Jaws of knowledge: an analysis of temporomandibular joint insights in dental training-a quasi-experiment study.

Objectives: To access the knowledge of undergraduate and postgraduate students of the dental college on basic anatomy, physiology, clinical examination, and pathology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Materials and Methods: A total of 610 undergraduate and postgraduate students of dental college, were included in this study. The questionnaire was pretested for validation and distributed online through Google forms. Results: A pairwise comparison showed that the percentage of correct answers for interns significantly differed from that of IV Bachelor of Dental Surgery (P=0.050) and postgraduate students (P=0.048) (below average: up to 6 correct answers, good: 7-11 correct answers, excellent: 12 or more correct answers). Conclusion: TMJ diseases are common in daily life but frequently go undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of clinical expertise. This demonstrates the necessity of providing instructions that give students in-depth knowledge and abilities for TMJ issues in clinical practice.

Prevalence of most caries-susceptible area on individual primary tooth surface: an observational study.

Due to multifactorial aetiology, tooth surfaces of primary dentition are more prone to dental caries and follow the specific pattern of dental caries which is difficult to control. The proper knowledge of caries-susceptible areas on individual primary teeth surfaces guides the clinician to take early preventive measures to stop the progression of dental caries. This study aims to find the prevalence of caries-susceptible areas on primary teeth surfaces in preschool children and the most commonly affected primary teeth. The study design adopted was a cross-sectional study. A total number of 3720 teeth of 186 preschool children were examined for initial pinpoint caries lesions using World Health Organization (WHO) caries detection criteria. 33 caries-susceptible areas were examined on individual primary tooth surfaces of preschool children who visited the Faculty of Dental Sciences. Each tooth surface was recorded separately and no radiographic examination was done. Obtained data was analysed keeping the level of significance at 5%. The overall prevalence of caries-susceptible area was found significantly higher in the maxillary teeth (Maxillary teeth: 41.7% vs. Mandible teeth: 30.7%; p < 0.001) and anterior teeth (Anterior teeth: 43.7% vs. Posterior teeth: 28.4%; p < 0.001). The prevalence of caries-susceptible area on primary teeth on the right side when compared to left counterparts was similar (Right side-38.6% and left side-38.4%; p = 0.931). Area 2 was the most prevalent area on primary teeth surfaces and primary canine was more prevalent in caries-susceptible areas.

Effect of Kangen and reverse osmosis water on dental plaque, salivary pH and salivary Streptococcus mutans counts: a randomized-controlled trial (A preliminary study).

PURPOSE: The present randomized-controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of Kangen water and reverse osmosis (RO) water on dental plaque, salivary pH and salivary Streptococcus mutans count. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized control trial was conducted for 14 days on 24 randomly selected participants from the pool of undergraduate dental students. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 12 each: the Kangen water (pH 9) group and the RO water group. Participants in each group were asked to drink allocated water for 7 days. Dental plaque, salivary pH and microbial colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed after 7 and 14 days. RESULTS: Intragroup comparison showed that all three outcomes showed a significant improvement in the Kangen water group after 14 days, whereas no difference was seen in the RO water group. Intergroup comparison showed a significant difference in plaque score and CFU among the two groups after 7 and 14 days, whereas pH between the two groups did not show a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Regular drinking of alkaline Kangen water with pH 9 was found to be effective in reducing plaque and salivary Streptococcus mutans count when compared to RO water.

Students' preparedness and perception toward online learning in dental education - A cross-sectional study.

Background: Amid the health risk posed by coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, all the educational institutions in India have adopted online teaching as a method of imparting education. Thus, the current study was executed to evaluate the perception and preparedness of dental students toward online learning in dental education. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 286 dental undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students employing a pretested questionnaire. The questionnaire focused on technological access, computer and online skills, and motivational skills to use e-learning for educational purpose. The response scale for each domain was classified into low readiness level (mean value = 1-<3), acceptable/moderate readiness level (mean value = 3-<4), and high readiness level (mean value = 4-5). Results: The results showed a high level of computer (4.02 ± 0.73) and online skills (4.05 ± 0.70) and acceptable levels of technology access (3.62 ± 0.73) and motivational level (3.61 ± 0.82). There was a significant difference in computer (P = 0.017) and online skills (P = 0.044) among UG and PG students, with PG students reporting better soft skills. Majority of the students reported participating in online workshops (68.2%) and examinations (76.6%). Around 55.2% of the students reported a positive impact and 8% reported a very positive impact of online methods on their learning. Conclusion: Students showed a high level of readiness toward e-learning methods along with some difficulties faced during e-learning.

