Assessment Of Gingival Phenotype At The Aesthetic Zone In A Malay Population Using Probe Test

@#Introduction: The gingival phenotype (GP) of teeth at the aesthetic zone often influences dental rehabilitation plans and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of GP in the Malay population in relation to gender and age. Methods: The GP of 100 patients were determined using the Probe test method. Other clinical parameters were assessed include crown width/crown length (CW/CL) ratio, tooth morphology and width of keratinised tissue. Periodontal parameters were assessed by two calibrated examiners. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: A higher prevalence of thick GP was found at the maxilla for both genders, whereas a thin phenotype was observed at the mandible. At maxilla, both thick and thin GP were found in all age groups, while the mandible showed a higher prevalence of thin GP. Significant differences in GP were found between males and females for mandibular and maxillary anterior teeth and the mandibular lateral incisor (p<0.05), while no significant difference was found for other parameters assessed; age group, CW/CL, tooth morphology and WKT. Conclusion: Thicker GP is more prevalent in male population and at maxillary anterior. Mandibular anterior GP presented commonly with a thin GP regardless of gender or age-group.

Occupational Health-Related Illness and Awareness Level among Dental Surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan

@#Introduction: Dental surgeon exposes to numerous occupational hazards include the bloodborne pathogens, pharmaceuticals, ergonomic hazards, noise, vibration and workplace violence. It causes prolonged health effects on short or long term exposure include musculoskeletal disorder, back pain and other health issues. This study aimed to identify the awareness level of occupational hazards and experiences among dental surgeons and to determine whether preventive measures are employed. Methods: A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling method had been used in this study. The Occupational Hazards in Dentistry questionnaire was self-administered by 39 dental surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan. The data were analysed using descriptive, chi-square and thematic analysis. Results: The overall response rate was good (78%). Among the participants, 59% were female, and 41% were male. Half of the participants (59%) had worked for 11-20 years. The majority of the participants (82%) practised a correct posture while providing dental treatment. The most-reported pain areas were at the shoulder and neck and followed by the lower back. Approximately, 10% of the participants had been diagnosed with cervical spondylitis/ degenerative cervical discs. Most participants have taken preventive measures to reduce exposure to these occupational hazards. Conclusion: Work-related pain is common among dental surgeons. The most affected pain area is the shoulder and neck, followed by back and wrist pain. Occupational hazards can be alleviated effectively using a comprehensive approach. It is essential for dentistry to incorporate comprehensive strategies into practice to improve productivity and enhance occupational safety.

The Correlation of Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction Score with Visual Disturbances and Contrast Sensitivity in Spectacle Wearers: A Preliminary Study

@#Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction (QIRC) score with visual disturbances and contrast sensitivity in spectacle wearers. Methods: A total of 21 spectacle-corrected moderate myopes was recruited. Subjects completed the QIRC questionnaire for quality of life assessment. The functional and emotional QIRC scores were analysed separately. Visual disturbances were evaluated using the Halo and Glare Simulator, and contrast sensitivity was measured by the M&S Smart System II. All measurements were taken binocularly in 1 lux illumination. Spearman’s test was employed to evaluate the correlations. Results: The most common visual disturbance was diffuse glare. The functional QIRC score was significantly correlated with glare intensity (r = -0.54, P = 0.01). Whereas, the emotional QIRC score was significantly correlated with contrast sensitivity (r = 0.45, P = 0.04). Conclusion: The functional QIRC score is lower when the glare intensity is greater, and the emotional QIRC score is higher in person with greater contrast sensitivity. Hence, glare intensity and contrast sensitivity measurements are suggested to predetermine spectacle wearers’ functional vision and well-being, respectively

Mesopic Pupillometry in Pre-LASIK Patients by a Placido-Disc Topographer and Hartmann-Shack Aberrometer

