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School nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) are essential to the health and wellness of school children. However, most US schools do not have a full-time licensed nurse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, school nurses and UAPs have been integral in ensuring that the health needs of students were met. They have seen a marked increase in their responsibilities included implementing COVID-19 mitigation strategies, screening for symptoms, testing students and staff, conducting contact tracing and data collection, and ensuring the implementation of rapidly changing COVID-19 guidelines and protocols for schools. The objective of this study was to explore COVID-19 occupational changes and their contributions to stress among school nurses and UAPs through a content analysis of local and national media articles. A Google search of articles published between February 2020 and September 2021 was conducted using the following search terms: ‘school nurse’, ‘COVID-19’, ‘health aide’, ‘stress’, and ‘experiences’. A search was also conducted in Nexis Uni. Articles were included if the topic discussed school nurses or UAPs and COVID-19. All articles that examined nurses in other settings were excluded from the review. We examined topics and themes temporally (from February 2020 to September 2021) and spatially (i.e. the frequency by US state). Overall, 496 media articles discussing school nurses and COVID-19 were included in our review. The highest volume of articles was from September 2021 (22%, 111/496). Other months with relatively high volume of articles included August 2020 (9%, 43/496), January 2021 (10%, 47/496), February 2021 (9%, 44/496), and August 2021 (8%, 39/496). These larger article volumes coincided with notable COVID-19 events, including returning to school in the fall (August 2020 and August 2021), school nurses assisting with vaccine rollouts among adults in the USA (January/February 2021), concerns regarding the delta variant (August/September 2021), and vaccine rollouts for children ages 12–15 (September 2021). The representation of articles spatially (national, state, regional, or local) was 66 (13%) articles at national level, 217 (44%) state level, 25 (5%) regional level, and 188 (38%) local news at the city and/or village level. Pennsylvania had the highest frequency of articles, but when standardized to the state population, Alaska had the highest rate of media per 100 000 people. Three major themes were identified in our analysis: (i) safety; (ii) pandemic-related fatigue/stress; and (iii) nursing shortage/budget. The most represented theme for articles before September 2021 was that of safety. Over time, the themes of pandemic-related fatigue/stress and nursing shortage/budget increased with the most notable increase being in September 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in new occupational risks, burdens, and stressors experienced by school nurses and UAPs. School nurses play a critical role in disease surveillance, disaster preparedness, wellness and chronic disease prevention interventions, immunizations, mental health screening, and chronic disease education. Furthermore, they provide a safety net for our most vulnerable children. Given that school nurses were already over-burdened and under-resourced prior to the pandemic, characterization of these new burdens and stressors will inform emergency preparedness resources for school health personnel during future pandemics or outbreaks.

OBJECTIVES Nursing professionals form the first line of contact and are in a unique place to provide appropriate oral advice to patients. The study assessed the effectiveness of oral health training program for nurses. DESIGN The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by a pre and post questionnaire assessment on 50 nurses. RESULTS Nursing professionals had a significant increase (p

Background Nursing and allied health professionals are helping hands for healthcare and are important in the training cascade. We aimed to develop and validate the effectiveness of a web-based learning module on oral health promotion among nursing and allied health professionals. Methods We developed and validated an oral health module focused on prevention and promotion for a web-based intervention among nurses and allied health professionals. Pre- and post-test assessment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme. Results Of a total of 347 participants, 170 (48.9%) had a good knowledge score in the pre-test, and after attending the oral health module their number increased to 267 (76.9%). The mean difference between the pre-test and post-test scores was statistically significant (p Conclusions Training of nurses and allied health professionals on oral health through a web-based module showed improvement in oral health literacy.

Background: Oral health is an indispensible part of general health is an often ignored by masses including health care personnel. There have been health policies launched by the government recently including oral care but to what extent the people are aware of these policies are yet to be assessed. Aim: To assess the oral health status and perception pertaining to link between oral and systemic health, Ayushman Bharath Yojana and the concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) amongst the people visiting the exhibition on 64th Institute Day, AIIMS, New Delhi, India. Materials and Methods: People who came to the dental booth at the exhibition over a period of 3 days from 25th September 2019 to 27th September 2019, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data collection was performed through clinical examination and open ended questionnaire for the assessment of perception regarding association between oral health and systemic health, concept of Universal Health Coverage and Ayushman Bharath Yojana. Result: Mean DMFT score was found to be 2.6 ± 3.4, 41.3% had bleeding on probing, 2.8% showed dental trauma and 2% had dental fluorosis. Nearly 73.6% felt that oral health does affect general health. Majority of the study population was not aware of the concept of UHC. Around 60% participants were aware of the Ayushman Bharath Yojana. Conclusion: The study findings conclude the need to spread awareness amongst masses about government health policies and effects of oral health on general health.

