Burnout among Dental Students of Private and Public Dental Colleges in Pakistan - A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of burnout among dental students of public and private institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Pakistan. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted at five public and private dental institutions from June 2021 to May 2022. A validated twelve-item closed-ended Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire was distributed among the dental students of two private and two public institutes in Pakistan. The research questions focused on demographic information and students' academic experiences. Data analysis is presented through tables and descriptive methods. Results: A total of 274 dental undergraduate students - second (42.3%), third (35.4%), and final (22.3%) academic year participated in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 21.9, with the range of 20-26 years. Most participants were females (74.1%) compared to the males (25.9%). The findings for burnout syndrome among dentistry students and students in the private and public sectors were not significant. Conclusion: In the current study, burnout levels among dental undergraduates, both private and public, were low.

Factors Affecting Clinical Performance among Pakistani Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective: To identify the factors affecting clinical performance among dental students and to help addressing these problems. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study in which students of third and final year of dentistry participated. Data was collected from June 2022 till September 2022. Data was collected from the third and final year dental students of both public and private dental colleges within the Pakistan using a purposive sampling technique. Results: A total of 372 dental students participated in this study. Thirty eight (31.9%) students belonged to third year while 81 (68.1%) were final year students from government college. For the private dental college, 121 (47.8%) were third year students while 132 (52.2%) were final year students. Majority of the participants were males from both the colleges. 42.9% of government dental students and 26.5% of private dental students agreed on well-preparedness of clinical instructors. 5.5% from private and 21.0% from government dental colleges agreed that adequate personal protective equipment were present in clinical departments. Conclusion: From this study, it is concluded that there should be focus more focus on the factors to enhance clinical skills, supervision of students in clinical practice to help addressing the problems faced during learning and performance in a clinical environment, to produce self-confident, motivated, knowledgeable, skillful and a professional dental graduates.

Assessment of Panoramic Radiographic Variables as Predictors of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury During Third Molar Extraction

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the role of radiological predictive markers on orthopantomogram for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury related to the removal of mandibular third molar surgery and the occurrence of post-operative IAN paresthesia. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 60 patients (aged 17-35 years) indicated for extraction and showed one or more of the seven previously known panoramic radiographic risk signs of IAN injury. Variables such as age, sex, tooth angulation, and relationship with the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) were assessed to see their outcome on IAN injury. Data analysis is presented through tables and descriptive methods. Results: Among patients, 26 were male and 34 were female, with a mean age of 26.17 years. Out of seven radiological predictive markers, only six were found in this study, whereas one marker, viz. interruption of white line of the canal was not found. After surgical removal of the lower third molar, only two patients with radiographic signs showing the deflection of roots and darkening of roots continued with sensory deficit 5 weeks post-operatively. Conclusion: The risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury during lower third molar surgery is very low, even in patients with radiological predictive markers.

Submandibular gland extirpation during neck dissection, is it truly justified?

Background: There is no oncologic basis for the extirpation of the submandibular gland (SMG) in early oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) unless the SMG is truly infiltrated by the tumor. The study aimed at assessing the true involvement of SMG in OSCC and to determine whether the gland extirpation in all cases is justified. Methods: This study prospectively evaluated the pathological involvement of SMG by OSCC in 281 patients, who were diagnosed with OSCC and underwent wide local excision of the primary tumor with simultaneous neck dissection. Results: Among 281 patients, 29 (10%) cases underwent bilateral neck dissection. A total of 310 SMG were evaluated. Involvement of SMG was seen in 5 (1.6%) cases. SMG metastases from Level Ib were seen in 3 (0.9%) of cases, whereas 0.6% showed direct SMG infiltration from the primary tumor. The advanced floor of mouth and lower alveolus cases had a higher tendency to infiltrate SMG. In none of the cases, bilateral or contralateral SMG was involved. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the extirpation of SMG in all cases is truly irrational. Preserving the SMG is justified in early OSCC with no nodal metastasis. However, SMG preservation is case dependent and is an individual preference. Further studies are required to assess the locoregional control rate and salivary flow rate in postradiotherapy cases where SMG is preserved.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Root Morphology of the Premolars in Saudi Arabian Subpopulation

Abstract Objective: To evaluate root canal configuration and morphology of premolar teeth among Saudi subpopulations using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, CBCT images of 314 patients comprising 346 maxillary and 412 mandibular first premolar (FPM) teeth, 298 maxillary and 387 mandibular second premolar (SPM) teeth were analyzed to evaluate the number of roots, root canal morphology, and configuration based on the Vertucci's classification. The average intra-class correlation coefficient value was 0.931. Results: In the maxillary first premolar, 52.6% were two separate rooted and single rooted teeth, with one canal in 81.2% of the maxillary second premolar. Among the mandibular FPM, 96.6% of the teeth had one root and canal, and 97.9% of mandibular SPM had one root and canal. Type 1 canal configuration was seen as most common in all premolars. The number of roots in mandibular premolars did not reveal the difference among gender. Conclusion: Wide variations in root canal morphology and canal configuration system exists among maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth (AU).

