Dental Health Care Professionals Research Articles

Knowledge and awareness of child sexual abuse related to POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act among medical and dental professionals in India: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The POCSO (Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences) Act was introduced in 2012 as a measure to safeguard and prevent interests of children affected by sexual crimes. Both medical and dental professionals are capable of identifying such cases. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of child sexual abuse related to POCSO Act among both medical and dental professionals in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 100 medical and dental healthcare professionals employed in a single hospital for evaluation of knowledge and awareness on POCSO Act. The questionnaire containing multiple choice questions was randomly distributed among all the study participants as hard copy or via electronic generated forms. The questionnaire comprised questions related to demographics and those dealing with knowledge and attitude. Statistical Analysis: Categorical variables were represented in the form of percentages, and data analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: 67% study participants demonstrated full knowledge of POCSO, 23% had some knowledge, and 10% study subjects had absolutely no knowledge regarding this act. 7% professionals opined that the support for such affected children must come from Government Organizations, while 15% believed that Non-Governmental Organizations must support these children. 28% professionals believed that the child support and welfare committee should play a role in supporting these children. However, 50% study participants were of the opinion that the primary support must be community-based. On analyzing statistically, level of knowledge and awareness were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.05). Conclusion: There appears to be a good amount of knowledge and attitude among both medical and dental professionals regarding POCSO Act.

Study on Experiences with and Awareness of Swallowing Accidents during Dental Treatments among Domestic Dental Professionals

Objective: This study examined the causes of swallowing accidents experienced by dental professionals during dental treatment. In addition, an attempt was made to understand the awareness of swallowing accidents and identify factors influencing swallowing accident experiences. Methods: An online survey was conducted among 390 dental healthcare professionals to assess their experiences and perceptions of swallowing accidents. Quantitative analysis was performed on the collected data using statistical software. Frequency analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and t-tests were used as analysis methods. Results: Swallowing accidents were prevalent among dental healthcare professionals (63.3%) and occurred most frequently in patients aged 41 to 60 years, with a higher incidence in men. Common foreign objects, including prostheses and extracted teeth, typically pass through the upper gastrointestinal tract. No significant difference was reported between the occupation and experience of dental workers and their perception of swallowing accidents. These findings indicate that awareness of the risk of swallowing accidents is not related to occupation or work experience. Conclusions: The substances and types of treatments that cause swallowing accidents vary. Therefore, the prevention of swallowing accidents occurring during dental treatment is important. In addition, increasing the awareness and education is necessary.

Knowledge and Awareness of the orthodontic triage and its uses among dental healthcare professionals – a cross-sectional study

IntroductionIn orthodontics, the triage system is used to assess the preadolescents to rule out interventions needed earlier and to assess the nature of orthodontic problems as complex or moderate. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and awareness of orthodontic triage and its uses among dental healthcare professionals (DHCP).Materials and methodsA triage awareness questionnaire (TAQ) was formulated and validated as reliable by a panel of five orthodontic specialists which was then circulated online among 400 DHCP. The questionnaire consisted of nine sections that assessed the current knowledge and usage of orthodontic triage among the dental community. Frequencies and percentages were reported for all categorical variables. Chi-square was used to assess the association among the variables.ResultsThe response rate was 28.2% with the majority of participants being general dentists. Regarding the knowledge and use of triage, 40% of DHCP were only familiar with the word “orthodontic triage” while being unaware of how it works and 79% denied using orthodontic triage. Regarding the management of anomalies, 42% of DHCP preferred extraction as the management of supernumerary teeth (p = 0.013). Practitioners belonging to private setups performed visual inspection in growing patients for assessment of their facial features (p = 0.012). Clinicians with more than one year of experience referred young patients to orthodontic specialists for the management of crossbite (p = 0.024). Younger clinicians (25–35 years) with more than one year of experience referred adult patients to orthodontists for correction of their unesthetic smile (p = 0.013).ConclusionsThis paper provides foundational data for the development of future policies and protocols supporting structured, evidence-based approaches to patient management via use of orthodontic triage. This study underscores the importance of targeted educational interventions to enhance understanding and implementation of orthodontic triage principles in clinical practice. Further probing is necessary to discern the disparity between understanding the orthodontic triage and effective employment of its components among practicing dental healthcare professionals.

