Dental anxiety scale in exodontia patients

The objectives of the study were to determine the frequency of dental anxiety, its age, gender distribution and to find out the fear of local anesthesia amongst patients reporting for extraction to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar. Questionnaires were constructed with questions directed at covering the necessary variables and using the International Dental Anxiety Scale to determine the anxiety level of the patients. The study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Khyber College of Dentistry over a period of 4 months. A total of 200 patients were questioned in this study and out of these 27% were phobic. Severe anxiety was noted in 14.5% of patients, 19.5% were moderately anxious, 28% mildly anxious and 11% were not anxious at all. The ratio of phobic female patients was greater than males, 5.75:1. Our study showed high frequency of phobia. This highlights the need or implementation of integrated dental care to patients treatment. This will ensure patients comfort and will bring a positive increase in dental attendance of patients

Awareness about oral cancer among non medical university students of Peshawar

The objective of the study was to determine the awareness level of university students, their attitude and habits of tobacco use amongst them. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 236 students from 5 non-medical universities of Peshawar. The questionnaire included 12 questions pertaining to knowledge about oral cancer, its causative factors, key symptoms and habits of snuff dipping and smoking. In this study 64% students were males and 36% were females. Only 3% of students were familiar with the word oral cancer, 45% of students were aware that cigarette can cause oral cancer while 22% stated niswar as cause of oral cancer. 58% of students had no idea about signs of oral cancer. With regards to dental attendance 89% students said that they will visit a dentist when in trouble. 7% were in habit of snuff dipping and 19% were found to be smokers. This study revealed that the student population was unaware about oral cancer especially about its signs

frequency of caries in school going children of Peshawar

To determine the frequency of dental caries, the gender distribution, the most commonly involved deciduous and permanent tooth in dental caries and to evaluate tooth brushing habits in school going children of Peshawar. This descriptive study consisted of 1000 children aged between 6 to 14years old. The information was gathered by taking a detailed history and clinical examination of the students and noted in a structured questionnaire. Brief biodata and oral hygiene levels were recorded in descriptive form while the carious teeth were recorded in tabulated form. Data was analysed using SPSS 10. Out of a 1000 students, 642 [64.2%] had caries. The caries distribution was more in boys [54%] as compared to girls [46%], with male to female ratio 1:0.85. The highest prevalence of caries was found in 12 year old children [77%]. Highest numbers of caries were found in first molar in both primary [262] and permanent dentition [188]. Thirty eight percent children claimed to have brushed their teeth once daily and 11.5% did not brush their teeth at all. Our study showed that there is a lack of awareness of oral hygiene and its importance has not been emphasised enough to the school going children