Parental perception of silver diamine fluoride for the management of dental caries.

Objectives: This study aims to identify and extract parental perception and acceptance of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application in treating dental caries with the objective of a) evaluating parental acceptability of SDF as a treatment choice for dental caries in their children and b) investigating parental concerns regarding the use of SDF for childhood caries. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a reliable questionnaire was conducted among parents of children aged 2-10 years, who reported to the department of paediatric dentistry at two dental hospitals between June 2020 and January 2021. Results: 197 participants/guardians were included in the study and 128 showed acceptability towards SDF, out of which, 99 preferred upper posterior teeth for the treatment. The dentists' advice became a major factor affecting treatment option for 108 participants. Parental age also impacted the choice of SDF as a treatment option (i.e., those aged 31-40 years were more aware of SDF treatment than younger or older age groups). Conclusion: Parental acceptance of SDF in comparison to other dental caries treatment options in children was found to be higher when more invasive treatment choices were provided. Aesthetic appearance and cost of treatment were significant concerns for the parents.

Shear Bond Strength Of Etch And Rinse Adhesives To Dentin: Comparison Of Bond Strength After Acid And Papacarie Pre-Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Papacarie pre-treatment of dentin surface has been reported to exhibit good bond strength values between dentin and composites. Its desirable properties like high pH, sites specify and anti-inflammatory response makes it a future material in place acid etching pre-treatment. Acid etching may cause sensitivity and collapse of dentinal matrix. METHODS: This in-vitro study involved, 60 caries free extracted premolars, randomly divided into three groups. Control Group (Group A) No pre-treatment of dentin prior adhesive application. Experimental Group B acid etchant was applied before adhesive application. Experimental Group C Papacarie was used as a pre-treatment agent. All these specimens were tested for shear bond strength with the help of Universal Testing Machine. All the collected data was entered in SPSS version 20.0. ANOVA was used to determine the mean SBS (Shear Bond strength) values of control and experimental groups. RESULTS: The mean shear bond strength of material was 7.74±0.47 in group A, 17.80±1.43 in group B and 15.11±0.70 in group C. Group B showing better strength than other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides information about longevity of composite restorations and may help in extending the clinical usage of papacarie to avoid harmful effects of acid etching on dentin and pulpal tissue.

Evaluation of adverse effects with COVID-19 vaccination in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: Vaccinations work with different mechanisms to offer protection against disease; however, process of immunity building can cause symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the immediate side effects of COVID-19 vaccination in the Pakistani Population. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Foundation University College of Dentistry, Islamabad from February to April 2021. 0.5 mL per dose of the Covid-19 vaccine was administered to the candidates. These 205 candidates receiving vaccination were then interviewed investigating the adverse effects of the vaccine. Post-vaccination side effects were compared among categorical groups using the Chi-Square test, whereas post-vaccination side effects were compared with age using independent samples T-test. A p-value of ≤0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: Among post-vaccination side effects, fever was reported by 69 participants, while 56 of 205 reported soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. It was reported by 42/205 participants to have felt chills and rigor, whereas gastrointestinal disturbance and flu-like symptoms were reported in 55/205 and 28/205 participants, respectively. Younger participants were more likely to develop gastrointestinal disturbance and flu-like symptoms following vaccination as compared to older participants. CONCLUSION: Malaise, headache, and fever were observed to be the most common side effects of the vaccine, moreover there was a linear relationship between manifestations of adverse effects and history of comorbidities.

Comparative Analysis of Different Local Anesthetic Solutions Available in Market: An In Vitro and Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate and compare various commercially available local anesthetic solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 commercially available local anesthetic cartridges of similar composition (2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:100,000) were randomly collected and divided into 3 groups. The designations of groups were selected from their product names such that each group consisted of 60 cartridges. Group S (Septodont, France) Group M (Medicaine, Korea) and Group H (HD-Caine, Pakistan). The samples were divided into five sub-groups, each consisting of 10 cartridges from each group to investigate each parameter. RESULTS: The acquired data was statistically analyzed and compared (using SPSS version 12). Compositional analysis revealed a non-significant (P>0.05) difference when the three Groups were compared with standard lidocaine and epinephrine solutions. The mean pH values of samples from group S, M, and H respectively fell within the range of pH values of commercially available solutions. Non-significant difference in EPT values of Group S and H was found when efficacy was compared (p = 0.3), however a significant difference (p < 0.01) was observed in contrast to Group M. Anti-bacterial activity was observed in all the group and a non-significant difference in cell viability values of Group S and M was found (p = 0.6), while the difference was significant in comparison to Group H. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of these investigations, it appears that the properties of different manufacturers fall within the recommended ranges as mentioned in literature and do not appear to be statistically different in the variables we have tested.

