Orthodontic Treatment Need among Nepalese High School Students

Abstract Objective: To assess the need for orthodontic treatment among Nepalese high school students. Material and Methods: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample comprises 938 children (537 males and 401 females) with an age group above 14 years. The subjects were selected voluntarily from seven different schools of Kathmandu valley using a multistage sampling technique. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need comprises two components: Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC). Two trained and calibrated examiners performed the oral examination. Results: On analysis of the DHC component, it was found that 21% had no need, 18.1% had mild/little need, 24.3% had moderate/borderline need, 35.8% had severe need, and 0.7% had extreme treatment need. Similarly on analysis of AC component, it was found that 33% were AC-1, 30.8% were AC-2, 7.2% were AC-3, 8.2% were AC-4, 2.1% were AC-5, 3.6% were AC-6, 1.8% were AC-7, 7.4% were AC-8, 1.8% were AC-9, and 3.9% were AC-10. Conclusion: The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need can be used as a tool for planning dental health resources and prioritizing the treatment need of different populations (AU).

Are We Hearing Right? The Negative Impact of New SARS-CoV-2 Preventive Measures and Prolonged Use of Treatment Modalities during Orthodontic Treatment

Abstract Since the dental treatment involves the use of various instruments and machines, there is ample presence of both distracting as well as destructive noise, and these are defined based on various parameters. With an increase in safety measures incorporated into dental practices, such as extra-oral suction devices and respirators, there has also been a corresponding rise in noise levels usually present in a clinic. Previous clinical experiments and trials have shown that the noise in a dental office can permanently bring about hearing damage. In addition to this, working with added safety measures during the pandemic, such as the use of personal protective equipment, respirators, and face shields can decrease operator efficiency and the ability to communicate normally. Dentistry has already been demonstrated to be one of the most hazardous occupations because of the high risk of infections. An Orthodontist must protect their eyes and mouth from potentially hazardous situations and the ears to prevent hearing damage.

Computer Vision Syndrome: Will the Pandemic Lead to Eye Problems for Dentists?

ABSTRACT Over the past year and a half dental education has been conducted primarily online due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. During the pandemic, we have spent many hours a day on our computers, mobile phones, and tablets to gather information and participate in online seminars and classrooms. Health consequences resulting from the overuse of these devices include carpal tunnel syndrome as well as computer vision syndrome (CVS). Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, has several associated features such as eye burning, strained vision, dry eye, blurred vision, and associated neck and shoulder pain. Several predisposing factors have been linked with CVS, but often this problem gets ignored. The management of this syndrome is aimed at educating dentists on computer use, position, and the surrounding environment. Considering all this, we must ensure that we spend some time away from these devices every day to avoid any significant vision problems. The objective of preparing this manuscript was to provide a brief overview of the increased prevalence of computer vision syndrome and its associated features.