Dental Oral Health Research Articles

The effects of geriatric oral dental health training to dental students on their elderly attitudes.

To measure the effect of geriatric oral health education on the attitude of dentistry students towards the elderly. The interventional study was conducted in December 2022 at Sivas, and comprised students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Turkiye in their 4th and 5th academic year. A 20-hour training course was delivered over 3 days by faculty members. Baseline and post-intervention difference was assessed using the Kogan's Attitudes Towards Old People Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 30 students, 18(60%) were females and 12(40%) were males. The overall mean age was 22.93±1.63 years. Besides, 18(60%) students belonged to 5th year and 12(40%) to the 4th year. The mean Kogan Elderly Attitude Scale score at baseline was 184.13±25.55, while post-intervention it was 195.36±22.36. (p<0.05). Relevant training was found to have a significant impact on the attitude of dentistry students towards the elderly.

A review: nutrition and oral-dental health, phytochemical content, biological activity of Salvadora persica (Miswak)

Plants have been widely used by humans since ancient times. They serve different purposes, especially shelter, heating, nutrition, war, equipment and medicine. Nowadays, they are widely used especially in the fight against diseases. In this context, in this study, the biological activities and health effects of Salvadora persica L. reported in the literature were compiled. S. persica is known by names such as miswak, koyoji, qesam, qisa and mastic. It is a multi-branched shrub or small tree that is two to three meters tall and has edible fruit. As a result of literature research, it has been seen that the plant has purposes such as health care and nutrition source. In addition, it has been shown in the literature that it has biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activity. The most common and highly abundant compounds in the root, twigs, and leaves of S. persica were found to be benzyl isothiocyanate, benzyl nitrile, 1,8-cineol, butylated hydroxytoluene, isothiocyanatomethyl-benzene, and (2E)-hexenal. As a result, it is thought that S. persica can be used as a natural protective agent in terms of both its usage areas and biological activities.

An Investigation of the Knowledge and Preferences of Parents About Dental Preventive Practices

Objective: Dental caries poses a significant health concern affecting, 60%-90% of children globally. While fluoride is widely utilized to prevent and eliminate dental caries, recent negative media coverage and concerns about irresponsible fluoride use have prompted a shift in parental perspectives. This study explores parental knowledge, preferences, and attitudes regarding preventive measures, with a focus on fluoride and potential natural or herbal alternatives. Methods: Our research was designed as a survey study. A survey form consisting of 11 questions was delivered to parents of children aged 6–14 years and presented to the Erciyes University Department of Pediatric Dentistry for examination or treatment were included in the study. A total of 300 parents participated in the study. Data was recorded as numbers and percentages. Results: Of the parents, 69% (207) reported that if they were offered natural herbal compounds instead of fluorinated varnish, they would prefer natural alternatives. A statistically significant relationship was found between the responses received from the parents about the effects of fluoride and the educational level of the parents (p&lt;0.05). Only 4 (1.3%) university graduate parents stated that fluoride had harmful effects. We found that 80.95% of the fathers and 68.39% of the mothers stated that they would prefer natural or herbal alternatives for their children instead of fluorinated varnish, and this was a statistically significant result (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Parents do not have sufficient knowledge and attitudes about preventive practices in oral dental health, and some parents still avoid the use of fluoride products. Therefore, there is a need to increase fluoride intake and its effects on children's health by educating parents or informing dentists.

Relationship between Oral-Dental Health Status with Chronic Systemic Diseases and Salivary IgA Level in Elderly Population: A Systematic Review

Relationship between Oral-Dental Health Status with Chronic Systemic Diseases and Salivary IgA Level in Elderly Population: A Systematic Review

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HAND GRIP MUSCLE STRENGTH ON TOOTH BRUSHING RELATED TO DENTAL ABRASION

Grip muscle strength in toothbrushing influences the brushing results. The strength has side effects, too, such as tooth abrasion. This study aims to systematically evaluate the results of tooth surface disappearance appraisal from toothbrushing in vitro and in vivo. Research methods performed by literature review with database articles search from Clinical Trials, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, The International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), CINAHL with keywords. Articles were based on year, title, abstract, and full text and processed to final review. This research parameter utilized Optical profilometry from study designs: crossover and cross-sectional. Two full-text articles have been chosen, including inclusion criteria, and processed for final review. The study from Bizhang et al., abrasive toothpaste and toothbrush strength 2N, proves that manual toothbrushes have significantly less lead abrasion—manual toothbrush with wavy brush head 2.50(±0.43). Hara et al., reveal regimen B (erosion + toothbrushing with fluoride) day 28 (0,77±0,79) showed less loss of enamel surface than regimen C (erosion+toothbrushing without fluoride) day 28 (2,20±1,96). Prospecting the articles about the abrasion effect from toothbrush strength that are appropriate with the aim of study is still limited relating to abstract, full text, and keywords. The evaluation value of particular toothbrushing power will increase oral dental health without leading to severe abrasion risk on the dental surface.

