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Introduction: In the current climate of heightened terrorist activity, the deliberate release or threat of biological agents like viruses, bacteria, fungi, or their toxins to induce sickness or death among civilians has become a genuine possibility. The most crucial action during a bioterrorist strike is early warning. The possibility of such an occurrence in dental setting is underestimated. Methods and Materials: Seventy five graduate students participated in the research. In a survey on zoonotic diseases, participants were asked whether they were familiar with the transmission from person to person, if the diseases caused significant morbidity and mortality, whether they were simple to produce and disseminate, and whether they posed a high risk of infection. Results: Graph Prism was used to examine the data. A single proportion test was used to determine the "Aware Not Aware" group. The first 10 questions assessed dentists objective knowledge of bioterrorism. The importance of the last six questions was determined by their analysis of dentists' preparedness and desire to respond to a bioterrorism associated occurrence via perceived knowledge. Conclusion: Given the real danger they may face, dentists needed to be vigilant regarding the prevention, detection, and treatment of zoonotic illnesses transmitted in their offices or as a vector while being commended for their courage in the face of adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral malignant lesions are the most common malignancy of which majority are diagnosed in advanced stages in Saudi Arabia. Patients with oral malignant lesion are first seen by general dental practitioners and dental students. Multiple surveys have been conducted and published to assess the students, interns, and dentists' awareness and attitude toward oral premalignant lesions worldwide. However, little is known about this issue in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to assess knowledge and awareness of detecting oral premalignant lesions among dental students, dental interns, and practitioners in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted and electronically distributed. The questionnaire comprised of three sections including demographic variables, knowledge of risk factors of oral malignancy, and six clinical case scenarios. Descriptive statistics were used, and the results were reported using cross-tabulation and the Chi-square test. A 300 participants answered to the questionnaire, and 83% of respondents strongly agreed that smoking is a risk factor for oral malignancy. However, there was some uncertainty in responses for some more specific oral-related factors, such as a sharp-edged tooth and irritation from dental restoration. Furthermore, the knowledge and awareness of detecting frankly benign and frankly malignant lesions such as fibroma and squamous cell carcinoma are higher comparing to potentially malignant lesion, i.e. lichen planus. Knowledge and awareness of detecting oral premalignant lesions vary based on malignancy factors and by participants academic level. Fibroma and SCC are detected easily among all participants. However, lichen planus was the hardest to diagnose among oral lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of child-friendly dentist attire and camouflage syringes on reducing dental anxiety in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: group A (child-friendly dentist attire), group B (camouflage syringe), or group C (control group). Child preference for dentist attire was assessed using a visual analog scale, while dental anxiety was measured using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale and the Facial Image Scale. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in dental anxiety scores in both group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1 (P < 0.001). Children in group A exhibited a higher preference for child-friendly dentist attire [mean score: 8.7, standard deviation (SD): 1.2] compared to group 1 (mean score: 3.2, SD: 1.5) (P < 0.001). Similarly, children in group 2 showed a higher preference for a camouflage syringe (mean score: 8.5, SD: 1.3) compared to group 1 (mean score: 3.4, SD: 1.6) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Child-friendly dentist attire and camouflage syringes were found to be effective in reducing dental anxiety among pediatric patients. These interventions were well received by children and their parents, highlighting the importance of considering child preferences in dental settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the influence of variations in the upper sulcus depth, nasal tip protrusion, and nasolabial angle on the esthetic perception of profiles. Design: A web-based survey study and was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. This survey was conducted for a period of 10 months and included orthodontists practicing in India. Methods: This study included lateral cephalograms of the most esthetic profiles from a set of 30 profiles that were within Holdaways norms; the most esthetic profile was determined by a panel of two orthodontists and two general dentists. The most esthetic profile photograph will be transferred to a computer in Corel software. The outline of the profile will remain the same, with the inner aspect converted into a dark area (black); now, the profile is completely converted into facial silhouettes. This black facial silhouette is presented to avoid any distractions and bias. There will be a total of 27 silhouettes by various combinations of increased, decreased, and normal values for nasolabial angle, upper sulcus depth, and nasal tip protrusions. Results: Both the orthodontist and layman chose the most favored profile as a normal profile having a normal nasal tip, normal nasolabial angle, and normal upper sulcus depth, whereas among dentists, 50% chose the most favored profile in which the nasolabial angle was normal but the nasal tip and upper labial sulcus were decreased. When it comes to the least favored profiles, opinions varied between orthodontists, dentists, and laymen. Conclusion: The perception of facial esthetics has always been and still is varied between the layman, the dentist, and the orthodontists. Profiles with normal to sharp noses with normal and increased nasolabial angles were considered more attractive than the others. Profiles with fuller upper labial sulci were considered least attractive with other parameters changing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Obstructive sleep apnoea is less known and lesser practised in dentistry. Dentists often struggle to educate, diagnose or offer treatment to the patient. Hence, the disorder of the patient and the opportunity for the dentist both go unnoticed. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding aspects of obstructive sleep apnoea among dental practitioners, faculty and interns in India. Methods and Material: A self-constructed validated questionnaire was prepared and circulated online among dental interns and professionals in India. Responses received from 237 participants were evaluated and statistically analysed. Results: Only questions about diagnosis and symptoms of OSA were correctly answered by more than 50% of the participants. In all other questions, the knowledge was poor. Only 11.4% of respondents felt that they are well equipped to diagnose OSA. The general attitude of the participants was favourable but with poor practice. Only 5.1% of participants were ever involved in the treatment of OSA. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of OSA among the population, along with widespread ignorance among dentists for the same as found in our study, there is an urgent need to spotlight OSA in the dental curriculum at an undergraduate level. To complement this, extensive training and motivation must also be provided so that dental graduates can identify, refer and participate in the treatment of OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Global pandemic COVID-19 has been rapidly spreading and affecting all aspects of one's existence. Due to their frequent interaction with infected patients, health-care professionals, particularly dentists, are at a greater risk of contracting an infection. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, fear, anxiety, and modification in the work environment among dental practitioners during the outbreak of COVID-19. Study Settings and Design: The study was conducted in Mysuru, Karnataka and the study design is cross-sectional questionnaire study. Subjects and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted using an online survey from April 22, 2021, to September 11, 2021. A well-constructed questionnaire was developed and validated. The Google Forms with the information sheet and consent form was sent to dental practitioners of the Mysuru district. A total of 216 participants from the Mysore district responded. After a detailed assessment, duly filled questionnaires (n = 204) were included in the study. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics with necessary parametric tests such as one-way ANOVA and independent sample t-test are used. Statistical significance was kept at ≤0.05. IBM SPSS version 24.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 204 respondents, 128 participants were male and 76 were female. Comparison of mean knowledge (P = 0.002) and practice modification (P = 0.00) scores about qualifying degrees presented a statistically significant difference, but not in terms of fear and anxiety. Conclusions: The results have shown that dental practitioners had fear and anxiety about getting infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The knowledge and work modifications certainly benefited dental practitioners in their practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the attitudes and practices of general dental practitioners regarding a preventive approach in pediatric patients. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 279 general dental practitioners and employed a structured questionnaire comprising multiple items to assess their attitudes and practices related to a preventive approach in pediatric patients and data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: The survey revealed that 60.1% of pediatric patients visited the clinic frequently and 71.0% were treated directly by the dentists. A preventive approach was common (69.2%) among practitioners. Prescription practices showed that 57.1% of dentists prescribed a specified amount of fluoridated toothpaste and 62.5% preferred fluoride gel over varnish. Nonfluoride remineralizing agents were preferred by 60.0% of dentists. Glass ionomer cement (66.7%) was preferred for pit fissure sealant applications. Conclusion: The survey indicates that general dental practitioners have a positive attitude toward preventive care in pediatric patients. However, further education and knowledge dissemination are needed to enhance their understanding and confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in dental practice are well known and have become widespread worldwide. Its potential effect and high risk of serious reaction have emphasized the need to reduce and limit the precipitation. In this study we aimed to identify the prevalence, type, dose, and duration of antibiotics prescribed by general medical and dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed from April 2020 to December 2020. A total of 45,100 antibiotic prescriptions were collected from different governmental and private pharmacies and screened to be included in this study. Data extraction from all prescriptions followed a standardized form that included the following information: Doctor specialty, type of antibiotic, duration, and dose of antibiotic. Results: A total of 38,175 antibiotic prescriptions prescribed by licensed doctors practicing in governmental or private hospitals were included in this study. Thirty-five thousand one hundred and seventy-eight (92%) outpatient antibiotics were prescribed by medical practitioners, and 2997 (8%) antibiotics were prescribed by dentists. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was Augmentin (60%), followed by metronidazole and amoxicillin (35%). The most common dose and duration prescribed by dentists for Augmentin was 625 mg, 3 times per day for 5 days, whereas that of metronidazole was 500 mg, 3 times per day for 7 days. Prescribed dose and duration of amoxicillin was 500 mg, 3 times per day for 7 days. Conclusions: This study helps in understanding healthcare practitioners' patterns and adds to the knowledge on how to deal with odontogenic infections. Further national studies are recommended to include more regions in Saudi Arabia and to illustrate the misuse of outpatient antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental implant placement is a critical procedure in modern dentistry, requiring precise treatment planning to ensure successful outcomes. Traditionally, treatment planning has relied on the expertise of clinicians, but recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have opened up the possibility of AI-assisted treatment planning. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients requiring dental implant placement were included in this comparative study. For each patient, a clinical treatment plan was created by an experienced dentist, while an AI algorithm, trained on a dataset of implant placement cases, generated an alternative plan. Various parameters, including implant position, angulation, and depth, were compared between the two plans. Surgical templates were fabricated based on both plans to guide implant placement accurately. Results: The results of this study indicate that AI-generated treatment plans closely align with clinical plans in terms of implant positioning, angulation, and depth. Mean discrepancies of less than 1 mm and 2 degrees were observed for implant position and angulation, respectively, between the two planning methods. The AI-generated plans also showed a reduction in planning time, averaging 10 min compared to the clinical planning, which averaged 30 min per case. Additionally, the surgical templates based on AI-generated plans exhibited similar accuracy in implant placement as those based on clinical plans. Conclusion: AI-assisted treatment planning for dental implant placement demonstrates promising results in terms of accuracy and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To report the radiographic preferences during dental implant therapy in Palestine. Materials and Methods: Fourteen multiple-choice questions were delivered in electronic and hardcopy formats questionnaires during the Sixth International Implantology Conference (Palestine). The questions investigated the radiographic techniques that are mostly used based on various clinical scenarios and treatment phases. Results: One hundred and thirty-seven responses were captured. The majority of the participants were general dentists with implant experience (79.6%). Less than a third of the participants (27.2%) were members of the Palestinian Association of Dental Implantology. The majority (85.9%) of them have their practice in a city zone. Panoramic radiograph (PAN) combined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was the most preferred radiographic technique during the planning stage. Conclusion: PAN and CBCT was the preferred choice during the planning stages. A PAN was preferred postoperatively and if no complications were associated. In the case of symptomatic patients, CBCT was the radiograph of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ocular health is significant as undetected and untreated eye conditions can lead to vision loss and blindness. Usually, dentists, dental assisting staff, and patients undergoing frequent dental corrections are likely affected by eye injuries. Methods: This survey aimed to evaluate eye safety protocols in the dental fraternity. A prevalidated questionnaire was given to practicing graduate and postgraduate dentists to obtain details of the eye safety protocol they adopted. Results: A total of 150 dentists approached; only 125 chose to participate in the survey and answered our questionnaire. Although most dentists used eye protection for themselves, primarily personal eyeglasses and face shields, eye injury was quite common in them. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that the use of eye safety practices among the respondents could be improved. Clinicians should be aware that they are responsible for providing adequate eye protection for themselves and their assisting staff and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the rural population of South India, tooth loss affects 48.7% of people. In addition, there are now more patients with more than five congenitally missing adult teeth. This may cause a person's quality of life to decline and cause them to experience both physical and psychological discomfort. Materials and Methods: The current cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over a period of month using a questionnaire-based survey (February 2022). Using G-POWER software version 3.1, the minimum sample size was calculated as 100 people, considering a study with an 80% power and a = 0.5. Results: Around 59.6% have answered right when asked about the source of dental stem cells (DSCs). 13.5 percentage have no idea about sourcing of stem cells, 6.7% state dental pulp stem cell, a very small population state periodontal tissue to be the source, while a minor group state it to be from apical papilla, <1% have no idea. Conclusion: Data of this study indicate that although there is typically good awareness regarding DSCs origins, uses, and clinical research best practises, there is not a comprehensive comprehension of these topics. The respondents have shown a quite favorable attitude toward improving their understanding of DSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer usually involves a total dose of 6000-7000 cGy, delivered daily in 6-7 weeks, and is known to cause several oral complications. These include oral mucositis, oral pain, insufficient saliva production, increased risk of dental caries, decreased mouth opening, and osteoradionecrosis. