Periodontal Disease Awareness and Knowledge among Nigerian Primary School Teachers.

BACKGROUND: Teacher-led oral health education is equally effective in improving the oral health knowledge and oral hygiene status of adolescents as dentist-led and peer-led strategies. AIM: The aim was to determine periodontal disease awareness and knowledge among Nigerian primary school teachers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school teachers in Edo State, Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire which elicited information on demography, awareness of the periodontal disease and source of information, knowledge of etiology, and symptoms of the periodontal disease, was the data collection tool.. The test of association was done using either Chi-square or Fisher's exact statistics. P value was set at 0.05 for significance level. RESULTS: Out of 180 teachers recruited from seven public primary schools in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, 151 of them fully participated by filling the study questionnaires giving a 83.9% (151/180) response rate. The majority 74.2% (112/151) of the participants reported having heard of the periodontal disease and the leading source of information was television. A total of 29.8% (45/151) of participants considered periodontal disease as the main cause of tooth loss among adult Nigerian. Only 12.6% (19/151) of the participants knew dental plaque as soft debris on teeth and 29.1% (44/151) attested that plaque can cause periodontal disease. The majority of the participants were not aware of age 81.5% (123/151) and gender 96.7% (146/151) predisposition to periodontal disease. The perceived manifestations of the periodontal disease reported by were mainly gum bleeding 35.1% (53/151) and swollen gum 20.5% (31/151). A total of 70.2% (106/151) of the participants considered periodontal disease as a preventable disease and about half 49.0% (74/151) of the participants considered daily mouth cleaning as the best preventive method. The majority 95.4% (144/151) of the participants expressed interest in learning about the periodontal disease and the most preferred methods were workshops and lectures. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of the participants heard about periodontal disease from nondental clinic sources. There existed a poor awareness of etiology, age and gender predispositions, manifestation, complications, and the preventable nature of periodontal disease among the participants. However, the majority of them indicated interest in learning about periodontal disease which should be utilized in optimizing their knowledge.

Herpes labialis among dental healthcare providers in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The epidemiology of herpes labialis has been relatively neglected. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of self-reported herpes labialis among Nigerian dental health providers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study of final year dental students and dentists undergoing postgraduate training at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria was conducted in June, 2014. The demographic information, lifetime and period (previous year) experience of the herpes labialis, perceived triggers and action taken during the last episode were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The annual prevalence of herpes labialis was 7.4% while the lifetime prevalence was 22.1%. The lifetime prevalence was significantly associated with marital status, professional status and family history of herpes labialis. However, in binary regression, it was only marital status and family history of herpes labialis that emerged as the determinants of this lifetime prevalence. The most common trigger factors reported by the participants for the last episode of herpes labialis were fever, malaria, fatigue and stress. The actions taken by participants for the last episode of herpes labialis were using drugs without prescription (14.3%), application of lubricant (23.8%), nothing (57.1%) and could not remember (4.8%). CONCLUSION: Data from this study revealed that one out of fourteen and one out of five every studied dental healthcare providers had experienced herpes labialis in the last 12 months and their lifetime respectively. The reduction of fever inducing infections, stress and fatigue which were major triggers will help decrease herpes labialis among this studied group.

Ritual tooth modification among the Baka pygmies in Cameroon.

INTRODUCTION: Ritual tooth mutilation is a relatively understudied human body mutilatory practices. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of ritual tooth modification, teeth cleaning measures and herbal medications for their oral health problems among the Baka pygmies in Cameroon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March, 2012 using semi-structured questionnaire as the tool of data collection. Intra-oral examinations were carried out to determine the dental hard tissue loss using Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index (TWI). RESULTS: Fifty-six pygmies with ritual tooth modification made of 34 males (60.7%) and 22 females (39.3%) with a mean age of 31 years were interviewed and had oral health examination. The reported age at which the tooth modification was done was between 10 and 15 years with mean age as 12 ± 1.66 years. More than half (58.9%) of the participants reported the tooth filing as painful and nearly two-thirds (64.3%) of the participants reported having persistent pain afterwards. The upper right central and lateral incisors were the most commonly modified teeth. A total of 42.9%, 12.5% and 7.1% of the participants had Smith and Knight TWI scores of 2, 3 and 4 respectively. All the participants reported cleaning their teeth at least once-daily with about two-thirds (66.1%) of them doing so with chewing stick. The majority (67.9%) of the participants reported cleaning their teeth for cosmetic reasons [to remove dirt' (60.7%) and 'to remove stains' (7.1%)]. The oral health problems among the participants in form of tooth sensitivity, toothache and dental abscess were treated with plant-based traditional medicines from Irvingia gabonensis, Ricinodendron heudoletti, Pterocarpus soyauxii, Alchornea cordifolia and Piptadeniastrum africanum. CONCLUSION: Ritual tooth modification is a painful mutilatory practice which is culturally significant for the Baka pygmies without health benefit. There is need for intervention to stop this harmful traditional practices among the pygmies. Further studies is recommended to elucidate the medicinal and pharmaceutical benefits of plants used for tooth sensitivity and other oral health problems by the pygmies.