Assessing the Knowledge Levels of Pediatricians and Family Physicians Regarding the Eruption Period of Primary Teeth and Oral Health of Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The research aimed to assess the knowledge level of pediatricians and family physicians regarding the eruption period of primary teeth and pediatric oral-dental health. Methods: Pediatricians, research assistants in pediatrics, and family physicians working in Ankara were reached via e-mail and mobile applications. The demographic characteristics of the participants and their level of knowledge on child oral-dental health and primary teeth eruption period were assessed. The questions were formed following the current guidelines (AAPD). The collected data was analyzed by SPSS 24, and p&amp;lt;0.05 was accepted for statistical significance. Results: 251 physicians, 67.3% (n=169) of whom were female, participated in the study. The ratio of assistant physicians among the participants is approximately 41%. Nearly 40% of the participants were in the first three years of their profession. A statistically significant relationship was detected between the answers to the questions on the eruption cyst, amber necklace use and the necessity of primary teeth treatments, and the titles of the professionals (p&amp;lt;0.05). The rates of correct answers were found to be less in ratio regarding early childhood caries, the differences of oral mucosa in eruption and newborn period, and the relation between fever and teething period. Conclusion: In conclusion, the knowledge level of pediatric and family physicians about the eruption period of primary teeth and oral-dental health was found to be insufficient. Protecting children's oral and dental health is necessary, especially by informing family physicians and pediatricians.

Program Edukasi Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut dengan Media Audiovisual untuk Meningkatkan Kesadaran dan Pengetahuan Siswa SD Kelas 4 dan 5 Tentang Cara Menyikat Gigi yang Benar

The mouth is the main route for bacteria and other microorganisms to enter the body. Therefore, the mouth really needs to be kept clean. If not, bacteria can infect the oral cavity, causing damage, especially to the teeth. Problematic teeth can make it difficult for children to eat, if it happens for a long time, it can affect their growth because it is difficult to eat. Oral dental health is often not a priority for some people, even though teeth and mouth are one of the gateways for bacteria and microorganisms to enter the body so that they can interfere with the health of other organs. The purpose of this community service is to provide education on dental and oral health for elementary school students through audiovisual media as a learning tool to increase knowledge and awareness regarding dental and oral health in students in terms of brushing their teeth properly and correctly. The method used in this community service is providing education on dental and oral health using audiovisual media, as well as how to brush your teeth properly and correctly. The results of community service activities with audiovisual media and demonstration methods accompanied by verbal explanations can increase students' knowledge and children's ability to remember better.

Oral Care and Maintenance Habits Among Pharmacy Students

Objective. This study aimed to identify and evaluate oral care habits, awareness, and knowledge of oral dental health among a group of pharmacy students.Methods. An e-questionnaire on oral care habits, awareness, and knowledge was completed by students in a university pharmacy.Results. A total of 484 students with a mean (SD) age of 21.4 (1.6) years participated. Of all participants, 9.3% were not regularly brushing their teeth. The percentage of regular fluoridated toothpaste usage was 44.8%. Three in 5 (64.5%) participants had visited a dentist for a complaint. When answering questions on the possible effects of dental plaque accumulation on teeth, the causative factors for dental decay and signs of periodontal disease, the percentages of students who indicated they "did not know" were 16.3%, 4.8%, and 43.2%, respectively. Among participants, 38.7% were unaware of the cariogenic or erosive effects of pediatric syrups or suspensions. Of all the pharmacy students, 32% stated they have been consulted about some issue related to oral health.Conclusion. The oral care habits, awareness, and oral health knowledge of pharmacy students in one program needs to be improved. Improvement of these measures is a multi-layered issue, not limited only to the quality of life but also to increased awareness associated with public health-related issues related to dental care.

