Knowledge awareness and attitude about research ethics among dental faculties in India.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, awareness and attitude about research ethics and research ethics committees (RECs) among dental faculties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional questionnaire study incorporated a self administered questionnaire. Descriptive, Chi-square and logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The overall response rate to the study was 85%. More than half were familiar with research ethics, principles and functions of the research ethics committee. Though there were some faculties whose attitude regarding research ethics principle was not optimal. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a broad acceptance among the faculties acceptance toward RECs and training in research ethics, though there existed certain gap in knowledge about research among the faculties. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This will help us to understand the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of dental faculties toward research ethics, which will help the institutional officials to develop better educational programs in the field of research ethics in order to help them conduct better research henceforth.

Oral Health Status of Sports University Students in Chennai.

BACKGROUND: The field of sports in India has its renowned importance. Oral health is mirror to general health. Thus, oral assessment to sports players by a dentist is important. The commonly faced oral health problems among sports players are oral and facial trauma, leading to fracture of facial bones and teeth. Hence, it compromises the function of chewing, loss of muscle balance, and temporomandibular joint problems. The mean of facial trauma experienced by sports players in Mysuru and Chennai was 21% and 17%, respectively. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the oral health status among sports university students in India. Clinical examination was conducted using the World Health Organization's oral health pro forma in 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among sports university students, Melakottaiyur, Chennai. RESULTS: A total of 94 athletes comprising 64 (68%) males and 30 (32%) females in the age group of 18-30 years, with a mean age of 24 ± 5.04 years, were included. The mean decayed, missing, filled (Teeth) value was 2.23 ± 3.01 and 1.87 ± 2.62 for male and female, respectively. Around 64% of sports persons are affected with gingival inflammation, 36% with periodontal condition, and 15% with dental fluorosis. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that sports persons have poor gingival, dental caries, and periodontal status.

Evaluation of Dentifrice Containing Nano-hydroxyapatite for Dentinal Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized, double-blind, parallel arm study was carried out to evaluate and compare the effectiveness between nano-hydroxyapatite (HAP) and a benchmark dentifrice in reducing dentin hypersensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 36 patients were selected, randomly divided into two groups and was evaluated clinically using three different stimuli, i.e., tactile, air blast, and cold water test. The patient's responses to various stimuli were recorded using a visual analog scale at baseline and after 4 weeks. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was done using unpaired and paired t-tests. It was seen that patients treated in both groups showed significant reductions scores across all sensitivity measures at the end of 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: The HAP containing toothpaste was effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity with pre-existing benchmark toothpaste tested and hence can be advocated in the management of hypersensitivity.