An assessment of dentists oral health

The aim of the study was to access the oral health maintenance behavior patterns among dentists. Questionnaire based cross sectional study. The study was conducted in the community dentistry department of Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad from March2013 to August 2013. A total of 65 dentists from Islamabad were included in this study. The dentists were sampled conveniently from Islamabad. Descriptive data was described for the reported frequencies of dentists' attitudes and practices related to oral health. Out of 65,61 dentists had shown positive attitude in responding close-ended questionnaires. Most of the dentists reported brushing their teeth twice a day [n= 40,65.5%].A total of 34 [55.7%] dentists reported carrying out brushing for about 2-4minutes. The self-reported Decayed Missing Filled Teeth [DMFT] score for 21 [34%] dentists was zero. The majority of dentists [n=48,78.7%] did not consider themselves to be having any dental problems, while 42 [68.9%] dentists perceived their oral health as being very good. Although most of the dentists reported as having good oral health, a large number of the participants did not maintain their oral health adequately. Dentists follow ROSC [Recommended oral self-care] recommendations to improve their oral health status

An insight into the antibiotic prescription practices of post-graduate dentists, discerned through a clinical dental audit

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reported practice of antibiotics prescribed by Post Graduate trainees, working in the Operative Department of Islamic International Dental Hospital [IIDH], Islamabad. A clinical audit study. The study was conducted in the department of operative dentistry at Islamic International Medical College, Islamabad from April 2014 to July 2014. A clinical audit evaluating the antibiotics prescription practice of Post Graduate trainees at IIDH was performed. All of the eight trainees working in the Operative department were included in the study. The prescribed antibiotic; its dosage, frequency and duration, as well as the clinical conditions and reasons for which the prescription had been given was investigated using questionnaires in eighty patients [ten patients per dentist]. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] software version 17.0, [SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL]. Frequencies and percentages were described for the antibiotic prescriptions. Amoxicillin n=42 [53.5%] and Metronidazole n=37 [46.3%] were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Other prescribed antibiotics included Erythromycin n=l [1.3%], Penicillin n= 1 [1.3%], Clindamycin n=l [1.3%], Cefalexin n=l [1.3%] and others n=2 [2.5%]. Tetracycline was also prescribed n= 14 [17.5%]. This study identified gap between the antibiotics prescription practice of postgraduate trainees and recommended clinical guidelines. The findings suggest need for a re-assessment of the antibiotics prescription practice in accordance with evidence based guidelines

An assessment of dentists' knowledge of evidence based terms

The study was conducted to assess dentists' understanding of terms used in evidence based healthcare. Cross-sectional questionnaire based study. This study was conducted in the department of community dentistry at Islamic International Dental Hospital Islamabad from April 2013 to August 2013. A questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted among faculty members of the Faculty of Dentistry, Riphah International University. A sample of 38 faculty members [n=38] was selected. The sample was stratified into senior [n=17] and junior [n=21] faculty members. A self-administered questionnaire, including 10 questions, was distributed by hand among the faculty members. The participants were asked about their knowledge about the methodological terms used in evidence based literature. Majority [82%] of the respondents had basic knowledge of the terms used in questionnaire and many of them who did not know showed desire to know. Eight percent [3] of the respondents said that they knew dummy term and could explain it to others where as 21.1% [8] had some knowledge of the term. Evidence based practice should be encouraged among young dentists by senior members and it should be part of curriculum for the dental students. Senior faculty members are more knowledgeable compared to juniors. Although majority [82%] of the respondents have basic knowledge but not all of them can explain it to others, indicating their poor understanding

An assessment of association between carbonated drink consumption and dental caries prevalence: a cross-sectional study

To assess the association between dental caries experience and carbonated drinks consumption in a population of adolescents [12-19 years] from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Cross-sectional study. This study was conducted in the department of Community Medicine atlslamic International Dental Hospital [IIDH] lslamabad from April 2014 to August 2014. A sample of 50 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Only those participants were included who belonged to the selected age group of 12-19 years. The sample was examined by dental students at IIDH and a validated, dietary questionnaire was completed through face-to-face interview with each participant. Caries severity was measured via the DMFT [no. of Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth] Index. Results were analyzed for the sample under study through SPSS Version 17. The mean DMFT for males [38%] was 1.31 +/- 1.60 and for females [62%] was 1.77 +/- 1.76. Caries prevalence in relation to carbonated drink consumption was found to be 62% with more than 7% of the participants having a DMFT score of 4 and above. A decrease in DMFT score was observed with the increase in frequency of tooth brushing. On comparison of mean DMFT scores with frequency of carbonated drink consumption, no distinctive pattern could be seen. Conclusive results establishing a strong association between carbonated drinks and dental caries could not be derived. Further research work is required for more valid results. While consuming carbonated drinks, safety guidelines for drinkingshould be followed