Relationship between mother's oral health literacy level with oral hygiene behavior and self-reported oral health status in sociodemographic scope

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Oral Health Literacy (OHL) plays an important role in reducing the gap in promoting oral health. Oral health literacy of mothers is important due to maternal OHL can affect the family's oral health, especially in children. Sufficient OHL of mothers also help strengthen their capacities to improve their own and their children's oral health. The purpose of this study was to analyze the oral health literacy level of mothers and its relationship to the oral hygiene behavior and self-reported oral health status in the sociodemographic scope. Methods: The type of research was correlational analytics with cross-sectional techniques. The samples were 158 mothers, collected using purposive sampling in Parigi District, Pangandaran Regency. Data were collected using the Health Literacy in Dentistry (HeLD-14) questionnaires which had been cross-adapted and included questions to assess oral hygiene behaviors with the Indonesian version of the oral hygiene behavior index. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test and independent sample t-test. Results: The majority of mothers had a good educational level and did not get employment, and had a good level of oral health literacy, with an average score of 49.63±7.16. Dental hygiene behaviors were in the good category with a mean score of 3.13±0.82 and the results of self-assessment mostly stated that the oral and dental conditions were in a proper state. The results of the OHL correlation tests with oral hygiene behaviors and self-reported oral health status showed significant relations with low correlations (p=0.04; r=0.16) and (p=0.01; r=0.21). Conclusion: Mothers’ oral health literacy level is in good category and there are relations between oral dental health literacy with oral hygiene behaviors and self-reported oral health status.Keywords: oral health literacy, HeLD-14, oral hygiene behavior, sociodemographic, mother, oral health status

Ağız Sağlığı Eğitim Programına Katılan İlköğretim Okulu Öğrencilerinde Diş Kaygısı Paterni

Background/Aims: Dental anxiety is a common problem which develops mostly in childhood. The level of dental anxiety perceived by the primary schoolers were determined with Facial Image Scale (FIS) while receiving oral dental health education in their classroom environment.&#x0D; Methods: FIS were applied to 163 third-grade primary schoolers while they were having oral health education course in an interactive way. Gender, white dental attire, and past dental experience(s) were pre-determined variables evaluating the pattern of dental anxiety in the third-grade primary schoolers in this study.&#x0D; Results: The overall anxiety level in children was 46.01%, with no significant difference observed between genders (p=0.4593). Students who were educated by instructors wearing white dental attire were more likely to have a 1&amp;2 FIS score (OR: 3.9 (1.3-11.7); p=0.0156). However, students who had past dental experience expressed significantly more 4&amp;5 FIS scores (OR: 4.38 (2.17-8.85); p &lt; 0.001). &#x0D; Conclusions: Regardless of gender white dental attire created a positive perception in 9-year-old students, but the presence of past dental experience and a history of tooth extraction especially under local anesthesia caused negative perception in the study.

Oral Dental Health and Hygiene Maintenance for Pregnant Women at Taram Public Health Center in Lima Puluh Kota Regency

Oral Health and Hygiene Maintenance for Pregnant Women at Taram Public Health Center in Lima Puluh Kota Regency. Hormonal changes in pregnant women cause various complaints, such as cravings, nausea, vomiting, including toothache as a result of neglecting oral hygiene. Changes in diet and habits of not maintaining oral hygiene due to fatigue, nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women can increase the risk of dental and oral diseases, which will affect the condition of their pregnancy. This type of research is descriptive with a sample size of 124 people taken by simple random sampling. The research was conducted at Taram Public Health Center in Lima Puluh Kota Regency. The data was collected by distributing questionnaires to determine the actions of pregnant women in maintaining oral hygiene, as well as conducting dental and oral hygiene checks based on the Oral Hygiene Index (OHIS-S). The results showed that oral health and hygiene maintenance for pregnant women in the work area of the Taram Public Health Center was good, but the oral hygiene are moderate. Based on research on 124 pregnant women in the working area of the Taram Public Health Center, it can be concluded that the oral dental and hygiene maintenance actions of pregnant women are mostly in the good category.

