Relationship of skin complexion with gingival tissue color and hyperpigmentation. A multi-ethnic comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The most frequently seen intra-oral soft tissue is the gingiva. Most often, it is seen as coral-pink tissue that surrounds the neck of the teeth. Gingiva that encircles the tooth necks and covers the alveolar processes of the jaws is an intra-oral tissue that exhibits biomimetic features. The wide range of colors of the gingiva depends on the configuration of gingival vascularity, the degree of epithelial cornification, level of melanogenesis, and the depth of epithelialization. However, the color of the gingiva varies depending on the degree of melanin pigmentation. The current study aimed to identify the different distribution patterns of gingival color and determine the correlation between skin color, gender, and geographical area of origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 839 subjects were involved in the study where the gingival color and skin tone were measured using the Dummett-Gupta Oral pigmentation Index (DOPI) combined with VITA VMK MASTER and skin shade method developed by Revlon (USA) and L'Oreal (France) for makeup foundation shades. One investigator was calibrated for the examination of the colors after being tested for normal color vision and color aptitude using the line test. RESULTS: A significant association was found between skin color and gingival pigmentation (χ2 value (6) = 114.48; P = 0.001). It was also found that females (67.1%) significantly had darker gingiva than males (58.3%). The study statistics display that location of the individual was also statistically associated with melanin pigmentation of the gingiva (χ2 value (57) = 559.33; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study concluded that gender, skin color, and individual location are significantly associated with gingival melanin pigmentation.

Efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy in patients with nicotine stomatitis.

AIM: This study aimed to treat smoker's palate (SP) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: A total of 24 patients with SP were divided into two groups: group-I (test group; n = 12); and group-II (control group; n = 12). Group-I patients were treated with 5-ALA-mediated PDT, while group-II patients were advised to cease the smoking habit during the entire duration of the study and later. PDT was repeated on days 3, 7, and 14 (i.e., a total of four sittings including day 0 [baseline]). Later, the participants were called for follow-up after week-4 (1st follow-up), week-6 (2nd follow-up), and week-8 (3rd follow-up) after the completion of the treatment. The SPSS version 22.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Group-I patients showed a statistically significant improvement when all three time points were assessed (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the same trend was observed in the group-II participants (p < 0.001), however, the difference between both groups (i.e., group-I [test group] and group-II [control group]) was larger. CONCLUSION: The findings of this clinical trial indicated a promising and satisfactory decrease in the clinical features of the smoker's palate without any adverse impacts utilizing 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy. Hence, 5-ALA-mediated PDT appeared to be a promising treatment option together with smoking cessation.

Treatment of aggressive periodontitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report with 8 years follow-up.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with oral desquamative lesions is one of the rare clinical entities. Periodontal disease and SLE display various mechanisms and possess a wide range of pathological characteristics. The tissue destruction mechanism of periodontitis and autoimmune diseases share similar pathways, and mounting reports studied the association between these two entities. The present case is of a 24-year-old female patient who complained of generalized widening of spaces in between the teeth. Along with it, She suffered from loss of hair, weakness, edema in the legs as well as arthralgia. The patient was identified to be suffering from SLE according to the American Rheumatism Association and European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology criteria 1 year before she reported to the dentist. She suffered from hair loss, weakness, arthralgia as well as edema in the legs. Based on the oral, clinical, and radiographic findings, she was diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis case. After nonsurgical periodontal treatment, the flap was reflected, debridement was done, after root conditioning with tetracycline, bovine osseous xenograft was placed in all the sites where ever there is angular bone loss, later sutured with interrupted direct loop suturing technique with 4-0 silk suture. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done every 6 weeks to check the progress of the treatment. 6 months and 8-year follow-up revealed satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes. Based on the present case report and the previous literature, we recommend the use of xenograft in treating aggressive periodontitis patients.

