Apical leakage of three different obturation techniques

The aim of this study was to compare the sealing ability of three obturation techniques, cold lateral condensation, carrier based thermafill, and resilon with epiphany sealer using lateral condensation technique. Forty five single rooted extracted human teeth were selected and randomly divided into three groups, containing 15 in each group, setting aside six teeth as positive and negative control groups. They were obturated with gutta percha and adseal sealer using cold lateral condensation and carrier based thermafill with adseal sealer and with resilon and epiphany sealer using lateral condensation technique. The apical leakage was measured using dye penetration methodology. The teeth filled with gutta percha and adseal using cold lateral compaction technique showed the least apical leakage, while the most apical leakage was shown with resilon. Based on the data of this study, all groups produced a satisfactory seal. However, resilon and ephiphany sealer showed the most apical leakage

Relationship between maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth/low birth weight: a pilot study from United Arab Emirates

This study was conducted to elaborate the association between maternal periodontal diseases and preterm and low birth weight by excluding the possible known risk factors. Pregnant women, who received regular prenatal care and delivered in Fujairah Hospital, UAE during the year 2007. Study group comprised of women who delivered babies below 37 weeks of gestation and/or body weight below 2,500 grams. Control group was age, and socio-demographic data-matched women who delivered babies over 37 weeks of gestation and body weight over 2,500 grams. Their age ranges between 18-40 years. The mean age of the study group was 26.8 yrs and control group was 28.1 yrs. Clinical examination was performed within 48 hours after delivery Oral hygiene and gingival status, probing depth and clinical attachment level were measured. Statistical analysis: The Fisher Exact test was used to analyze the correlation between the two variables. The prevalence of chronic periodontitis varied among the two groups. Periodontitis was present in 3 out of 20 women in the control group, whereas 7 out of 20 in the study group had periodontitis. Although statistically there was no significant relationship found between maternal periodontal disease and preterm and low birth weight infants but clinically periodontal diseases were more common in the study group. Maternal periodontitis may not be a causative factor for pre term birth and low birth weight

Factors affecting patient's satisfaction with the care provided by dental students

This study was designed to evaluate the level of patient satisfaction regarding cleanliness in the clinic, student-doctor achievement, appointments, comfort of the staff, student courtesy and dental health care provided by the student dentists. Patient files were drawn from records that had been registered for comprehensive dental treatment during the year 2004- 2005. Two hundred fifty files of adult patients were included in the study in which the patient satisfaction questionnaire was filled up by the patient upon completion of the treatment. The main questionnaire used to determine the level of satisfaction was composed of two sections. An average 45.1% [39.6-52.4%] rated the clinic cleanliness, student- doctor achievement, dental care quality, comfort, staff-student courtesy and appointment as excellent, 52.7% [47.2 - 55.6%] rated it as good, 1.93% [0.4-4.4%] as fair and only 0.2% [0.0- 0.4%] of patients rated it as poor. An average 97.6% [90-99.6%] of patients were satisfied whereas 2.3% [0.4- 10%] were dissatisfied with student doctor achievements and dental health care provided. Majority of patients were satisfied with dental care provided by the student-dentists. Clinic cleanliness, patient comfort, staff-student courtesy, latest sophisticated equipment, highly qualified teaching staff, free dental treatment and convenient appointments may play an important role in patient satisfaction

Infection control measures and occupational hazards among the dental staff in UAE

Dental health care workers [DHCW's] are exposed to a variety of microorganisms and occupational hazards during dental procedures. The aim of this study was to explore awareness and attitudes regarding infection control procedures and occupational hazards in dental settings of private and government organizations in the United Arab Emirates. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 120 DHCWs of which 100 responded. All were aware of infection control procedures and occupational hazards. Only 67% were vaccinated against HB V. Special containers for sharps disposal was used by 95% of the study population whereas 94.6% ensured instrument sterility before using them. 42.5% used rubber dam during endodontic procedures. Dental water supply/suction systems were inspected within the past 6 months by 76%, while 53.2% were in contact with amalgam and 4L5% didn't store scrap amalgam. 7% suffered sharps injury within the past month, and 15% within the past 6 months, 37% held X-ray intra-orally for their patients while 26% used lead aprons. Fifty-nine percent had attended seminars or workshops on infection control and occupational hazards. Finally, a total of 81% periodically evaluated and updated infection control measures for themselves and their staff. The use of standard precautions, employee training and arrangement of workshops or seminars on proper infection control showed by emphasized in dental practice settings of government and private organizations