Changes in complacency to adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures and mental health after COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental healthcare professionals

ABSTRACT Medical and dental professionals should continue to adhere to preventive measures after COVID-19 vaccination due to their increased risk of exposure to the virus, particularly as new variants emerge that may heighten their risk perception and susceptibility. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on complacency to adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures and mental health among medical and dental professionals. In this cross-sectional study 410 medical and dental professionals were recruited from different medical and dental hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. The data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire comprising of three sections (socio-demographic, information of preventive behaviors performance against COVID-19 after vaccination, mental health status). A chi-square test and ordinal logistic regression were used for analysis. Post COVID-19 vaccination there was decrease in the frequency of use of hand washing, sanitizers (70.2%), and social distancing (60.5%), however greeting with a handshake (58.8%) and use of public transport (45.9%) seen upward trend among participants. Only face mask usage post-vaccination was statistically significant (p < .05) in association with age, marital status, and years of working Experience. The greatest decrease in the usage of masks after COVID-19 vaccination was seen in age group of 10–30 (41.7%) and working experience group of 0–5 years (39.7%). All the preventive behaviors are statistically significant (p < .05) associated with the mental status of the participants except online shopping and use of public transport. These results indicate the presence of vaccination-induced complacency in adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures among healthcare professionals.

Assessment of the effectiveness of artificial intelligence-based oral screening solution in the diagnosis of dental calculus, stains, and dental caries (Logy AI oral screening solution)

Background: The objective of this study was to clinically evaluate the precision of Logy AI's oral screening solution. This innovative module, driven by artificial intelligence, operates seamlessly through WhatsApp and as a standalone smartphone application. It is designed to detect various dental issues such as stains, calculus, and caries, utilizing images captured by a smartphone camera. The accuracy of the module was assessed by comparing its diagnoses with those made by dental professionals. Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted in Saveetha Dental College, a tertiary care hospital in the southern part of India with 325 patients. Smartphone images taken were sent to the Logy AI oral screening solution which predicted if the patient had any oral hygiene issues like stains, calculus, and caries. Patients were examined by a dentist with visual-tactile and orthopantomogram (OPG) examination and were documented. Both were compared. Results: The accuracy of the Logy AI oral screening solution for the detection of stains, calculus, and caries was comparable with the dentist's diagnosis. The accuracy was 85% for caries, 97% for stains, and 83% for calculus. The sensitivity was 88% for caries, 89% for stains, and 82% for calculus. Conclusions: The Logy AI oral screening module demonstrates potential as an efficient oral screening tool suitable for community-level deployment, particularly in remote regions lacking access to costly dental equipment and healthcare professionals. Its accuracy and efficiency make it well-suited for operation in low-resource settings. Moreover, it holds promise as a valuable home screening tool for individuals seeking to monitor their oral health proactively.

Interdisciplinary management of orofacial lesions in early childhood: paediatric alert system at University of Verona.

Orofacial trauma (OFT) occurs frequently in children and requires thorough evaluation not only by paediatric dentists but also by all specialists involved in emergency services, particularly in cases involving children under 3 years of age, given their inability to directly participate in clinical-anamnestic evaluations. Addressing early childhood orofacial trauma resulting from maltreatment, this study explores the key role played by various healthcare professionals, including paediatric dentists, general dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, dental hygienists, and paediatricians, in the optimal management of these cases. In the event of trauma due to suspected or confirmed mistreatment, it is essential that all healthcare workers involved have precise knowledge of the appropriate course of action from both a clinical and legal point of view, guaranteeing maximum protection for the young patient. This is particularly significant as cases of mistreatment with apparently minor consequences can degenerate into situations of irreparable severity. The latest guidelines from the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) in 2020 continue to emphasise the potential correlation between OFT and cases of abuse or violence. Recent recommendations in the literature highlight the importance of facilitating mandatory reporting of incidents to relevant authorities and improving information sharing between dental healthcare professionals and child welfare services. A new flow diagram, called Paediatric Orofacial Trauma Alert (P.O.T.A.), has been proposed at the University of Verona. This tool is specifically designed to assist specialists dealing with early childhood orofacial trauma cases by assisting them in identifying potential cases of maltreatment. In this innovative approach, the collaborative efforts of general dentists, paediatric dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, dental hygienists and paediatricians play a vital role in cases of abuse. In addition to restoring the oral health of young patients, these professionals can activate a vast network of contacts, ensuring not only optimal oral health care but also providing comprehensive support to victims. The objective is to safeguard not only the physical but also the psychological well-being of these vulnerable subjects.

