Cell surface protein aggregation triggers endocytosis to maintain plasma membrane proteostasis.

The ability of cells to manage consequences of exogenous proteotoxicity is key to cellular homeostasis. While a plethora of well-characterised machinery aids intracellular proteostasis, mechanisms involved in the response to denaturation of extracellular proteins remain elusive. Here we show that aggregation of protein ectodomains triggers their endocytosis via a macroendocytic route, and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Using ERBB2/HER2-specific antibodies we reveal that their cross-linking ability triggers specific and fast endocytosis of the receptor, independent of clathrin and dynamin. Upon aggregation, canonical clathrin-dependent cargoes are redirected into the aggregation-dependent endocytosis (ADE) pathway. ADE is an actin-driven process, which morphologically resembles macropinocytosis. Physical and chemical stress-induced aggregation of surface proteins also triggers ADE, facilitating their degradation in the lysosome. This study pinpoints aggregation of extracellular domains as a trigger for rapid uptake and lysosomal clearance which besides its proteostatic function has potential implications for the uptake of pathological protein aggregates and antibody-based therapies.

Root canal morphology of primary molars - A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study.

Objectives: To evaluate the root and canal morphology of primary maxillary and mandibular molars in an Indian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed, where CBCT scans of children less than 10 years of age taken for valid diagnostic purposes previously were considered and images were analyzed. The number of roots, root canals, and variations in morphology were recorded. Left-right symmetry was also noted. Results: A total of 433 deciduous maxillary and mandibular primary molars were studied. It was observed that two separate roots with three separate canals were common in primary mandibular first molars, whereas two separate roots with two canals in each root were common in mandibular second primary molars. In primary maxillary molars, three separate roots with one canal each were the most common. Maxillary first molars (17.21%) and 17.35% second molars had fused distobuccal and palatal roots. It was observed that primary maxillary molars showed more left-right symmetry (86.7% in first molars and 82.7% in second molars) compared to primary mandibular molars (54.05% in first molars and 68% in second molars). Conclusions: It was concluded that in both primary maxillary first and second molars, three separate roots, a mesiobuccal root, a distobuccal root, and a palatal root with one canal in each root, were the most common. Two separate roots with three separate canals were the most common in primary mandibular first molars, whereas two separate roots with two canals each in both roots were more common in mandibular second primary molars.

Bibliometric report of authorship trends in a professional journal- An update.

Background: With rising trends in research and scientific writing, various ethical organizations have been vigilant over developing rigorous authorship criteria. There may be times, when authors tend to publish more due to their seniority or previously earned credit for former publications, proving the existence of Matthew effect in scientific research. It indicates that the majority of publications in a field are contributed by smaller number of authors. It was hypothesized that the Matthew effect may be still applicable for scientific work published by Indian pediatric dentists in the official Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry (JISPPD) from 2015 to 2019. Methodology: To assess the number of times each author has published in the official Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, we downloaded all issues for the 5-year period from the journal website. Full names of all authors were entered year-wise in Microsoft Excel 2007 and descriptive statistics were used for finding out contribution percentages. Results: A total of 372 papers were published during the study period by 1148 authors. About 82% had at least one publication, followed by 12% publishing at least two papers; only 1% of the total authors had contributed to more than five publications. The result showed the absence of Matthew effect for publications in the JISPPD. Conclusion: The final results of the study did not show any presence of Matthew effect among authorship in the JISPPD.