Topical fluoride is used for prevention of dental caries. However, its effectiveness and more specifically its formulation and frequency of application in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy are still debatable. The aim of this systematic review was to pool the evidence of effectiveness of various topical fluorides in preventing radiation caries or change in bacterial growth in adult patients of head and neck cancer.Three databases (PubMed and Google Scholar and Cochrane) were searched for randomized controlled or uncontrolled trials or quasi randomised trials published till February 2021. Two independent reviewers screened 346 abstracts finally 14 articles were included in the current systematic review. Primary outcome evaluated was the prevention of radiation caries or change in bacterial growth in saliva. Meta-analysis was performed for the sub groups formed on the basis of fluoride formulations and adjuncts used with it.Studies included were highly heterogeneous. Majority of studies found different fluoride formulations to be effective in controlling radiation caries to a variable extent up to 70% depending upon the intervention, patient compliance, rate of attrition and follow up period. Sodium fluoride was the most commonly used caries preventive agent. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference between sodium fluoride formulations and other fluoride agents. Fluoride treatment when incorporated with re-mineralising agent had no significant effect on caries prevention CONCLUSION: Fluoride prevents radiation caries. However, to delineate its exact formulation, dosage or frequency, there is need for more well conducted randomised controlled trials.

Context Consumption of high-energy food has increased globally, thereby leading to an increase in many diseases. One strategy for addressing this is to make people aware of their energy intake through energy and fat labels. However, the effectiveness of this remains debatable. Objective This review aims to pool the mixed outcomes of recent studies assessing the effect of energy and fat content labeling on food consumption pattern. Data Sources Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Randomized controlled and quasi-experimental controlled trials published from 2014 to 2019 were included. Data Extraction Two reviewers screened 413 abstracts independently. Qualitative and quantitative data was extracted from 10 articles; meta-analysis was carried out on 6 of those studies. Results The majority of the included papers were conducted in the regions of America, the Western Pacific, and Europe. Overall, the 6 studies claimed that labeling did not reduce the consumption of energy or fat. However, meta-analysis showed that fat and energy content labeling of food had a statistically significant effect on consumption. Subgroup analysis showed no difference with respect to types of labels, ie, context labeling vs traffic-light labeling, but energy content labels seemed to be more effective than fat content labels in influencing healthy food choices. Conclusion Energy and fat content labeling were shown to reduce the consumption of each significantly. However, the outcome was influenced by the study setting and the population concerned. There is a need for research in other regions in order to assess the global effectiveness of nutrition labels on food consumption. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020172675.

Introduction In India every year, an estimated 1 million people die from tobacco-related illnesses, which could have been avoided by stopping tobacco use. This study aimed to determine the tobacco dependence and perceptions about tobacco cessation among the patients attending a tertiary care dental hospital. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted among the individuals visiting the dental hospital. Self-administered questionnaires were used to record quantitative data on the current and past tobacco history, tobacco dependence, and quit attempts. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data on the perceptions on tobacco quitting. Results About 52% of participants had made an attempt to quit tobacco in the past. The majority of the smokers (82.7%), smokeless tobacco (SLT) users (71.3%), and dual users (83.1%) reported being in the contemplation phase of quitting tobacco. SLT users (12.3%) reported to have taken action in the past to quit tobacco compared to 9.6% smokers, and 1.4% of dual users. Doctors advise, motivation from family and friends motivated the participants to quit tobacco. The risk perception of tobacco use was reported as death, cancer, dental diseases, systemic diseases like chest congestion, cough, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and general body weakness. However, some of the participants were unaware of the methods to quit tobacco, some had misconceptions that shifting to other forms of tobacco and alcohol could help in quitting, and considered SLT to be less harmful than smoking forms. Conclusion Majority of the participants were willing to quit tobacco and had taken measures to quit in the past. There is a need to increase the awareness among the tobacco users about the health risk of tobacco use, and motivate them to utilize the existing cessation services available.