The role of dental hygienists and dental therapists in supportive peri-implant care.

In the UK, as in many countries, dental hygienists and dental therapists are registered dental healthcare professionals who are focused on prevention and promoting good oral and general health through patient education, motivation and behaviour change. They are key members of the dental team. This paper considers the role they play in supporting patients through their implant journey and emphasises their importance in the wider clinical team as part of a patient-centred approach to care.

Exploring the knowledge and awareness on applications of virtual reality and augmented reality technology among dental healthcare professionals - a crosssectional survey.

To assess the knowledge and awareness of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology in dentistry. A questionnaire survey-based study was conducted using Google forms on a sample of 273 dental healthcare professionals (DHCP) from October- November 2023, after obtaining ethical approval. A validated questionnaire, divided into three sections, was used to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental healthcare professionals on virtual and augmented reality. Section A was about demographic statistics, section B assessed knowledge and awareness regarding VR and AR and section C consisted of future acceptability of VR and AR among DHCP. The frequency of each question was reported in percentages. To assess the difference of knowledge and awareness of AR and VR among different specialties of DHCP, one-way ANOVA test was applied and in case of significant results pairwise comparison was performed by post-hoc Tukey test. There was a statistically significant difference of knowledge (1.40 ± 0.49) among different dental healthcare professionals. On pairwise comparison, a statistically significant difference (p = ˂0.05) of knowledge and awareness of AR and VR was found among dental specialist and other dental health professionals. A concerning lack of knowledge and awareness among dental healthcare professionals regarding AR and VR technology in dentistry was found. Interestingly, within the spectrum of specialties, dental specialists demonstrated a comparatively higher awareness than their counterparts in other specialties. Addressing barriers, notably a lack of knowledge, is crucial for successful technology adoption in dental education and practice.

Patients’ Perceptions of Sound and Noise Dimensions in the Dental Clinic Soundscape

In the area of dental healthcare services, where patients and professionals deal with multiple auditory stimuli, this cross-sectional study reports on the various dynamics of sound preferences, noise obstacles, and the profound impact of music on anxiety reduction within dental office settings. The sample comprises 134 dental patients, primarily females (56.7%), with varying age groups, education levels, and therapy durations in the university clinics of the Department of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and four private dental offices at the metropolitan area of Athens, Greece. Notably, 92.5% of the participants reported no hearing loss, and 56.7% exhibited some level of noise sensitivity. This study reveals a moderate to good perceived health status (M = 3.84, SD = 0.95) among participants, with low perceived noise disturbance in university dental clinics. Preferences for instrumental music, foreign pop, and classical music are prominent during waiting times. Potential irritations include impersonal treatment (44%) and staff behavior (41.8%). Correlations and predictors indicate associations between age, gender, educational status, music preferences, and noise disturbances. Findings aim to optimize eco-soundscapes in dental offices, contributing to enhanced patient well-being. The research underscores the potential of music interventions to alleviate dental anxiety and improve the overall dental experience and quality care.

Caries indicators in relation to healthcare access and hygienic-dietary habits in Spanish preschoolers.

Dental caries continues to be a public healthcare problem due to its high prevalence and morbidity. It was proposed to evaluate caries indicators in relation to healthcare access and hygienic-dietary habits in Spanish preschoolers. A cross-sectional study was carried out on a random sample consisting of 343 patients ranging from 3 to 5 years of age in the primary care setting, the main measurements were: dental care access, hygienic-dietary habits, and caries registration according to WHO criteria. The prevalence of caries was 35.3% and mean ± standard deviation (SD) dft was 1.51 ± 2.93. Preschoolers who had ever visited the dentist had a higher dft occurrence than those who had never attended the dentist. The lower prevalence of caries was significantly associated with the frequency of two daily brushings versus non-daily brushing (p = 0.007; 25.3% vs. 47.1%) and was 10.7% lower in patients who had the habit of night brushing (p = 0.041). The consumption of sugary liquids between meals implied a higher dft index. The high prevalence of early childhood caries and the dental care access associated with poor oral health suggest the need to implement a multidisciplinary oral healthcare program that involves both healthcare and dental healthcare professionals in Primary Health Care Units without forgetting the participation of the community and local administrations.

Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review of Actual Popular Technologies.

In this comprehensive review, the current state of the art and recent advances in 3D printing in dentistry are explored. This article provides an overview of the fundamental principles of 3D printing with a focus on vat photopolymerization (VP), the most commonly used technological principle in dental practice, which includes SLA, DLP, and LCD (or mSLA) technologies. The advantages, disadvantages, and shortcomings of these technologies are also discussed. This article delves into the key stages of the dental 3D printing process, from computer-aided design (CAD) to postprocessing, emphasizing the importance of postrinsing and postcuring to ensure the biocompatibility of custom-made medical devices. Legal considerations and regulatory obligations related to the production of custom medical devices through 3D printing are also addressed. This article serves as a valuable resource for dental practitioners, researchers, and health care professionals interested in applying this innovative technology in clinical practice.

Oral health and healthy ageing: a scoping review

BackgroundGood oral health is an important part of healthy ageing, yet there is limited understanding regarding the status of oral health care for older people globally. This study reviewed evidence (policies, programs, and interventions) regarding oral health care for older people.MethodsA systematic search of six databases for published and grey literature in the English language by the end of April 2022 was undertaken utilising Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework.ResultsThe findings from oral health policy documents (n = 17) indicated a lack of priorities in national health policies regarding oral health care for older people. The most common oral health interventions reported in the published studies (n = 62) included educational sessions and practical demonstrations on oral care for older adults, nurses, and care providers. Other interventions included exercises of facial muscles and the tongue, massage of salivary glands, and application of chemical agents, such as topical fluoride.ConclusionThere is currently a gap in information and research around effective oral health care treatments and programs in geriatric dental care. Efforts must be invested in developing guidelines to assist both dental and medical healthcare professionals in integrating good oral health as part of healthy ageing. Further research is warranted in assessing the effectiveness of interventions in improving the oral health status of the elderly and informing approaches to assist the integration of oral health into geriatric care.

A Comparative Study of Oral Health Related Quality of Life and Oral Health Status among Health Professionals

Background: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQI) holds significant implications for clinical practice in dentistry and oral health research. This study aimed to compare the knowledge of OHRQI between dental and other healthcare providers. . Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 356 participants comprising dental health care professionals and medical healthcare professionals from Margalla Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS) and Rawal Dental Hospital (RDH) in Islamabad. Data collection employed a validated, pretested, and reliable OHRQI tool. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for analysis using SPSS version 21. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), HSA Islamabad, Pakistan. Results: Findings indicated that approximately 50% of dental health care professionals visited dentists twice a year, whereas about 30% of medical healthcare professionals had biannual routine check-ups. Among the 14 factors related to OHRQI, trouble in pronouncing words (p=0.031) and irritability (p=0.046) emerged as significant factors in both groups. The DMFT score was found to be significant (p=0.000), with a mean score for dentists being 0.8989 ± 1.67767, whereas for other healthcare professionals, it was 2.4157 ± 2.44399. Conclusion: Oral health-related quality of life among dental health care professionals was observed to be better compared to medical healthcare professionals working in private hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Perception of Fomite Route of Transmission, Usage of Masks and Role of Saliva in coronavirus Disease-19 Infections: A Cross-sectional Survey among Dental Health Care Professionals in Saudi Arabia