Oral health status of diabetes mellitus patients in Southwest Cameroon.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus affects virtually all tissues and organs the body including the hard and soft issues of the oral cavity, manifesting with several complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of oral diseases in diabetics and non-diabetics and to correlate oral diseases with glycaemic control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational study involving 149 diabetic patients recruited from hospitals in Southwest Region of Cameroon and 102 non-diabetic controls drawn from the general population. The study participants were aged 18 years and above. Data were collected using questionnaires, oral examination and laboratory tests. Oral examination was conducted to assess dental plaque, calculus, dental caries, periodontitis, gingivitis and candidiasis. Glycemic status was assessed by measuring glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels using standardized methods. RESULTS: Thirty five out of 149 (23.5%) diabetic patients had gingivitis; 37 (24.8%) had periodontitis; 29 (19.5%) had dental caries and 32 (21.5%) had oral candidiasis. Gingivitis, periodontitis and oral candidiasis was significantly higher in diabetics than non-diabetics (P < 0.001). Also, more diabetic patients presented with poor oral hygiene than non-diabetics. Poorly controlled diabetics presented more with gingivitis and candidiasis than well-controlled diabetics and this relationship was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of oral disease was significantly higher in diabetics than in non-diabetic controls and hyperglycaemia seemed to be a major contributor to oral health in diabetic patients in the study area. Proper management of blood sugar levels might improve on the oral health of diabetes mellitus patients.

Prevalence and unmet treatment need of traumatized incisor among Cameroonian schoolchildren in North West Province.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and unmet treatment need of traumatized incisor in 12-13 years old among Cameroonian Schoolchildren in the North West Province. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey among 12-13 years old children of selected rural and urban secondary schools in North West province of Cameroon was conducted between March and November, 2010. RESULTS: The majority of the 2287 studied children were females (50.2%) and urban dwellers (51.8%). Of the 2287 studied children, 45 of them exhibited evidence of incisor trauma giving a prevalence of 2.0%. This prevalence was higher in males than females (2.3% versus 1.7%) and also higher in urban than rural schools (2.2% versus 1.7%). Upper central incisor was the predominantly traumatized tooth and enamel fracture constituted 62.2% of incisor trauma. Fall and sports were the leading cause of incisor trauma in this study. Some minor variations in the causes of incisor trauma were found among gender and location. The prevalence of unmet treatment need was 91.1% which were mainly acid etch restoration. Males and rural dwellers had more unmet treatment need. CONCLUSION: Data revealed a low prevalence of traumatized incisor with high prevalence of unmet treatment needs among Cameroonian Schoolchildren in North West Province. Findings of this survey provide baseline information on prevalence and unmet treatment need for traumatized incisor among Cameroonian Schoolchildren in the North West Province.

Antibiotics prescription in Nigerian dental healthcare services.

INTRODUCTION: Inappropriate antibiotics prescription in dental healthcare delivery that may result in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, is a worldwide concern. The objective of the study was to determine the antibiotics knowledge and prescription patterns among dentists in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed to dentists attending continuing education courses organized by two organizations in Southern and Northern parts of Nigeria. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: A total of 146 questionnaires were returned, properly filled, out of 160 questionnaires, giving an overall response rate 91.3%. The clinical factors predominantly influenced the choice of therapeutic antibiotics among the respondents. In this study, the most commonly prescribed antibiotics among the respondents was a combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole. Of the respondents, 136 (93.2%) of them considered antibiotic resistance as a major problem in Nigeria and 102 (69.9%) have experienced antibiotics resistance in dental practice. The major reported conditions for prophylactic antibiotics among the respondents were diabetic mellitus, HIV/AIDS, history of rheumatic fever, other heart anomalies presenting with heart murmur and presence of prosthetic hip. The knowledge of adverse effects of antibiotics was greatest for tooth discoloration which is related to tetracycline. CONCLUSION: Data from this study revealed the most commonly prescribed antibiotics as a combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole. There existed gaps in prophylactic antibiotic prescription, consideration in the choice of therapeutic antibiotics and knowledge of adverse effects of antibiotics among the studied dentists.

