ABSTRACT
Dental and Oral Health is a vital part of our overall health and well-being.Poor oral hygiene can lead to caries and gingival diseases. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment. However, many older adults experience poor oral health. Even though recent reports have shown a consistent decline in the prevalence of tooth loss during the past few decades, significant variation in tooth loss distribution remains. We wanted to determine the prevalence of partial edentulism according to Kennedy’s classification and assess the reason for non-replacement of teeth.METHODSThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 patients who came to the Department of Prosthodontics in SPDC. They were partially edentulous patients in the age group of 20-60 years. After obtaining informed consent from these patients, thorough intraoral examination of all the patients was carried out to identify the pattern & type of edentulism. Each patient was asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire regarding loss of teeth. The questionnaire comprised of a total of 10 close ended questions. Patient responses were assessed, and analysed.RESULTSHealth status was assessed in different age groups and significant results were found. Lack of awareness was found to be the main reason for not replacing the missing teeth in 36 % of patients in the age group of 20-30. 36% patients of the age group 30-40 felt no difference after extraction showing that lack of awareness in young age group remains the main reason for not getting treatment done. Self-motivation resulted in seeking treatment for 40% patients in the age group of 40-50 whereas it was 60% in the age group of 20-30 in females; motivation by friends and relatives for seeking treatment affected 50% of male patients in the age group of 20-30 and same was seen in females of the age group 50-60. 31% patients in the age group of 20-30 consulted dentist for the replacement of the missing teeth.CONCLUSIONSGender comparison in this study shows prevalence of loss of teeth with predominant Kennedy’s Class 1 in males than females but with less tendency to seek treatment for the same than females.
ABSTRACT
In recent times ergonomics has become a popular term. The term has been used with most professions but increasingly in the dental profession. Dentistry is a profession in which all the dentists worldwide are commonly affected with health hazards like musculoskeletal disorders which hinders their clinical practice resulting in early retirements. So, to evaluate workplace efficiency and prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in practicing local dentists this study was planned. We wanted to assess the awareness about proper ergonomic practice among the post-graduate dental students in Vidarbha region.METHODSThe study was undertaken at Sharad Pawar Dental College between 2018-2019. Study comprised of 50 post-graduate students. Each student was asked to fill self-administered questionnaire regarding ergonomics. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 10 questions. Results were assessed accordingly.RESULTSOut of all the participating post-graduate students, 84% have knowledge of the term ergonomics and its applications in dental practice. 52% of them responded positively to taking micro breaks while performing a procedure. 88% of them are aware of the posture related musculoskeletal disorders. 84% of them responded positively about experiencing symptoms during working. 68% of them responded positively about knowing some exercises to strengthen their back, shoulders or hands. 36% of the participants are practicing four handed dentistry.CONCLUSIONSAwareness about dental ergonomics can enable the post-graduate students and other dental practitioners to have a better work-life, and provide their patients with the quality of service they need.