Background: Patients search online for information about health and potential treatments, but the content and accuracy of some websites are questionable. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India developed a website ‘eDantSeva’ to promote oral health under the National Oral Health Programme. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the participants attending the Out Patient Department at a tertiary dental institute in New Delhi. The study duration was for a period of 4 months (September – December 2018). Participants with a basic understanding in English language and willing to participate were included in the study to give feedback for an oral health promoting website. Findings: The participants showed 73% of satisfaction with the website, 22% of the participants were partially satisfied and 5% were not satisfied with the website. Interpretation: Participants felt that the website on oral health promotion was well informative with comprehensive knowledge for dental up keeping and knowledge. Funding Statement: The study was funded by eHealth and eGovernance Division of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India. Declaration of Interests: There are no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among the participants attending the Out Patient Department at a tertiary dental institute in New Delhi after obtaining the approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee (Ref.NO.:IEC-176/05.04.2019, RP-32/2019).

Purpose: Oral cancer is the third common cancer in India, the mortality of which can be reduced by early detection. Dentists are ideal for this task and tobacco cessation owing to their forte of work. This paper discusses findings of a Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcome)-based advanced telementoring program in these areas for dentists across India. Methods: The 14-week long training program in 2018, with weekly, hour-long sessions conducted by our Organization (hub) on Zoom app, had 52 participants (spokes) from across India. Each session comprised of an expert-led didactic, and case discussions by spokes. Participants were evaluated through online, pre- and post-training, and weekly post-session quizzes, along with weekly and post-one-year feedback. Successful spokes attended a hands-on workshop at our organization subsequently. Results: A notable increase in the overall and per-session mean knowledge score, and confidence in oral cancer screening was seen among the spokes. Many started such services at their respective clinics (and continued till even a year later) and reduced referrals to other healthcare facilities for confirmation of their diagnosis. They also felt motivated to spread community awareness about oral cancer prevention. Conclusion: The ECHO telementoring model comprising of expert didactics, case discussions by spokes, along with significant interaction between the spokes and experts, is a promising best-practice tool to reduce knowledge and skills disparity regarding oral cancer prevention among dentists situated across different locations. This in turn would enable these most appropriate healthcare providers to contribute towards the overall goal of oral cancer prevention. Citation Format: Suzanne Nethan, Amrita John, Priyanka Ravi, Vipin Kumar, Kavitha Dhanasekaran, Roshni Babu, Roopa Hariprasad. Virtual Mentoring of Dentists in Oral Cancer Screening and Tobacco Cessation: An Advanced Level Program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 87.

Oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontitis, and edentulism (toothlessness), affect about 3.5 billion people worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of government employees employed at an organization in New Delhi. Oral health information was recorded using the standard World Health Organization’s (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Tool. A total of 476 employees at various levels of administration were screened at their worksite. Dental caries and periodontal disease were present in more than half of the participants. Around 56% had decayed teeth, 20% had missing teeth, and 16% had filled teeth. Bleeding from gums was seen in 71% and periodontitis in 59% of participants. Preventive treatment and oral health promotion was required in at least 41% of the screened individuals. Annual workplace oral examinations may help in decreasing the oral disease burden and create awareness on the oral health among employees.