Oral assessment and nursing interventions among Nigerian nurses-knowledge, practices and educational needs.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of oral condition, oral care, and informing the attending doctor of unusual oral findings for possible consultation or referral to a dentist are the advocated roles of hospital nurses. The objective of the study was thus to assess the roles of Nigerian nurses in the assessment of oral conditions of hospitalized patients. METHODS: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of all nurses caring for hospitalized patients in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was conducted in the first half of 2010. RESULTS: Of the 384 studied participants, 94.3% considered oral care as an important aspect of nursing care and 73.4% had oral health component in their nursing school curriculum. A total of 80.7% reported suspicious and abnormal findings in hospitalized patients to the attending doctor. Amongst the respondents, 38.0% reported ability to conduct good oral tissue examination. Only 28.1% demonstrated good knowledge of common oral diseases. Three-quarters (73.4%) thought that it is compulsory for nurses to assess the oral condition of hospitalized patients. The 67.7% and 21.9% of the respondents did the assessment on admission and discharge respectively. The majority (90.1%) desired training on oral care of hospitalized patients. CONCLUSION: There is a need to improve the skill and competence of nurses in the assessment of oral condition to make them a substantive partner in the oral care of hospitalized patients.

Smokeless tobacco use, tooth loss and oral health issues among adults in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use in smokeless and smoked forms is preventable cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and the association with tooth loss and oral health problems among adults in Cameroon. METHODS: Adults dwelling in the Fokoue area of West Region of Cameroon were studied. RESULTS: Out of the 226 participants studied, 119 of them reported smokeless tobacco use giving a prevalence of 52.7% with majority-74 (62.2%) chewing it. Three-quarters (77.3%) of the respondents use it more than than thrice-daily and more than half of them respondents have been using it for 6-10 years. The smokeless tobacco users were more of those aged 50-59 years, females, farmers, those with less than post-primary education, non alcohol consumers and those that have not received previous dental care than smokeless tobacco users. However, it was only age (p=0.006) and educational attainment (p=0.009) that were significantly associated with smokeless tobacco use. Smokeless tobacco user were more likely to have poor oral hygiene, dental caries, gingival recession, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, abnormal growth, tooth wear lesion, experienced tooth loss and edentulousnss than non smokeless tobacco users. However, the significantly associated lesions with smokeless tobacco use were tooth loss (p=0.008), edentulousness (p=0.016), gingival recession (p=0.006) and leukoplakia (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was high among adults in Cameroon and it was associated with more likelihood of oral health problems. There is therefore a need for health education on the health consequences of the smokeless tobacco use with demonstrations by the dentist.

Occupational stress among dental house officers and students in a tertiary healthcare centre.

OBJECTIVE: To assess occupational stress among dental house officers and students treating patients in a tertiary healthcare centre in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of dental officers and final year dental students at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City was conducted in the second half of 2010. The questionnaire utilized was a modified form of stress screening questionnaire of International Stress Management Association. RESULTS: Out of the 100 questionnaires distributed, 88 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 88.0%. A total of 53 (60.2%) the respondents were male and 35 (39.8%) were females. Dental students constituted 54 (61.4%) of the respondents while the remaining 34 (38.6%) were house officers. Amongst the respondents, 9 (10.2%), 68 (77.8%) and 11 (12.5%) reported severe, moderate and mild occupational stress respectively. The reported stress was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.032) as more female reported severe stress and more male reported moderate stress. The mean stress level was significantly higher among dental students than house officers (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: One in every ten respondent reported severe occupational stress with a significant gender difference. Development of stress reduction strategies for dental house officers and students with gender bias is imperative.

