Identifying Needs and Preparing for Curriculum Changes in Indian Dental Education.

The aims of dental professional courses are to prepare dental healthcare providers to manage common dental diseases, perform surgeries, and offer prevention. They should also be equipped to understand the needs of the society they are serving and willing to amend their skills. As they are expected to be a part of a team providing health care, they should have the requisite leadership and managerial skills for leading the team to serve its objectives in the best possible way. Thus, with changing times, there is a need to bring reforms in dental curricula. Traditional classroom teaching is now shifting to a competency-based education system across the globe. The Dental Council of India (DCI), as a dental health regulator in the country, implements reforms periodically in an attempt to further strengthen the training process and bring quality improvement in dental education. A process of redesigning the curriculum started a couple of years ago. The technical team supporting this work brainstormed the need for such reforms and studied the existing pattern of undergraduate curricula in other developed countries. It was found that many countries are following outcome-based teaching-learning methods. There are several institutions and professional associations proposing recommendations on curricular reforms, and India also suggests following the same. The new education policy (NEP) of the Government of India (GoI) is also in sync with the changes proposed to the DCI. Though such changes are challenging and require time to strategize and implement, it is essential to have reforms in curriculum, especially related to methods of teaching-learning and assessment, and for this, the dental faculty needs to be trained. How to cite this article: Deshpande AN, Mathur VP, Lele GS, et al. Identifying Needs and Preparing for Curriculum Changes in Indian Dental Education. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):842-850.

Impact of Implementing Psychological Ownership in Undergraduate Dental Clinical Training: A Retrospective Study.

Purpose: The idea of psychological ownership (PO) has been utilized in a variety of contexts, but the significance and lessons learned from using PO in dental clinical education have not been investigated. A detailed long-term study of PO in dental clinical education will allow us to understand the effectiveness of this practice. The purpose of this paper is to compare undergraduate (UG) student's clinical performance before and after the PO system was implemented. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted with around 70-80 students in an academic year from June 2012 to June 2019. Through ownership quality, four-handed dentistry, observation and assistance, supply of must-haves, and measurable outcomes, the clinical performance of students in pre- and post-PO systems was compared. Results: The quantum of overall clinical procedures performed by the UG students was 8,214 and 13,753 in pre-PO and post-PO, respectively. Chi-squared tests performed unveil that there exists a statistically significant difference in the quantum of clinical procedures performed by UG after the implementation of PO. Conclusion: The results of our study clearly state that there was a significant increase in the quantum of clinical procedures performed by UG students after the implementation of the PO system. How to cite this article: Felsypremila G, Muthu MS, Nirmal L, et al. Impact of Implementing Psychological Ownership in Undergraduate Dental Clinical Training: A Retrospective Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):279-284.

Effectiveness of resin infiltration (ICON) and microabrasion-remineralization technique with two remineralizing agents (Tooth Mousse and Toothmin) on permanent incisor hypoplasia - A randomized clinical trial.

Aims: The study aims to compare the effect of resin infiltration and microabrasion-remineralization (MAb-Re) with Tooth Mousse and Toothmin on permanent incisor hypoplasia. Materials and Methods: The study included children with permanent incisor hypoplasia above 9 years of age, 171 teeth divided randomly into four groups: Group A - ICON, Group B - MAb-Re using Tooth Mousse, Group C - MAb-Re using Toothmin, and Group D - control group. Process involved taking standardized photographs at T1 - before intervention, T2 - immediately after treatment, and T3 - 6-month follow-up. Color evaluation, area calculation, participant and expert opinion using a Likert scale, treatment time, and cost-effectiveness were all taken into consideration during the assessment. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were collected, entered into a computer, and analyzed; one-way ANOVA was used for intergroup assessment. Results: Overall color change was evident immediately after treatment in the ICON group compared to other groups (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in color change was visible between the groups after 6 months. Reduction in hypoplastic area was seen in all the groups. The mean time was similar for all the groups. Toothmin was found to be the most cost-effective in comparison with the other two interventions. Conclusions: ICON proved to be more effective immediately after treatment for masking incisor hypoplasia. However, at 6-month follow-up interval, all the groups gave similar results.

Effect of enamel surface coating on staining capability due to iron containing supplements on primary teeth: An in vitro study.