Background: Coronavirus Disease-19 has been spreading globally with the rise of many variants after being declared as a pandemic on 11th March 2020. There is a lack of scientific literature focused on fomite transmission of COVID-19, especially the potential of saliva as a contributing factor in the spread and diagnosis of COVID-19 in dental healthcare practice. Hence, the aim was to comprehend the level of awareness of dental health care professionals/practitioners (DHCPs) about the role of fomite route of transmission and the role of saliva in Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) infections. Methods: An electronic questionnaire using Google Forms was circulated online after ethical approval and validation to dental health practitioners in Saudi Arabia, via emails and social media platforms. Results: Three hundred and eighty-nine responses were recorded. The female DHCPs had statistically significant awareness of the fomite route of transmission among various dental health professionals (p=0.04) and dental students, and dental interns had the maximum awareness (p&lt;0.05). The DHCPS preferred to learn and collect nasopharyngeal specimens by themselves for COVID-19 testing. Doctoral DHCPs had maximum awareness about WHO guidelines for social distancing, while dental nurses were more informed about infection control methods against COVID-19. Conclusion: DHCPs have adequate information about the fomite route of transmission and the role of saliva in COVID-19. Saliva specimen collection is specifically preferred for COVID-19 testing by dental assistants and hygienists for testing in the dental health center/clinic/university. The DHCPs and dental hygienists were less aware of the fomite route of transmission through asymptomatic COVID-19 infected patients.

Narcissism, pride, envy, lust and dentistry

Platforms such as Instagram have normalized self-adulation and this has affected many patients, and some dentists, in different ways. Some posts demonstrate excessive pride in the appearance of the mouth or face, and seem designed to induce envy in others. The resultant emotional impacts on envious followers can increase demands to have a similar sort of appearance, which can lead to over-treatment, or to potentially dangerous procedures being carried out on their mouth and face regions. This article explores the nature of narcissism and the increasing likelihood of it being ‘normalized’ as one significant factor in the increased demand for, and the delivery of, some questionable dental, oral and/or facial treatments. We outline how the narcissistic traits in some dental healthcare professionals might lead them to undertake elective, biologically risky, and irreversible procedures, which can invoke ‘the law of unintended consequences’ for patients and/or themselves. The terms ‘destructodontics’ ‘relapsodontics’ and ‘alignerodontics’ are suggested as being appropriate descriptions for some dentistry, which is carried out mainly for appearance reasons, but which can produce long-term biological and other problems. CPD/Clinical Relevance: The normalization of narcissism, as demonstrated by some posts on Instagram and other platforms and in dubious advertising has many worrying implications and possible consequences for patients and the dental profession.

Knowledge About The Interrelationship of Oral and Systemic Health Among Postgraduate Dental Students and General Dental Practitioners of West Tamil Nadu – A Questionnaire Study

Objectives: Oral health status is an integral component of general health. Many studies have shown that the oral cavity exhibits manifestations of many systemic diseases and acts as a predictor of oral health. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge about the interrelationship of oral and systemic health among postgraduate dental students and general dental practitioners of west Tamil Nadu. Material and Methods: Data was collected using a self-administered pilot tested questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants and demographic details were collected for the participants of study. The questionnaire was sent through email. Study data obtained were entered into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. Comparison between the variables was done using chi-square test. Level of significance was set at 5% (p &lt; 0.05). Results: The results were tabulated and comparison of knowledge about oral and systemic diseases among general practitioners and postgraduates were analyzed using nonparametric – Mann-Whitney test. General practitioners had comparatively better knowledge on inter-relationship of oral and systemic health than postgraduate students. 44.17% of respondents in general dental practice knew that a relationship exists between oral and general health, but application of this knowledge in treating medically complex patients was limited. Conclusion: Greater emphasis should be placed on this association by interfiled (medical and dental) training from the undergraduate level which can be rectified by modifying the academic regulations. Continuing education programs should be frequently conducted on educating dental, medical and other healthcare professionals on the robust and latest evidence of the oral-systemic link.

Sound Environment during Dental Treatment in Relation to COVID-19 Pandemic

This study delves into the acoustic environment within dental clinics, particularly focusing on the impact of extraoral suction devices employed for infection control amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The research encompasses a comprehensive investigation, including a questionnaire survey of dental professionals, sound level measurements at suction device openings, acoustic imaging, and a detailed analysis of sound levels and their spectral characteristics during dental procedures. Additionally, ambient sound levels within clinical settings were monitored over two consecutive days. The findings reveal notable observations. Dental professionals expressed concerns regarding increased sound levels and associated distress caused by extraoral suction device operation. Objective measurements identified varying A-weighted sound pressure levels ranging from 86.0 dB to 96.7 dB at suction device openings, highlighting elevated sound pressure levels and a wide frequency range, especially in the vicinity of both the dentist and the patient’s facial area during dental aerosol procedures. On the other hand, for the entire clinical room, the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level during the consultation hours was not considered problematic. In light of these findings, it becomes evident that there is a pressing necessity to refine the acoustic characteristics of extraoral suction devices to foster a more accommodating acoustic environment for both patients and dental healthcare professionals within dental clinics.