Correlation of Mucormycosis with Various Clinical Parameters Among COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), during the second wave in early 2021, caused devastating chaos in India. As daily infection rates continue to rise alarmingly, the number of severe cases also increased dramatically. Mucormycosis is an infection caused by filamentous molds, and there was a rise in mucormycosis cases after COVID-19 infection. The aim of the study is to assess various parameters associated with mucormycosis patients who suffered from COVID-19. Material and Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional questionnaire study. The target population for the study were 70 mucormycosis-infected patients (51 = males, 19 = females). The questionnaire mainly focused on association of various parameters of COVID-19 with mucormycosis. Results: Result showed that out of 70 cases of mucormycosis the association was found between history of diabetes mellitus 45 (64.2%), type of hospitalization, number of days of hospitalization, oxygen administered, type and maintenance of face mask, i.e., patient who had reused mask by washing 59 (84.3%), and method of oral hygiene practices. Conclusion: Mucormycosis is extremely rare in population. The study findings emphasize the need to be aware of invasive mucormycosis developing in COVID-19 patients, especially including patients with diabetes mellitus and outside the ICU, patient who had poor oral hygiene during COVID-19, patients receiving oxygen therapy should ensure that the water in the humidifier is clean and is refilled regularly, knowledge and education about the use of the facemask.

Assessment of gingival biotype in different facial patterns: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship of gingival biotype in different malocclusions. Methods: A total of 157 periodontally healthy subjects (88 males and 69 females) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The study participants were divided into three groups of skeletal class I, class II, and class III. The probe transparency method was used to determine the quality and gingival tissue into thick and thin biotype. Results: There was significant difference in gingival biotype among different skeletal malocclusion with high prevalence of thin gingival biotype in class I subjects and more prevalence of thick biotype in class II and class III individuals (P-value: 0.022). Pairwise comparison of gingival biotype in class I versus class II showed significant difference (P-value: 0.032); however in class I versus class III and class II versus class III, the test result was nonsignificant. The overall frequency of thin gingival biotype was significantly less in female subjects with respect to males (P-value: 0.025). Conclusion: A significant relationship is present between skeletal malocclusion and quality of gingival biotype. The prevalence of thick gingival biotype is found more in females as compared to male individuals. The thin gingival biotype is more commonly seen in skeletal class I than class II and class III.

Comparative Efficacy of Analdent (Herbal Analgesic Preparation) and Aceclofenac on Pain Intensity After Tooth Extraction: A Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and Aim: Pain management following tooth extraction is crucial in minimizing patient suffering and risk of infection and hastening the recovery. Safety issues with routinely prescribed drugs such as NSAIDs for pain management call for search of an effective and safe alternative. Advances in the field of alternative medicine have led to the use of various natural products for pain management in the field of dentistry. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy between the analdent and aceclofenac in terms of alleviation of post-operative pain and facial swelling after extraction of tooth. Methods: A split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted on 22 participants in the age range of 13-25 years requiring extraction of first permanent premolars for orthodontic reason. The extraction sites were randomized to receive either analdent or aceclofenac post-orthodontic extraction. Post-extraction dental pain was assessed after 8 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-operatively using a visual analog scale, and incidence of swelling was recorded. Results: Pain score showed a significant reduction (p = 0.001) post-operatively within analdent (herbal drug) group as well as Zerodol (aceclofenac) group. However, there was no significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups at each interval. Two participants in analdent group and one participant in aceclofenac group reported swelling after 8 h of extraction which subsided after cold pack application. Conclusion: Analdent was found to be equally effective as aceclofenac in managing pain after the tooth extraction with relatively no side effects.CTRI Registration Number: CTRI/2020/ 03/024296 dated 27/03/2020.