Awareness of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance amongst dental students / Conscientização sobre uso e resistência à antibióticos entre estudantes de odontologia

Objective: Antibiotic resistance is one of the most threatening public health problems of 20th century. Along with physicians, dental practitioners also routinely prescribe medications for oral and dental infections. However, previous studies have shown that dental surgeons often prescribe antibiotics where new evidence have suggested other treatment measures. Since students in their clinical year prescribe antibiotics under supervision, it is important to understand if they are aware of severity of antibiotic resistance and its impact. Hence, the study aimed to assess awareness of antibiotic use and resistance amongst dental students. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 3rd and 4th year dental students of 4 colleges of Pakistan. A validated questionnaire was adopted from WHO and PHE (Public Health England). It included true or false and Likert scale questions relating to knowledge and attitude of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Results:Out of 396 responses, majority students were not aware of the terms superbugs (69.7%) and AMR (79%). 89.6% thought that humans can become resistant to antibiotics. 88.6% agreed that antibiotic resistance is a major threat. 61.4% thought they couldn't do much to stop antibiotic resistance. 87.6% agreed that doctors should only prescribe antibiotics when needed. Conclusion: Overall dental students were aware of antibiotic use and importance of antibiotic resistance although their knowledge associated with antibiotic resistance was not satisfactory. It is vital that students must be taught about mechanism of antibiotic resistance and good prescription practices. (AU)

Objetivo: A resistência antibiótica é um dos problemas de saúde pública mais ameaçadores do século 20. Assim como os médicos, os profissionais de odontologia também prescrevem rotineiramente medicamentos para infecções bucais e dentárias. No entanto, estudos prévios apontam que cirurgiões-dentistas prescrevem antibióticos para casos nos quais, as mais recentes evidências, indicam outros tipos de intervenção. Considerando que os estudantes prescrevem antibióticos durante estágios clínicos, sob supervisão, torna-se pertinente averiguar se os mesmos estão cientes da severidade da resistência antibiótica e as suas implicações. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o grau de conscientização quanto ao uso e a resistancia antibiótica entre os estudantes de odontologia. Material e Métodos: Pesquisa transversal foi conduzida entre os estudantes do 3o e 4o ano em 4 universidades do Paquistão. Foram utilizados questionários validados pela Organização mundial de Saúde e Saúde pública da Inglaterra. Estes incluíram perguntas de verdadeiro ou falso e escala relacionadas ao conhecimento e aplicação de antibióticos e resistência à estes. Resultados: Dentre as 396 respostas, a maioria dos estudantes não conhecia o termo superbactéria (69.7%) e AMR (79%). 89,6% pensaram que humanos podem se tornar resistentes à antibióticos. 88,6% concordaram que a resistência à antibióticos é uma grande ameaça. 61,4% pensaram que eles não havia muito o que eles pudessem fazer para combater a resistência antibiótica. 87.,6% concordaram que médicos devem prescrever antibióticos apenas quando estritamente necessário. Conclusão: No geral, estudantes de Odontologia estão cientes do uso de antibióticos e a importância da resistência antimicrobiana embora o seu conhecimento a cerca do assunto não seja satisfatório. É vital que os estudantes sejam orientados sobre os mecanismos de resistência antibiótica e as práticas adequadas de prescrição desses medicamentos (AU)

Role of Teledentistry in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Comparative Analysis among Dental Professionals.

OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge, awareness, and practice of health care workers about the role of teledentistry in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prevalidated structured questionnaire was used to evaluate awareness of general dentists, postgraduate dental students, dental educators, and consultants with postgraduation degrees toward teledentistry. The acceptability, reliability, and language clarity were also pretested. A total of 510 dental professionals contributed to this study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A statistical analysis using SPSS (version 20.0) was performed. Responses were noted as yes or no. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant. Frequencies described data. Chi-square test was performed for intergroup comparison to evaluate if the knowledge and attitude diverge with the increase in the level of seniority in the profession. RESULTS: Awareness regarding teledentistry is high among general dentists with bachelor of dental surgery qualification in comparison to final-year students and postgraduate dental students. The majority of participants agreed with improvement in health care (88.20%), access to rural areas (82.90%), and general practicing dentist agreed with statistically significant difference (0.00) on saving time by teledentistry. CONCLUSION: General practicing dentist was observed with high awareness of teledentistry as compared with postgraduate and undergraduate dental students.