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among Saudi dental professionals using an online survey; 463 dentists from Riyadh City were utilized in this study. Findings reported that almost equal numbers of males (51.9%) and females (48.1%) participated in the study; the majority of them were working as general dentists in the government sector. A significantly significant proportion of them thought that oral assessment is a necessity before radiotherapy and that the ideal time for a complete oral evaluation is after the diagnosis of cancer. In the present study, we concluded that the majority of dentists thought that oral assessment is necessary before radiotherapy and that the ideal time is after the diagnosis. The evaluation must include extraction of teeth with poor prognosis, and radiotherapy after oral surgery should be started after 3-4 months. Teeth cleaning was recommended, and most dentists were not confident in treating oral cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the use patterns of antibiotics in periodontal therapy among Moroccan dentists. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. An online survey among 2440 registered dentists was conducted in public, private, and semi-public sectors in Morocco. Within the interrogated dentists, 255 answer the online survey. Data analysis was done by the laboratory of biostatistics-epidemiology of the Faculty of Medicine of Casablanca. Results: The antibiotics were prescribed for different pathologies. 26.8% of dentists prescribed antibiotics for gingivitis, 91.5% in case of ulcero-necrotizing gingivitis, 92.7% for aggressive periodontitis, 77% to chronic periodontitis patients, and 97.6% in the presence of periodontal abscess. Dentists prescribed penicillin to 37.3% of cases presenting ulcero-necrotizing gingivitis and 62.3% of patients presenting periodontal abscess. Cyclins are prescribed at a rate of 60% to aggressive periodontitis patients. The association of penicillin + metronidazole is prescribed to 37.3% of ulcero-necrotizing gingivitis patients, 47% of patients presenting aggressive periodontitis, 42.5% of chronic periodontitis patients, and 65.5% of cases presenting periodontal abscess. Discussion: There are major discrepancies among dentists in antibiotic prescription patterns. Some dentists prescribe antibiotics to patients with gingivitis or patients undergoing noninvasive oral procedures such as air polishing and scaling which is worrisome. Dentists are prescribing antibiotics when local treatment would have sufficed. Dentists also commonly prescribed antibiotics as an adjunct to mechanical therapy for the treatment of periodontal disease. Conclusion: Systemic antibiotics are prescribed for different conditions according to variable protocols. The appropriateness of antibiotic prescription must be reassessed critically to improve antibiotic stewardship among dentists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental professionals and students are commonly exposed to occupation-related skin lesions, characterized as contact dermatitis (like allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, contact urticaria), that are commonly observed on hands and fingers. The present study evaluated the prevalence of skin lesions, knowledge about risk factors, and prevention of dermatological lesions among dental students and dental professionals. Methods: The present observational study was carried out on 100 study subjects, including dental students and staff, using a self-administered and structured questionnaire to assess demographic variables, awareness information, and knowledge about work-related skin lesions. The data was subjected to statistical analysis using IBM's Statical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: Sixty percent of the total number of subjects were dental students and 40% were dentists. 56.8% of the subjects were female and 43.2% were male, with a maximum of 0–5 years of practice/experience. The most common symptoms of skin lesions were itching and erythema, especially on the hands and fingers. Only 15.6% had their treatment done by dermatologists, and 7% underwent skin prick tests. Latex allergy was most familiar with feature of facial edema. The use of hand sanitizers, soaps, and protective cream was limited among the subjects. Conclusion: There was a lack of awareness among both the dentists and students regarding work-related skin lesions and getting them treated by dermatologists at the earliest, though the dentists' level of knowledge was better than that of the students. Thus, various educational programs on dermatological lesions should be implemented so that dental professionals and students take necessary precautions and seek treatment for skin disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periodontal diseases during pregnancy are associated with adverse outcomes. This study aimed to explain the perception of healthcare providers and pregnant women about oral health during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with the approach of conventional content analysis in health centers of Hamadan, Iran, in 2020. To collect the data, semi-structured in-depth interviews with sixteen pregnant women and eight healthcare providers (gynecologist, midwife, and dentist) were used. Pregnant women with a singleton fetus, lack of chronic diseases and complications of pregnancy, willingness to participate in the study, and the ability to communicate properly were included in the study. Sampling was done purposefully with maximum variety. Data analysis accomplished according to the proposed steps by Graneheim and Lundman using MAXQDA 10 software. Results: "Belief in the importance of oral health in pregnancy," "Lack of a coherent structure for oral care," "Accepting the negative effect of pregnancy on oral health," and "The dilemma of treatment and non-treatment in pregnancy" were four categories extracted from the data. The theme of "Ignoring the mother for the fetus" was obtained as the main theme of the present study. Conclusions: The findings suggest that although mothers and healthcare providers have recognized the importance of oral health in pregnancy, underlying factors in society have led them to understand the mother's oral health should be neglected because of the fetus. This perception can have a negative impact on their behavior, performance, and the oral health of mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and practice of digital dentures among dentists. This is a cross-sectional survey conducted from January to February, 2022. Fifteen close-ended questions were framed and circulated among 150 dental practitioners and interns using an online survey form. The responses were collected and statistically analyzed. The results summarize that 95.3% were aware of digital dentures and 4.7% were not. About 60.1% do not use digital workflow, 27% do not have essential equipment, 9.5% were not confident in practicing digital dentures, and 3.4% found that it was inaccurate, showed poor retention, and a well-skilled technician was required. Most dental practitioners are aware of digital dentures. Among all practitioners with postgraduation were more aware of digital dentures than the interns and undergraduate practitioners. Most dentists do not practice digital dentures due to the high initial setup cost and maintenance. The majority of practitioners agree that digital dentures will be the ultimate tool in future dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancement in technology, enhancement of knowledge, elevated expectations from the patients regarding the quality of treatment, and economic factors are emerging as challenges to dentists, which demand emerging dentists to have skills on patient management and leadership through an improved curriculum. The aim of the present study was to conduct a survey among dentists regarding the need for practice management in undergraduate dental program. A total of 100 dentists from Chennai were involved in the study. They were made to answer 15 questions which were circulated online. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. It is evident that the majority of the dentists emphasize on including practice management courses in the undergraduate dental program as it may be helpful for the budding dentists in their future private practices. It can be concluded that the opinion of the dentists is strong and beneficial and should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the Study: Oral disease has an inverse relationship with good oral health practices. The present study was aimed at assessing the level of oral health knowledge and practices among healthcare students of Al-Jouf province, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: All male and female students from the first to the fifth year of studying in different colleges (medical, dental, and college of allied health sciences) in Jouf University were included as the study sample. The study included 20 structured questions. Among the 20 questions, 12 related to oral health practices and 8 related to oral health knowledge. Results: Chi-squared test was used to determine the association among variables, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the scores of oral health knowledge and oral health practices. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to see if there was any statistically significant association (P > 0.05) of knowledge and practice scores with level, gender, and college of study. The overall mean oral health knowledge score was 4.9 ± 2.3. The range for oral health practice score was from 0 to 12, and the overall mean score was 6.8 ± 2.9. Conclusion: Our observations concluded that the overall knowledge level of the students toward oral health was low, and visiting a dentist for regular dental checkup were not given importance by the students. Health practices of students and their knowledge towards oral health determines what and how they educate their patients in the future to create better oral health in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to measure primary health care providers' understanding of the significance of health literacy and self-efficacy in cigarette quitting. Material and Methods: The current study used a quantitative descriptive questionnaire to collect data. The research was carried out among primary health care providers in a rural location near the Azamgarh Dental College in Uttar Pradesh. Medical officials, nursing personnel, and dental practitioners, if existent, are examples of primary health professionals. Azamgarh district is divided into 22 blocks. 22 primary health facilities were selected from these 22 blocks. 54 medical officers and 98 other primary health workers (ANMs, GNMs, and Asha workers) were questioned at these primary health facilities. Results: The majority of study participants {132 (86.84%)} were aware of the bad effects of tobacco consumption. Most of the study participants don't know about health literacy {115 (75.65%)} and self-efficacy {78 (51.32%)}. The majority of them did not know the questionnaire to test health literacy {114 (75.02%)} and self-efficacy {150 (98.68%)}. poor mean awareness score (20.77 ± 3.33) was significant (p = 0.001) in the age group 25-35 years. Anganwadi workers were having significantly (p = 0.002) highest poor awareness score (22.67 ± 2.34). Conclusion: From the above results, it was concluded that awareness of the role of health literacy and self-efficacy in tobacco cessation among primary health workers was poor. Almost all study participants had not attended any training programs on tobacco cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood caries has an intricate etiology and it requires a helpless tooth surface, fermentable starches, and cariogenic microorganisms throughout some undefined time frame to start the carious cycle. Tooth-hued materials gained popularity in recent years for reestablishing primary and youthful blended dentitions. Hence, the main aim of this study was to investigate the choice of restorative materials in Class III dental caries in primary maxillary lateral incisors in 3–6-year-old children. Data collected from the records of the children 3–6 years of age for the choice of restorative materials of primary maxillary lateral incisors between September 2020 and February 2021 were included in the study. Retrospective study data were collected through the software DIAS and data analysis was carried out using Chi-square tests. Variation in the percentage of children who underwent restoration utilizing strip crowns was the highest within 3–4 years (38.26%) when compared to light composite restorations (LCR) (14.9%), whereas the least preferred restoration was glass-ionomer cement (5.37%) which was noted statistically significant. Considering the age group of 5–6 years preferred form of restoration was LCR (19.80%) when compared to strip crown (17.79%), whereas 4.70% of the treatment cases were utilized for glass-ionomer cement restorations. Strip crowns are a more predominantly used choice of restorative material in Class III dental caries in primary maxillary lateral incisors in between 3- and 6-year-old children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awareness and knowledge of patient choice were important for developing the standard of dental health. It is important to maintain the patient–dentist relationship, which must be done with sincerity. For patients, the quality of social care is crucial. Therefore, the study's goal is to determine whether patients perceive dental treatment provided by male or female dentists differently. A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study (Saveetha University) was conducted using a structured questionnaire which consisted of questions which assessed the patient opinion about dental care provided by male or female dental practitioners. To evaluate statistical significance, we shall utilize (P = 0.05). The Chi-square test was performed to evaluate patient perception toward gender preference in providing dental care. Male and female participants appear to have the same degree of knowledge when compared, according to a statistically significant connection (P = 0.05) that was discovered. The study demonstrated that patients' perceptions of the expertise levels of male and female dentists were the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomedical waste (BMW) is any sort of litter generated in the course of human or animal research operations, such as diagnosis, treatment, or immunization, or during the development or trial of pharmaceutical products or in health camps. In dental sectors, BMW, if not adequately handled, can provide a number of health risks to dental practitioners, patients, and other dental healthcare service providers who operate in dental offices. The aim of the study is to examine the knowledge, awareness, and practice of BMW segregation among dental offices. A well-framed questionnaire containing 10 self-structured questions was formed and distributed among 100 students of dentistry through an online Google Forms link. The results were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using the Software SPSS. Chi-square test was performed to assess the P value. Biological waste segregation was known to 98% of the participants, in which most of them had more than 10 years of expertise in dentistry. It is evident that dentists with a lot of experience over the years in the field of dentistry possess considerably increased awareness regarding the segregation of BMWs in their dental offices. Chi-square test done between the years of experience in dentistry and the knowledge on BMW segregation reveals that 0.031 < 0.05 is the P value, which is statistically significant. Most dentists having experience of above 10 years in the field of dentistry have excellent knowledge and practice of segregating BMWs in their dental offices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the current pandemic raging over the world, science and medicine is faced with hereto with unfought enemies or less fought opponent in the form of viruses and consequently, other biotic entities. While researchers are striving to identify and conquer the variants of COVID-19, other innocuous organisms are raising their ugly heads in the form of opportunistic fungal infections. Mucormycosis/Black Fungus is an invasive opportunistic fungal infection caused by mucorale species. It spreads through blood vessels causing thrombosis, ischemia, and necrosis. Population with pre-existing immunocompromised conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus, Malignancy, Long-term immunosuppressant therapy are more susceptible. Mucormycosis associated with Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) proved to be catastrophic due to its high mortality rates. Rhino orbital Mucormycosis is the most common form. The primary care physician, being the first and often, (more so in developing countries) and being the only point of contact with a healthcare professional, plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management of this condition. The keystone to decreasing mortality is early detection and diagnosis followed by preventive measures to control progression to the brain. A multidisciplinary approach by various specialties is a prerequisite for effective diagnosis and management. Antifungal therapy, surgical debridement, and resection of the affected areas are protocols to be followed. Post-operative defects cause impairment of function, phonetics, and esthetics. Prosthetic rehabilitation of these defects has shown favorable results, especially in the aged and immunocompromised individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the perception of patients and dentists regarding the esthetics achieved with conventional and characterized complete dentures. Materials and Methods: Twenty completely edentulous participants were selected and given both conventional and characterized complete dentures. Participants including patients wearing the dentures and dentists subsequently evaluated both types of dentures by giving scores using 0-10 cm Visual Analog Scale on denture esthetics. The esthetic scores were statistically analyzed using paired t-test (P = 0.05 as significant). Results: Patients' satisfaction with conventional and characterized complete dentures were statistically similar except for the fact that patients were more satisfied with ideal arrangement of teeth in conventional denture (standard deviation [SD]-7.0 ± 2,0) compared to the characterized (SD-4.8 ± 2.7) arrangement of the teeth (P = 0.038). Conclusions: Aesthetic satisfaction with complete dentures was influenced by the patients' socioeconomic status. Patients could not see any significant difference between conventional and characterized complete denture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of information in the few studies reporting on the use of three-dimensional (3D) Printing for Patient Management. However, few studies have been found about recent advances in 3D printing technology, and biomaterials are revolutionizing medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of new generation dentist towards 3D printing and its application in various aspects in the field of Prosthodontics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on dental practitioners/Prosthodontist throughout Saudi Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire, which had items to assess the knowledge attitude and practices of study participants toward the use of 3D printing in dental management. Results: It was observed 17.5% of our participants had complete information and 10.5% had no information about 3D printers in the field of dental medicine. When assessed, male dentists had complete information about 3D printers (17.5%) than females (0%). 43.9% of our participants "strongly agreed" for 3D printers to be implemented in dentistry, 40.4% had "no idea" regarding the experience of 3D prints. Conclusion: Very few dentists have knowledge of 3D printing application in dentistry. Hence we strongly recommend organizing continuing dental education programmed on 3D printing either with hand on workshops, conferences and regular updates on the use of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral cancer (OC), a potentially fatal disease, is a major health concern across the world. It is reported to be the sixth most common cancer in the world with a disappointingly low 5-year survival rate, despite major advances in onco-medicine in the past three decades. The low 5-year-survival rate is associated with late diagnosis of the disease, while OC diagnosed at early stages enjoy a much higher 5-year-survival rate, comparatively. Although the oral cavity is one of the most easily accessible parts of the body for cancer screening, OC is typically diagnosed at later stages. The delay in diagnosis is one of the factors for the poor 5-year survival rate and high mortality and morbidity among patients. Therefore, an early diagnosis is of utmost importance. Visual and tactile examination and scalpel biopsy are still considered the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) and OC. Nevertheless, adjunctive techniques could be employed to increase the ability to distinguish benign abnormalities from dysplastic/malignant changes. These would also aid in identifying areas of dysplasia/early OC that are not visible to the naked eye and tackle the delay in diagnosing OPMD/OC. These adjunctive tools are not a replacement for visual and tactile examination but are supplementary aids. They could be used to screen healthy patients for the presence of any occult cancerous change and evaluate the biological potential of clinically abnormal mucosal lesions, thus enabling early recognition and diagnosis which might increase survival rate and reduce mortality and treatment-associated morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of fungal infection has skyrocketed in recent years. This is owing to the new corona virus's rapid spread. Mucormycosis is a deep fungal infection that has shown a rise in this worldwide pandemic period. Mucormycosis is a potentially fatal infection. To lower the rate of infection, it is critical to diagnose it as soon as possible and give appropriate treatment. The necessity of early diagnosis, prevention, and management of mucormycosis, as well as the role of the dentist in doing so, are discussed in this review article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to study the predictors and the pattern of adverse drug reactions to Covishield vaccine which is being used in the mass vaccination program of the Government of India. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among the dentists working as faculty in four different tertiary care centers in Jaipur city. A prevalidated questionnaire was circulated through E-mail/social media groups to all the participants. Results: A total of 574 participants fulfilled the questionnaire platform; however, six had been excluded from the study due to incompletely filled questionnaires. The remaining 568 were enrolled for the final analysis. About 296 (52.11%) were male and 272 (47.89%) were female. About 52.8% were in the age group of 31–49 years. About 87.32% of the enrolled participants had received both doses of Covishield. Most common postvaccination symptoms were fever (n = 145), local pain at injection site (n = 123), tenderness at injection site (n = 117), and fatigue (n = 91). Female gender, presence of comorbid diseases, and past coronavirus disease-19 infection were statistically significant risk factors for having adverse reactions post vaccination, P = 0.02, 0.043, and 0.0002, respectively. Conclusions: The data suggest that Covishield is well tolerated in the Indian population. Fever, local pain, tenderness at injection site, and fatigue are few commonly reported side effects. All the side effects were mild to moderate in terms of severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicine is of all the arts the most noble; but, owing to the ignorance of those who practise it, and of those who, inconsiderately, form a judgment of them, it is at present far behind all the other arts. -Hippocrates Every aspect of human activity is influenced by law and dentistry in this regard is no exception. A dentist while providing oral healthcare to patients has to follow certain standards to avoid any litigation in the name of malpractice. Inadequate knowledge regarding the medicolegal aspects halts the effective delivery of oral health-care services. A dentist is bound by law and ethics while providing treatment to patients. Negligence is a breach of legal duty and care that a dental professional has toward his patients. It is necessary that a patient should be aware of complete information regarding the treatment to avoid any clauses of negligence against the doctor even if there is no contract between them. The two main categories under which health-care malpractice can be challenged in court of law is civil and criminal. The third category lies under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 came into force in 2020 in which patient can file lawsuits against the professional services provided by dentists in consumer courts. Studies conducted to assess the level of awareness among the dental and medical professionals have found that they are ignorant about the laws governing their profession. It is essential for health-care professionals to be aware of such laws which would be beneficial not only to the dental professionals and patients but to the society as a whole. Thus, this review provides an overview of negligence, the determination of negligence and its prevention, liabilities of dental professionals which comprehensively form an integral part of the medicolegal aspect of dental practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of tobacco is a prevalent public health problem in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. It remains one of the world's leading causes of preventable premature death and a public health concern. We aim to Estimation the prevalence of tobacco smoking among dental practitioners working at the Security Forces Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in one of the largest government hospitals in Riyadh using a self-administered questionnaire. The study targeted dental practitioners including; oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists, endodontists, pediatric dentists, restorative dentists, general dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental lab technicians. The study data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software package. Results: Overall, 74 dental practitioners completed the study questionnaire; 54.1% were females. The age of study participants ranged between 24 to 56 years, while their mean age was 33.84 years. The prevalence of current smokers among the respondents in was 25.67%. Of the participants, 9.45% were ex-smokers. Stress relief was the main reason for smoking (52.6%), followed by relaxation (31.6%). Most respondents agreed that dental practitioners should serve as role models (73%), and that health care practitioners should give advice or information about smoking cessation to patients (79.7%). Most participants had insufficient training about tobacco hazards (56.