ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dental health care providers may be exposed to a variety of microorganisms via blood, oral or respiratory secretions. Though the risk of transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in dental settings is low, the consequences of being infected are life threatening. Therefore, high standards in infection control and waste management are required in controlling occupational contagion and cross infection. AIM: To obtain comprehensive information about the HIV related information, its impact on the health care provider's attitude towards treating patients living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), infection control & waste disposal practices among dental professionals of Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh; situated in Central India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 320 private dental practitioners. Data was collected using a pretested, self administered 40 item questionnaire and statistically analysed. RESULTS: The response rate was 81.25%. Over all 50.76% dentists were graded as having good knowledge of HIV. Unfortunately, their willingness to treat these patients remained low. In all 39.23% dentist were willing to render care to PLWHA. Junior dentists expressed less hesitation with regard to acceptance of risk patients than other dentists. Over 65% of the respondents reported adherence to universal precautions. The most alarming observation was that dentists were not following safe waste management practices. CONCLUSION: Dental professionals continue to indicate a reluctance to treat patients with HIV/AIDS or those in high- risk groups. The results suggest need to have a comprehensive motivational program and implementing ways to ensure access and availability of safe dental care for PLWHA. The desire to get training on how to handle PLWHA illustrates that receptiveness to change exists.
ABSTRACT
A three-dimensional Finite Element Method was used to study the influence of porous coated surface topography of an implant on stress and strain distribution pattern in the cortical and cancellous bone during axial and non-axial loading. Two implants, one with porous surface topography and one with smooth surface were embedded in separate geometric models of posterior mandibular region which was generated using a CT scan data. Material properties and boundary conditions were applied. Load of 100 and 50 N were applied on to the abutment from axial and non-axial directions respectively. Porous surface topography appeared to distribute stress in a more uniform pattern around the implant with near absence of stress in the apical region of implant. Smooth surfaced implant showed high punching stress at the apex of the implant. The porous coated interface was considered to simulate the shock absorbing behavior of periodontal ligament of natural dentition. Maximum amount of stress concentration was observed in the cortical bone which plays a major role in the dissipation of the stress.
