Effects of educational attainment on dentition status in socioeconomically deprived population of Karachi

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between educational attainment and dentition status. A cross sectional survey was conducted. The total number of participants in this study was 408. The subjects of age 15 years to 65 years were included in this survey. To record subjects own educational attainment, education level was divided into levels which are Primary school [1-5 grade], Middle [6-8 Grade], Secondary or High school [9-10 Grade], Higher Secondary and highly educated which include Tertiary School [Bachelors]. To record dentition status, DMFT index was used. The DMFT score of 0 indicates minimum risk of caries, DMFT score between 1-4 indicates moderate risk of decay and DMFT score greater than 4 indicates high risk of dental decay. The data was collected through intra oral examination of subjects. The test indicates that association exists between level of education and DMFT scores. However, the strength of association is not very strong. The correlation value for spearman's rho was [.116] and [P= .01]. The impact of poor oral health in low educated people can be reduced by the developing policies related to building healthy public policy, strengthening community actions, and developing personal skills. To improve the knowledge, attitudes and oral health of people with low educational status, it is necessary to increase the oral health promotion activities

Histopathological patterns of oral squamous cell carcinoma

The objective of this study was to provide a baseline data on the pattern of oral squamous cell carcinoma in Karachi. The retrospective cross sectional study was conducted. The patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma were examined from January 2007- December 2010 at oral maxillofacial department, Darul Sehat Hospital Karachi. All retrievable case files were obtained and necessary data were extracted regarding age, gender, site and histological type. All cases were clinically examined and provisionally diagnosed. Biopsy was taken from the lesions and tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and submitted to histopathologic department for histological confirmation. 62% of males and 38% females were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. 30% were observed in age group of 41-50 years old. 45% of squamous cell carcinoma were on buccal mucosa. OSCC was most common of all oral malignancies of which most were in the older age group. Serious thought should be given to prevention and early detection

Evaluation of various concentrations of alkaline surface treatment on interfacial bond strengths of amalgam bonded to amalgam

This study was done to assess the influence of alkaline surface modification on interfacial bond strength of existing fractured [old] amalgam restoration bonded to fresh amalgam. Old and Fresh amalgam interfaced samples were prepared by applying a 4-methacryloyloxyethy trimellitate anhydride [4-META] containing adhesive. The adhesive used was Amalgabond [Parkell, Farmingdale, NY 11735, USA]. Four concentrations of calcium hydroxide Ca[OH][2] solutions were used as a surface modifiers for old amalgam to increase the pH of the amalgam surfaces. The concentrations used were 2.5, 5, 10 and 15%. Direct measurement of the interfacial bond strength was carried out using an electromechanical universal tensile testing machine at crosshead speed of 10mm per minute. Results show that all the calcium hydroxide modified samples produced the increased tensile bond strength [TBS] as compared to their control group. The highest values of bond strength were achieved using 15% Ca[OH][2] solution as surface modifier. Pretreatment of fractured amalgam with calcium hydroxide improves the bond strength of 4-META adhesives. Its use in repair of amalgam may therefore be considered