@#Introduction: Precise pupillometry is crucial to determine ablation optical zone (OZ) size selection in LASIK. Significant difference in the selection induces unwanted postoperative night visual disturbance. Placido-disc topographer and Hartmann-Shack aberrometer are commonly used in LASIK preoperative assessment. However, little is known on the precision and agreement of these devices in pupillometry. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the precision (repeatability and reproducibility) and inter-device agreement of a Placido-disc topographer and Hartmann-Shack aberrometer in measuring mesopic pupil size in pre-LASIK patients. Methods: Mesopic pupillometry on 38 pre-LASIK patients were performed using both devices by two masked operators, on two separate sessions. Intra-session repeatability, inter-operator reproducibility and inter-device agreement were analysed. A disagreement value of ±0.5 mm and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were determined. Results: Hartmann-Shack aberrometer demonstrated higher repeatability and reproducibility than Placido-disc topographer in mesopic pupillometry. Ninety-seven percent and all of Hartmann-Shack wavefront aberrometer pupillometry were within ±0.5 mm in repeated sessions and between the operators, respectively. The mesopic pupil size obtained from Placido-disc topographer was significantly larger than Hartmann-Shack aberrometer results (P = 0.02). The agreement between devices was low (LoA > ±1 mm) and only 53% of Placido-disc topographer pupillometry were within ±0.5 mm of Hartmann-Shack aberrometer pupillometry. Conclusion: Hartmann-Shack aberrometer has higher precision within sessions and between operators, and it provides smaller mesopic pupillometry than Placido-disc topographer. Precise mesopic pupillometry could assist refractive surgeons in choosing a correct ablation OZ size during LASIK surgery to improve postoperative outcome.

A Survey on Knowledge and Practices in Erosive Tooth Wear Among Dental Practitioners in Kuantan, Pahang: A Preliminary Study

@#Introduction: Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is an emerging dental condition worldwide. However, most dental practitioners overlooked the early stages of the condition due to vague clinical appearance of tooth surface loss. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the knowledge of ETW and treatment given amongst dental professionals in private clinics in Kuantan, Pahang. Method: Several private dental clinics in Kuantan, Pahang, involved in this cross-sectional study. Dental practitioners were volunteering to participate in this research. A validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed, and a descriptive analysis was conducted. Results: The overall response rate was 75%. Results revealed that most participants obtained a structured education on ETW (79.2%). Through continuous dental education, about half of the participants learnt further. All participants agreed that carbonated drink caused ETW, and most reported that gastroesophageal reflux diseases and pickles had related to the ETW. The majority of participants favoured case note (79%) with regards to ETW records. Nevertheless, 40.9% and 36.4% are recorded at the tooth surface and individual level, respectively. Surprisingly, 79% of them did not know about special scores when assessing ETW. Most participants prefer to give instruction on oral hygiene and diet counselling as preventive measures, but the use of fluoride was not given priority. 77% have not ever referred the case to a dental specialist and preferred to treat the patient on their own. Conclusion: ETW knowledge among recruited PDPs is adequate; however, no specific indices were used for ETW scoring and insufficient treatment strategies..

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of the Caregiver at the Special Needs Boarding School in Kuantan, Pahang

@#Introduction: Caregivers and parents are important to the healthy development of children. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and oral health practice among caregivers of children with disabilities. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers in three special boarding schools in Kuantan, Pahang, who cared for 7 to 17 years old disabled children using self-administered questionnaires. Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square test were used to analyse the data. Results: Most caregivers were female (73.2%). The overall mean knowledge score was 87.75%. All of caregivers have agreed that sugary or sticky food and drinks can cause caries and toothbrushing for children is important for oral health. All of the caregivers possess secondary educational level where 75% of the caregivers with tertiary educational level assist the children while brushing teeth. However, 71.9% of caregivers with tertiary educational level and 45% of caregivers with secondary educational level had shown poor oral health practice since they were frequently giving sweet food to the children. Surprisingly, most of the caregivers with secondary educational level (95.2%) and caregivers with tertiary educational level (85%) thought children with disabilities can brush their teeth independently. Conclusion: Despite having adequate oral health knowledge among the caregivers in the special needs boarding schools, their attitude and oral health practice however were not up to the necessary standards. The implementation of oral health promotion related programmes in the special needs boarding schools must be taken into consideration in order to tackle the oral health problems of children with disabilities.