The effect of nutrients on oral dental health

Introduction: The oral health of each individual is related to and dependent on the nutrients they take. They determine the duration and quality of life of each person. Nutritional prevention of oral diseases is the proper balancing of nutrition during different periods of development of oral structures. Aim: The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between nutrition and dental disease and to present nutritional recommendations for their prevention. Materials and Methods: For the period January 2022–February 2022, in the available database (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus), a systematic analysis of scientific publications examining the impact of nutrients on oral health was conducted. Discussion: Nowadays, principles for rational nutrition are constantly being created and updated. A food pyramid has been set up at the US Department of Agriculture. It presents the intake of various foods and seeks to reduce oral diseases. The essential nutrients that are protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins are extremely important for oral health. Proper nutrition in the period of growth and development determines the construction and maintenance of oral structures. The links between oral health, diet and nutrition status, and general health are complex with many interrelated factors. Inaccurate nutrition can affect oral health, including dental caries, periodontal disease, oral disease, and anemia. Impaired oral health can change food choices and negatively affect food intake, leading to suboptimal nutritional status, which in turn can lead to chronic systemic diseases. One of the causes of dental diseases is the intake of unhealthy and incomplete food. Conclusion: Achieving and maintaining oral health is done through nutritional prophylaxis. Recognizing and treating oral health and nutrition problems are important for improving health and quality of life.

Snakes and Ladders Game Innovation on Increasing Knowledge and Behavior Changes About Oral Dental Health in Children at Al Barokah Orphanage

The traditional game of snakes and ladders is a local wisdom, educative for children to play while learning so that it can be used to increase knowledge and skills of dental health. The purpose of this study was to design an innovative snake and ladder game that serves to increase knowledge about dental and oral health.This research is the development of existing research. In this study, an innovation of the snake and ladder game was developed for dental and oral health. Research designquasi experiment by design Pretest-Posttest control group design.The sample is elementary school age children at the Al Barokah Orphanage. 17 children became the control group and 17 as the neutral group. The independent variable is Snake Ladder Game Innovation, the dependent variable is knowledge and changes in dental health behavior, with instruments in the form of a questionnaire and a check list of 25 questions on an ordinal scale of pre-test and post-test instruments..The most pre-test results with sufficient knowledge category are 22 respondents (64.7 %), the most final knowledge score (Posttest) with good knowledge category is 26 respondents (76.4%). The results of the Mann Whitney statistical test showed that there was a difference between the experimental group and the control group on dental and oral health knowledge with a value of 0.02 &lt; 0.05.The results of the Wilcoxon Test statistical test showed that there was

TÜRKİYE’DE BİR GRUP AİLE HEKİMİNİN ERKEN ÇOCUKLUK ÇÜRÜKLERİ HAKKINDA BİLGİ, TUTUM VE YAKLAŞIMLARININ DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, bebekleri ve anne adaylarını diş hekimlerinden daha fazla gören, erken çürüklük çağı çürüklerinde (EÇÇ) etkin rol oynayabileceklerini düşündüğümüz, aile hekimlerinin EÇÇ hakkındaki bilgi, tutum ve yaklaşımlarını değerlendirmek ve dolaylı olarak bu konudaki farkındalıklarını arttırmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı tipteki bu çalışmaya, Türkiye’nin farklı şehirlerinden AHEKON10 Uluslararası Aile Hekimliği Kongresine gelen 830 aile hekiminin 178’i katılmıştır. Katılımcılara ağız ve diş sağlığı hakkındaki bilgi düzeylerini ölçen 38 sorudan oluşan bir anket yönlendirilmiştir. 178 anket formunun 38’i eksik doldurulduğu için çalışma dışı tutulmuştur. Bulgular: Araştırmaya katılan, 140 aile hekiminin, %54.3’ü erkek (n=76), %45.7’si kadındır(n=64). Aile hekimlerinin, %82.1’inin (n=115) mesleki tecrübesi 10 yıldan fazladır. Katılımcıların, %13.6’sında (n=19) görev yaptığı merkeze bağlı dental klinik mevcutken, %86.4’ünde (n=121) mevcut değildir. Katılımcıların %92.6’ı diş çürüklerinin önlenmesinde ve bebeklerin ağız sağlığının sağlanmasında aile hekimlerinin rolünün olduğunu düşünmektedir. Katılımcıların %97.4’ü ağız-diş sağlığı bilgi düzeyinin yetersiz olduğunu düşünürken, %90.7’i ağız-diş sağlığı ile ilgili eğitim almak istemektedir. Sonuç: Araştırmamızın verileri ışığında çalışmaya katılan aile hekimlerinin EÇÇ hakkında yeterli bilgi düzeyine sahip olmadıkları ve aynı zamanda EÇÇ’leri hakkında bilgi sahibi olma konusunda ise istekli oldukları tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, EÇÇ’lerinin önlenmesinde etkin rol alabilmeleri için aile hekimlerinin bu konu hakkında daha fazla bilgilendirilmesi gerekmektedir. Anahtar Kelimeler: Ağız-diş sağlığı bilgi düzeyi, erken çocukluk çağı çürükleri, aile hekimleri ABSTRACT Aim: The purpose of this study is first to evaluate the knowledge level of primary care practitioners who we think will play an active role in the prevention of early childhood caries, as they see babies, expectant moms and mothers more than dentists and second, to indirectly increase the awareness of primary care practitioners on this issue. Material and Methods: This descriptive study consisted of 178 participants out of 830 primary care practitioners who attended AHEKON10 international congress from different cities in Turkey and gave consents to participate in the study. Participants were directed to a 38 question- survey that measured their level of knowledge about oral and dental health. 38 of the 178 survey forms were excluded from the study because they were incomplete. Result: Of the 140 primary care providers participated in the study, 54.3% were male and 45.7% were female. 82.1% of 140 primary care providers who participated in our survey had more than 10 years of professional experience. On the other hand, 13.6% of the participants said that their health centers had dental clinics, while 86.4% did not. 92.6% of respondents believed that primary care providers played a role in preventing tooth decay and in ensuring the oral health of infants. Only 97.4% of respondents believed that their level of knowledge about oral and dental health was insufficient, while 90.7% wanted to receive training in oral and dental health. Conclusion: Considering the data of our study, we found that primary care providers participated in the study did not have an adequate level of knowledge about ECC and were also willing to have information about ECC. As a result, primary care providers need to be more informed about this issue in order to play an active role in preventing their ECCs. Keywords: Oral dental health knowledge level, early childhood caries, primary care providers