Background: Iron supplements prescribed to anemic children may results in teeth staining. Possible methods for preventing staining of primary teeth following exposure to iron supplements are need of an hour. Aim: This study was conducted with the aim to assess effect of enamel surface coating on staining capability of iron containing supplements in primary teeth. Settings and Design: This is an in vitro Experimental study. Methods: Hundred and forty-four primary incisors with intact crowns were sequentially numbered and randomly divided into four main groups of 36 samples receiving different enamel surface coating such as no surface coating, MI fluoride varnish™, GC G-coat Plus™ and GC-Equia®-forte-coat. Each group was subdivided into two groups, namely A (sound teeth) and B (artificially demineralized teeth). All the samples were immersed in 250 ml artificial saliva containing 10 ml of iron supplement to make the iron concentration 100 mg. The shade of the teeth was measured at baseline and at 90 days, using VITA Easy shade® V digital spectrophotometer. The data was statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses was made via SPSS 23. Results: Overall color change was found to be significantly less at the end of 90th day in sound samples when GC-Equia®-forte-coat was used as an enamel surface coating with pvalue of 0.017. In demineralized samples the overall color change was least at the end of 90th day when MI Varnish™ used as an enamel surface coating with P = 0.042. Conclusions: GC-Equia®-forte-coat, MI Varnish™ and GC-G-coat-plus™ can be used as a preventive or a precautionary measure to minimizes the staining of teeth. The amount of color change at the end of 90 days with GC-Equia®-forte-coat was least followed by MI varnish™, GC G coat Plus™ and control group.

Safety and Efficacy of Plaque Removal Using Manual and Powered Toothbrush in Cerebral Palsy Children by Parents/Caregivers: A Randomized Control Crossover Trial.

Aim: The aim of our study was to check the safety and efficacy of plaque removal using manual and powered toothbrush in cerebral palsy children by parents/caregivers. Materials and methods: This was a single blinded, crossover randomized control trial conducted on 60 cerebral palsy children between the age of 6 to 14 years. They were randomly divided using a flip coin method into two groups: group A-manual toothbrush and group B-powered toothbrush. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and gingival abrasion (GA) score were measured at baseline, then at an interval of 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. This was followed by a crossover between two groups with a washout period of 1 week. Results: Both manual and powered toothbrush showed a significant reduction in plaque and gingival score before and after crossover when compared to baseline (p < 0.05). The GA score was reduced to 100% in both groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between both the groups before and after the crossover. Also, through the questionnaire it was observed that both child (86.6%) and parent (70%) showed positive feedback towards powered toothbrush. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that the efficacy of a powered toothbrush is comparable to that of a manual toothbrush. Parents and caregivers, on the contrary, displayed a favorable attitude towards the use of powered toothbrushes due to their ease of use. Clinical relevance: Cerebral palsy is one of the most common neurological disorders among children. It is associated with poor motor skills and manual dexterity that hampers their ability to brush and thus leads to poor oral hygiene. A powered toothbrush seems more appealing and is specially designed for patients with poor neuromotor coordination. How to cite this article: Deshpande AN, Naik K, Deshpande N, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Plaque Removal using Manual and Powered Toothbrush in Cerebral Palsy Children by Parents/Caregivers: A Randomized Control Crossover Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):344-349.

Effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride Varnish in Preventing New Carious Lesion in Preschoolers: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Dental caries is a site-specific, multifactorial chronic disease affected globally. The prevalence of dental caries is strongly associated with social and economic disadvantage, and also the susceptibility of children to dental caries. Dental caries prevention can be achieved with topical fluoride agents. Topical fluoride promotes the remineralization of early carious lesions and reduces the demineralization of healthy enamel. Aim: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride varnish (FV) in preventing new carious lesions in preschoolers. Materials and methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 285 children aged 3-6 years. Children were randomly allocated into three groups namely, group I-deionized distilled water (DIW), group II-sodium FV, and group III-SDF. The biannual application was performed at an interval of 6 months. New carious lesions were recorded using defs and International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) under LED magnifying loupes. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied and tabulated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0 software. Result: There was a significant difference seen in the mean values of group III (SDF) when compared with group II (FV) and also between group III (SDF) and group I (DIW) when defs index was used. The mean score of ICDAS II after 12 months in group I (DIW) was -1.171, group II (FV) was -0.690, and group III (SDF) was -0.374. Conclusion: silver diamine fluoride (SDF) was found to be most effective in preventing dental caries and also it appears to be the most cost-saving fluoride therapy. How to cite this article: Jain A, Deshpande AN, Shah YS, et al. Effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride Varnish in Preventing New Carious Lesion in Preschoolers: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):1-8.