Résumé Le lupus érythémateux systémique (LES) avec lésions buccales desquamatives est l'une des rares entités cliniques. La maladie parodontale et le LED présentent divers mécanismes et possèdent un large éventail de caractéristiques pathologiques. Le mécanisme de destruction des tissus de la parodontite et des maladies auto-immunes partage des voies similaires. partagent des voies similaires, et de nombreux rapports ont étudié l'association entre ces deux entités. Le cas présent est celui d'une patiente de 24 ans 24 ans qui se plaignait d'un élargissement généralisé des espaces entre les dents. En plus de cela, elle a souffert d'une perte de cheveux, de faiblesse, d'œdème dans les jambes et d'arthralgie. La patiente a été identifiée comme souffrant d'un LED selon les critères de l'American Rheumatism Association et de l'Académie européenne de dermatologie et de vénéréologie un an avant de se présenter chez le dentiste. Elle souffrait de de perte de cheveux, de faiblesse, d'arthralgie et d'œdèmes dans les jambes. Sur la base des résultats buccaux, cliniques et radiographiques, elle a été diagnostiquée comme souffrant de parodontite agressive. Après un traitement parodontal non chirurgical, le lambeau a été réfléchi, un débridement a été effectué, après un conditionnement radiculaire après conditionnement radiculaire à la tétracycline, une xénogreffe osseuse bovine a été placée dans tous les sites où il y avait une perte osseuse angulaire. technique de suture en boucle directe interrompue avec une suture en soie 4-0. Une évaluation clinique et radiographique a été faite toutes les 6 semaines pour vérifier la progression du traitement. traitement. Le suivi à 6 mois et à 8 ans a révélé des résultats cliniques et radiographiques satisfaisants. Sur la base du présent rapport de cas et de la littérature précédente, nous recommandons l'utilisation de la xénogreffe dans le traitement des patients atteints de parodontite agressive. Mots-clés: Parodontite, lupus érythémateux systémique, xénogreffe.

Occurrence of the Elongated Styloid Process on Digital Panoramic Radiographs in the Riyadh Population.

BACKGROUND: Patients with an elongated styloid process might present with dysphagia and pain in the cervicofacial region. These patients could be misdiagnosed as other orofacial pathologies. AIM: The present study attempted to assess the prevalence of the elongated styloid process on digital panoramic radiographs in the Riyadh population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present prospective randomized study was conducted on the panoramic digital radiographs of 300 randomly selected patients visiting a private dental hospital to identify any elongation of the styloid process. Only the radiographs without any magnification errors were considered. The styloid process length was measured using the Sidexis measuring tool and entered in an Excel spreadsheet with other demographic data. A length beyond 30 mm was considered styloid process elongation. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The symptoms of styloid process elongation were higher among females (78.6%), and this difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 7.182; P=0.007). No statistically significant association was observed between styloid process elongation and symptoms between different age groups. Females exhibited a significant longer mean length of the styloid process than males. The present study exhibited a 27.3% prevalence for the elongation and calcification of the styloid process. CONCLUSION: Given the significant prevalence of the elongated styloid process in our study, we recommend it to be considered as one of the differential diagnosis for pain or discomfort in the orofacial region.

Perception, Knowledge, and Attitude of Individuals from Different Regions of Saudi Arabia toward Dental Implants and Bone Grafts.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the perception, knowledge, and attitude of individuals from different regions of Saudi Arabia toward dental implants and bone grafts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online, self-oriented, and cross-sectional-based questionnaire with 21 items was given to 1622 individuals from different regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire recorded the perception, knowledge, and attitude of participants and their agreement or rejection of dental implants and various kinds of bone grafts. The responses were compared with age, sex, and educational level. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the collected data and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most of the males (35.8%) and females (39.8%) reported that the major source of data regarding dental implants is friends and families. Majority of the participants (approximately 75% males and 73% females) support the idea that dental implants last for lifetime, whereas majority of the participants (approximately 49% males and 56% females) displayed their unawareness regarding materials used for dental implants. The overall acceptance rates of participants for autografts, alloplasts, xenografts from the cow, xenografts from the horse, and allografts were 40%, 15.9%, 2.5%, 2.2%, and 1.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The expense of dental implants was considered the foremost reason for avoiding the procedure. Most of the participants think that fixed dental prostheses last longer than removable prosthesis. Autograft was the most accepted bone graft, whereas allograft was the least accepted bone graft over the responded participants.

