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Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of intellectual functions. The disorder is usually seen after the age of 60 years, and these elderly patients tend to experience a progressive decline in their cognitive and behavioural abilities. Aim: The present study was carried out to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in elderly patients suffering from AD as compared to subjects without the disease. Materials and Method: One hundred elderly subjects with AD and 150 subjects without AD were included in the study. The subjective assessment of OHRQoL was done using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Demographic and oral characteristics were assessed for dentition status with the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), prosthesis use, xerostomia and presence of oral pathologies. Results: GOHAI values were found to be statistically higher (P = 0.0003) in the subjects with AD. The subjects with AD were found to have a higher DMFT (mean difference = 4.11), Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) scores (mean difference = 1.54), xerostomia (P = 0.0128) and number of oral pathologies. However, the educational level (P = 0.2603) and number of natural teeth (P = 0.0006) were found to be lower in the group with AD. Conclusion: The present study reported that the elderly subjects suffering from AD had poorer OHRQoL than those without the disease. There is a need to comprehensively evaluate the oral health conditions of elderly patients with AD and actively provide management to improve their OHRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tooth avulsion is one of the most serious dental emergencies in children often occurring in school or during play time in school, therefore, the knowledge and perception of schoolteachers regarding the appropriate measures to be taken immediately after tooth avulsion is crucial to good prognosis. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude regarding dental trauma and its management among primary school teachers of Modinagar (Uttar Pradesh) before and after oral health promotional intervention. Methodology: A questionnaire based interventional study was done in Modinagar among 248 school teachers and carried out in three phases. In the initial phase, a self-administered structured questionnaire was delivered directly to the respondents. Afterward, an informative 45-min lecture on dental trauma and its management was given during the second phase and in the third phase; a follow-up survey was done to assess the outcome. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test with statistical significance at 5%. Results: Insufficient knowledge regarding dental trauma and its management was seen in the preliminary phase, but significant improvement of 90% and above, was observed in follow-up phase after the interventional period (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The school teacher's level of knowledge on the management of dental trauma appears to be inadequate. This study highlights the importance of the provision of oral health promotion in improving the knowledge regarding management of dental trauma.

Aim: To determine whether there is a relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A total of 1520 (852 - periodontal group; 668 - general group) individuals of 30-70 years age group and residents of Baddi industrial estate in Himachal Pradesh, India, were assessed for the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and Periodontal Disease (PD). The prevalence and severity of periodontitis were determined by recording the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) with loss of attachment, based on WHO guidelines (1997). The criteria considered for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis were as those given by American Rheumatism Association -1988. Frequency distributions for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were used for assessment of statistical association between variables. Results: In patients referred for periodontal treatment, the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis was 4.4%. Females (3.2%) and subjects aged above 50 years (3.5%) showed a significantly higher prevalence in comparison to their counterparts (p

Background: Indian women, especially those from low-income groups consume diets that are deficient of calcium, proteins and micronutrients. Hence, they are prone to suffer from osteoporotic hip fractures at a much earlier age than western women. To detect early signs of osteoporosis, it is ideal to perform Bone Mineral Density testing of all post-menopausal women who are at risk. Aim: (i) To assess and compare the relative efficacy, ease of application and measurement of the various mandibular cortical indices which were obtained on the panoramic radiographs with bone densitometry data of post-menopausal women. and (ii) To evaluate the effectiveness of these measurements in the identification of cases of osteoporosis/osteopaenia. Method: A cross sectional sample which consisted of 40 randomly selected post menopausal women who were aged 40-69 years was subjected to dental panoramic radiography. Mental index, panoramic mandibular index, gonion index, mandibular cortical index and antegonial index were measured on each radiograph. The data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Analysis of variance with post–hoc Tukey’s test was performed to determine group differences in mandibular measurements. Results: Based on the bone densitometry results, the sample was classified into normal (n=9), osteopaenic (n=15) and osteoporotic (n=16) groups. Statistically significant differences were found for mean Mental index (p=0.000), mean Panoramic Mandibular Index (p=0.007) and mean Gonial Index (p=0.000). The sensitivity (100%) and specificity (88.88%) of MCI showed good results. Conclusion: Dentists who use orthopantomographs may play a vital role in screening patients with osteoporosis, mainly among post menopausal women.

Introduction: Over the past decades India, though being a developing country has progressed in multiple sectors but has not shown a substantial qualitative progress in healthcare. To be able to evaluate learning organization in a healthcare setup would thrust millennium development goals and infuse continuous learning model into health sector. Aim: To assess health care context using the Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) in a health care setting in National Capital Region of India. Materials and Methods: DLOQ proforma were distributed among 315 employees at all levels of the hospital. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 19.0 and was subjected to quantitative analysis and non-parametric tests. Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant difference between the means of the different professions where as MannWhitney tests compared the relation between each of the profession and a significant difference (p < 0.05) was noted, except dimension “systems connection”. Conclusion: The results provided sufficient inputs about the multidimensional learning organization capacity of a health care setting in a rapidly developing country.