Authors submission guidelines, a survey of pediatric dentistry journals regarding ethical issues.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the pattern of instructions regarding the ethical requirements given to authors in various Pediatric Dental Journals. MATERIAL & METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 'instructions for authors,' for analysis of guidelines on ethical processes, was done. Instructions to authors in journals of pediatric dentistry across the globe were reviewed for guidelines with regards to fourteen key ethical issues. Descriptive statistics were used, and results were expressed in percentages as well as numbers. RESULTS: Of the 18journals of pediatric dentistry, all 14 ethical issues were covered by the instructions to authors in only three journals with only 50% of these providing clarity about authorship using ICMJE guidelines. Furthermore, COI declaration was found to be present as mandatory in about 44% of the journals. 38.9% of the sampled journals mentioned guidelines on research misconduct, publication issues such as plagiarism, overlapping/fragmented publications, and availability of raw research data from authors. Guidelines on handling of complaints about editorial team was provided to authors by slightly over 33% of the selected pediatric dentistry titles while handling of complaints about authors and reviewers were mentioned in 16.7%and 55.6% of the journals respectively. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of Journals of Pediatric Dentistry did not provide adequate instructions to authors regarding ethical issues.

Assessment of knowledge and awareness about biomedical waste management among health care personnel in a tertiary care dental facility in Delhi.

AIM: The study was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness of biomedical waste management (BMWM) among undergraduate students, residents, and nursing staff in a tertiary care dental facility in Delhi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey (using ten close ended questions) was conducted regarding various aspects of BMWM among undergraduate students, residents, and nursing staff in a tertiary care dental facility. In each group, scores were determined depending upon the correct responses, the participants marked. The data were compiled and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Only 33.3% undergraduate students gave over 70% correct answers as compared to nursing staff (100%) and residents (62.2%). Undergraduate students showed various lacunae in terms of knowledge regarding BMWM. The difference between the knowledge of the 3 groups i.e., nursing staff, residents, and undergraduate students was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Residents exhibited better awareness regarding BMWM as compared to undergraduate students (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The pertinence of the issue of BMWM and lack of adequate preparation of the trainee dentists at undergraduate level reflects the urgent need to fill the lacunae in the dental undergraduate curriculum.

Validation of Manipuri version of oral health-related early childhood quality-of-life tool for preschool children.

INTRODUCTION: Early childhood caries can affect quality of life (QoL) in children and their parents. The Oral Health related Early Childhood Quality of Life scale (OH-ECQoL) is used for measuring oral health-related QoL in North Indian preschool children. Same tool cannot be utilized only by linguistic translation in culturally different Manipuri population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to translate OH-ECQoL tool into Manipuri language and to reestablish its psychometric properties. METHODS: The OH-ECQoL tool was translated into Manipuri language by forward-backward translation. The questionnaire was tested on 300 parents/primary caretakers of healthy children with the age range of 24-71 months. It was also retested on 20 parents after a gap of two weeks. Demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status were recorded in a predesigned proforma. Oral health status of children was recorded as per WHO oral health assessment form (2004). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed using SPSS version 11 software. RESULTS: The tool possessed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.836) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.94). Parents of children who scored higher on Manipuri-OH-ECQoL questionnaire perceived their children's general and oral health as poor when compared to children with lower scores, proving acceptable concurrent validity scores. Spearman's correlation coefficient between child and family impact scores of 0.668 is supporting convergent validity, which means that dental problems affect QoL of both children and their parents. CONCLUSION: The translated Manipuri-OH-ECQoL tool was found to be adequately valid, reliable, and repeatable without affecting the psychometric properties of the original tool. This suggests that it can be used in studies assessing the impact of oral diseases on QoL of preschool children and their families in Manipur.

Assessment of oral health status of children with Leukemia: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: The present study was conducted with an aim to assess the oral hygiene status, gingival health status, and prevalence of dental caries, oral mucositis and xerostomia among children with leukemia and compare it with healthy children. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total sample size of 220 children with 110 children with Leukemia of subtype acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing treatment and 110 healthy children in the age group of 3-14 years was selected. Evaluation of caries status using dmft/DMFT indices, oral hygiene status using OHI-S and plaque index by Sillness and Loe, gingival health status using modified gingival index, oral mucositis as per WHO oral toxicity scale, xerostomia as per common terminology criteria for adverse events for dry mouth, and salivary pH using pH paper strips was done. Results revealed a lower prevalence of dental caries, good oral hygiene and mild gingivitis in children with ALL when compared to healthy children. Oral mucositis was found to occur only in children with ALL and a reduced salivary flow rate and reduced salivary pH were seen in these children when compared to healthy children. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that children with ALL undergoing treatment and following an oral care protocol presented with a good Oral Health Status when compared with healthy children.