Current realities of dental graduates about dental profession: Cross- sectional study future prospects of dental graduates

Purpose: Dentistry is specialized branch for head and neck region. In this field exponential growth in technology has taken place in the last few decades. At the same time dental graduates also increased. As the patient to doctor ratio has increased, it helped in offering services to the needy, but on the flip side, many qualified dentists are shifting careers due to multiple reasons. This study was conducted to know the awareness of dental graduates on their future prospects in pursuing the dental career. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among junior residents who attended the dental conference using a structured questionnaire. Questions are prepared in a customized form which elicits, knowledge and awareness of dental graduates on their future prospects among junior residents. Results: A total of 210 dental graduates/ junior residents participated in the study. Among them, nearly half of the sample, i.e. 42.4% of dental graduates are satisfied only 50% in pursuing dentistry. Most of the participants, i.e., 63.8% are willing to change the profession, while remaining one-third of the sample, i.e., 36.7% are willing to work in government sector. Only a few graduates, i.e. 22.4% of them were interested in teaching or academics. Conclusion: Even though most of the dental graduates were happy in pursuing dentistry, but most of them were willing to change the career option because of a stressful job timing with no expected fruitful returns in terms of income. This problem is also escalating because of fewer job opportunities.

Anterior loop of the mental nerve in Saudi sample in Riyadh, KSA. A cone beam computerized tomography study.

BACKGROUND: The portion of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) existent anterior to the mental foramen, before parting the canal, is referred to as the anterior loop (AL) of the IAN. The presence of AL is important when placing the implant interforaminal area of the mandible. These anatomical discrepancies can be assessed by cone-beam CT (CBCT), for evaluating its position and exact location. The AL is classified into Types I, II and III. In Type I, Y-shaped anatomy; in Type II, anatomy is T-shaped; and in Type III, Y-shaped anatomy is seen, and the incisive branch is thicker as compared to the main branch. AIM: In this study, we aim to analyse the prevalence of different types of AL of the IAN in Saudi sample population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a retrospective analysis of 149 (86 female & 63 male) CBCT images of patients records from 2018 June to 2018 September in the department of implant dentistry, KSMC, Riyadh. The age range of the patients who participated in the study was 30-60 years. The mean age of female participants is 42.5 ± 5.8, for the male participants is 48.6 ± 11.4 years respectively. RESULTS: The most frequent type of AL of mental nerve noticed on the right side was of type I (59.1%), followed by type II (27.5%) and type III (13.4%). The most frequent type of AL of mental nerve noticed on the left side was type I (61.7%), followed by type II (26.8%) and type III (11.4%). CONCLUSION: The results of the study encourage the usage of CBCT for planning implant treatment. We also suggest that it is obligatory for professionals to categorise the presence of AL and to measure them appropriately when planning for the procedures in the interforaminal region.

A Global Survey of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among Healthcare Workers.

Objectives: Even though several effective vaccines are available to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, wide disparities in vaccine distribution, and vaccine acceptance rates between high- and low-income countries appear to be major threats toward achieving population immunity. Our global descriptive study aims to inform policymakers on factors affecting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers (HCWs) in 12 countries, based on income index. We also looked for possible predictors of vaccine acceptance among the study sample. Methods: A structured questionnaire prepared after consultation with experts in the field and guided by the "Report of the SAGE working group on vaccine hesitancy" was administered among 2,953 HCWs. Upon obtaining informed consent, apart from demographic information, we collected information on trust in vaccines and health authorities, and agreement to accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: Although 69% of the participants agreed to accept a vaccine, there was high heterogeneity in agreement between HCWs in low and lower-middle income countries (L-LMICs) and upper-middle- and high-income countries (UM-HICs), with acceptance rates of 62 and 75%, respectively. Potential predictors of vaccine acceptance included being male, 50 years of age or older, resident of an UM-HIC, updating self about COVID-19 vaccines, greater disease severity perception, greater anxiety of contracting COVID-19 and concern about side effects of vaccines. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among HCWs in L-LMICs was considerably low as compared to those from UM-HICs. The lowest vaccine acceptance rates were among HCWs from the African continent. This underlines the need for the implementation of country-specific vaccine promotion strategies, with special focus on increasing vaccine supply in L-LMICs.

Knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Dental Fraternity in Riyadh.

AIM: To assess and compare the knowledge of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among final years dental students, interns, dental practitioners and faculty working in and around Riyadh. METHODS: A questionnaire-based study comprising of 16 questions was conducted among final year dental clinical students, interns, dental practitioners and faculty working in and around Riyadh. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS version 21) was used to analyse the statistical data. The p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 450 respondents took part in the study. When gender comparison was done regarding the awareness of OSA, statistically significant differences were noted for the majority of questions. The response rate for the knowledge-based questions varied statistically concerning their speciality and educational qualifications. 65% of the participants admitted that they were unaware of the diagnostic tests performed for diagnosing these patients. It was noted that 85% of the participants wanted to attend a CDE program to know more about OSA. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that there is a significant lack of knowledge among final year students, interns and general dentists. This study emphasises the need for all dental professionals to regularly update their knowledge and equip themselves to identify and treat such patients at an early stage.

Awareness of Dental Interns to Treat Pregnant Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy causes major changes in maternal physiology and metabolism, which may lead to increased susceptibility to oral infection. AIM: Aim of this study is to assess the awareness of dental interns regarding the management of the dental needs of pregnant patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 188 interns of a private dental college in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised of 14 knowledge-based questions regarding their training, awareness and practice management of the pregnant patient in dental clinics. Four questions to record and evaluate their training, the number of pregnant patients treated by them and their confidence level in the dental management of the pregnant patient. Excel spreadsheet was used for mathematical calculations. RESULTS: Almost 62% of our participants never treated a pregnant female during their training. About 65% of the interns knew using antibiotics, almost 55% have a clear idea of the safest NSAIDS, and 43% regarded local anaesthesia to be safe when used among pregnant females. Conversely, about 50% of the participants had no clear knowledge of the FDA category of drugs. Only 24% considered dental radiographs to be safe in pregnant patients. 57% thought to postpone the dental treatment in an acute active dental infection in expecting mothers. Results also showed a lack of confidence among interns to provide dental care to gestating female. CONCLUSION: On analysing the results, we found that there is a need to improve the knowledge, awareness and confidence levels among the interns who are the future dentists treating these patients.

Self-diagnosis & pain management in dental students in Riyadh, KSA.

INTRODUCTION: Self-diagnosis and pain management is a worldwide practice. The current study aims to determine the percentage of dental students and interns who self-diagnose and manage their dental pain and further establish the proportion of students who depend on various resources for diagnosing and treating their condition. METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire-based study was conducted among the dental students in and around Riyadh. The questionnaire consisted of three parts including: part 1-demographic data; part 2-pain and self-diagnosis; part 3-visiting the dentist and managing the pain. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.0). RESULTS: Fifty four percent of the participants were involved in self-diagnosis and managed the pain by themselves. Seventy three percent of the respondents experienced teeth/gum discomfort or any symptoms of an oral health problem, of which 57% searched the symptoms they faced on the internet to arrive at a diagnosis. Besides, 35% of the interns considered internet to be a helpful tool for diagnosing their pain. 16% admitted that they have never visited a dentist. CONCLUSION: We found that a significant proportion of the participants self-diagnosed by using their background or resorting to the internet, at times consulting a dentist to confirm their diagnosis. The students from the health sciences background should refrain from this practice. Efforts should be made to make the population mindful of the potential risks linked to self-medication and diagnosis. Further research should be done with a larger sample size by including the students and interns from different institutions.

Oral health in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with chronic kidney disease.

