ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence or AI may be identified as the use of Personal Computers and/or machines in performing certain specific types of tasks that usually have the requirement of humanized knowledge. These specific tasks include acknowledgment of the problem, understanding disease dynamics, and determining the clinical diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted on Dental professionals who were practicing all across India after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethical Board. A previously validated as well as pre-analyzed questionnaire form was distributed using electronic mail and through the use of social media with a briefly explained description of the study purpose and an informed consent form. The study questionnaire comprised "close-ended" queries that were then divided into foursections. All the study participants were then instructed to select any one option among all the provided answers. The entire study was completed within one month. Collected observations were entered within a Microsoft Excel 2007® master chart. Statistical analytical software tool SPSS version 20.0, IBM Corporation was employed. "Chi-square" test was performed for evaluating statistical association. A P value lesser than 0.05 was fixed with statistical significance. RESULTS: On analyzing the level of knowledge, 82.5% of subjects had knowledge of artificial intelligence while 11.4% had no knowledge and 6.1% had some knowledge of this tool. 69.1% were knowledgeable regarding the use of AI in lesional diagnosis, 12.8% had no knowledge regarding artificial intelligence for the diagnosis and 18.1% had no knowledge regarding AI in the diagnosis. 71% had knowledge concerning the use of AI for Imaging. Knowledge of AI in Oral Hygiene was seen in 54.3%. 91.2% of participants had knowledge of robotics use in Oral Surgery. 77% of dentists had knowledge regarding the use of AI for the enhancement of clinical practice. 95.5% had a higher 'positive' attitude toward the use of AI in academics. 69.1% of dentists had a positive attitude regarding AI incorporation in practice. 5% of dentists considered artificial intelligence better than human intelligence for diagnosis. 10% believed that disparities can exist between AI-based and human diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Positive correlations were noted between knowledge, attitude, and practice of AI among studied dentists.
ABSTRACT
Background: ß-Thalassemia is a chronic disease of autosomal recessive origin that is identified by the presence of a severe form of anemia. This hematological disease has been shown to directly influence a person's physical as well as psychological well-being along with their families. Aim: This study aimed to find an association between dental health status and oral health-related quality of life (QoL) among children who have been diagnosed with ß-thalassemia. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the dental outpatient department; blood bank and pediatric outpatient departments that were associated with the primary institute. All study participants were age-ranged from 3 to 15 years. Informed written consent was obtained from caregivers or parents of all the study participants. This study was conducted for a total duration of 1 year (from June 2020 to June 2021). All study participants were categorized into two groups: (a) Group I (n = 150) comprised children who were diagnosed with ß-thalassemia and (b) Group II (n = 150) comprised normal controls. Exclusion criteria in the study included children suffering from any systemic disease that predisposes them to dental caries or periodontal diseases. The intra-oral examination was performed using Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth Index (DMFT/dmft Index) and Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S). Assessment of QoL was done by using the "Child Perceptions Questionnaire for children." Collected data were recorded in Microsoft Excel workbook, 2007. Statistical comparison between both the groups was performed by using statistical tools such as the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. The probability values lesser than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Maxillofacial findings-rodent facies, saddle nose, lip incompetence, pale oral mucosa, anterior open-bite, lower anterior teeth crowding, and maxillary anterior teeth spacing or crowding-were seen. Class II malocclusion was present in significant numbers of subjects. On comparing dmft/DMFT scores, no significance was observed while on comparing OHI-S index, statistical significance was seen. A statistically significant difference in the QoL was noted between thalassemic children and the control group. Conclusion: Thalassemic children showed a significant association between dental health and QoL.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Down syndrome which is also known as "trisomy 21" is the commonest chromosomal defect that has been associated with intellectual disability or impairment. Clinically, it has been characterized by the generalized presence of hypotonic musculature, variety of neurobiological alterations, numerous respiratory diseases, and significantly higher risk of developing infection along with various dental abnormalities and oro-facial dysmorphological changes. Periodontal diseases are the most prominent oral health issue among individuals diagnosed with Down Syndrome. AIM: The objective of the present prevalence analysis was to study the implications of Down's syndrome on oral health status among patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional prevalence analysis conducted within a duration of 1 year. A total of 100 children diagnosed with Down syndrome (aged between 5 and 16 years) were selected as the study sample. Inclusion criteria were (a) cytogenetic positive trisomy 21, (b) cooperative behavior, and (c) written informed consent obtained from the legal care-takers. Exclusion criteria were (a) any debilitating form of systemic diseases, (b) any other disability, and (c) extremely uncooperative children. The gingival health status was assessed using gingival index (GI) [Loe and Silness], calculus index (CI) [Ramfjord], and plaque index (PI) [Silness and Loe]. Information involving the practice of oral hygiene maintenance, diet plans, and parental educational status was derived from each parent. Based upon their intelligence quotient (I. Q.) values, the subjects were classified into three groups: a) mild (I. Q. level = 50 to 70), b) moderate (I. Q. level = 35 to 50), and c) severe (I. Q. level ≤35). Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical software tool Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Qualitative data were recorded as frequencies, and percentages and quantitative data were recorded as mean and standard deviation values. All categorical outcomes were analyzed by means of the Chi-square test. The quantitative outcomes of Calculus Index, Gingival Index, and Plaque Index were analyzed by either student's t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance was set at a cut-off value of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Down syndromic children between 12 and 16 years were reported to have statistically significant higher Calculus Index, Gingival Index, and Plaque Index values in comparison with younger age syndromic children (P < 0.01). Those with severe mental retardation had significantly higher Plaque Index (P < 0.001) and Gingival Index (P < 0.04) values when compared with those with mild and moderate mental retardation. No significant difference in comparing Calculus Index was noted. CONCLUSION: Higher age group children with Down syndrome require close monitoring by parents for assisting in maintaining oral hygiene practices just as in younger age group children.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oral cancer has been ranked as the sixth most common cancer globally. It has been reported to be increasing in incidence especially, in the southern parts of Asia which chiefly includes, India. Diagnosis of oral cancer is followed by a vigorous and highly morbid treatment protocol which drastically impacts the patient's quality of life. This in turn can cause extreme stress in a person. This study aimed to assess the impact of the practice of Yoga on stress levels in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 subjects diagnosed with oral cancer were selected for this study. Their stress levels were scored both before and after initiating the practice of Yogic exercises in a one-month interval using a questionnaire. Obtained scores were entered in Microsoft Excel 2007 worksheet and an unpaired t-test was applied. P values of less than 0.05 and 0.001 were considered statistically significant and extremely significant, respectively. RESULTS: Study results showed a reduction in stress level scores (48 ± 0.99 to 37 ± 5.2) after adopting yoga for one month. An extremely significant P value of less than 0.001 was obtained. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from this study that yoga is an effective method in reducing stress levels in individuals diagnosed with oral cancer.