Effectiveness of self-designed dental storybook as behavior modification technique in 5 - 7 year-old children: A randomized controlled study.

Background: Dental anxiety is one of the key factors that prevent children from obtaining dental treatment and raises anxiety levels in children. The first dental visit is usually fearful for the child and contributes to managing the child patient in a dental operatory. A pediatric dentist's role is to perform effective treatment using various nonpharmacological behavior management techniques. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effect of self-designed dental storybook on behavior and pulse rate before and after dental procedures in 57-year-old children. Settings and Design: The study was a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 380 aged 57 years. Children were randomly allocated into two groups, namely, Group A - Behavior modification using a self-designed dental storybook and Group B - Behavior modification without storybook. Research was carried out in two dental visits (screening, examination, and preventive and restorative treatment) wherein, before and after intervention, pulse rate, Facial Image Scale (FIS), and Venham Scale (VS) were recorded. Descriptive statistical analyses followed by the paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied and tabulated using the SPSS software version 23.0. Results: There was a significant difference observed in the interventional group as compared to the control group for pulse rate, FIS, and VS. Conclusion: Self-designed dental storybook as an adjuvant was found to be promising behavior modification technique for 57-year-old children.

Association of Anthropometric Measurements, Hemoglobin Level and Salivary Parameters among Caries-free and S-ECC Children.

Context: The implication of severe dental caries in children may have its effect on general health apart from affecting the orodental tissues. Many children reporting with severe caries have shown weighing less due to malnourishment resulting in anemia and modified somatic growth. Aims: Study aimed to assess and compare anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin level, and salivary parameters among caries-free and severe early childhood caries (E-CCC) children. Settings and design: For caries-free group [Group I] and S-ECC group [Group II] data were obtained from age-matched children with similar socioeconomic status. Materials and methods: Children with severe caries and without caries from the age-group 3- 6 years participated in the study. Children were measured for height, weight, measurement of mid-upper arm circumference, and waist circumference. Hemoglobin level was recorded. The collected unstimulated saliva was assessed for flow rate, salivary pH, and its buffering capacity. Statistical analysis used: Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out using Windows software and SPSS (21). Tests of significance namely t-test and Chi-square test were used along with regression analysis. Results: Caries experience showed no statistical difference for age and gender among the sample population. Significant difference was found for all anthropometric measurements. When comparison for hemoglobin was done for both groups I and II, significant difference was observed [p = 0.003]. Conclusion: Children with severe dental caries in the present study had low hemoglobin which, if persisted, can lead to anemia. Though the anthropometric parameters may appear normal in children diagnosed with severe early childhood caries, pediatric dentist should ensure the hemoglobin level test, as iron deficiency can affect growth and development of the child, if left undiagnosed. How to cite this article: Deshpande AN, Sudani U, Wadhwa M, et al. Association of Anthropometric Measurements, Hemoglobin Level and Salivary Parameters among Caries-free and S-ECC Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S164-S171.

Comparative evaluation of effect of two relaxation breathing exercises on anxiety during buccal infiltration anesthesia in children aged 6-12 years: A randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Dental procedures, especially local anesthetic administration, are a source of great anxiety to children. Diaphragmatic breathing is defined as an efficient integrative body-mind training for dealing with stress and psychosomatic conditions. Pinwheel exercise is also a highly effective technique of "play therapy." AIM: This study aimed to compare dental anxiety using pinwheel breathing exercise and diaphragmatic breathing exercise during buccal infiltration anesthesia. METHODOLOGY: Sixty children in the age group of 6-12 years with Frankel's behavior rating score of 3 who required buccal infiltration local anesthesia were selected. Subjects were divided randomly into two groups, i.e., Group A: children who performed pinwheel breathing exercise and Group B: children who performed diaphragmatic breathing exercise. The level of anxiety of the patients was recorded using an animated emoji scale. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 software with paired t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in dental anxiety score from score 1 (before the anesthetic procedure) to score 2 (after the anesthetic procedure) in both the groups. On intergroup analysis, children who performed pinwheel breathing exercise (Group A) showed higher values than children who performed deep breathing exercise without pinwheel (Group B) with a t value of 1.42 but was not statistically significant with a P value of 0.161. CONCLUSION: Pinwheel breathing exercise as well as diaphragmatic breathing exercise proved to be significantly effective in reducing dental anxiety during local anesthesia.

