The Trends of Endodontic and Prosthodontic Treatment by Postgraduate Students in University of Malaya

@#This study is aimed to provide an insight into the types of treatment carried out by postgraduate students in the past 10 years. A retrospective study was carried out between November 2019 and February 2020 by deriving data from postgraduate students’ clinical logbooks of three different cohorts of Master of Clinical Dentistry (Restorative Dentistry in Conservative Dentistry) in 2010, 2013 and 2016. This retrospective data was systematically extracted from the records and tabulated categorically using an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Office Excel 2019). A descriptive analysis was carried out to further evaluate the results. Overall, the types of treatment carried out in the field of endodontics and fixed prosthodontics has changed in the past 10 years. An increasing trend is seen in the placement of all ceramic crowns and primary root canal treatment procedures, while a decreasing pattern is evident for secondary root canal procedures and placement of dental bridges.

Cross infection control

The objectives of this study were to assess the level of awareness about cross infection control among dentists and to find out what measures were being taken by dental staff to avoid cross infection and to know the reasons why standard precautionary measures could not be used to curb cross infection. Specially designed questionnaires were distributed among dental practitioners at two major dental hospitals, attached to Khyber College of Dentistry [KCD] and Sardar Begum Dental College [SBDC] and various private clinics throughout Peshawar, to evaluate the awareness about cross infection control and its application in a dental setting. The overall response rate was 100%. According to the present study 80.5% of the dental practitioners were immunized against Hepatitis B. The verbal history taking method is predominantly adopted by most of the practitioners in the region i.e., 76.5%. Most of the dental practitioners routinely screen their patients for Hepatitis B and C i.e., 83%. They were very well aware of the sterilization methods, 93.5% were of the opinion that autoclave was the best method for sterilization. Only 40.5% of them used sterile covering and 55% disinfected the working surfaces. Examination gloves were used by majority, even for examination purpose i.e., 94%, and 92% of them handled one patient with a single pair of gloves. Mask wearing for examination purpose was noted in 68% and the numbers of masks worn in a single day were one to two masks in 63.5% of the practitioners. With regards to autoclaving of handpieces, 47.5% of the dentists autoclaved them every day. Protective Eye shield wearing at the time of surgery was often neglected by the majority of practitioners i.e., 65%. Resource deficiency was considered to be the primary reason [38%] for not following standard precautions. It was concluded that the knowledge of the dental practitioners in the region was good and there was increased awareness as far as sterilization and cross infection was concerned but when it comes to practice, it is lacking. Various reasons for not practicing universal precautions were cost, resource deficiency and large number of patients

role of vertical parameters in the development of lower incisor crowding amongst patients

Mandibular Incisor crowding is one of the common problem faced by orthodontic patients. Many factors including skeletal discrepancy are considered responsible in the development of lower incisor crowding. The aim of the present study was to assess whether, vertical parameters such as Maxillary to Mandibular plane angle and Lower facial height play a significant role in the development of lower incisor crowding. A total 213 subjects [81 males and 132 females] were selected. Cephalogram tracings were used to determine vertical parameters such as Maxilla to Mandibular plane angle and lower Facial height and study casts were used for Lower incisor crowding. The Pearson Chi square test was used to determine whether vertical parameters play a significant part in the development of Lower incisor crowing or not. Hyper-divergent cases showed the highest percentage of Lower Incisor crowding [92.6%] followed by Normo and Hypo-divergent profiles. The Pearson Chi-Square test revealed that Vertical parameters play a significant role in the development of Lower incisor crowding [p value = 0.006] and such parameters must be kept in mind while formulating treatment strategies for patients with such complaints

Professional hazards among dentists of the two public sector teaching hospitals of khyber pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan

Professional Hazards are becoming an impending health problem in various specialties and dentists are no exception because of the nature of the stressful work they perform. A study was carried out among dental professionals working in two teaching hospitals, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar and Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, to find out prevalence of professional hazards including psychological, muscuoskeletal, biological and allergic problems. Questionnaires were distributed among 150 dentists having BDS degree and registered with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council [PMDC]. Questions pertaining to psychological, musculoskel-etal, biological and allergic hazards were included in the questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Out of 150, 113 questionnaires were returned. Among the dental professionals, 50% were dental graduates, 35% post graduate trainees and the rest were either Members or Fellows of the College of Physicians and Surgeons i.e., MCPS, FCPS respectively or MSc. Work experience was < 5 years among 61% of the dentists while only 9.7% had work experience of > 20 years. When asked about any current psychologically traumatic condition, 42% dentists answered with yes. For psychological stress, 18.6% stated it had negative influence on the working environment. Regarding various I musculoskeletal disorders, 33.6% of the dentists had no complaints, while 9.7% suffered from back ache, headache, knee ache, and neck pain. About the approach for treating maxillary teeth, 48.7% used direct approach [direct vision for dental procedures], while 45.1% treated patients using sitting posture. When inquired about frequency of needle stick injuries, 54% were pricked <5 time. Also 46.9% had eye splash from infected saliva and 43.4% had experienced glove puncture during surgical procedure < 5 times during their work. 82.3% dentists were immunized against Hepatitis B. Concerning allergic reactions, 17% suffered from latex allergy and 8% had allergy from acrylic resin, An increased prevalence of psychological and musculoskeletal problems were found among dentists. Majority of dentists came across eye splash, needle stick injury and glove puncture during-their practice. Rate of immunization was effective but use of universal precautions was found to be inadequate among them

Clinical presentation and management of naso-labial cysts case series

Nasolabial cysts are rare non-odontogenic cysts of soft tissues of the nasolabial fold. They are