Background

HUNT4 Oral Health is one of the largest research projects in the field of oral health in Norway and the most resource-intensive project that TKmidt has been responsible for. TKmidt has worked closely with HUNT Research Centre, NTNU, UiO, TKØ, and the National Competence Service for Ageing and Health.

The data collection was completed in February 2019.

Purpose

Collected data on oral health in HUNT4 provide unique opportunities to map oral health in Trøndelag. The survey of oral health is important for identifying areas that require special follow-up, both in research and as a tool for planning future dental care. The unique data material in HUNT also provides an opportunity to look at oral health in a holistic health and disease perspective over a long period of time.

TKmidt has initiated several research projects where we use data from HUNT4 Oral Health and you can find more of them discussed here on our website. Please contact us if you want to know more about what data exists and what we are using it for right now!

Methods

Nearly 5,000 Northerners have sat in the dentist's chair and contributed data on caries, periodontitis, mucosal changes and snus use. Nearly 25,000 dental x-rays (OPG and bitewings) have been taken. Well 7,000 participants have answered a questionnaire about oral health.

In addition to field station dental health examination, information has been obtained from the elderly in home service and institutions with the help of ambulatory teams of home service staff/nursing students. Around 4000 elderly people were examined in the north of Trøndelag and in Trondheim Municipality following a protocol drawn up for non-dental health professionals.

Cooperating Institutions and External Financing

• HUNT Research Centre
• NTNU, ISM
• Trøndelag County Municipality
• UiO
• TKØst
• National Competence Service for Aging and Health