Analysis of occlusal force (OF) applied to occlusal contact areas (OCAs) will lead to the ideal form of occlusions for fixed Prosthodontics, however, the method for measuring OF applied to OCAs has not been established. The pressed portion of a pressure sensitive sheet (PSP) colors and the density and areas of the colored portion will possibly contribute the measurement of the OF. The purpose of this study is to determine the properties of PSPs and their clinical usability. Two PSPs (Dental Prescale 50H and Prescale MS, FUJI Film) were pressed by a 1 mm² jig with a push-pull scale (FB-10 IMADA), photographed by a digital camera (Fujix505, FUJI Film) and input to a personal computer. The density and area of the colored portions of the images were processed and measured using NIH-image and an application program (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Systems). The density linearly darkened according to the pressure in the range of 1 to 4 kg/mm² (MS) and 0 to 6 kg/mm² (50H). The area increased according to the applied pressure. Pressure applied to OCA can be measured by linear changes of PIPs density. However, increasing areas of the colored potions according to the increasing pressure make it difficult to measure OF because the OF is calculated as a product of pressure and area. Therefore, we conclude that combination of PIPs with a method measures OCAs enables to measure OF applied to OCAs.

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We introduced a panel debate as part of a pediatric dentisry lesson for the students of the dentistry faculty. The following seven goals were set : a) To create growing interest in pediatric dentisry care; b) To grow the ability of collecting and organizing information; c) To grow the ability to think logically; d) To grow the ability for discussion and debate; e) To grow the ability to listen to others; f) To grow the ability to address real problems; and g) To deepen the understanding of a patient's place and psychology.
Sicnce we conducted this experiment as a lesson, the participants were all the students of the dentistry faculty (89 studnets)
We chose a theme “Is compulsory care needed for pediatric dentistry care?”, and set the conditions of the patient and the disroder as “C₂ of primary teeth at the left mandibular of a three-year-old child.” We set three stances : parents, dentists (affirmative), and dentists (negative).
On the first day, the students performed discussions in small groups, and made argument drafts. On the second day, they played roles of argumentators, representatives, supporters, and judges, and performed a panel debate. As a result, the dentist (affirmative) group won the debate.
The results of a questionnaire for the students showed that more than 70% of the students answered that the abilities and understanding mentioned above as the goals to achieve “in-creased significantly, ” or “increased a little.” As for impressions and opnions, the students had both positive and negative opinions, and raised problems about the materials handed to them and problems about the way of conducing the debate.

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Achieving a denture pattern that conforms to the patient's pronunciation in the course of denture construction is significant prosthodontically, and a palatography using alginate powder is a pronunciation exam that can simply and easily be performed chair-side. However, performing a conventional pronunciation exam during fitting of trial dentures encounters an unclear palatogram and difficulty with observation of detailed shapes. Thus, the current work presents a method intended to clarify palatograms using a black felt-tip pen during fitting of trial dentures for complete dentures.
We determined that corrections in the shape of trial dentures can be made more effectively with respect to assessment of pronunciation by coloring the palatal surface of the trial denture in black and that simple, quality prosthodontic treatment can be provided. Here, we report an overview of this research.

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Japan is currently facing the dilemma of an ultra-aged society. In order to support the quality of life (QOL) of elderly, oral management and oral health care are thought to be indispensable. Here, we report an overview of home-visit dental treatment within a special nursing home for the elderly during fiscal year (FY) 2003 by the Showa University Dental Hospital.
At the request of the home, we began home-visit dental treatments there in 1998. Currently, every Thursday from 3 : 30 p.m. to 5 : 30 p.m., four dentists and a dental hygienist visit at the facility.
Dental treatment (home-visit dental treatments and dental hospital visits) for FY 2003 totaled 200 cases. Oral health instruction numbered 226 cases. Dental treatment included 105 cases of denture treatment, 61 cases of periodontal treatment, and 14 cases of conservative treatment. There were also some cases of tooth extraction, diet counseling, mucosal disease, etc. These results suggest that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary for the home-visit dental treatment program.
Patients visited the dental hospital only when it was necessary (making of new dentures, and fillings and tooth extractions) and possible (43 cases). Because the visits to the dental hospital were a major burden on the nursing home residents, it is necessary to provide more and better facilities for more advanced-level dental treatment within the home.

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