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Objective: The study compares two different interfaces of CBL (WhatsApp® and Face-to-Face) in undergraduate dental students and examines WhatsApp's effectiveness as a teaching tool. Methods: A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted from May 2023 to October 2023 at Ayub College of Dentistry, Orthodontic Department, Abbottabad, involving 30 participants randomly assigned to control (Face-to-Face) Group-1 and experimental (WhatsApp®) Group-2. The six-week study utilized pre-validated questionnaires and Multiple-Choice Questions assessments, comparing post-test scores. Assessment of the intervention involved evaluating Kirkpatrick levels one and two, with responses being rated using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis employed Students' t-tests for group comparisons and paired t-tests for MCQ results before and after the intervention for each group. A p-value less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance, with SPSS version 23 used for analysis. Results: The study involved 30 participants with a mean age of 23.23±0.67 years, encompassing both males (53.3%) and females (46.7%). All survey participants (100%) used WhatsApp, highlighting its popularity. Everyone had internet access, with 73.3% using smartphones and 26.7% using laptops for mobile internet. Post-intervention, both control and experimental groups exhibited improved post-test scores (p<0.001), but the comparison between groups showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.50). Over 50% of students expressed satisfaction with WhatsApp as a teaching tool, resulting in a learning gain of 36.18%. Conclusions: The study concluded that both WhatsApp® and Face-to-Face CBL effectively improved dental students' learning, with WhatsApp® yielding results comparable to traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the pulpal calcification that was presented on radiographs after the completion of orthodontic treatment. Study Design: Retrospective Observational study. Setting: Department of Orthodontic, Ayub Medical College Abbottabad. Period: October 2023 to November 2023. Methods: Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the current study was carried out on patients who had reported and registered for orthodontic intervention within the previous five years and had case records from the orthodontics department available. A total of 670 case records were assessed for selecting 191 cases as per sample size. Results: Among 191 patients, 30.4% were male and 69.6% were female. The highest percentage belonged to the 14-16 age group (32%), followed by 20-22 (28.3%), 17-19 (26.2%), and 23-25 (12.6%) age groups. Pre-treatment calcification was 17.8% (n=34), rising to 28.3% (n=54) post-treatment. Pulp calcification significantly increased after orthodontic treatment (p<0.05). No significant differences were found between gender and age groups regarding pulp calcification (p>0.05). However, a significant association existed between pulp calcification and treatment duration (p<0.05). The 25-30 months treatment duration had the highest occurrence (n=27), followed by 31-36 months (n=19). Mandibular teeth had a higher prevalence of pulp calcification (53.7%) than maxillary teeth (46.3%), with tooth number 36 having the highest prevalence (25.9%). A significant relationship was observed between the left and right sides of the dental arches, with the left side exhibiting greater tooth calcification (68.5%) than the right side (31.5%). Conclusions: The present study concluded that there was an increase in the frequency of pulpal calcifications in the observed posterior teeth after orthodontic treatment. Pulpal calcifications were significantly more prevalent in the posterior teeth of the mandibular arch compared to the maxillary arch. Moreover, the likelihood of pulpal calcification increased over the duration of orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present era has been commanded by ample studies correlating breathing modes & risk of occurrence of malocclusion. The early intervention of altered breathing patterns can head off the long-lasting effects of already established malocclusion. The main intention of this project was to establish the possible correlation between mouth-breathing & malocclusions. Methods: Sixty-two (62) patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were evaluated via data form (including history & clinical evaluation). SPSS software version 25.0 was used for data analysis. Patient's age, gender, type of Angle's malocclusion & breathing pattern was taken in account while analysing data. Descriptive statistics & Chi- Square test was applied on the data. It was anticipated that mouth breathing is associated with malocclusion. p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 29 males & 33 females participated in the study. The mean age was 13 years (range 6-20 years). A significant correlation was found between mouth-breathing, tongue thrust (p=0.03) & bleeding gums (p=0.006). Other parameters had no significant correlation with mouth-breathing. Conclusion: The current study revealed that mouth breathing has significant association with opened mouth at rest & gingival abnormalities (bleeding/ swollen gums) implying that timely diagnosis of such abnormal breathing pattern can hinder with development of altered occlusion & dentofacial conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the prevalence, awareness, and willingness of orthodontic patients at Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, regarding the usage of social media for accessing orthodontic information and their inclination to integrate it into their treatment. Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad from June 2023 to July 2023. This study involved 255 consecutive patients who sought orthodontic care at the department. The inclusive sample encompassed individuals of varying ages and genders, including both existing and new patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Exclusions were made for bloggers and social media influencers. A validated questionnaire was used to gauge their social media engagement. Data analysis employed SPSS version 23, computing descriptive statistics and using the Chi-square test for variable associations (p<0.05). Results: The study encompassed 255 patients, with a significant female majority (78%). Most were receiving braces treatment (71.4%), predominantly aged 11-20 (49.8%), followed by 21-30 (35.7%) and 31-40 (14.5%). Results demonstrated noteworthy awareness regarding the usefulness of social media for orthodontic information (64.7%), although the prevalence of usage was comparatively lower (33.7%), with 62.7% expressing willingness to use a developed social media site. Notably, Instagram exhibited significant growth potential (19.6% to 35.3%) compared to Snapchat (3.9% to 13.7%). Statistical analysis suggested no substantial disparities between genders and age groups regarding social media use and platform preferences. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study reveals significant potential for orthodontic patient education through social media, with notable awareness and willingness, despite the lower prevalence of usage. Tailored communication strategies are essential for enhancing patient engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collaborative orthodontic-endodontic approaches are vital in addressing complex dental cases. However, existing literature reveals a notable dearth in understanding and implementing this approach among dental practitioners. Objective: This study aimed to bridge the gap in understanding current practices among dental practitioners, fostering enhanced patient care and ethical standards. This cross-sectional survey, conducted from September 1st to 30th, 2023, involved distributing a validated questionnaire to dental practitioners in the Hazara Division, yielding 96 responses from 105 visited clinics and 44 from hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used for frequencies and percentages using SPSS version 23. Methodology: The survey involved 78.6% general dentists, 13.6% orthodontists, and 7.9% endodontists. Varying levels of correct responses were observed for the knowledge-based questions. Results: Positive attitudes were seen, with 70% of respondents expressing an interest in enhancing knowledge through educational programs, and 73% agreeing to adhere to interdisciplinary guidelines. Furthermore, 79.3% of practitioners had experience treating cases requiring both orthodontic tooth movement and endodontic therapy. Conclusion: Notably, orthodontists and endodontists showed higher percentages of accurate responses compared to general dentists. In conclusion, this study underscores the need for improved education, standardized protocols, and better patient communication for effective interdisciplinary dental care specifically in general dental practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esthetic features are different from one race to another, and this should be considered during the treatment planning. The great variance in soft tissue drape of the human face complicates accurate assessment. The nose--lip--chin relationships are exceedingly important in determining the facial esthetics. One important soft tissue parameter in orthodontic diagnosis is the nasolabial angle. The purpose of this study was to establish norms for nasolabial angle in the local population. Normative data for the nasolabial angle was produced from a sample of 50 (25 male and 25 female) adults (18-25 yrs) with well-balanced faces. Mean and standard deviation values from this pooled sample demonstrated a nasolabial angle of 105.8° ± 3.95°. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the values for men and women in this study, but men did have a slightly larger nasolabial angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]