Evaluation of randomised controlled trials published in Indian specialty dental journals for statistical testing of baseline differences: A meta-epidemiological study.

Background: In randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the application of a test of significance to compare the baseline differences between the intervention groups is a common practice, though it has been condemned by many researchers. Objective: This study aimed to assess the proportion of RCTs on human participants comparing the baseline differences between intervention groups using the test of significance in nine dental specialty journals published in India and to estimate the proportion of studies reporting baseline demographic and clinical characteristics in a table. Materials and Methods: RCTs published in nine dental journals published by dental specialty associations of India were screened. A literature search was limited to the time duration of five years from 2017 to 2021. Results: The authors analysed 326 RCTs. Of 326 RCTs published, 237 RCTs (72.7%) did not report the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics table. Tests of significance were applied to compare baseline differences between the intervention arms in 148 (45.4%) RCTs published. Conclusions: Although criticised by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement, the majority of the trials published in dental specialty journals failed to avoid comparison of baseline differences with significance test and failed to report baseline characteristic table.

Insights of dental postgraduate students and guides toward change in MDS examination pattern: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: According to the notification dated May 17, 2018, no. DE-14-MDS-2018/2131 published by the Dental Council of India, basic sciences theory examination (Paper-1) will be conducted before the commencement of II-year MDS academic year instead of III-year MDS end. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the opinions regarding this recent change in the curriculum among I MDS students, II MDS students, and their respective postgraduate (PG) guides. Methodology: The study was conducted on 120 participants from three dental colleges. All the participants were interviewed using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The initial part of questionnaire consisted of demographic information of the study participants followed by ten questions targeted to assess the perception toward change in MDS examination pattern. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software v20, and Chi-square test was used for comparison of responses among PG students and PG guides. Results: Questions pertaining to the need of allowed to keep term (ATKT), assumption to improved concentration on specialization subjects, and increase in understanding of the subject have received maximum positive response. Negative responses were more for the questions such as hampering of PG curriculum, effect on dissertation selection process, and rendering quality treatment to the patient. Responses to necessity of ATKT and the assumption to better concentrate on specialization subject later differed significantly among the participants. Conclusion: The present study results revealed an overall positive perception toward the change in MDS curriculum pattern among the study participants.

Evaluation of retracted publications in Dentistry: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of retracting flawed publications is to maintain the integrity of scientific literature. Retractions in the dental literature have been on the rise in recent years. Hence, we aimed to review retracted articles related to dentistry. METHODS: A search was conducted of the MEDLINE database for retracted articles in the dental literature published between April 1, 1993 and March 31, 2020. The retracted articles and the notices of retraction were reviewed, and the findings are presented. RESULTS: During the selected period, 143 articles were retracted. Redundant publication (n=50, 35%) was the most common reason for retraction, followed by plagiarism (n=43, 30.1%) and data manipulation (n=42, 29.4%). Around 70.6% (n=101) of retracted articles were original articles. Eight (5.6%) of the articles were single authored. The retracted articles have been cited by about 1300 publications, after the date of publication of the retraction notice. The gap between publication and retraction was longer for funded articles than for non-funded articles, and for articles retracted for data manipulation than for articles retracted for other types of misconduct. Twenty-one journals and nine authors retracted two or more papers. The majority of authors of retracted articles (224, 37%) were from India. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the retraction of publications due to misconduct such as duplicate publication, plagiarism, data manipulation is a matter of concern and calls for strict measures to curb the menace of research misconduct.

Needlestick and sharps' injury in healthcare students: Prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice.

Purpose: Needlestick and sharps injury is an occupational hazard, and it presents with a constant risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Students are particularly at risk due to a lack of experience and handling skills. The present study was designed to assess the prevalence of needle stick injury and evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding its prevention and management among students of a medical campus. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among healthcare students of the medical campus in Sangli, Maharashtra. Overall, the study included 942 participants belonging to medical, dental, and nursing faculties. Results: Overall, the prevalence rate of needlestick and sharps injury was found to be 25.2%. The prevalence was highest amongst nursing students. The students had adequate knowledge about blood-borne virus (BBV) transmission and prevention of needlestick injury. However, there was a substantial shortfall in post-exposure prophylaxis knowledge amongst the students. A deficit in translation between knowledge to practice was noted, particularly in the case of needlestick injury prevention and management. Conclusion: The present study found that one in four students experience needlestick injury; overall knowledge regarding prevention and management of needlestick injury was lesser than desired, and gaps in knowledge and practice were identified in the present study. This can be rectified by curricular reforms, periodic educational programs and stern reinforcement of guidelines. Instilling reporting centers and devising a standing operating procedure in the event of needlestick injury are the needs of the hour.