Introduction: The number of reported natural and humanmade disasters continues to rise worldwide. Disasters occur every day somewhere in the world with dramatic impact on individuals, families and communities. Aim: This study was designed to measure the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding disaster management among academicians and practitioners in Ghaziabad city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 487 dentists. A questionnaire (15 items) measuring knowledge, attitude and practice was distributed manually to the participating dentists and data was analysed using SPSS software, version 19.0 and student t-test was performed to assess the differences. Results: There was statistically significant relation between knowledge and attitude in relation to qualification degree, career prospective and years of experience (p

Introduction: Tobacco use is a major public health challenge in India and government of India has taken various initiatives for tobacco control in the country. India was among the first few countries to ratify WHO the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004 and to make it easy, WHO introduced the MPOWER measures. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the implementation of MPOWER tobacco control policies in India. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective analysis information was collected from the WHO report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic Program, India for the year 2009, 2011 and 2013 using MPOWER and this analysis was based on the checklist which was designed previously by Iranian and international tobacco control specialists in their study on tobacco control and its cut-offs were set according to the scoring of key sections of the MPOWER 2011 report. Results: In this study India was ranked by scores and these scores were obtained from each indicator for each activity. The highest scores were achieved in 2013 and there are marked increase in scores in health warning on cigarette packages but as far as the cessation programmes and taxation is concerned, there is decline in the progress. Conclusion: MPOWER programmes are accepted in the India but there is considerable room for improvement as we are still far from the ideal situation.

Introduction: Variations in sex steroid hormones, noticeable through the menstrual cycle of women, may impact periodontal health. A relationship between female sex hormone levels and periodontal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause has been reported. Little research on gingival status at different periods of menstrual cycle, but very less work has been done to observe the effect of scaling on gingival status during different periods of menstrual cycle. Materials and Methods: Thirty female subjects, aged 18-25 years were selected for a three month study. In Stage 1, clinical parameters {Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Modified Sulcular Bleeding Index (mSBI) and Probing depth (PD)} were recorded at three different time intervals {OV (Ovulation), PM (Premenstruation), M (Menstruation)} of their menstrual cycle, without scaling and polishing. In Stage 2, all clinical parameters were recorded at their subsequent menstrual cycle after scaling and polishing. Results: In interstage analysis, OV 1 > OV 2, PM 1 > PM 2 and M 1> M 2. In intrastage analysis, for PI, mean difference between all values was not statistically significant. For mSBI, PM 1 > OV 1 > M 1, also PM 2 > OV 2 > M 2. For GI, PM 1 > OV 1 > M 1, also PM 2 > OV 2 > M 2. For PD, mean difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Ovarian hormones influence gingival status of females, with an increase observed primarily during PM and OV phases of menstrual cycle. Scaling leads to a subsequent decrease in gingival inflammation.

Introduction: The shift in therapeutic concepts from resection to regeneration has significantly impacted the practice of periodontology. Human studies have revealed that hydroxyapatite bone cement holds great promise as a grafting alloplastic material. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of OSSIFI® (combined beta tricalcium phosphate plus hydroxyapatite) in the treatment of periodontal infrabony defects. Materials and Methods: Ten study subjects were selected and divided into two groups. Group I (PD>7mm) and Group II (PD≤ 7mm). Both Groups I and II were treated by regenerative periodontal surgery using OSSIFI® as graft material. Plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, clinical attachment levels were recorded clinically and bone fill, radiographically, at baseline, three months and six months. Results and Conclusion: Statistically significant reduction in pocket depth, plaque index, gingival index was seen after six months. There was significant bone fill seen from 3-6months with significant gain in clinical attachment levels.

Provision of health care facilities and the extent of their utilization is one of the indices of human development. The services for the masses need to be designed with the basic objective of alleviating and preventing the vast amounts of diseases of the mass. This could be achieved by mobile dental units (MDUs). The present systemic review access the efficacy of MDUs for community settings. A review of literature was performed both electronically and manually using MeSH Terms- Mobile Dental Units/clinics. Eight articles, which fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the review. MDUs help in overcoming the accessibility, affordability and sustainability barrier. They are able to reach more people than fixed-site clinics. Even in Government sector, mobile dental vans can help reach the underserved at an affordable cost.The present systematic review revealed that MDUs prove to be an effective adjunct to the oral health service providers like dental colleges and private practitioners.