Knowledge, attitude, and practical behavior of parents regarding their child's oral health in New Delhi.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practical behavior of parents regarding their children's oral health in New Delhi. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 parents who reported in outpatient department in the Department of General Medicine at Maulana Azad Medical College and in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (21.0 version; Inc., Chicago IL, USA) for descriptive and multivariate analysis, and the level of statistical significance used in this study was chosen at P < 0.005. RESULTS: The results of this explorative research showed that the sample selected had a relatively good knowledge regarding the importance of the primary teeth, the fact that problems in primary teeth can affect the permanent teeth, brushing frequency on daily basis, and brushing aids. Participants were aware about the effect of prolonged bottle feeding and sticky foods on the dentition. On the other hand, the majority of participants failed to recognize the ideal time of first dental visit. Parents showed positive attitudes regarding the importance of regular dental visit and their role in their children's daily oral hygiene habits. CONCLUSION: In New Delhi, parental awareness and attitudes regarding their children's oral health are relatively good. However, the high dental caries prevalence in children in Central New Delhi contradict the study findings, which prove the fact that changing parental behavior and attitudes toward their children's oral health is far more important than increasing their knowledge only.

Assessment of Oral Health Educational Program on oral health status of visually impaired children in New Delhi.

AIM: The present study was conducted with the aim to assess the effectiveness of Oral Health Education programme on Oral Health Status of visually impaired children in New Delhi. A specially designed oral health educational programme consisting of audio aid, Braille booklet and individualized training was implemented to educate and motivate visually impaired children for maintaining their oral health. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total sample size of 120 children in the age group of 5-15 years was selected and questionnaire based on WHO criteria 2013 was administrated. In oral examination caries status using DMFT/S and dmft/s and oral hygiene status using plaque index given by Sillness and Loe was evaluated at the baseline and re-evaluated after nine months. Oral Health Educational Programme was implemented and reinforced every month for nine months. Results showed that at the end of nine months 55.04% children started brushing twice daily as compared to 30% children at baseline. There was a statiscally significant decrease (0.1887±0.332) in plaque index scores at the end of nine months. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Oral Health Educational Programme was effective in improving the oral hygiene status among visually impaired children.

Caries removal by Er,Cr:YSGG laser and Air-rotor handpiece comparison in primary teeth treatment: an in vivo study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare caries removal by Er,Cr:YSGG Laser and conventional method using Air-rotor handpiece in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 children with at least two class I carious lesions on primary teeth with Diagnodent readings not differing more than ± 10 for both teeth were included in the study. All 50 teeth in the study received treatment by the same operator. Time taken for caries removal was recorded using a timer. Pain assessment was done using Wong Baker Modified Faces Pain Rating Scale and Visual Analog Scale before and after the procedure. After caries removal, caries detection dye was applied to the prepared cavity to check the efficacy of the procedure. In addition, after completion of treatment, each child was asked to indicate which method of caries removal, Er,Cr:YSGG Laser or Air-rotor handpiece, was more comfortable. RESULTS: The difference between the mean values for post-procedural Wong Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale scores and Visual Analog Scale scores in Group A and Group B were compared, which showed that children experienced less pain during the caries removal procedure with Er,Cr:YSGG Laser than with Air-rotor handpiece. Time taken for caries removal procedure was more in Group A than in Group B. It was seen that in both the groups caries detection dye was completely removed and both the procedures were equally efficacious for caries removal. Children indicated caries removal procedure with Laser to be more comfortable. CONCLUSION: Within the parameters and limitations of the present study, it is suggested that Er,Cr:YSGG Laser seems to be an acceptable tool for caries removal in primary teeth. Children found caries removal with Er,Cr:YSGG Laser to be more comfortable even though time taken was more than the conventional method using Air-rotor handpiece.

