Over prescription of antibiotics by Karachi dentists working in public and private sector

Study was conducted to assess the over prescription of antibiotics by Karachi dentists working in public and private sector. The sample size of the study was 500. A questionnaire was developed and distributed among the Registered Dental Practitioners. This study was spread over 6 months. Data entry and analysis was done on SPSS software version 20. Descriptive statistics were generated. The present study provides evidence of over prescription of antibiotics by dentists of Karachi, Pakistan. Therefore, appropriate guidelines should be provided by regulatory bodies. Local measures should be prioritized by removing the cause. It is necessary to take educational initiatives to encourage rational and correct use of antibiotics

double blind placebo controlled clinical trial of diclofenac sodium versus diclofenac potassium on dental extraction patients

A double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was carried out in oral and maxillofacial surgery department of Baqai Dental College, Karachi using convenient sampling to evaluate the analgesic effect of two formulas of Diclofenac i.e. diclofenac sodium [Voren 50mg] with diclofenac potassium [Fastaid plus 50mg] and placebo, by observing the pain threshold in 75 adult patients for moderate to severe pain after a simple extraction of tooth. Efficacy of the drugs was assessed over an observation period of 72 hours following extractions, with the intervals of eight hours using Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]. It was found that both the formulas were equally effective in controlling of pain however, the results shown that the role of analgesics was superior to placebo. It was concluded, in this study that both the formulas of diclofenac are effective in relieving postoperative dental pain and showed better results as compared to placebo in treatment of acute painful disorders in which a rapid onset of analgesic effect is both expected and advantageous

Knowledge and practice of sterilization among different health care workers

Objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among different levels of healthcare workers about sterilization. A questionnaire was designed to obtain information about knowledge of sterilization among dental house officers, dental auxilliaries and other non teaching staff of different dental colleges of Karachi. The sample size of the study was 500. The questionnaires were filled in by dentists and dental auxiliaries. The was spread over 6 months. The questionnaire contained questions about socio-demographic data and knowledge about sterilization, wearing of gloves, masks, and sterilization protocol. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software. There were 12 questions in each questionnaire. The study group consisted of 182 [36.4%] male and 318 [63.6%] female. The majority of respondents included house officers, teaching and non teaching staff of different medical/ dental colleges of Karachi. Most of the dentists wore gloves while treating patients, 484 [98.6%] of respondents said that they always changed their gloves after each patient where as 11[2.2%] said they did sometimes