Comparison Between Primary and Secondary Method of Closing Surgical Wound After Tooth Extraction: A Split-Mouth Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare and assess the primary and secondary closure techniques following extraction of impacted third molars for post-operative complications. Material and Methods: In total, 30 patients ranging between 18-30 years of age and of either sex who had bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars were randomly selected. Split mouth study method was used so that the participants served as their own control. Group 1 consisted of primary closure of left mandibular impacted third molars and Group 2 consisted of secondary closure of right mandibular impacted third molars. Basement evaluations were recorded for each patient along with subjective and objective evaluations for postoperative 7 days. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS 17.0 software using Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and t-test. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was assigned as statistically significant. Results: When compared to group 1, group 2 revealed statistically less pain and swelling following the secondary closure of wound from day 1 to 7. There was a significant improvement in mouth opening in Group 2 at day 1 (p=0.0005) and at day 7 (p=0.00001). Conclusion: Secondary wound closure after disimpaction of mandibular third molar results in better postoperative recovery than primary closure.

Personnel Protective Equipment: Forgotten Protocol, Invigorated by COVID-19

Abstract Objective: To make the readers cognizant about the use of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPEs) and infection control practices which should always form a part of basic patient management and not arise with every emerging disease. Material and Methods: Authors personal clinical experiences and existing literature were summed up to infer relevant information related specifically to dentistry. A comprehensive review was done for the last 15 years in an attempt to explain the current state of understanding on the topic. Results: The authors have tried to compile the most probable reasons as to why PPEs have been a forgotten protocol, which can be enumerated as follows: decreased awareness, financial issues, boredom and lethargy, time constraints, unavailability, carelessness, and burnout due to long procedure and patient feeling discomfort/offended. Conclusion: COVID-19 being highly infectious, a dental clinic is a potential and genuine point of source for many new infections, and no confabulation is less to underline the importance of using PPEs during this pandemic or even otherwise.

Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude of Saudi Students towards Basic Life Support: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude in relation to basic life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills among the dental undergraduates and interns in Sakaka, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken between October 2019 and December 2019 in Sakaka, Saudi Arabia. One hundred and eighty randomly selected dental students aged over 18 years participated in the study. Their knowledge and attitude towards BLS were gathered through a questionnaire. Results: A total of 158 (out of 180) UG students and interns participated in this study, making the responses of 87.8%. The mean age of the participants was 24.6 years. The samples comprised 86 (54.4%) males and 72 (45.6%) females. The assessments showed that overall the participants had average knowledge towards BLS and CPR, with males responding significantly better than the females (p˂0.05). Furthermore, as students climb the academic ladder, their knowledge regarding BLS and CPR tends to rise. Also, their attitude was positive, and they were willing to receive CPR training. Conclusion: Attitude toward acquiring knowledge about CPR was very positive. However, their knowledge about the topic was average. Students should understand the importance of such skills and efficiently involve in these life-saving procedures.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Dental Fluorosis among 7-12-Year-Old School Children in an Indian Subpopulation: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of dental caries and fluorosis among 7-12-year-old school children in Muradnagar, India. An additional objective was to determine the relationship between dental caries and fluorosis in the studied population. Material and Methods: A total of 1500 school children aged between 7 to 12 years, and both genders were randomly selected for the present study. The selected participants were divided into three groups based upon age, viz 7-8 year (group I), 9-10 year (group II) and 11-12 year (group III). Sterile mouth mirrors and explorers were used for the detection of caries. The water samples were collected to assess the fluoride concentration. The data collected were tabulated and statistically analysed using Chi-square, ANOVA, Spearman's correlation and t-test wherever applicable. Results: Out of 1500 participants, 54.1% were females and 45.9% were males. The prevalence of dental caries and fluorosis was 89.3% and 93.7%, respectively. The prevalence of caries increased with age (p<0.05) and females showed a higher prevalence in both the dentitions. Most dental fluorosis was 'very mild' (40.1%). Prevalence of dental fluorosis increased with age and males showed more fluorosis than females. A negative relationship was found between dental caries and fluorosis (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dental caries and fluorosis are the public health problems in Muradnagar; therefore, preventive programs should be organized to increase awareness among the general people.

The Effect of Pain and Swelling Related to Third Molars on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of pain and swelling related to third molars on patients' quality of life prior to third molar surgery. Material and Methods: The effects on quality of life with reference to oral health of 246 healthy patients seeking treatment of third molars were analyzed using the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire before surgery. The patients' sociodemographic characteristics, medical and dental history, reasons for third molar removal were recorded. Adverse effects of pain and swelling on oral health-related quality of life were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 23.15 years, with maximum male patients and the mean OHIP-14 score of 8.01 ± 7.51. About 36.97% of patients reported that their chief complaint was pain/swelling due to third molar infection, and 27.9% of subjects reported one or more of the 14 OHIP items. The odds of reporting for age with ≥25 years was approximately 2 times greater than age with ≤25 years (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.01-2.57) and tooth loss due to traumatic history (OR=3.14, 95% CI: 2.12-6.54). Conclusion: Adverse influences on quality of life were seen in a significant number of patients seeking third molar removal. The probabilities increased by 3-fold for patients who had experienced pain or swelling than asymptomatic individuals.