Comparative evaluation of clinical outcome of indirect pulp treatment with calcium hydroxide, calcium silicate and Er,Cr:YSGG laser in permanent molars.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare preservation of pulp vitality by indirect pulp treatment with calcium hydroxide, calcium silicate based cement (Biodentine) and Er,Cr:YSGG laser in permanent molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 patients were selected for this study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the age group of 6-14 years and then randomly allocated to three groups A, B & C. In group A, after caries excavation, calcium hydroxide (Dycal) was placed at the floor. In group B, after caries excavation, calcium silicate based cement (Biodentine) was placed at the floor. In group C, after caries excavation, decontamination of the cavity was done with Er,Cr:YSGG laser. This was followed by placement of permanent restorative material in all the groups. Clinical and radiographic success was monitored at 3, 6 and months. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Science-21 (SPSS-21). RESULTS: At the end of 9 months, overall success rate of indirect pulp was 86.6%. There was no significant difference between the three groups. (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study showed that the success of indirect pulp treatment is independent of the type of liner used for pulp capping. Moreover, the study also shows that Er,Cr;YSGG laser can be effectively used for indirect pulp capping procedures.

Tobacco use among school going children.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing awareness of harmful effects of tobacco, its use in various forms continues to be significant health risk factors among children. AIM: To assess the prevalence, pattern, and age of initiation of tobacco consumption, various factors influencing the habit of tobacco consumption, correlation between the educational status of children and their habit of tobacco consumption, and evaluation of any tobacco-induced oral lesion among 8-14 years of school going children in Central Delhi zone. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Total sample of 500 students aged 8-14 years from two schools in Central Delhi were studied using a structured, close ended, prevalidated questionnaire after taking prior permission and inform consent from the school authority. In the end, intraoral examination was done and health educational session was conducted to make students aware of health hazards of tobacco products. RESULTS: Prevalence of tobacco consumption among students was 16.4%. Out of total 82 tobacco users, 89% were male, whereas 11% were female. Smokeless tobacco consumption was predominant with Gutka being most preferred. Mean age of initiation of smoking form of tobacco was 9.57 ± 1.13 year, whereas for smokeless form, it was 9.25 ± 1.16 years. Friends (78.04%) were most common influencing factors, followed by family member (12.2%) and media (9.7%). CONCLUSION: The rate of tobacco use was high, considering very young age group of this study. Consumption of tobacco among children is an emerging health problem in Central Delhi zone. Mandatory health education sessions against tobacco should be held regularly for students, teachers, and parents.

Perception of Indian Dental Surgeons regarding Molar Incisor Hypomineralization.

AIM: To determine the perception of Indian dental professionals about prevalence, severity, and etiological factors of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was mailed to dental professionals encompassing various questions regarding etiology, diagnosis, prevalence, and management of MIH. RESULTS: More than 90% of the respondents encounter teeth with hypomineralization in their practice, with less than half of them encountering such teeth on a monthly basis. Among these more than one-third find it difficult to manage one or the other aspect of MIH. The etiology was found to be varying as per the respondents. CONCLUSION: Molar incisor hypomineralization is a common condition encountered by dental professionals with no apparent consensus regarding the anticipated prevalence, severity, and etiology of this condition. Knowledge of clinicians' level of perception could be an incentive for pediatric dentists to become more acquainted with MIH by conducting research into its different aspects.How to cite this article: Upadhyay S, Kumar G, Dhillon JK, Gill NC. Perception of Indian Dental Surgeons regarding Molar Incisor Hypomineralization. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(2):116-121.

Dental Caries: A Disease Which Needs Attention.