Dental conditions among competitive university athletes in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the oral health practices and the prevalence of dental problems among competitive university athletes in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-section of athletes that participated at the 2011 Nigerian university games in Benin-city, Nigeria, was studied. The tool of data collection was self-administered questionnaire. The information sought included demographics of the respondents and the sports they are involved in. Other information included prevalence of dental problem, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, history of toothache, gingival bleeding and mouth ulcer as well as their care seeking behaviour and pattern of oral health utilization. RESULTS: The response rate was 75.3%. The prevalence of oral health problem among the respondents was 28.3% and dental caries was the commonest reported oral health problem among the respondents. A total of 106 (46.9%), 82 (36.3%) and 92 (40.7%) of the respondents had experienced toothache, gingival bleeding and mouth ulcer respectively. Less than half (40.7%) of the respondents have ever visited the dentist. Among the respondents, 108 (47.8%) reported taking alcohol while 16 (7.1%) indulged in cigarette smoking. Consumption of soft drink always and sometimes were reported by 64 (28.3%) and 98 (43.4%) of the respondents respectively. Respondents who had experienced dental problem during competitions made up 15.9% of the respondents and 66.7% of this group reported that the dental problem affected their performance in the competition. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dental conditions among respondents was high and it had adverse impact on performance in competitions.

Test-Retest Reliability of a Questionnaire to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Students toward Tobacco Counseling Services

Objective: To determine the test-retest reliability of a new questionnaire designed to assess the attitude of students in a Nigerian dental school to tobacco cessation services. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was administered twice at 4 weeks interval to the same set of final year dental students (N = 36) in one of the Nigerian dental schools. Ten questions were randomly selected from the 35-item questionnaire. Intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficients at 95confidence interval were computed for each selected item and the Cronbach's alpha coefficients were calculated to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the least Cronbach's alpha value was 0.49 and the highest was 0.98. Only two items had less than a substantial agreement level (0.60) and seven items had an almost perfect agreement level (0.80). The results also indicated that the ICC coefficient is very highly statistically significant (P 0.001). Conclusion: The questionnaire demonstrated adequate test-retest reliability to assess the attitude of dental students to tobacco cessation services

Prevalence of tobacco use among dental patients and their knowledge of its health effects.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of tobacco use in dental patients, to compare the knowledge of the effects of tobacco in tobacco users and nonuser, to determine their source of information, and to obtain their opinion on strategies that may be used to reduce or stop tobacco consumption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 400 patients attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital dental clinic for treatment was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The result revealed that the prevalence of tobacco use is 4.25% and that tobacco was consumed in the form of cigarette in 94% of cases. Only a small percentage of the respondents (0.3%) had a poor knowledge of both the tobacco effect on general and oral health. Although 26.5% claimed to have multiple source of information on the effect of tobacco on health but the media was the highest single source (23.5%). Banning of sales of tobacco products was suggested by 30.5% of the respondents, 19.8% suggested that doctor should educate patients on the health effect of tobacco, and 17.8% feel that to discourage tobacco use, multiple strategies should be used. CONCLUSION: There is a need for health workers to lay more emphasis on the rare complications of tobacco use. The use of multiple regulatory strategies should be employed to reduce the overall adverse health impact of tobacco and the media can play a great role.

Tooth bleaching and young adults in Nigeria: knowledge, experiences and intention.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, experiences and intention to have tooth bleaching among young adults studying in a Nigerian University. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-section of part-time undergraduate students of University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria were studied in 2010 using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: About three-quarters 289 (72.4%) of the respondents reported awareness of at least one cause of tooth discoloration. A total of 143 (35.8%) of the respondents have heard of tooth bleaching with main sources of information being friends/relatives, dentists and the internet. One-third 132 (33.1%) of the respondents correctly identified that the aim of tooth bleaching was to make the teeth whiter. The respondents that had correct knowledge about mechanism, duration and complications of tooth bleaching were 51 (12.8%), 25 (6.3%) and 35 (8.8%) respectively. The major perceived benefits of tooth bleaching reported by the respondents were self confidence boost 152 (38.1%) and improvement of one's beauty 107 (26.8%). Out of the 68 (17.0%) respondents that have attempted tooth bleaching, 36 (52.9%) used tooth whitening toothpaste. Out of the 151 (37.8%) respondents that expressed intention of having tooth bleaching procedure, 32 (21.2%) would pursue the course, no matter the cost. CONCLUSION: In the studied population, knowledge of tooth discoloration was high, awareness and experiences of tooth bleaching were low but significant number expressed intention of having tooth bleaching. It is important that dentists increase oral health information particularly tooth bleaching information accessibility to the young adult population to improve the knowledge and prevent adverse effects.