Assessment of the factors influencing dental students to choose dentistry as a career: A cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Career choice, one of the most important process in a student's life, has an influence on his/her future life. Hence, it is important to understand student's motives behind choosing a specific career. Hence, the study was designed with an aim to evaluate the factors influencing dental students to choose dentistry as career. METHODS: The present cross-sectional survey was conducted on 401 dental students from a dental institute. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of 13 reasons that possibly influenced students' decision to study dentistry. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS 20 software. RESULTS: Majority of the students participating were female (77.1%). Top four reasons to choose dentistry as a profession were to help poor people (95.5%), to earn prestige and respect (95.0%) followed by self-interest (94.7%) and study of human parts especially teeth (92.8%). Making money was the reason reported by 77.8% of the students. Other reasons reported were inspiration from other dentists (63.3%), did not get admission to medicine (MBBS) course (52.1%), and no doctor in family (51.9%). Family members in medical/dental profession was the least reported reason (36.9%). There were no significant differences among males and females for reported reasons except for one reason, that is, did not get admitted to medicine (MBBS) course (60.9% male and 48.9% female; P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Students were mostly influenced by own interest and altruistic nature to opt for dental profession.

A review of approved COVID-19 vaccines.

In the past one and half year elapsed since the identification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its genome, an extraordinary effort by the scientific community has led to the development of many vaccine projects. More than ten vaccine candidates throughout the world have been granted approval for emergency use. Existing data suggest that these vaccines have the potential to protect individuals and curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. However, long term side-effects and certain unresolved issues associated with vaccine use need to be assessed as the time passes. This study reviews the most recent data of 12 vaccines which have been approved for use and presents information on their doses, composition, mechanism of action, side effects, etc.

Urgent need to tackle Covid-19 impact on academic research in India.

The government of India imposed a strict nationwide lockdown on March 24, 2020, to arrest the spread of Covid-19 (1). Abiding by the government regulations, several educational institutions including those in healthcare, postponed or cancelled several academic activities to curb the spread of the virus (2). Considering the high risk of infection transmission, several academic research projects involving human participants were paused. This has posed serious challenges in managing academic tasks such as teaching and learning activities related to research, participant examination and follow-up, field work for data collection, face-to-face discussion with colleagues, students and supervisors. Many academic healthcare research activities involve human subjects as research participants; but because of the lockdown, final year post-graduate students may not be able to complete their research projects within the stipulated time frame. Healthcare students are in a vulnerable situation because of the pressure to submit their research projects for the successful completion of the courses. Given this situation, it is probable that students may resort to unethical or fraudulent research activities such as data manipulation or fabrication to complete their research projects before the existing deadline. Such research, if published in the future, can damage the credibility and validity of the scientific evidence.

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Comparative evaluation of webinar, powerpoint presentation and lecture as oral health educational interventions among school children: a randomized controlled trial.

The study compared the effectiveness of three teaching methods on the oral health status of high school children. The study population of 791 school children selected from three different schools was randomly allocated to one of three intervention groups: (i) Webinar group (Online presentation)-260 subjects, (ii) Face to Face lecture using PowerPoint presentation (F2F PP group)-261 subjects and (iii) Control group (Only lecture)-270 subjects. Subjects from the Webinar group and F2F PP group received oral health education at an interval of 15 days starting from baseline. Subjects from the control group received oral health education only at baseline. Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and Gingival Index (GI) were measured at baseline, at 1 month, 2 months' and 3 months' interval. OHI and GI showed a significant reduction (P = 0.001) in the Webinar group and F2F PP group; However, in the control group, OHI and GI reduced from baseline till second month and showed an increase at 3 months' interval. F2F PP group showed a maximum reduction in OHI and GI followed by the Webinar group. It can be concluded that F2F PowerPoint-based oral health education was most effective followed by the webinar method.

