Kondratenko – Pediatric Dentist, Assistant of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry at the Institute of Dentistry

1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117997, Russian Federation


Competing Interests:

The authors report no conflict of interest.



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Review

For citations:


Ogloblin A.A., Nikolskaya I.A., Kondratenko I.D. Application of QLF technology for assessing the oral hygiene status of children living in residential care institutions. Endodontics Today. 2026;24(1):224-230. https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0179



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ISSN 1683-2981 (Print)
ISSN 1726-7242 (Online)