General population's awareness of commercially available dental products

The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge of general population regarding commercially available dental products. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Three different undergraduate institutes of Islamabad from April to June 2014. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and filled by 70 participants of ages 15-30 years. The sample of students was selected from three undergraduate institutes of Islamabad. In Section A, about 20 [28.6%] participants were using only toothpaste to maintain their oral hygiene. One [1.4%] participant was using only dental floss. About 48 [68.6%] people were using fluoridated toothpaste. About 44 [62.9%] participants were using medium bristle toothbrush. In Section B, 19 [27.1%] participants were using teeth whitening agents, out of which 17 [24.3%] participants were using toothpaste to whiten their teeth. Fifteen [21.43%] participants got their required results. Sixteen [22.87%] participants found no side effects after using it. In section C, 27 [38.57%] and 54 [77.114%] participants only went to dentist when they had the toothache and gingivitis respectively. Forty-five [64.29%] participants completed their antibiotic course. Twenty-one [30%] participants thought that it was alright to use medicated products without consulting doctor. Most of the people are using fluoridated toothpaste and medium bristle toothbrush. Many people use over the counter teeth whitening agents. And many people use over the counter antibiotics for dental problems and they think it is alright if they do not complete antibiotic course

Appropriatenesss of Relying on Tooth Brushing as a Caries Prevention Method

For a long time, the practice of tooth brushing has been advocated as a highly effective method of maintaining oral hygiene and preventing dental caries, so much so that the efficacy of this practice has never really been questioned. However in the recent literature the greater role in the decline of dental caries has been attributed to the use of fluoridated tooth pastes. Is tooth brushing an effective technique modality for preventing dental caries by itself? Is tooth brushing without any usage of fluoridated tooth pastes effective in achieving a caries free dentition or is the role of the fluoridated toothpaste integral to achieve this? This article assesses the dental literature available to determine whether it is appropriate to rely on tooth brushing as caries preventive method. Tooth brushing cannot be completely disregarded as an oral hygiene measure. Following an efficient Tooth-brushing technique with appropriate frequency and Fluoridated Tooth paste can prevent tooth decay

Host modulation therapeutics in periodontics: role as an adjunctive periodontal therapy

Host Modulation Therapy [HMT] is a treatment concept that reduces tissue destruction and stabilizes or even regenerates inflammatory tissue by modifying host response factors. It has been used for treating osteoporosis and arthritis for several decades. However, its use in dentistry has only been recently reported. The objective of this article is to present a review of the various literatures available on HMT and also its role as adjunct therapy in periodontics. For identifying studies for this review, a PUBMED search was carried out in 2013 for all articles published till December 2012. The search was restricted to English language publications only. Longitudinal prospective and retrospective studies were included in the search. The key words used were: Host Modulation Therapy; Sub antimicrobial dose doxycycline and Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy. The main outcomes sought were host modulation therapeutics in periodontics. Exclusion criteria included cross sectional studies, short case series as well as studies with short follow-up periods. There is a paucity of literature on HMT in periodontics although the only drug approved by United States Food and Drug Administration [FDA] is a subantimicrobial dose of doxycycline [SDD] with highly predictable results as a host modulating agent in periodontal diseases and also an effective adjunctive therapy in various diseases of periodontium. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to obtain clinical guidelines on the usage of other host modulating agents as adjunct as well as definite therapy for periodontal diseases. SDD is an effective adjunct therapy when used in dosage of 20mg twice daily for minimum 3 months duration in various periodontal diseases with predictable clinical outcomes. It is also recommended that future clinical research on anti cytokine drugs, chemically modified tetracycline and other HMT agents should be conducted so that new drugs are available with highly predictable results

Clinical Audit and Its Role in the Practice of Dentistry

Audit is the practice of ensuring good professional practice, which has been practiced in the various fields of professional world for a long time. The concept of clinical auditing which primarily ensures quality provision of equitable, ethical healthcare is still a new concept in the field of health sciences. In dentistry, this concept is even more recent, especially in the developing world. Many dental negligence cases go unaccounted for in various parts of the developing world. This article outlines the main concepts of clinical audit, explaining what exactly is clinical audit and how may it be implemented in the practice of dentistry

Prevalence of stress and burnout among dentists of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of stress and burnout among dental practitioners of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It was a cross-sectional study and was conducted in six dental institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad from February to March 2012. A self-administered questionnaire, containing 10 item version of Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], 22 item Maslach Burnout Inventory Survey [MBI] and socio-demographic data were used to determine the prevalence of stress and burnout among dentists. Out of 150 dentists 129 completed their questionnaire with a response rate of 86%. Among them 24 [18.6%] dentists were specialists while 105 [81.4%] did not have any post-graduation qualification. Fifty dentists [38.8%] were found to be severely stressed, 53 [41.1%] were moderately stressed while 26 [20.2%] were not stressed at all. Mean PSS score reported was higher than average [17.8 + 6.2]. On MBI, 61 dentists showed moderate or high emotional exhaustion [18.6%], 56 showed moderate or high depersonalization [43.4%] and 41 showed low personal accomplishment [31.8%]. Mean scores of emotional exhaustion [17.8+11.2], depersonalization [6.1+5.9] and reduced personal accomplishment [34.2 + 9.7] were in moderate ranges. Female dentists and dentists working less than 40 hours per week had lower levels of burnout [lesser depersonalization score, p < 0.05]. Dental practitioners working in institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were subjected to various levels of stress and burnout. Future research needs to focus on its underlying reasons and on stress coping strategies