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OBJECTIVES: This clinical trial compared the efficacy of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) sealants against resin-based sealants in terms of their retention and fissure caries preventive benefits over a period of 24 months among a section of school children in the Southern Indian state of Telangana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A split mouth clinical trial employed 198 children, who received these sealants on their lower permanent first molars. Retention was assessed 6 monthly and caries annually STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square tests were utilized to analyze the retention rate and the incidence of dental caries between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis plotted the cumulative survival percentage of partially, and fully retained sealants and the survival of dentin carious free pits and fissures among both the groups. A linear binary logistical regression analysis calculated the odds ratio. RESULTS: A statistical significant difference was observed in the retention rate between these sealants at every follow-up stage. The cumulative survival percentage of ART and resin sealants was calculated to be 30.9 and 37.5% by the end of 2 years. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference with regard to the survival of dentin carious free pits and fissures. The odds ratio for this trial was 0.747 (95% confidence interval: 0.493-1.13) CONCLUSION: Resin sealants fared better than ART sealants in the field of retention. However, no significant differences were observed with regard to fissure caries prevention by the end of the study period.
ABSTRACT
Background: Primary precautionary approaches for oral health is an essential tool concerning public health, as dental caries is one of the eminently prevailing chronic diseases among children across the globe. As pediatricians and pediatric healthcare professionals are more likely to encounter children when compared to general dentists, it is crucial for them to be acquainted with possible risk factors and diseases occurring in early childhood. Therefore, it is highly advocated to take necessary steps at an initial stage to help promote pragmatic results during childhood and succeeding adulthood phases. Objectives: The pediatrician's attitude toward dental health and his dental screening, counseling, and referral practices. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study in the Hyderabad district, following area sampling on a sample of 200 child healthcare professionals, as calculated based on a pilot study. A definitive and validated questionnaire was used for the collection of data, and pediatric health professionals were approached in their workplaces. Results: About 44.5% of pediatricians usually check teeth during routine tongue and throat examinations. Around 59.5% of them suspect cavities when the child looks undernourished. A total of >80% of them voted that oral health cannot be neglected, as it is an integral part of a child's general health and dental screening, and referral at regular intervals of time is their responsibility. Only 8.5% advised fluoridated toothpaste, whereas only 62.5% counseled parents on the dental ill effects of nighttime bottle-feeding and digit sucking. Conclusion: Although all the pediatricians had appropriate attitudes toward oral health, they were not put into action by many. Dental public health significance: Pediatricians play a vital role as potential partners in the oral health promotion of children and their families. A pediatric primary care provider's regular screening, counseling, and referral would help his/her patients in getting the right treatment done at the right time. How to cite this article: Reddy SM, Shaik N, Pudi S, et al. Assessing the Pediatricians' Role in Improving Young Children's Oral Health in Telangana State: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(5):591-595.
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Aim: The survey aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding eco -friendly dentistry among dental practitioners. Material and Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted among 800 dental practitioners selected through a systematic random sampling. Data was collected using the pretested structured closed ended questionnaire. The first part of the questionnaire consisted of the demographic details and the second part awareness on eco-friendly dentistry, its associations and implemented strategies in their practice, their support and opinion towards this concept. Results: Among the total sample only 13.1% were aware of EFD Association. 76% (608) of the total sample reported that they were aware of harm done to the environment by dental practice. Among the total participants, majority 57.9% reported that they implement the strategy of proper protocol for waste disposal. Among the total sample 91.9% (735) of them gave positive opinion on emphasis to be made on implementing these strategies. Conclusions: Significant difference was found in gender, specialty, place of practice and type of practice related with knowledge attitude and practice on eco friendly dentistry. Significant difference was found in study subjects related with awareness on eco friendly dentistry concept, following the concept, awareness on the harm done by dental practice, opinion on emphasis to be made on implementing these strategies.
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AIM: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the primary health care workers in our country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was gathered by means of a closed-ended questionnaire form. A total of 30 primary health centers (PHCs) and 60 subcenters (SCs) were included in the study. Frequency distribution was used together with Chi-square tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in this study. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Only 40% of the primary health care workers knew that dental caries is multifactorial, majority of them could not identify the symptoms of gum diseases, a meager number of the primary health care workers (28%) knew about the oral health aspects of a pregnant lady, and with the exception of doctors, the other health care workers were not sure of the etiology of oral cancer. CONCLUSION: About one-tenth of the primary care workers had high knowledge regarding oral health, only one-tenth of them had highly favorable oral health attitudes, and 9% of them had highly favorable oral health practices.