Effect of green tea, ginger plus green tea, and chlorhexidine mouthwash on plaque-induced gingivitis: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Dental plaque, a microbial biofilm, is the primary etiological factor leading to the initiation of gingivitis and dental caries. It is therefore important to prevent it by taking effective plaque control measures. This research aimed at comparing the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects of green tea (GT), GT plus ginger (GT + G), and chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial, with a sample size of 60 children between the age group of 10-14 years with plaque and gingivitis. They were randomly allocated in three different groups, depending upon the mouthwash used: Group A (GT mouthwash), Group B (GT plus ginger mouthwash), and Group C (CHX mouthwash). Plaque index and gingival index were recorded at baseline, then at interval of 15 days and 30 days after using mouthwash. RESULTS: The mean gingival score and plaque showed a significant reduction from the baseline among all the three groups when compared with subsequent recall visits (15 days after using mouth-rinse and 30 days after using mouthwash) with P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the results of all three groups are comparable and hence herbal mouthwash can be used effectively as an alternative to CHX and as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control.

Development of a Competency-Based Curriculum for undergraduate education in Pediatric Dentistry: A systematic approach.

The changing paradigm of dental education in India has led its way to the development of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This article describes the process of developing CBC in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry under the initiative of Dental Council of India. Rationale behind CBC development is to bring uniform system of education for improving oral health outcomes of the society in long term. The process of CBC development was a collaborative teamwork, planned meticulously with predefined outline, tasks and timelines. Workflow involved identification of curricular content, defining program goals, outlining competencies, assigning them domains / levels of clinical competence, priority, educational strategies, assessment practices, integration and numbers needed for certification in selected competencies. Early clinical exposure was introduced in CBC. The final content was validated and submitted to the Council. CBC output can be summarized as competencies with fair share of all domains, levels, prioritization and integration. It is characterized by flexibility for choosing educational strategies and assessment practices. It opens up ways for global competition. However, it still has some inherent weaknesses like diverging learning paths, time constraints and number chasing. CBC can further have more academic flexibility and develop toward an outcome-based approach. Faculty preparedness and acceptability shall be the biggest challenges in CBC implementation besides resources' availability, support from leadership and acceptability from our primary stakeholders, our learners. CBC is the beginning of evidence-based delivery of education in dentistry. An effective implementation of CBC in current form would result in increased numbers of competent oral healthcare professionals for the society.

Tobacco cessation effects on oral health by group and individualized motivational therapy in 12 to 18 years old boys - A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: Adolescents are the most vulnerable population to initiate tobacco use. It is now well established that most of the adult users of tobacco start tobacco use in their childhood or adolescence. AIM: The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate the Group Motivational Therapy (GMT) and Individualised Motivational therapy (IMT) for tobacco cessation in adolescents. METHODOLOGY: Oral screening was done in a village named Vehra Khadi near Anand. One hundred and eight adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years were included in the study. They were randomly divided into three groups namely Group 1 - Interventional group consisting of 36 adolescents who were given GMT; Group 2 - Interventional group consisting of 36 adolescents who were given IMT; and Group 3 -3 6 age - matched Negative control group. Hence, a total sample size of 108 was evaluated for tobacco consumption frequency, passive smoking, gingival index, and stain index and followed up for 9 months for the effect of both interventional group as well as positive control. RESULTS: Frequency of tobacco consumption was reduced from baseline to 9 months' follow-up for both the interventional groups, which was statistically significant with <0.001 percent P value showing 84.38% change by intervention 1 and 98.30% in intervention 2. CONCLUSION: Group and individualized motivation serves as an effective means for tobacco cessation among adolescents. Improvement in gingival health and reduction of the tobacco consumption was observed with motivational intervention.