Peningkatan Pengetahuan Bahan Alam Untuk Kesehatan Gigi Mulut Melalui Program Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka

It is important to improve the health of rural communities, including dental and oral health. The majority of the population of Mekarsaluyu Village, Bandung Regency, West Java, have jobs in the agricultural sector and lack knowledge of health. The global pandemic of the Covid-19 virus has lasted for two years. This condition causes people to need to make several adaptations and changes in behavior, including oral dental health. The purpose of the community service is to implement the Independent Learning Campus (MBKM) program to empower the role of students. The method of implementing this community service program is through outreach activities to the community regarding natural materials from the surrounding environment to improve oral dental health in the target villages of the Mekarsaluyu Village area and evaluated using a questionnaire to 16 respondents before and after the activity. Data were analyzed using T-test dependent (p0.05). The results of community service showed that there was an increase in knowledge after the implementation of the extension indicated by (p = 0.00). Based on the above, it can be concluded that the MBKM program plays a role in changing the knowledge of the assisted village communities.

The Development of Psycho-educational Module of Dental Management for Primary Caregivers and Teachers of Autism Children: A Qualitative Study in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of autism increases globally and in Indonesia. Children with autism experience intellectual, behavioral, and anxiety disorders, including fear of dental care. These children often experience difficulty brushing teeth and are reluctant to visit dental care facilities. The poor oral and dental cleanness in children with autism may increase the risk of dental and oral diseases such as periodontal disease and caries. One preventive effort is providing psycho-education to the child and the people surrounding them (parents or caretaker and teacher). Psycho-education modules should be adequate and based on the client’s needs. AIM: The aim of the study was to explore the contents of the psycho-educational module as a guide for primary caregivers and teachers to prevent dental and oral health problems of the child with autism. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews from 12 November to 26 December 2020. This study involved 11 primary caregivers and 14 teachers of the autism-special school in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The FGD and in-depth interviews were recorded and verbatim transcripted and were analyzed by thematic content analysis. RESULTS: We found three topics required to maintain the dental and oral health of a child with autism, namely: Management of behavior in autistic children, oral-dental treatment, and nutrition management in dental-oral health in autistic children. Available materials used practical and straightforward language. CONCLUSION: The study findings provide an important information as a new approach contained in the module on maintaining oral health to improve the health status of autistic children.