The objective of our study is to assess the subjective and objective oral manifestations and salivary pH in diabetic and nondiabetic uremic patients at a nephrology clinic. A total of 194 diabetic and nondiabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who were divided into four groups, Group A, B, C, D, and who were attending a nephrology clinic were included in the study. Predialytic unstimulated whole salivary pH was recorded using pH- measuring strips. Subjective and objective findings were evaluated and recorded in the specially designed pro forma. Dental health assessment consisted of decayed, missing, and filled teeth index and community periodontal index (CPI). Dysgeusia was found to be significantly more prevalent in nondiabetic patients on dialysis. Uremic odor showed high significance (P <0.05) with 75% patients being positive in diabetic dialysis. There was no significant difference in the incidence of tongue coating between the four groups. A statistically high significance was observed with the objective oral manifestation of mucosal petechiae, with P = 0.01. There was an increased periodontal pocket depth among diabetic CKD patients as compared to that in nondiabetic patients. A moderate significance was found, with a CPI score showing P <0.05. Increased prevalence of caries was noticed among the diabetic CKD patients (Groups A, B). Recorded salivary pH showed no significant difference among diabetic and nondiabetic CKD patients. Findings suggest that these patients are at risk of developing complications, related to systemic health causing morbidity and mortality. Hence, these patients are to be motivated for comprehensive professional oral care and self oral hygiene instructions. Additional research is necessary to elucidate and correlate the combined influence of diabetes, CKD, and dialysis on oral health.

Combination of hydroxyapatite, platelet rich fibrin and amnion membrane as a novel therapeutic option in regenerative periapical endodontic surgery: Case series.

INTRODUCTION: Periapical surgery is the last resort in the arsenal of an endodontist to effectively deal with periapical lesions that result from necrosis of the pulp. Bone grafts, growth factors and membranes form an array of regenerative materials that influence the healing outcome of periapical surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The main purpose of the two cases reported here was to assess the potential benefits of a combination of bone graft, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and amnion membrane in terms of reduced post-operative discomfort, radiographic evidence of accelerated periapical bone healing and present a novel therapeutic option in the management of large periapical lesions. Two cases of radicular cysts were treated through a combined regenerative approachof Bio-Gen mix®, PRF and amnion membrane. The patients were assessed for discomfort immediate post-operatively and after a week. The patients were recalled every month for the next 6 months for radiographic assessment of the periapical healing. DISCUSSION: Literature is replete with articles that have substantiated the role of demineralized bone matrix comprising a mixture of cancellous and cortical bone graft particles in enhancing regeneration. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no evidence related to the application of a human placental membrane in periapical surgery. Hence, the rationale of using a combined approach of Bio-Gen mix®, PRF and amnion membrane was to combine the individual advantages of these materials to enhance clinical and radiographic healing outcomes. Our present case reports provide an insight into this novel therapeutic option. CONCLUSION: The results of this case seriessubstantiatesthe credibility of using a combination ofamnion membrane with a bone graft and PRF to enhance radiographic healing outcome with decreased post-operative discomfort and present a viable regenerative treatment modality in periapical surgery.

Are you willing to treat patients with HIV/AIDS? An anonymous survey among staff and students of dental institution.

BACKGROUND: India is one of the largest and most populated country in the world, with over one billion inhabitants. Of this number, it is estimated that around 23.9 lakh people are currently suffering with HIV. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) require increasingly competent and compassionate health care, including oral health care. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the response of dental health care professionals (staff and students) in willingness to provide treatment to HIV/AIDS patients and whether the training and education provided to them is sufficient to handle such patients, or whether there is necessity for advanced curriculum to be implemented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous survey with the permission from ethical committee of dental institution was conducted with the use self-administered questionnaire eliciting information on self-rated HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, infection control practices, occupational risk perception and willingness to treat HIV/AIDS patients. RESULTS: An increase in level of knowledge was observed with the increase in year of study from first BDS to post graduation and MDS staff. It was observed that interns and post graduate students were willing to treat patients with HIV/AIDS. Staff of the institution showed greater concern to undergo training to provide efficient treatment to patients with HIV/AIDS. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that there was a positive attitude and willingness of staff and students to treat a patient suffering with HIV/AIDS. Also, there was willingness and interest of the staff and students of the dental institution to participate in training programmes to provide better and more efficient treatment to HIV/AIDS patients.