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent disease (about 50%) in children across the globe. If not treated in time, it can affect not only the mastication function but also the speech, smile and psychosocial environment and the quality of life of the child and the family. The treatment of dental diseases is very expensive in all countries and prevention is very simple and effective. The caries in children below 6 y is called early childhood caries (ECC). It is most commonly caused by milk bottle or mother's feed during night. The ECC spreads very fast and can cause severe pain, abscess, swelling, fever and psychological disturbances in children. The treatment of ECC requires multiple appointments and still the prognosis is not very promising in mutilated dentitions. A physician or pediatrician can easily identify early caries and habits of parents leading to caries and can counsel them for prevention and refer them to the specialist. Good oral hygiene, dietary modification with respect to use of sugar and sticky food and healthy diet can help in preventing this disease in children. The need of the time is to appraise all on the methods of dental caries prevention.

Comparative evaluation of microhardness and morphology of permanent tooth enamel surface after laser irradiation and fluoride treatment - An in vitro study.

Background and aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the surface microhardness and surface morphology of permanent tooth enamel after Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and Fluoride application. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty premolars extracted for orthodontic purpose were used in the study and randomly divided into 6 groups. Group A was not subjected to any treatment. Group B was subjected to Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation. Group C was subjected to Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation followed by application of 2% NaF gel for 4 minutes. Group D was subjected to laser irradiation and 1.23% APF gel for 4 minutes. Group E was subjected to 2% NaF gel pretreatment technique followed by laser irradiation. Group F was subjected to 1.23% APF gel pretreatment technique followed by laser irradiation. All the test groups were subjected to microhardness testing and scanning electron microscope evaluation at 500 X and 1500 X. Results: All the treated groups showed an increase in microhardness value in comparison to the control group. The highest increase in microhardness was seen in Group F. Increase in microhardness values of Group B and Group D was not statistically significant as compared to Group A. Scanning Electron Micrographs showed few craters and fine porosities for Group A. These craters and porosities increased in size and often showed glass like appearance after laser irradiation. Conclusions: It can be suggested by means of present study that Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation alone or in combination with fluoride gel is an effective tool to provide resistance against the caries. Significantly higher resistance (p< 0.05) was seen when APF gel was used prior to Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and this combination can act as an efficient tool for prevention against dental caries.

Comparison of shear bond strength of reattached incisor fragment using Er,Cr:YSGG laser etching and conventional acid etching: An in vitro study.

Aim: The aim of this invitro study is to evaluate the shear bond strength of reattached fractured incisor fragments using Er,Cr:YSGG laser and conventional acid etching without additional tooth preparation. Materials and methods: Forty extracted human teeth were divided in two groups of 20 each (Groups A and B). In Group A, fractured surface was treated by an Er, Cr: YSGG laser system (Waterlase MD, Biolase Technology Inc., San Clemente, CA, USA) operating at a wavelength of 2,780 nm and frequency of 20 Hz. In Group B, fractured surface was etched using 37% phosphoric acid (Scotchbond, 3M). In both the groups, further subdivision with 10 sample each was made based on horizontal and oblique fracture. After laser or acid etching, all the samples were reattached using flowable composite resin and light cured. The samples were tested for shear bond strength. Results: Mean shear bond strength for Group A (94.70±39.158) was lower as compared to Group B (121.25±49.937), although the difference was not statistically significant(p value=0.121). Similarly no statistical significant difference was observed amongst the subgroups. (p>0.05) Conclusion: Er,Cr:YSGG laser etching in reattachment of fractured incisor fragment is a good alternative to conventional acid etching. Er,Cr:YSGG showed comparable efficiency in rebonding of fractured teeth fragment as acid etching.