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of tobacco smoking among dental practitioners included in this study was closer to that in previous studies. Furthermore, study participants lacked sufficient training about tobacco hazards and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome‑coronavirus‑2 virus has undoubtedly disrupted the life of every individual and created a global health and economic crisis. Health‑care systems, including dental clinics, were affected and patients with dental pain suffered since they were unable to seek dental care at the right time. It has since become relevant to examine and understand the outlook and views of patients toward seeking routine dental services and their acceptance of alternative methods of dental practice through the COVID‑19 pandemic. Hence, this cross‑sectional questionnaire study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and opinion of patients visiting a dentist for routine dental services during the COVID‑19 pandemic Methodology: A cross‑sectional questionnaire‑based survey was conducted among 200 patients who visited the dental college for their treatment. Their responses were recorded and descriptive analysis, Chi‑square test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were carried out to evaluate their responses. Results: The participants were aware of the transmission of COVID‑19 (91%), 64% believed it was safe to visit a dentist and 99.5% believed it necessary to take proper precautions before visiting the dentist. Participants (84%) preferred having dental consultations over phone/email/video calls compared to regular in‑person consultations during the pandemic. Conclusion: Teledentistry has the potential to emerge as an effective mode of managing patients with dental needs to reduce the burden on dental clinics and hospitals. It can ensure the accessibility to dental care even in the remotest area by allowing patients to connect with dentists through appropriate digital and social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral health is apparently compromised among the transgenders and not enough data is available on the same, without which appropriate measures cannot be drafted and implemented. Objective: To determine oral health practices among transgender population of Puducherry UT, India. Material and Methods: A close-ended questionnaire was used to elicit responses on attitude and practices related to oral health. Self-identified transgenders were included in this study following a snowball sampling technique. Data on educational level, brushing habits, deleterious habits (tobacco and alcohol), visits to any dentist and sugar consumption was recorded. Data was analyzed for descriptive statistics. Results: More than 72% had education above high school, 86.1% used tooth brush to clean their teeth, 47% had never been to a dentist, more than 50% did not receive any oral care, 61% used associated products of tobacco, majority had a high sugar exposure and more than 55% consumed alcohol every day in varying quantities. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggests that efforts need to be increased to create awareness on oral hygiene among this socially stigmatized community to have a positive dental health attitude and behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising antibiotic use is a serious threat to the success of therapy in dentistry for bacterial resistance and side effects to the patients. The dentist community in Albania prescribing too many antibiotics. This survey assesses the mode of antibiotic use among Albanian dentists, with appropriate dosage and regimen, and antibiotic stewardship and their knowledge of relevant guidelines. Material and Methods: This survey study was conducted among 180 Albanian dentists. The questionnaire was distributed through e-mail addresses found in the database of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine of Tirana. We assessed 180 dentists out of which 154 (85.56%) completed the entire questionnaire. Results: There were 24,870 prescriptions in adult patients from 154 dentists for a period of six months with an average of 1,243 prescriptions per week. The most used antibiotics were fixed combinations of amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (67.43%) and azithromycin (39.3%) for allergic patients to beta-lactams. The results for antibiotic stewardship were incorrect in 37.01% of total providers, and gastrointestinal disorders were reported as side effects. Conclusion: This survey conducted among Albanian dentists shows a different trend of using antibiotics than in other countries. To tackle the current antibiotic resistance, dentists must be an important part of the antimicrobial stewardship program of the Public Health Institution in Albania to change individual behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral diseases are considered a public health problem due to their high prevalence. It is the primary concern of oral health educators to impart positive oral health knowledge and behavior in the society. Health workers' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward oral health to a great extent influence the community as they can extend health education at the first contact in the community. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of health care workers. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards oral health among health care workers. The study was conducted among health care workers aged between 20 and 60 years working in Primary Healthcare Centres and Community Healthcare Centres of Lucknow district. Informed consent was obtained from health care workers before the start of the study. The data were collected via a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics-version 21. Results: The results of the study showed that 70.2% of the respondents ever visited the dentist due to somereason of which 19.2% visited once in a year. In addition, 38.9% of the respondents were daily smokers of which the majority belonged to the age group 20–40 years. A total of 63.9% of the respondents were daily chewable tobacco users, and 12.4% were routine users of alcohol. Conclusion: The present study gives a brief insight into the oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices of health care workers which were of fair degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a great impact on the practice of dentistry. Dental setups are potential focal points for cross-infection, and utmost care must be taken to reduce the risk of infection to, from, or among dentists, paradental staff, and patients. A specific concern for children is the uncertainty of their infection status; a clinical history may not be as suggestive of the infection as it is in adults. This makes pediatric dentists more prone to getting infected by the disease. The present review is aimed to provide an overview of potential dental emergencies in pediatric dental practice and a summary of the available treatment strategies that can be utilized by pediatric dentists with an aim to minimize aerosol generation to reduce chances of transmission during and after COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco use is one of the major public health problems in India and also the single most important remediable public health problem. Tobacco cessation is the need of the hour. The dentists have a unique opportunity and professional obligation to be a positive influence in reducing the economic and social burden inflicted by tobacco use on dental and general health. However, dentists, in general, have not widely embraced tobacco cessation in practice. In this article, an evidence-based model (an adaptation of the World Health Organization "5As" tobacco cessation model) is presented for the dentist to help patients avoid tobacco initiation, to encourage and assist patients in tobacco cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newer trends in shade matching have been driven by the market need for superior grade esthetic restorations. Modernized shade guides, obtainability of shade-taking devices, and research in the field of human color vision have ameliorated the capability of dentists to attain outstanding color-matched restorations. A detailed knowledge of natural teeth' appearance features is needed along with these new devices to increase shade-matching results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the fact that X-rays have a direct or indirect effect on tissues, imaging techniques have become an important part of modern dentistry, and dentists rely on them for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This necessitates that dentists have adequate expertise and attitude in order to defend themselves and their patients. Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of clinical side dental students and General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) regarding dental radiation protection safety protocol. Study Design: It is a prospective cross-section study among dental undergraduates and GDPs. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixteen participants took part in this study and comprised 116 clinical side dental students and GDPs. Participants' data were gathered through a questionnaire that asked about their knowledge and practice of radiation biology, danger, and protection. Collected data subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS 21. Pearson Chi-square test was done to evaluate the statistical significance. The P value fixed at ≤ 0.05 for significant. Results: From 116 participants, around 89.7%% of the participants believed that dental X-rays are harmful and 81% are having knowledge about annual radiation dose limit for a dentist, and overall, 56% of the participants were aware about the harmful effects of radiation exposure. Conclusion: There is a need to expand the curriculum to provide better exposure to radiation protection and its practice so that these students on graduation will be well-grounded with the principle governing dental radiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey concerning the practice of occlusal splint for treating temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) by the dental practitioners of Jabalpur. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire containing questions on diagnosis, treatment, and management of TMD was given to a total of 157 general dental practitioners in Jabalpur. The responses were collected; data analysis was done by Chi-square test. Results: Of the General Dental Practitioner's, nearly 78% of participants did not attend any continuing dental education on TMD per year. More than 10 years of experience (82%) was associated with increase in positive response for treatment of TMD patient. Both the diagnosis and treatment of TMD patient were done using combination methods. The duration of splint use was considered patient dependent (42.27%) irrespective of the years of practice. Soft splint was most commonly employed for treatment, and fabrication of splint was done on hinge and mean value articulator. Conclusion: The knowledge of occlusal splint by general practitioners was found to be insufficient for treating TMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is assigned as a menace by the WHO (World Health Organization) where diseases resulting from multidrug-resistant bacteria are refractory to treatment as a result of a scarcity of new antibiotics in the queue. Antibiotic stewardship program is one of the worldwide strategies to advertise responsible use of antibiotics to halt AMR. The world has started facing a postantibiotic era without immediate and integrated action. Common infections which were treatable for decades can once again kill. The dentistry contributions towards antibiotic resistance are substantial. Approximately 10% of all common antibiotics are prescribed by dentists. Antimicrobial stewardship is a policy that can assist us in addressing the problems of antibiotic resistance. It is a framework that promotes the truly sustainable use of antimicrobials in dentistry. It refers to the approach which is multifaceted and incorporates policies, and guidelines along with surveillance, reports of prevalence and education, and audit of practice for reducing prescribing, adopted by health care organizations. The prime strategy is to improve clinical results while mitigating unintended consequences such as toxicity, pathogenic organism selection, and resistance emergence. Such issues should be centralized and the ongoing need to identify and convert "responsible usage" into context-specific and time-specific behavior. The importance of the antibiotic stewardship program, its team, and their action has become a challenge for the dental hospital but along with it, there are numerous opportunities to achieve the goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autism is reportedly the most severe neuropsychiatric disorder affecting children. Autistic subjects can be characterized by impairments in social interactive behavior along with restricted interests and quite frequently, are seen exhibiting repetitive behavior patterns in stereotyped manner. The inability to perform routine tasks can widely impact the oral health and also, the constant care and sense of helplessness might drastically affect quality of life. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the oral health status and perceptions regarding an autistic child's oral health among parents. Materials and Methods: Parental perception regarding the quality of life among the afflicted autistic children was done using a self-assessment questionnaire that included eight questions which were replied to in an affirmation or negative answer. 300 parents of autism affected children formed the study participants. Recorded responses were evaluated and percentage of each response was derived. Oral health status was measured by determination of dental caries prevalence and OHI-S index using chair light illumination, mouth mirror, diagnostic probe and a standard WHO periodontal probe. For statistical analysis, the calculations were performed by using the paired t test. Statistical significance, which was fixed at P < 0.05, which is statistically significant.Results: Approximately 18.33% of parents showed were aware that oral health can influence general health; 15% did have exhibit awareness. 15% of parents did not consider that primary teeth were important; 59.1% visited any dentist only when suffering from pain; 5% went for an annual dental examination; 15% and 24.6% parents visited dental practitioners at intervals of 3 and 6 months, respectively. 30%, 25% and 51.66% parents considered obtaining consultation and getting treatment from pediatric dentist; general dentist and general physician. 41.6% parents had taken their children for restorations. 52% reported constant stress whereas 48% reported with constant distressed emotions. No significant difference was determined between the parameters. 75% of autistic children suffered from dental caries whereas oral hygiene scores demonstrated high mean value of 4. Conclusion: Autism is a severely distressing condition wherein oral health along with general physical health is affected. Since parents are directly involved in upbringing of these individuals, they also subsequently show a reduction in quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Various diagnostic procedures are available to reach a diagnosis in case of oral lesions/conditions. Biopsy is one of the important tools for confirmatory diagnosis. Therefore, the dentist should have adequate awareness regarding oral biopsy procedures. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the awareness of oral biopsy procedure among dentists in Haryana. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among dentists in Haryana, India, using a 16-item close-ended questionnaire. Google Forms was prepared via docs.google.com/forms, and the link was sent to the participants via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Viber. The filled questionnaires were extracted from Google Forms and exported to Microsoft Excel 2016. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were calculated to present the data using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 21. Results: Out of 68, only 35.3% and 50% of the dental surgeons were aware that the removal of tissue by laser or electrosurgery can introduce artifacts or tissue distortion and punch biopsy generally produces few artifacts within the biopsied sample, respectively. Among the respondents, 35.3% and 11.8% responded that formaldehyde and normal saline also can be used for fixation of the biopsy sample. Conclusion: Awareness of oral biopsy technique was not up to date among majority of the dentists. Eminent steps should be taken to increase the awareness of biopsy procedure among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is the most important public health challenge among dental staff. The objective of this study is to ascertain the prevalence and associated risk factors, which related to WMSD among dental staff in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study and 130 dental staff were selected through simple random sampling from in Armed Forced Hospital with at least 1 year of working experience. The self-administered validated and structured Standardized Nordic questionnaire was used. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine the association of risk factors with WMSD. Results: The results of the present study revealed that there was a high incidence of MSDs in the neck, shoulder, and lower back pain among dental personnel (72.6%). The common risk factors that contributed to WMSD were more than 5 years of experience (AOR 1.19 (1.03-2.82)), Saudi nationality (AOR 4.88 (1.27-18.72)), working more than 12 h (AOR 3.115 (1.258-7.578)) and resident doctors (AOR 1.14 (1.02-1.94)). Conclusions: The study concludes that WMSDs were a common and high rate of incidence among dental staff. There is a need to make a policy that will reduce the burden of WMSD among dental staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the fact that X-rays have a direct or indirect effect on tissues, imaging techniques have become an important part of modern dentistry, and dentists rely on them for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This necessitates that dentists have adequate expertise and attitude in order to defend themselves and their patients. Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of clinical side dental students and General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) regarding dental radiation protection safety protocol. Study Design: It is a prospective cross-section study among dental undergraduates and GDPs. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixteen participants took part in this study and comprised 116 clinical side dental students and GDPs. Participants' data were gathered through a questionnaire that asked about their knowledge and practice of radiation biology, danger, and protection. Collected data subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS 21. Pearson Chi-square test was done to evaluate the statistical significance. The P value fixed at ≤ 0.05 for significant. Results: From 116 participants, around 89.7%% of the participants believed that dental X-rays are harmful and 81% are having knowledge about annual radiation dose limit for a dentist, and overall, 56% of the participants were aware about the harmful effects of radiation exposure. Conclusion: There is a need to expand the curriculum to provide better exposure to radiation protection and its practice so that these students on graduation will be well-grounded with the principle governing dental radiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey concerning the practice of occlusal splint for treating temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) by the dental practitioners of Jabalpur. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire containing questions on diagnosis, treatment, and management of TMD was given to a total of 157 general dental practitioners in Jabalpur. The responses were collected; data analysis was done by Chi-square test. Results: Of the General Dental Practitioner's, nearly 78% of participants did not attend any continuing dental education on TMD per year. More than 10 years of experience (82%) was associated with increase in positive response for treatment of TMD patient. Both the diagnosis and treatment of TMD patient were done using combination methods. The duration of splint use was considered patient dependent (42.27%) irrespective of the years of practice. Soft splint was most commonly employed for treatment, and fabrication of splint was done on hinge and mean value articulator. Conclusion: The knowledge of occlusal splint by general practitioners was found to be insufficient for treating TMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newer trends in shade matching have been driven by the market need for superior grade esthetic restorations. Modernized shade guides, obtainability of shade-taking devices, and research in the field of human color vision have ameliorated the capability of dentists to attain outstanding color-matched restorations. A detailed knowledge of natural teeth' appearance features is needed along with these new devices to increase shade-matching results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency, the rapid and extensive spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness among the dentists of West Bengal regarding coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: The study population for this survey are the dentists of West Bengal who work in government sector or in any private clinics. An online questionnaire comprising 28 questions was sent to the sample size. The questionnaire was composed of series of questions about the knowledge of dentists regarding the incubation period, symptoms, mode of transmission of coronavirus disease, their awareness about the infection control measures, and the attitude toward treating the patients with COVID-19. Results: A total of 107 dentists responded to this survey. Of them, 7.5% have completed their postgraduation in any specific subject, 30.2% are under postgraduate training, and 62.3% are practicing after completion of their graduation. Eighty percent of the dentists involved in the study have correctly reported the incubation period which is 7-14 days. Majority of the dentists were aware of the symptoms of COVID-19, which would help them in identifying the patients at risk of getting COVID-19 infection. Sixty-seven percent of them found it necessary to make the sitting arrangement at significant distances in the waiting area as a preventive measure. Majority of them considered that dentists should play an important role in spreading awareness regarding COVID-19. Conclusion: The dentists were found to have a good knowledge about the symptoms, mode of transmission, and the preventive measures. They were advised to follow the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization and remain well informed about the recommended disease management protocols so that no stone is left unturned in defeating this pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gender-based preferences are common in dental practice and maybe even more prevalent in academic dentistry. A large number of females have been entering the practice of general dentistry for the past two decades. The present study was done to assess dental students' perception of gender preferences in dentistry using a questionnaire in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted using a pretested questionnaire among dental interns pursuing their internship at different dental schools in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaires were distributed to 482 interns who were willing to participate in the survey. All the responses were collected, tabulated, and analyzed accordingly using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Four hundred and eighty-two dental interns (180 males and 302 females) responded to the survey. Most female interns (68%) prefer female patients for their treatments to the opposite gender. Seventy-five percent of the male interns felt more capable than females to handle stress and workload associated with branches such as prosthodontics, surgery, and implantology. 52.1% felt that female students fared well in academics. Conclusion: The present study shows that more females are taking up this profession in the current situation. It also shows that females are as competitive as males in dentistry and that most of the dental interns want to take up postgraduation after completion of the course. Both males and females are given equal working space and respect in this field of dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was intended to evaluate the knowledge and apprehension of dental health professionals pertaining to COVID-19. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, a self-administered questionnaire survey was used to validate the dental health professional's knowledge and apprehension pertaining to COVID-19. In this regard, a preliminary study with a convenience sample of 124 dentists working in various clinics in southern India was conducted so as to evaluate the knowledge and apprehension of dentists related to COVID-19 in India. This study, while limited in sample size, benefits the general practitioners as target readers to assess the awareness pertaining to COVID-19. Results: The results of this study reveal that there exists a good knowledge among dental health professionals pertaining to the COVID-19 virus and its oral manifestations in addition to the precautions to be taken for the prevention of COVID-19 in a clinical setup. However, there exists an apprehension as well as lack of awareness pertaining to the laboratory test to be carried out in a patient suspected with COVID-19 infections as well as the role of a mouthwash and the management of contaminated air in the dental clinic. Conclusion: The results elicited that there is a dearth of knowledge and relatively a fair apprehension among dental health professionals pertaining to COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]