Dentoalveolar abscess among children attending a dental clinic in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and causes of dentoalveolar abscess among children attending an outpatient dental clinic in Nigeria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of paediatric dental patients treated in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City from October 2010 to September 2011. RESULTS: The incidence of dentoalveolar abscess was 6.4% (53/824). However only 42 cases had their case notes retrieved for final research analysis. It occurred mostly in the lower right quadrant of the mouth. The affected children were majorly males and first or second child of monogamous family. A total 17 (40.5%) of the affected children were in the 6-11 years age group. This was the first dentist consultation among 35 (83.3%) of the children. The presenting complaint was toothache among two-thirds of the children. History of asthma, tonsillitis, peptic ulcer disease and previous surgery were medical history elicited from 6 (14.3) of the patients. The most implicated tooth was deciduous first molar. The causes of abscess include untreated dental caries 35 (83.3%), trauma 5 (11.9%), failed restoration 1 (2.4%) and periodontal diseases 1 (2.4%). Periapical radioluscency was predominant radiological finding among affected children. Tooth extraction was commonest treatment done. CONCLUSION: The incidence of dentoalveolar abscess among children was significant. The high frequency of untreated dental caries as the cause of dentoalveolar abscess indicates the need for school and community-based preventive strategies like encouraging infant oral health and preventive dentistry programs and early treatment intervention and dental health education.

Oral health of psychiatric patients: the nurse's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To assess nurses' perspectives on character, prevalence and cause of oral diseases among psychiatric patients and also their approach and suggestions in relation to the care of oral problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of all cadres of nurses (n = 136) at the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, was conducted between December 2010 and January 2011. RESULTS: Two-thirds (67.6%) of the respondents reported that psychiatric in-patients in comparison with the general population have a higher occurrence of oral and dental problems. Commonly cited reasons for the poor oral health of patients included as follows: sedation for long periods, lack of care by family, psychopathological symptoms, poor access to dentists and lack of oral hygiene advice. The common oral health complaints received by the respondents included toothache, pain from the gums and inability to open the mouth. Majority (91.4%) of respondents claimed to be presently involved with oral care of psychiatric in-patients but oral care delivery is however bedevilled with lot of barriers like uncooperativeness of patients and lack of oral care materials. CONCLUSION: Oral complaints received are frequent and numerate with limited palliative action rendered. Attaching dentists to psychiatric hospitals and regular training of psychiatric nurses on oral care delivery are recommended to comprehensively cater for the oral health problems of psychiatric in-patients.

Hepatitis-B Vaccination Status among Dental Surgeons in Benin City; Nigeria

There are several problems militating against satisfactory residency training in Nigeria. These problems may not be effectively identified and resolved if the opinion of the trainee doctors is ignored. Objectives: To review surgical residents' perspectives of their training program in South-eastern Nigeria; with the aim of suggesting evidence-based innovative changes to enable the programs meet global trends and standards. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaires were evenly distributed (30 per hospital) to the surgical residents at three tertiary healthcare facilities in South-eastern Nigeria. Information sought included sociodemographic variables; level in the residency training; rating of program and different aspects; learning environments/opportunities; and suggestions on ways to improve either part or overall program. Results: Analysis of 56 properly completed questionnaires (response rate=62.2) shows that the respondents were aged 29 to 53 years [mean(SD) = 35.3(1.7)]; mostly males (91.1) shows that the respondents were aged 29 to 53 years [mean(SD) = 35.3(1.7)]; mostly males (91.1) and junior residents (75). A significant majority of residents (47 or 83.8) rated the surgical residency training in their respective centers as inadequate. Grand rounds were roundly criticized as having misplaced objectives and tending toward fault-finding by Consultants. Suggested interventions for improvement included enhanced supervision/mentoring/teaching by senior colleagues; inclusion of didactic lecture sessions; research trainings; and foreign postings. Conclusion: There exist gaps between expectations of surgical residents and the training offered. These create needed support for an evidenced-based review of surgical residency training program to enable it meet the aspirations of trainees and the ever-changing trend in Medicine. More studies on surgical residents covering other regions of Nigeria; and including the trainers (Consultants); will be of immense value.). A significant majority of residents (47 or 83.8). A significant majority of residents (47 or 83.8) rated the surgical residency training in their respective centers as inadequate. Grand rounds were roundly criticized as having misplaced objectives and tending toward fault-finding by Consultants. Suggested interventions for improvement included enhanced supervision/mentoring/teaching by senior colleagues; inclusion of didactic lecture sessions; research trainings; and foreign postings. Conclusion: There exist gaps between expectations of surgical residents and the training offered. These create needed support for an evidenced-based review of surgical residency training program to enable it meet the aspirations of trainees and the ever-changing trend in Medicine. More studies on surgical residents covering other regions of Nigeria; and including the trainers (Consultants); will be of immense value