Perception of Oral and Dental Health Awareness and Assessment of Dental Habits in Preclinical Dentistry Students: A Questionnaire Study

Aim: The oral and dental hygiene behaviors of patients are affected by their dentists. Although dental students attend preclinical courses in their first and second years of education, they are expected to be knowledgeable about oral and dental health due to their future position as being role models for patients. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the oral and dental health awareness and oral health habits of preclinical dental students. Material and Methods: 127 preclinical dental students were included in this study. A questionnaire consisting of 39 questions about oral-dental health habits and knowledge levels was prepared. The results were analyzed with the SPSS 22.0 software. A p-value of smaller than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Frequency of daily tooth brushing, gingival bleeding, halitosis, toothpaste preference, satisfaction with tooth color and frequency of dental visits were found to be statistically significant. There was no significant difference between the 1st-year and 2nd-year student groups in terms of their responses to the questions (p&gt; 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the male and female groups for their responses to the questions on topics such as toothpaste preference, satisfaction with the color of their teeth, frequency of dental examination, frequency of tooth cleaning and toothbrushing time (p

Parents’ awareness of their children’s oral-dental health: Knowledge, attitudes and practices

This study aimed to determine parental knowledge and behavior about oral health and dental care. For this purpose, we also examined the relationship between demographic characteristics and the oral-dental health behavior of parents. This study consisted of 269 parents who visited the pediatric outpatient clinic of the hospital between December 2017-January 2019. Data were collected using the researchers' prepared oral health and dental care assessment form. To determine the parents' level of knowledge and behavior regarding oral and dental health, a total of 45 questionnaires were administered with face-to-face interview technique, including demographic characteristics (4 questions), knowledge (19 questions), oral-dental behavior (18 questions), and personal opinion (4 questions). 269 parents (231 females and 38 males) participated in the study. The average age of the parents was 30.6±6.9 years (range: 18-62 years). 118 parents (43.9%) graduated from middle-high school, 109 parents (40.5%) were primary school graduates, 33 parents (12.3%) were university graduates, and five parents were illiterate people (1.9%). The parents did not have enough information about nutrition, fluoride therapy, and dental flossing. There was no statistically significant difference between education level and the number of correct answers (p=0.133). As a result, providing accurate and appropriate knowledge to children by their parents will affect oral-dental health positively. Whether it is a child or adolescent, regular periodic education programs for the protection and development of oral and dental health, as well as the contribution of the school and the family, are essential.

EVALUATION OF AWARENESS AND CONCERN LEVELS ABOUT COVID-19 PANDEMIC OF PATIENTS WHO ADMIT TO THE FACULTY OF DENTISTRY

In this research, it was aimed to evaluate the awareness and concerns of patients applying to the faculty of dentistry about the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine their thoughts and concerns about dental treatment during the pandemic period. The questionnaire included questions about personal demographic characteristics, concern, awareness and knowledge level related to COVID-19 disease, and also questioned their need for oral and dental health services and to what extent these needs were met. This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 517 patients. Of the patients, 44.9% knew both the symptoms of COVID-19 and prevention methods of COVID-19. The level of knowledge was higher in; females (64.7%) than males (35.3%), university graduates (57.3%) than middle and high school graduates. Those who were concerned about getting coronavirus had a significantly higher rate of hesitation about coming to dental treatment during this period compared to those who were not concerned (p&amp;lt;0.05). The majority of patients believed that the healthcare facility could prevent coronavirus transmission and 80.5% thought they could be infected from other patients in the waiting room. This study provides us important information about access to safe oral dental health services and the awareness and concern of dental patients.

The Effect of Label and Medication Package Insert Reading Habits of Parents on their Children's Oral Dental Health.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between packaged product label and medication package insert reading habits of parents and their children's oral/dental health. A questionnaire including demographic characteristics and label/insert reading habits was filled by parents of 301 children who referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Department. The children were examined intraorally and dmft/DMFT and ICDAS II scores were recorded. The data were evaluated statistically. Label and medication package insert reading were found in 71.4% and 88.4% of the parents, respectively. Label reading increased as the age of the child and the number of children in the family increased. Medical package insert reading increased as the mother's education and SLS/paraben knowledge increased. Decrease of 1 point in ICDAS II resulted in the 1.410 times increase in the rate of medical package insert reading of the parents. It is concluded that improving the label and medical insert reading rate of the parents would be effective for providing better oral and dental health for their children.