Background The extensive reach of AYUSH health professionals allows them to provide profound quality care to the unreachable. These professionals from the traditional system of medicine form fundamental part of the health care system. If adequately trained on oral health they can play a remarkable role in oral health promotion and prevention of oral diseases. Objective A training strategy was thus chalked out and this study was conducted to assess the knowledge of AYUSH health professionals on oral health and the impact of this training intervention in improving their knowledge. Materials and methods An interventional study via self structured pre and post questionnaire on 49 participants assessed the knowledge of participants on oral health promotion. The needs assessment revealed that all the AYUSH health practitioners felt the need to participate in oral health promotion training. Results A significant increase in mean knowledge scores from 12.56 ± 2.26 to 15.26 ± 1.40 of AYUSH professionals was seen after a one day training programme. Conclusion The study concluded that the utilization of AYUSH health professionals for oral health promotion and education can aid as a valuable tool for population based oral health promotion approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Schools are a valuable platform for promoting oral health through oral health education as the children spend most of their active time in schools. Training school teachers on oral health promotion will help to inculcate healthy oral habits in children during their formative years of life. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, approach, and action change of school teachers toward oral health and the impact of this training intervention in improving their knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interventional study was conducted among 50 primary school teachers across the country selected by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. A self-administered, 28-item questionnaire in Google document format was developed to evaluate the knowledge and practice of teachers toward oral hygiene before and after the teachers' training program. The training was done using a validated training manual on oral health promotion for school teachers developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Needs assessment for training was conducted 1 week before this training program. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mc Nemar tests were used to assess the difference between the scores before and after oral health education. RESULTS: The needs assessment revealed that majority of the teachers felt the need to participate in oral health promotion training. A significant increase (P < 0.001) in mean knowledge scores of school teachers was seen after a 1-day training program. CONCLUSION: The training improved the knowledge of school teachers on oral health which indicates that the adopted method of oral health education was well received by the participants from all over the country.

Background Marketing of SLT products through internet is banned in 42 countries. Flavouring of SLT is banned in only in a handful of countries. There is scant literature on the internet sale of SLT products and their associated flavours. This study evaluates global online market of SLT products, the number of websites selling these products, the type of products and the flavours mentioned in the website. Methods The current study was conducted in June-July 2017; online search was done for the sites selling SLT products through Google browser. First 20 pages of the Google results were visited for each country using the key words "chewing tobacco", "snuff", "snus", "smokeless tobacco" and "oral tobacco" in combination with general terms "tobacco sale", "online sale" etc. Data was obtained for the number and type of product sold and flavours mentioned for each product. Results Our search showed that there is a wide spread internet sale of SLT products notably in India, UK, USA and Sweden. There is lack of policy in the high SLT burden countries like India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and China. Policy on ban of flavoured SLT products is there in only Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka. Online sale of flavoured SLT product sale was extensive in India, Thailand, USA and UK. Most commonly used flavours were sweet, spice, flower, fruit, alcohol flavours and various non-specific flavours. Conclusions There is a wide spread sale of SLT products online. This enables the individuals to buy the products around the globe. The need of the hour is to formulate a policy to reduce the sale of online SLT products.

Background: Oral health of the geriatric population plays a major role in their overall health and quality of life. There is lack of access to dental care among the institutionalized elderly and there is a need to know their felt oral health needs an

Objectives: India has a high incidence of oral cancer due to multifarious tobacco use. The objective of this study was to assess the status of tobacco-related oral lesions over 16 years, in a screen-detected population. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved home visits of 2000 Delhi residents, previously screened for oral potentially malignant disorders/oral cancer and counseled for tobacco cessation. Their basic demographics and tobacco/alcohol history were noted followed by oral visual examination for any related mucosal abnormalities. The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed. Results: Two hundred and sixty-five individuals (13.2%) could be traced after 16 years. The status of oral lesions varied across the participants, mainly in terms of their location, type, number, and/or presence/absence; no oral malignancies were noted. Most individuals had either a decreased use (34%, p < 0.001) or had quit tobacco (25.7%, p < 0.001); 8.3% individuals from the former and 5.7% from the latter group showed complete lesion(s) regression. The overall change in the tobacco use and oral lesions showed a highly significant positive association ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: A direct relationship exists between tobacco use and oral lesions. Repeated, tobacco cessation counseling provided by health-care professionals is effective. Oral screening of high-risk individuals, along with tobacco cessation, is thus essential.

Intelligent Traffic Monitoring has been an area of avid research in the past decade. The aim of this research paper is to present a novel design of an adaptive traffic control system that ensures fair scheduling and provides dynamic suggestions of optimal routes to neighbourhoods based on traffic intensity information collected by piezoelectric strips installed on the road. The time slice for each of the four directions of traffic movement at a signal junction is dependent on the traffic intensity in that direction and a state machine is used to adjust the time slices while a round-robin fashion of scheduling traffic movement is maintained. Swarm particle optimization algorithm is employed by a centralized control unit that has the traffic intensity information from all neighbourhoods to provide optimal route suggestions to different neighbouring areas, at each signal.