Knowledge, attitude and practice of dental students and practitioners during the early days of COVID-19 pandemic in India: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a major health problem and has affected innumerable people around the world. The current online-based study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of dental students and professionals during the early days of lockdown in India from 2 April to 1 May 2020. METHODOLOGY: An online-based cross-sectional study was undertaken through WhatsApp messenger and e-mail groups among dental students and professionals. The KAP on COVID-19 was ascertained using an investigator designed and validated questionnaire. The results were stratified based on student vs professionals. The data were expressed as frequency and percentage analysed using the chi-square/Fishers exact test using IBM version 17. A probability value of <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 287 complete responses from the dental students and professionals were received. The results indicated that the knowledge of both dental students and professionals were good and that the attitude and practice were in accordance with good clinical practice. No significant differences were found within the domains of KAP scores among the dental students and practitioners indicating that the study participants were abreast with the recent advances. CONCLUSION: The results of this study conducted during the early stage of the lockdown indicated that the dental students and professionals who had filled the questionnaire had very good knowledge of coronavirus and COVID-19. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of the study indicate that the volunteers had good knowledge, attitude and self-care practice, which are necessary in preventing the spread of COVID-19. It is anticipated that detailed hands-on training in practical aspects of good clinical practice with protective gears will help students and professionals perform the necessary dental procedures in accordance with the guidelines set by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization.

Apprehensions and Optimism among Dental Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Evaluation.

Globally, the pandemic of the coronavirus disease, which started in Wuhan, China, has become a major issue for public health. The COVID-19 epidemic notably causes health professionals to experience significantly more emotional stress than the general populace. The present study proposes to investigate the fear aspect in dentists in the initiation of clinical practice during these times. An online cross-sectional study was conducted among dental practitioners based on a pre-validated questionnaire. The data were expressed as frequency and percentage analyzed using the chi-square test using SPSS version 25. The data was obtained from 271 participants, where clinical practice after the first wave was mostly by freelancers (p-value = 0.01); most of whom were married (p-value = 0.065); 19.1% attached to institutes did not have changes in earnings; 28.1% of private practitioners had less than 10% reduction in cases. A total of 62% of private practitioners are concerned about the vaccine's preventative effects (p-value = 0.026), and 57% of private practitioners worry about being sued for the delay in treatment (p-value = 0.036). Only 33.1% of employees in institutions worry that becoming sick could endanger their family. As dentists continue to work their way through this pandemic, these pressures only occasionally have an impact on them. According to the researchers, this is the first study that has captured the anxiety and apprehensions that dental practitioners experienced during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak in India in April 2021. The study's findings demonstrate that the study population was generally upbeat and confident that they could quickly overcome their fear.

Nonsyndromic delayed eruption of multiple teeth: A rare case report.

Dental eruption is a very finely regulated process. A delay in tooth eruption may be due to a disturbance caused by local, systemic, or genetic abnormalities. Delayed eruption of multiple teeth in the absence of any etiology is very rare. Here, we report a case of delayed eruption in a 16-year-old female patient with multiple congenitally missing teeth and bilaterally ankylosed deciduous teeth with no underlying systemic or genetic disease.

The star-crossed curse of childhood: A case of infantile hemangioma.

Vascular lesions are indeed very widespread, with vascular tumors numbering the most common tumors in childhood. Researchers and authors frequently use the idiom "hemangioma" to portray or describe vascular malformations and a potpourri of vascular anomalies. Infantile hemangioma, a type of hemangioma, is one of the most common benign vascular tumors in infancy and childhood. As hemangioma could regress spontaneously, it generally does not require treatment unless proliferation interferes with normal function or gives rise to the risk of serious disfigurement and complications unlikely to resolve without treatment. Various methods for treating infant hemangiomas have been documented, including wait-and-see policy, laser therapy, drug therapy, sclerotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, none of these therapies can be used for all hemangiomas. Hence, to obtain the best treatment outcomes, the treatment protocol should be individualized as per the case.

Corrigendum to "Fibrous Dysplasia versus Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma: A Dilemma".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2016/6439026.].

Assessment of the number of root canals in the maxillary and mandibular molars: A radiographic study using cone beam computed tomography.