Oral health status in haemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the oral and dental manifestations in non- diabetic and diabetic uraemic patients who were undergoing haemodialysis and to estimate and compare the salivary pH in these two groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety Seven uraemic patients who were undergoing maintenance haemodialysis were included in the study. Subjective and objective findings were evaluated and recorded in a specially designed proforma. Predialytic unstimulated whole salivary pH was recorded by using pH-measuring strips. Dental health assessment consisted of DMFT and CPITN indices. RESULTS: A subjective oral manifestation of dysguesia was found to be more significant in non-diabetic patients (p<0.008). Statistically, a high significance was observed with mucosal petechiae in 31.9% patients of diabetic group .The overall DMFT score was significantly higher in diabetic group. A moderate significance was found with a CPI score of 5 (p<0.015). The pH of saliva was significantly higher among diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: The diabetic subjects who were on haemodialysis were at a high risk for developing periodontal disease and they exhibited a potential threat for dental decay and xerostomia. A lower salivary pH and a poor glycaemic control may affect their oral health. Further research is required to clarify the combined influence of diabetic nephropathy on oral health.

Influence of cigarette smoking on blood and salivary super oxide dismutase levels among smokers and non-smokers.

AIM: To determine the influence of smoking on the blood and salivary superoxide dismutase levels among smokers, and to demonstrate the significance in alterations in the levels of superoxide dismutase in association with patient age, periodontal disease status, and duration and smoking frequency. METHODS: Sixty healthy male patients (aged 20-60 years) constituted the target population. Blood and saliva samples were collected, and the periodontal index was measured using a Community Periodontal Index probe. Blood and salivary superoxide dismutase levels were calculated with the reagents prepared, and values were measured in a UV spectrophotometer. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in mean superoxide dismutase levels with an increase in age and smoking duration and frequency (0.23-0.05 U/mL). There was a range of 0.31-0.06 U/mL variation in the mean superoxide dismutase levels as the periodontal disease condition deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant reduction in the superoxide dismutase levels in the blood and saliva of smokers with increased duration and frequency of smoking, and as the periodontal disease condition worsened. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of saliva as an easy, non-invasive procedure in the diagnosis of patients who are more prone to precancerous lesions and conditions, and its importance in patient education and motivation programs for smoking cessation.

Randomized trial of aloe vera gel vs triamcinolone acetonide ointment in the treatment of oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus when compared with triamcinolone acetonide. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was designed. The study sample constituted 40 patients (23 males and 17 females) who were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A patients received aloe vera gel, while group B patients received triamcinolone acetonide. RESULTS: Forty patients were included in the study. Most of the sample presented with erosive (n = 18) and atrophic (n = 14) variants of oral lichen planus. When clinical signs and symptoms were observed after 8 weeks of therapy, it was determined that aloe vera gel was more effective than triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of oral lichen planus. CONCLUSION: Aloe vera gel can be considered a safe alternative treatment for oral lichen planus.

Occupational hazards and preventive practices among students and faculty at a private dental institution in India.

AIMS: To assess the level of awareness and occupational hazards experienced in addition to preventive measures undertaken by the students and faculty working at a private dental institution in India. METHODS: The present study was conducted at a private dental teaching hospital in India using self-administered questionnaires. All the students attending the clinics and the faculty members of the hospital were invited to participate in the study. The final study population consisted of 290 dental professionals. The self-administered questionnaire also included questions on personal information like age, gender, position (student or faculty), years of experience and number of working hours per day apart from the questions on the level of awareness, preventive procedures undertaken and occupational hazards experienced. RESULTS: Significantly greater number of females experienced musculoskeletal disorders (p=0.031) and allergy to latex (p=0.004) than males. Nearly half the study population reported of sharp instrument injury while treating the patients. The most prevalent preventive measure reported by the respondents was changing gloves between the patients (98.6%) and use of face mask (97.2%). Most of the participants (94.1%) had undergone Hepatitis B or other vaccination procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the study population were aware of the biological hazards associated with the practice of dentistry. None of the preventive measures were observed by all the participants.