Comparative Efficacy of Hand Disinfection Potential of Hand Sanitizer and Liquid Soap among Dental Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hands are the most common medium for initiation and spread of infection in clinics. Hand hygiene is the simplest and most economic method for reducing the healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of hand sanitizer, liquid soap, and their combination for reducing the microbial colonies on hands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial executed in a dental college on 90 participants, which were randomly assigned into three intervention groups of 30 each. The participants were instructed to contaminate their hands followed by a hand hygiene protocol for the liquid hand-wash group, the alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) group, and the combination group according to WHO guidelines. The swabs were collected pre- and post-intervention and mean colony-forming units were determined for each group. RESULTS: Median percentage reduction was highest for the combination group (100%), followed by the ABHS group (94.29%) and lowest for the liquid soap (92.31%). This difference in the amount of colony-forming units (CFU) among all the groups was nonsignificant (p = 0.114). CONCLUSION: The results of the study show that there was no significant difference in hand disinfection potential among hand sanitizer, liquid soap, or their combination. All the three interventions were equally effective with the reduction of total bacterial contamination from participants' hands. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Khairnar MR, Anitha G, Dalvi TM, Kalghatgi S, Datar UV, Wadgave U, et al. Comparative Efficacy of Hand Disinfection Potential of Hand Sanitizer and Liquid Soap among Dental Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(5):336-339.

Dental professionals' knowledge and behavior towards utilization of gloves: a cross-sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: Dental practitioners are at risk of developing infections due to nature of their occupation which can be prevented by following proper infection control protocols, including proper use of gloves. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the perception and beliefs of dental healthcare providers towards usage of different type of gloves. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among a total of 241 participants out of which 198 participants (77 interns, 58 dental post-graduate students (PG) and 63 dental faculty members) returned completed questionnaire (response rate of 82.15%). The questionnaire comprised of questions on dental professionals' preferences for certain types of gloves and the reasons for these preferences, as well as determining their knowledge, beliefs and behavior concerning the use of dental gloves as a means of barrier protection. Data obtained was analyzed using chi-square test. RESULTS: Dental faculty members had a better knowledge regarding use of gloves as compared to dental PG students and interns. Most of the study participants preferred certain types of gloves for the purpose of better protection followed by comfort. Most of the participants believed that gloves provide full protection as long as there is no visible tear (interns 70.1%; PG students 50%; faculty members 60.3%). Most of the interns (42.9%) and PG students (41.4%) did not know about the fact that petroleum based products affect the integrity of the gloves. 2.6% interns, 29.3% PG students and 20.6% faculty members reported that they would not change gloves during an uninterrupted three-hour long procedure. CONCLUSION: Most of the interns and PG students had poor knowledge regarding usage of gloves which calls for an action on the part of educators to educate and train dental professionals regarding proper infection control practices.

Effect of training on evidence-based practice to undergraduate dental students: pre and postexperimental study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) training is essential for undergraduate students in making sound clinical decisions during patient care. However, EBP training is not included in the curriculum of undergraduate dental students in India and there is a dearth of research that assessed the effectiveness of EBP training in India. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of EBP training to dental undergraduate students. METHODS: Final year undergraduate students and interns of a dental institution participated in this pre and postexperimental study. All the participants received a 2-day workshop (didactic lectures, hands-on and group activities) in a classroom setting. A validated 35 item instrument titled EBP Knowledge, Attitudes, Access and Confidence questionnaire was used for the outcome assessment of EBP training. RESULTS: Fifty undergraduate students (33 interns and 17 final year) participated in the study. Statistically significant improvement was observed in six out of 10 items related to EBP knowledge. All the items related to attitude showed a significant positive change in scores. Only four out of nine items related to accessing evidence showed a statistically significant change. Participants reported moderate confidence gain in critical appraisal skills. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated moderate improvement in the effectiveness of EBP training in improving EBP knowledge, accessing evidence and critical appraisal skills.