CONTEXT: The identification of root canals plays an important role in successful endodontic diagnosis and treatment. An inappropriate identification of canal resulting in incomplete removal of pulp tissue from the root canals is the main reason for the failure of endodontic treatment in molars. Radiographic imaging is an essential investigative tool in successful endodontics. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) the imaging is relatively a new method to visualize the roots in all the three planes. AIMS: This is a study to assess number of root canals in maxillary and mandibular first and second molars on both the right and left sides using CBCT imaging. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 100 CBCT images, which were available as soft copies on the hard drive of the computer in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology were considered for the study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The axial view sections of the maxillary and mandibular arch of 1 mm thickness were examined with a magnification of 250%. The Images were scrolled down from the cementoenamel junction till the apical foramen and the maximum number of canals in each root were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The collected data were tabulated (Microsoft Excel 2013) and analyzed by independent t-test using statistical analysis software SPSS. RESULTS: Among the maxillary first molars, 72.5% had 4 canals with 76.5% of mesiobuccal root having 2 canals. 49% of maxillary second molar had 3 canals with 53.5% of mesiobuccal root having 1 canal. 67.5% of mandibular first molar had 3 canals with 96.5% of mesial root having 2 canals. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, the variations in the number of canals were more with respect to maxillary first molars when compared to the other molars. CBCT can provide the clinician with supplemental information about the different root canal configurations for successful root canal treatment.

Fibrous Dysplasia versus Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma: A Dilemma.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a condition characterized by excessive proliferation of bone forming mesenchymal cells which can affect one bone (monostotic type) or multiple bones (polyostotic type). It is predominantly noticed in adolescents and young adults. Fibrous dysplasia affecting the jaws is an uncommon condition. The most commonly affected facial bone is the maxilla, with facial asymmetry being the chief complaint. The lesion in many instances is confused with ossifying fibroma (OF). Diagnosis of these two lesions has to be done based on clinical, radiographic, and microscopic findings. Here, we present a case of fibrous dysplasia of maxilla in a nine-year-old boy mimicking juvenile ossifying fibroma.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy: An adjuvant pain controlling modality in TMD patients - A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in dentistry was first described in 1967, by Shane and Kessler, but it has yet to gain widespread acceptance in dentistry. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS therapy as an adjuvant modality and to compare it with the conventional medication in controlling pain in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya Dental College and Hospital, Mangalore. A total of 40 patients with the clinical symptom of pain associated with TMDs were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (control) patients were treated with medication (analgesics and muscle relaxants) alone, while group B patients were treated with TENS therapy in combination with medication. The intensity of the pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The results were analyzed with the student's 't' test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in both the TENS and the control group in terms of pain control. On comparative analysis, adjuvant TENS therapy was found to be more effective than medication alone, in controlling pain. (P value = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The observed data suggest that TENS therapy can be used as an adjuvant modality in the management of pain associated with TMDs. This study justifies the use of TENS therapy in the management of TMD.

Interdependence of antioxidants and micronutrients in oral cancer and potentially malignant oral disorders: a serum and saliva study.

OBJECTIVE: In our previous studies we have evaluated the role of antioxidants and trace elements in potentially malignant disorders and cancers of the oral cavity, taking into consideration the importance of antioxidants as biomarkers in cancer detection. We felt that other than evaluation, the correlation and interdependence that existed among antioxidants and trace elements require further evaluation in order to develop a better understanding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum and salivary zinc, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels were evaluated in 65 healthy controls, 115 subjects with potentially malignant oral disorders, and 50 subjects with oral squamous cell carcinoma, using the atom absorption photometry, [5, 5-Dithiobis (2 nitrobenzoic acid)], and nitroblue tetrazolium methods, respectively. RESULTS: Serum zinc and serum glutathione showed significant positive correlation (r=0.76, P=0.01). Similarly, salivary glutathione and salivary zinc levels had a positive correlation (r=0.68, P=0.01). Serum superoxide dismutase showed a strong positive correlation with serum zinc (r=0.64, P=0.01). Similarly, there was a moderate positive correlation between salivary superoxide dismutase and salivary zinc (r=0.67, P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that trace elements and antioxidants exhibited interdependence in serum, as well as in saliva, in both physiologic and pathologic states such as oral cancer.

Mandibular ameloblastic carcinoma.

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare aggressive odontogenic tumour that exhibits malignant histologic features in the primary site or in metastasis. This rare tumour needs immediate attention because of its aggressive and infiltrative nature. However, there are controversies regarding the definitive treatment because of the very few cases in the literature database. Here, we report a case of a 64-year-old male Asian patient who presented with a non-tender exophytic proliferative mass of 3 months duration. It was finally diagnosed as ameloblastic carcinoma and promptly treated surgically with a regular follow-up. Local long-term control and follow-up is imperative in such patient laying emphasis on potential pulmonary metastasis.