Comparative Evaluation of Microhardness and Enamel Solubility of Treated Surface Enamel with Resin Infiltrant, Fluoride Varnish, and Casein Phosphopeptide-amorphous Calcium Phosphate: An In Vitro Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim and objective of this study was to do a comparative evaluation of microhardness and enamel solubility (ES) of the treated surface enamel with resin infiltrant, fluoride varnish, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted on freshly extracted 85 sound permanent teeth of which 5 teeth were subjected to check for microhardness by the Vickers microhardness tester and the remaining teeth were exposed to demineralizing solution to create initial enamel lesions. These 80 teeth were assigned to four groups: group I-negative control (n = 20), group II-resin infiltrant (n = 20), group III-fluoride varnish (n = 20), and group IV-CPP-ACP (n = 20), and microhardness was checked after application. These teeth were exposed to caries attack three times a day for three consecutive days. The ES of these four groups was checked by calcium ion loss in the artificial cariogenic solution and whole saliva by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: It was found that none of the experimental groups reached the microhardness values of sound intact teeth. At 3rd day, the values of microhardness were: group II = group III > group IV > group I. Maximum ES was found for group I (control) followed with group IV. CONCLUSION: All agents used in study remineralized initial carious lesion. Fluoride varnish has the highest microhardness and showed least ES compared to other remineralizing agents. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Fluoride varnish can be regarded as the choice of material to be used for the treatment of incipient carious lesions because of the low application frequency (once every 3-6 months), requires minimal patient compliance as it is a noninvasive procedure and less time consuming. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Dhillon SN, Deshpande AN, Macwan C, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Microhardness and Enamel Solubility of Treated Surface Enamel with Resin Infiltrant, Fluoride Varnish, and Casein Phosphopeptide-amorphous Calcium Phosphate: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(S-1):S14-S25.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of (between) 0.2% Chlorhexidine and Herbal Mouthwash on Salivary Streptococcus mutans: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The chemomechanical plaque control measures are helpful in controlling dental plaque and thus caries, especially in pediatric age group. AIM: This study aims to compare effectiveness of herbal mouthrinse containing Terminalia chebula to that of 0.2% chlorhexidine against children's salivary mutans streptococci levels. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized, controlled study design will be framed for conducting this study. METHODS: A total of 45 participants were randomly categorized in Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 (control group, experimental group, or negative control). Baseline unstimulated saliva was collected. All the participants were instructed regarding the use of mouthrinse for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, again unstimulated saliva was collected. After collection, saliva samples were sent for microbiological analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The mean colony-forming units (CFU/ml) were determined. Paired t-test, ANOVA test, and post hoc test were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference in CFU count has been observed in 0.2% chlorhexidine and Oratreat groups at 15 days as compared to baseline (P < 0.001). At 15 days, reduction in CFU count has seen more in Oratreat group as compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine group, and the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 0.2% chlorhexidine and Oratreat mouthwash reduce the salivary Streptococcus mutans count. Oratreat herbal mouthwash has proved to be better as compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Consequences of Severe Epileptic Attack in a 3-year-old Girl with Congenital Hydrocephalus.

A 3 year old female patient with history of congenital hydrocephalus and epileptic episodes since a week was referred to the department from Dhiraj general hospital for dental opinion. The patient was non ambulatory. On initial clinical examination grade II mobility was present with lower anterior teeth along with lower lip laceration and an extra oral swelling on the left side of the face. Pharmacological management was opted for this patient as regular chair side management was not feasible. The necessary investigations were completed. When the patient was taken under general anaesthesia for treatment, a radical symptomatic and preventive treatment was opted. Such cases pose a challenge to the Pedodontist's decision making skills and must be dealt considering the long term health benefits.

Microabrasion-remineralization (MAb-Re): An innovative approach for dental fluorosis.

Enamel microabrasion is a noninvasive method that removes intrinsic and superficial defects from teeth aimed to improve dental esthetic with minimal loss of dental tissue. This case presentation describes the attempt for teeth color correction utilizing that conservative technique in a young girl whose maxillary anterior teeth presented an opaque white/brown stain. Along with microabrasion, an innovative approach of application of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate crème on the tooth, and remineralization was carried out thereby reducing postoperative sensitivity of the treated tooth. Based on the results of this case report, it can be concluded that this technique is efficient and can be considered a minimally invasive procedure.

In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Cleaning Efficacy and Volumetric Filling in Primary Molars: Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Pulpectomy of primary teeth is mostly carried out with hand files and broaches which is tricky and time consuming procedure. The development of new design features like varying tapers, non-cutting safety tips and varying length of cutting blades have resulted in new generation of rotary instruments. AIM: To compare and evaluate cleaning efficacy, canal preparation and volumetric filling using conventional files and rotary V Taper files through cone beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty extracted primary molars were selected. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups each containing 10 teeth i.e. 30 canals in each group. Group A was instrumented with K files; Group B rotary V Taper files and Group C was Hybrid group. Sodium hypochlorite (1%) was used for irrigation. Root canal filling was done with Zinc Oxide Eugenol cement in all groups. The volumetric analysis i.e. Percentage of Volume (POV) of the root canal filling in primary molars was done through CBCT Software. RESULT: In present study, p- value was found to be significant (<0.05). Almost 100% of canals of hybrid group were fully filled and 63.3% of canals of hand filing group were partially filled. The filling was found to be dense and no. of voids was least in hybrid group. CONCLUSION: Clinical time required in primary molar endodontics, especially with unpredictability and difficulty of canal morphology, is inevitable. The study confirms superior ability of rotary-file systems to shape severely curved canals with less time and significant decrease in procedural errors like partial filling, voids and inappropriate canal preparation.