Introduction: Globally, India's pharmaceutical industry is the third largest one in terms of volume of medicines exported but several essential medicines remain inaccessible within the country especially for the poor due to rising health-care expenses. Generic medicines, which are typically 20-90% less expensive than the branded drugs, provide the same quality, safety, and efficacy as the original brand name product. Aim: The study aims to access the knowledge, attitude and practice of clinical practitioners and academicians regarding the use of generic medicine. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 368 dentists working as academicians or clinicians in and around Ghaziabad from July to August 2019 using a pre-validated questionnaire. Chi square analysis and independent t test was used to analyze the knowledge, attitude and practice of generic drugs among clinicians and academicians. P=0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 73.6% of the clinicians as well as 100% academicians agreed that generic medicines were intended to be interchangeably with branded drugs (p = 0.001*). But, 94.4% of the clinicians and 95.3% of the academicians felt that generic drugs are not effective as innovator (p=0.815). Regarding the practice, all of the academicians and only 32% clinicians prescribed the generics to their patients (p=0.001). Conclusion: Most of the dentists had good knowledge and attitude about generic medicines but there was a meaningful proportion who expressed concerns about them. There is a need of educational interventions to increase the awareness and acceptability of generic medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nowadays, tobacco consumption has become one of the major public health problems and is the leading cause of escapable illness and death. A significant role is played by dental professionals in the identification of smokers; they are, thus, in a better position to offer preventive care. The aim of the present study was to systemically review the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners toward tobacco cessation. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed Central and Cochrane Library, Medline--PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar up to 2018 to identify appropriate studies. Full-text original research articles of the cross-sectional design were only included in the study. Our target was to systemically review the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners toward tobacco cessation. Results: The present review included a total of nine articles (studies) that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Two articles which were hand searched and one article which was obtained through contact with experts were included. The results of the review revealed that the dental practitioners in most of the included studies lack satisfactory knowledge and were unaware of existing referral pathways to specialist smoking cessation services. At the same time, most of the dentists have a positive attitude toward tobacco cessation. Conclusions: Dental professionals are aware of their obligations toward smoking cessation counseling for patients but certain barriers including lack of time, confidence, and training prevent them from practicing the same in their daily routine. The dental professionals should obtain appropriate training and attain knowledge along with quantifiable skills for the prevention and cessation of tobacco use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spiritual health is the youngest dimension of health which affects the coping skills of the individual and may help the dental students who are the caregivers of the future, to overcome crisis situation with time. Aim: To measure the association between spiritual health and coping skills among the dental students of private dental college. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted to assess the spiritual health status using Spiritual Health Assessment Scale (SHAS) and coping skills using Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (ACOPE) scale among the 389 dental students of different academic years in a private dental college. The data obtained was subjected to descriptive statistics and means were compared using independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 22.8±3.17 years. Majority of the students had fair spiritual health score (74.55%). Of the coping strategies dimension, highest mean score was observed in seeking diversions (3.60±1.40) and the least mean score was observed in engaging in demanding activities (2.67±1.41). Statistically significant association was seen between dimension of coping behaviour and spiritual health (p≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The present study highlights that spiritual health plays a central role and influences the coping strategies in human health. The spiritual health can continuously compensate with other health like mental, physical and social well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mobile phones were originally seen as a gadget for communication but currently, the internet enabled mobile phones have become an integral part of our daily life. Their benefits are incomparable but at the same time, they have some negative effects too. Aim: To assess the pattern of usage of mobile phones and its effects on the academic performance of students. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 554 students of D. J. College of Dental Sciences and Research through a self-administered questionnaire to collect the data regarding the usage and associated anxiety with mobile phone. Results: About 39.5% students agreed that they score low marks in professional exams if they spend more time on phone. The number of students who frequently checked their cell phone during their classes or while doing clinical work were 24.7%. A total of 24.12% of the students were found to be nomophobic and at risk of being nomophobes were 40.97%. A statistically significant difference was found among preclinical, clinical, interns and postgraduates regarding the usage and effect of mobile phone on them. Conclusion: The pattern of usage of mobile phone among dental students showed alarming indication that students have been addicted to mobile phone which in turn affect their academic performance in a negative way. It would be useful to advise the students about the controlled as well as proper usage of mobile phone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Periodontal disease and dental caries are the common oral conditions which cause loss of teeth, mostly molars. This further leads to Shortening of Dental Arch and Shortened Dental Arch (SDA) concept provides the overall requirements of functional dentition at reduced cost without compromising the health. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) towards SDA concept among dentists of Ghaziabad city (Uttar Pradesh, India). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 dentists working as academicians or clinicians or both. KAP questionnaire consisting of questions related to SDA concept was distributed to them. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and descriptive and analytical tests, including mean, standard deviation, and Chi square test were used. Results: Of the 514 dentists, only 493 dentists responded to the questionnaire, generating the response rate of 95.5%. Only 113 (22.9%) had knowledge about this concept. Clinicians were found to have more knowledge regarding the SDA concept (p<0.05). Also years of experience and level of knowledge among dentists regarding SDA was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study showed lack of knowledge regarding SDA concept among dentists and also only few dentists practice the SDA concept on their patients. If used judiciously the SDA concept can serve as a cost effective and functionally oriented approach in clinical management of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral cancer is one of the highly prevalent cancers worldwide and a leading cause of mortality in certain regions like South-Central Asia. It is a major public health problem. Late diagnosis, high mortality rates and morbidity are characteristics of the disease worldwide. For control of oral cancer an idea of the coverage of the same in the various regions is necessary. The estimated incidence, mortality and 5-year survival due to lip, oral cavity cancer in world is 3, 00, 373(2.1%), 1, 45, 328(1.8%) and 7, 02, 149(2.2%) respectively according to data of GLOBOCAN 2012. A changing trend in incidence and prevalence of oral cancer has been observed with more women and youngsters being affected by oral cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]