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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. Keywords: Dental procedures, dental surgeons, eye safety, goggle use, Author(s): Vijayalaxmi Nimma [1]; Maitri Bayani [1]; Amara S. Lingam (corresponding author) [2]; Easwaran Ramaswami [1]; Lavanya Reddy [3]; Sonali Kadam [1] INTRODUCTION According to World Health Organization, ocular health [...]

Background. The patency of the pharyngeal airway has a far-reaching impact on craniofacial development. Conversely, the position of the maxillofacial skeletal components in certain disorders may lead to a compromised airway. Therefore, the evaluation of the airway is an essential step in treatment planning. Objectives. The basic aim of this study was to measure the pharyngeal air space volume in the patients with maxillofacial skeletal abnormalities (like Class II, Class III malocclusion, TMJ Ankylosis, Condylar abnormalities and Syndromic cases) and those without any skeletal abnormalities. The objectives were to assess the Linear, Cross-sectional, and Volumetric dimensions of the pharyngeal airway in patients with and without maxillofacial skeletal abnormalities. (Study and Control group) Materials and methods. The Study group included 49 patients with maxillofacial Skeletal abnormalities like Class II and Class III malocclusion, Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis, Condylar abnormalities, Syndromic cases. 49 Control group patients did not present with any skeletal abnormalities. The Linear, Cross-sectional, and Volumetric dimensions of the pharyngeal airway in the Study group and Control group were calculated and compared within the groups. Statistical Analysis: Unpaired t -test, ANOVA test and Tukey's Post Hoc analysis test were for the data analysis of the above study. Outcomes. The Anteroposterior dimension of the airway at the Superiormost level was found to be significantly greater in Class II (p-value-0.039), Class III (p-value-0.002), and Control groups (p-value <0.001) when compared with the TMJ Ankylosis group. The Volume and Cross-sectional area of the airway at the most constricted level of the airway was found to be significantly greater in Class III (p-value <0.001) and Control group (p-value 0.013, 0.003) respectively when compared with the TMJ Ankylosis group. Conclusions. The pharyngeal airway was narrowest anteroposteriorly at all three levels (Superior-most, Most constricted, and Inferior-most levels) in the TMJ Ankylosis group and widest in the Class III group. The least cross-sectional area was found in the TMJ Ankylosis group whereas the greatest was found in the Class III group. The airway volume in the TMJ Ankylosis group and Class II group is significantly lesser than that of the Control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hookah smoking has been on raise all over the world, including India, especially among youngsters. There is growing evidence suggesting the high school children experimenting this form of tobacco. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics, behavior, and perceptions related to hookah smoking among the hookah smokers in Mumbai. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 randomly selected young adults between the age group of 15–35 years in Mumbai who visited different dental clinics. The questionnaire was distributed as Google Forms online in the month of November and December 2019 and those who submitted completed responses were included in the study. Results: Only 114 participants returned with the completed forms in the time period of 2 months. The results showed that the majority of participants were between 20 and 24 age, comprising 58% who were having the habit of hookah smoking. Among which 24% females, 76% males had history of hookah habit. Eight percent of males started smoking hookah from very young age. Males (29.89%) shared one hookah pot with four members. Forty percent of the participants stated that they are interested to smoke again because of hookah flavor. Conclusion: Easy availability of newer forms of smoking at online markets could play a role in promoting the use of hookah among youngsters. Most products are being sold without any warnings, and there is no means to control the selling of the products to minors. Educational intervention is urgently needed to create awareness among youth about the harmful effects of hookah smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]