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer screening and tobacco cessation discussions, NHANES 2011-2018.

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer (OOPC) is adevastating disease often caught in late stages. People who use tobacco are at higher risk of OOPC. Tobacco cessation discussions and OOPC screenings are important factors in decreasing the risk of OOPC or its late stage diagnosis. As research on sex differences has been increasing-from research on biomedical to psychological and sociological determinants-there is a potential difference, by sex, as to whom is more likely to have a tobacco cessation discussion and OOPC screening. The objective of this study is to determine if there is an association of sex with tobacco cessation discussions and OOPC screenings conducted by dental healthcare professionals among participants who currently use tobacco. Data from 8 years of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2018) were merged. Data from participants, ages 30 years and above, who self-reported current use of tobacco, a dental visit within the previous year and responsed to questions about oral cancer screening were analysed for frequency determination and logistic regression analysis. Having the combination of neither OOPC screening nor discussion about the benefits of not using tobacco was the outcome in the analysis. There were 22.1% who had an OOPC screening by a dental professional within the previous year. Of the 41% who reported having had a conversation with a dental professional within the previous year about the benefits of tobacco cessation, 9.8% reported having both the conversation and OOPC screening. Males were less likely than females to have the combination of neither OOPC screening nor advice about tobacco cessation than females (adjusted odds ratio: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.57, 0.96). There is an increased need for OOPC screening and the discussion of tobacco use by dental professionals among their patients who use tobacco, particularly for female patients.

Knowledge’s and Practices of Cross Infection Control Protocols among Dental Health Care Professionals in Public Sector University of Karachi, Pakistan

Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge and practices of cross-infection control protocols among dental health care professionals (DHCP). 2.To compare the scores among different groups: junior and senior, male and female DHCPs, as well as between doctors and non-doctors. Study design and setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 112 DHCPs from a public sector university in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: Participants were provided with self-administered questionnaires, consisting of closed-ended and multiplechoice questions, designed to evaluate their knowledge and practices concerning cross-infection control. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, with a significance level set at p=0.05 for comparison of scores. Results: Data of 112 participants was analyzed. The male to female ratio was 3:5 with mean age of 25 years. 97.3% of the population believed aerosols as main cause of communicable diseases reported to be vaccinated for hepatitis B. The knowledge was good, and practices were adequate to ensure cross-infection control, but we found difference between the diploma holders and graduate/postgraduates and between graduate and postgraduates at p-value 0.05. Conclusions: The results indicate showed the knowledge and practices to be adequate. Increased awareness and stringent adherence to PPE usage may have been influenced by a change in mindset following the recent pandemic. Though seminars and workshops should be arranged to provide them with updates. Also, vaccination against communicable diseases should be made mandatory for professional practice.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of tobacco cessation counselling and nicotine replacement therapy among dental professionals

ABSTRACT Background: Establishment of Tobacco Cessation Centres across all dental institutions has been made mandatory by the Dental Council of India. To make it a success, adequate knowledge and training, positive attitude and practices are expected by the dental health care professionals. Our study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of dentists towards Tobacco Cessation Counselling (TCC) and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Materials and Methods: 200 participants (60 faculty members, 20 postgraduate students and 120 interns) participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-designed questionnaire of 27 questions was used to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of the participants regarding TCC and NRT. A descriptive analysis of the data was done. Frequency and percentage were calculated for each variable. The data were processed and analysed using SPSS software version 19-SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA. Results: 22% candidates were trained for TCC as opposed to 78% candidates who didn’t have an idea about it. 65% participants knew about various agents which are used for NRT but many did not know how to prescribe them. 83.5% were not willing to spare time for tobacco cessation in their private practice. Only 12% were currently practising TCC or NRT at workplace. Conclusion: Inclusion of TCC in the undergraduate curriculum, training and updating of dental faculty and students regarding TCC and NRT will help in serving the noble cause.