Efficacy of spirulina as an antioxidant adjuvant to corticosteroid injection in management of oral submucous fibrosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic condition of the oral cavity which results in permanent disability. A number of studies have proven that the management of premalignant diseases should include antioxidants. Therefore, a study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of spirulina as an antioxidant adjuvant to corticosteroid injections in the management of 40 oral submucous fibrosis subjects of south Karnataka and north Kerala. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intervention study was conducted on 40 oral submucous fibrosis cases, 40 patients were divided into two groups, group A (spirulina group) and group B (placebo group). Group A received spirulina 500 mg twice daily and biweekly intralesional steroid injection of Betamethasone 4 mg/ml for 3 months and group B was given placebo capsules twice daily and biweekly intralesional steroid injection of Betamethasone 4 mg/ml for 3 months. The results were analyzed with the paired "t" test and the unpaired "t" test. RESULTS: Clinical improvements in mouth opening was significant in the posttreatment period in both Spirulina and placebo groups. Both the groups showed statistically significant reduction in burning sensation. However, when both groups were compared, mouth opening and burning sensation was found to be statistically very highly significant in favor of the spirulina group. CONCLUSION: Spirulina can bring about clinical improvements in OSF patients. The observed effects suggest that spirulina can be used as an adjuvant therapy in the initial management of OSF patients. However, studies involving larger samples and longer period of treatment follow up are suggested in the future.

Occurrence of epidermolysis bullosa along with Amelogenesis imperfecta in female patient of India.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an inherited disorder, which is characteristically presented as skin blisters developing in response to minor injury. Junctional variety of EB is also associated with enamel hypoplasia. Amelogenesis imperfecta presents with abnormal formation of the enamel both in deciduous and permanent dentition. This article describes a previously unreported case of Amelogenesis imperfecta with complete loss of enamel in a young female patient with EB.

Co-occurrence of intraoral hemangioma and port wine stain: A rare case.

Hemangiomas are neoplastic proliferations of endothelial cells, characterized by a period of growth after birth, and eventual spontaneous involution. The course can be uneventful with spontaneous resolution; or it may be marked by complications such as infection, bleeding, ulceration, visual defects and feeding difficulties. Apart from these, rare life-threatening complications such as congestive heart failure and consumption coagulopathy may also be seen. Although hemangiomas commonly occur in the head and neck region, intraoral occurrence is relatively rare. A port wine stain is defined as a macular telangiectatic patch which is present at birth and remains throughout life. They may be localized or extensive, affecting a whole limb. This article reports a rare case of co-occurrence of port wine stain with intraoral hemangioma.

Oral biopsy: oral pathologist's perspective.

Many oral lesions may need to be diagnosed by removing a sample of tissue from the oral cavity. Biopsy is widely used in the medical field, but the practice is not quite widespread in dental practice. As oral pathologists, we have found many artifacts in the tissue specimen because of poor biopsy technique or handling, which has led to diagnostic pitfalls and misery to both the patient and the clinician. This article aims at alerting the clinicians about the clinical faults arising preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively while dealing with oral biopsy that may affect the histological assessment of the tissue and, therefore, the diagnosis. It also reviews the different techniques, precautions and special considerations necessary for specific lesions.

Ectopic pleomorphic adenoma.

We describe a case of pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary glands occurring in the retromolar area. A 58-year-old male patient reported with complaint of a small mass in the left lower retromolar region of the mouth. It has grown slowly to the present size. Based on the history and clinical findings, differential diagnosis of fibroma, minor salivary gland tumor, and mucocele were considered. The microscopic findings revealed the presence of minor salivary gland tissue and the lesions showed the presence of myoepithelial and epithelial cell proliferation. The cells were arranged in ductal pattern. There were areas where the epithelial cells showed proliferation in sheets, cords, and strands. The patient was followed up for a period of 6 months and there was no evidence of recurrence. The retromolar area being affected as in the case presented is rare for this condition. Surgical excision along with surrounding normal tissue is the treatment of choice.

Cheiloscopy: revisited.

Identification plays a very important role in any crime investigation. Cheiloscopy helps in identifying the humans based on the lips' traces. The pattern of wrinkles on the lips has individual characteristics like fingerprints. A review of the literature reveals very little research done on lip prints so far. The present article reviews in detail the history, scope of cheiloscopy, and the use of lip prints in crime detection. It also highlights the current research carried out in the field of cheiloscopy. An effort has been made to help the researchers by reviewing in detail the various methods of classifying and analyzing the lip prints. It concludes by enlightening the readers with the fact that the possibilities to use the red part of lips to identify a human being are wider than it is commonly thought.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: changing Indian scenario.

Hand, foot and mouth disease usually affect infants and children. Although seen worldwide, it is not common in India. It is moderately contagious and is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of an infected person. It typically occurs in small epidemics, usually during the summer and autumn months. The incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease has recently been on the rise in India due to the probable mass immunization programs. This report describes a case of hand foot and mouth disease from Mangalore, South India. How to cite this article: Rao PK, Veena KM, Jagadishchandra H, Bhat SS, Shetty SR. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: Changing Indian Scenario. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012;5(3):220-222.