Hypothyroidism and Sturge-Weber Syndrome associated with Bilateral Port-wine Nevus.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare, nonhereditary developmental condition that is characterized by a hamartomatous vascular proliferation of the brain, resulting in multiple angiomas that occur on the same side due to arteriovenous malformations. It is believed to be caused by persistence of a vascular plexus around the cephalic portion of the neural tube and is present at birth in about 1 in every 50,000 babies. It is one of the phakomatoses which is often associated with port-wine stains (PWSs) of the face, glaucoma, seizures, mental retardation and ipsilateral leptomeningeal angioma. Many people with SWS probably never know they have it. Hypothyroidism is a condition that arises from inadequate release of thyroid-stimulating hormone to stimulate an otherwise normal thyroid gland. This condition is often associated with a deficient secretion of other pituitary hormone, and growth hormone deficiency occurs with an increased prevalence in SWS, presumably secondary to involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Diagnosis is made by the presence of a facial PWS and evidence of leptomeningeal angioma either by skull X-ray or computed tomography scan that shows intracranial calcifications. Presently, there is no specific treatment for SWS, and the management of the clinical manifestations and complications is still far from adequate. Here, we report the case of hypothyroidism associated with SWS with oral and facial manifestations in an 11-year-old boy. How to cite this article: Saroj G, Gangwar A, Dhillon JK. Hypothyroidism and Sturge-Weber Syndrome associated with Bilateral Port-wine Nevus. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1): 82-85.

Evaluation of indirect pulp capping using three different materials: A randomized control trial using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the most suitable material for indirect pulp treatment (IPT) clinically and to determine the thickness (in mm) and type of tissue in terms of radiodensity (in Hounsfield units [HU]) formed after pulp capping using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal interventional single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 94 children (7-12 years) with a deep carious lesion in one or more primary second molar and permanent first molar without the history of spontaneous pain indicated for indirect pulp capping (IPC) procedure. About 109 teeth were treated using three materials, namely, calcium hydroxide (setting type), glass ionomer cement (Type VII), and mineral trioxide aggregate randomly. The teeth were followed up at an interval of 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year for success of IPT as per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry clinical criteria. For determining the thickness and type of dentin tissue formed, a CBCT scan was done immediately postoperative and another scan at an interval of 6 months. The scans were compared to evaluate the average thickness of the dentin bridge formed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Success rate for IPC was 96.85%. A significant difference was obtained in the average thickness of reparative dentin at immediate postoperative and 6-month postoperative values in all three groups suggesting distinct barrier formation. Similar significant findings were obtained in radiodensity of barrier formed (in HU). All three materials were found to be equally suitable as IPC agents suggesting mineral gain.

A comparative evaluation of retention of pit and fissure sealants placed with conventional acid etching and Er,Cr:YSGG laser etching: A randomised controlled trial.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the retention rates of sealant placed either with conventional acid etching or Er,Cr:YSGG laser pretreatment of enamel surface. Materials and methods: This is a prospective, single blind randomised controlled clinical trial enrolling 200 permanent first molars in 50 patients, aged 6-12 years for sealant placement. Study followed split mouth design where each side of the arch was randomly allocated to the two treatment group. Group A(Acid etch group): 37 % phosphoric acid (Scotchbond, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) was applied for 15 seconds, rinsed with water for 20 seconds and then air-dried using air spray. Group L(Laser etch group): Fissures were prepared with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser system (Waterlase, BIOLASE Technology, San Clemente, CA, USA) emitting photons at a wavelength of 2.78 µm. Laser irradiation at 1.5 W (60% air and 40% water), in a noncontact mode, with a repetition rate of 20 Hz for 10seconds was used. Pit and fissure sealant (3M ESPE, Clinpro) was applied and cured for 20 seconds. One blinded, calibrated examiner, who was unaware of which preparation method has been used and who was not involved in the treatment procedures, evaluated the sealant at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 month follow-up visits. Results: It was observed that overall retention rate in group A was slightly higher as compared to group L at all time periods, however, the difference was statistically non-significant (p-value>0.05). CONCLUSION: Er,Cr:YSGG laser etching is comparable to acid etching in terms of retention and patient acceptability.