Nigerian Clinical Level Medical Students' Knowledge of Dental Specialty

Background: The roles of physicians in oral healthcare delivery are very important due to the unequal distribution of the low oral health manpower as well as the lack of awareness of patients concerning the treatment of oral health problems by dentists in Nigeria. Aim: To assess the Nigerian clinical level medical students' knowledge of dental problems and conditions in relation to the dental specialty that treat them. Subjects and Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of clinical level medical students of University of Benin; Benin City; Nigeria; was conducted between May and June; 2010.The knowledge of the students was graded as good (16-20); fair (8-15); and poor (8). Results: Out of the 350 questionnaires distributed; 279 were filled and returned giving an overall response rate of 79.7 (279/350). Of these; 47.0 (131/279); 50.2 (140/279); and 2.8(8/279) of respondents showed poor; fair and good knowledge respectively. The trend showed a statistically significant increase in the mean level of knowledge of dental specialty with an ascent in the clinical level (P

Nigerian clinical level medical students' knowledge of dental specialty

The roles of physicians in oral healthcare delivery are very important due to the unequal distribution of the low oral health manpower as well as the lack of awareness of patients concerning the treatment of oral health problems by dentists in Nigeria. Aim: To assess the Nigerian clinical level medical students' knowledge of dental problems and conditions in relation to the dental specialty that treat them. Subjects and Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of clinical level medical students of University of Benin; Benin City; Nigeria; was conducted between May and June; 2010.The knowledge of the students was graded as good (16-20); fair (8-15); and poor (8). Results: Out of the 350 questionnaires distributed; 279 were filled and returned giving an overall response rate of 79.7 (279/350). Of these; 47.0 (131/279); 50.2 (140/279); and 2.8 (8/279) of respondents showed poor; fair and good knowledge respectively. The trend showed a statistically significant increase in the mean level of knowledge of dental specialty with an ascent in the clinical level(P = 0.01). The level of knowledge of dental specialty in this survey was suboptimal and varied with different specialties which may have adverse implication in future patient care. The variation in the level of knowledge with different clinical level suggested gain in knowledge about dental specialty mainly through nonformal means among medical students

Expectations and perceptions of Nigerian patients regarding infectious diseases in dentistry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the expectations and perceptions of Nigerian patients regarding infectious diseases in dentistry. METHODS: A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey of patients attending the dental centre of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria was conducted in 2009. RESULTS: Out of the 405 patients that responded, 75.6% expressed worry about contracting infection during the dental treatment. Respondents felt that they are at risk of contracting the following infection from the dental clinic, HIV (47.4%), hepatitis B and C (15.5%), herpes (3.5%) and tuberculosis (1.7%). One-quarter (25.4%) of the respondents would avoid dental treatment because of fear of contracting HIV. Ninety-two (22.7%) would switch from dental clinic with HIV infected personnel and 37.8% would allow HIV-infected dentist to treat them. Only 10.4% of the respondents would expect the dentist to refuse to render dental treatment to the HIV-infected patients. CONCLUSION: This survey revealed that a high proportion of Nigerian patients are worried about contracting infectious disease during dental treatment and this impacted negatively on how they seek dental care. Improved public education and communication on the risk involved with dental treatments is needed to allay the fear of Nigerian patients.

Nigerian dental students' compliance with the 4As approach to tobacco cessation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the Nigerian dental students' present effort at tobacco cessation assistance using the simple stepwise 4As model. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of all the final level dental students in the Nigerian premier dental schools was carried out using a pretested self administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The response rate was 98.9%. Majority (95.6%) of the respondents routinely take history of tobacco use. A total of 93.9% of the respondents routinely advice patient who smoke to quit but only 46.1% actually counsel patient on how to quit. Six-tenth of the respondents knew about nicotine replacement therapy but only 36.1% knew the role antidepressant therapy in tobacco cessation. Majority (87.2%) want cigarette sales to adolescents banned, 73.9% want adverts of cigarettes prohibited, 81.1% want cigarette smoking banned in public areas and only 2.8% will permit smoking in a dental office. CONCLUSIONS: The survey revealed deficiency in compliance to the 4As approach to tobacco cessation among Nigerian dental students. The incorporation of proper tobacco counseling cessation protocol, with emphasis on the pharmacological therapy, into the dental curriculum is therefore desirable. Dental professionals at all levels should be involved effectively with tobacco cessation to significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality of tobacco use.