Comparative evaluation of oral hygiene status and gingival enlargement among epileptic and healthy children as related to various antiepileptic drugs.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a gathering of neurological disorders characterized by epileptic seizures. Epileptic children, who are on active treatment with antiepileptic drugs, have a well-recognized side effect of gingival enlargement. Therefore, all efforts should be made, particularly for the population who are diagnosed or affected by the systemic disease. This study was conducted with an aim to determine oral hygiene status and gingival enlargement among epileptic and healthy children as related to various antiepileptic drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of pedodontics and attached general hospital. A sample size of 120 participants with 60 healthy and 60 epileptic children between age 2 and 14 years were included. Oral health status of participants was examined using oral hygiene simplified index and plaque index. Gingival enlargement was assessed using Miranda-Brunet index. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA test, independent t-test, and Pearson's Chi-square test were used. RESULTS: From the total participants included in the study, 49% of participants had good oral hygiene from healthy group, and 28% participants had poor oral hygiene from the epileptic group. Sodium valproate was the most common drug used and was associated with increased gingival enlargement. CONCLUSION: Conclusion can be drawn that epileptic children under medication had poor oral hygiene and an increased risk for gingival enlargement as compared to their healthy counterparts. It must be stressed that the epileptic patients should be given dental care without conditions and provided with best possible care to restore esthetics and functions.

Knowledge and attitude in regards to physical child abuse amongst medical and dental residents of central Gujarat: a cross-sectional survey.

CONTEXT: Child abuse is a state of emotional, physical, economic, and sexual maltreatment met out to a person below the age of 18 and is a globally prevalent phenomenon. However, in India, there has been no understanding of the extent, magnitude, and trends of the problem. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of medical and dental residents with regards to physical child abuse of central Gujarat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the medical and dental residents of central Gujarat. Data were collected from a self-administered questionnaire for a total of 130 residents, in which 89 medical and 41 dental residents responded. RESULTS: Knowledge regarding the social indicator of child abuse was found to be poor in 27.7% (n = 36), average in 68.5% (n = 89), and good in 3.8% (n = 5); and for physical indicator it was found to be poor in 10.8% (n = 14), average 66.9% (n = 87), and good 22.3% (n = 29). Forty-nine percent (n = 64) of the respondents reported having formal training in recognizing child abuse, and 32% (n = 42) had read literature on the topic. Fifty-five percent (n = 72) stated that education regarding child abuse is extremely important. CONCLUSIONS: Result of the present study found that medical and dental residents are not sufficiently prepared to endure their role in protection of child from abuse. A significant gap existed between recognizing signs of physical child abuse and responding effectively. Improvements in child abuse education and continuing education courses are advised to provide adequate knowledge.

Impact of perinatal oral health care education programme on the knowledge, attitude and practice behavior amongst gynaecologists of Vadodara City.

CONTEXT: Gynecologists the Primary Health Care providers, for pregnant mothers bear the unique responsibility to detect and diagnose oral health problems for timely and effective interventions. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of Perinatal Oral Health Care (POHC) education program on the knowledge, attitude and practice behavior amongst Gynaecologists of Vadodara City. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted amongst Gynecologists practicing in Vadodara city, registered under Indian Medical Association (IMA), Baroda, Gujarat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated questionnaire survey was conducted to establish a baseline level of knowledge, attitude and practice behavior of 46 Gynecologists. After that education and awareness regarding POHC to Gynecologists was provided with the help of flip charts and resource brochures. To determine the impact of recent provision of education and awareness a post-test was conducted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data was analyzed by paired t-test using the SPSS Version 20. RESULTS: The results after evaluating the data from pretest and posttest showed a mean increase of correct answers in knowledge (from 7.304-9.891; P = 0.00), Attitude (from 3.978-4.108; P = 0.49) and practice behavior (from 4.130-5.521; P = 0.00) in POHC amongst Gynecologists following the education program. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that there is a need for provision of education and awareness to the primary health care providers which would help in improving pregnant women and infant's oral health status along with establishment of dental home.