Oral Health Sciences Research Articles

Assessment of Research Topic Prevalence by Journal Impact Quartile in Oral Health Sciences Using Bayesian Methods

The relationship between research topics and academic prestige of journals is of relevance to assess venues for current research as well as trending areas of new research. This is of special relevance for those developing a research agenda or with defined productivity outcome expectations. This manuscript extracts prevalent topics using titles and abstracts from more than 10,000 manuscripts, constituting all published research in International Scientific Indexing (ISI) journals within the oral health specialties of oral surgery, orthodontics, and periodontics during 2018. Journals are clustered across four quartile categories according to their impact factors. The novelty of our work includes (a) an examination of a neglected unit of analysis (bigram) in oral health sciences which is of higher relevance than single-word topic definitions and (b) the use of an efficient Bayesian hierarchical approach to extract and rank topics across quartiles with information borrowing. Some topics persisted across quartile groups, while others show higher prevalence in specific quartiles, indicating that topics may find some journal quartiles a more appropriate venue for publication. All quartile groups show a prevalence of empirical research. The approach described in this manuscript offers the possibility to adjust/generate research agendas based on research topic prevalence and dynamics. This methodology is relevant for researchers looking to define their research agendas with potential outcomes aligned with the expectations of quantity and quartile set by their home institutions. It also serves researchers to assess most likely quartiles for publication of their work.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

Objective: To determine the awareness of regular orthodontic follow-up visits among the patients. The secondary objective was to assess patients’ perception towards orthodontic treatment needs and their psychological status during lockdown. Study Design and Setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences, (JSMU) from August, 2020 to January, 2021. Methodology: The questionnaire contained 15 questions divided into 3 categories. First category was about the awareness of routine checkup among patients Q1-Q5, second was to assess the impact of lockdown on patients’ visit to orthodontist Q6-Q12 and third was to assess the psycho-social effect of lockdown Q13-Q15. Three point likert scale was applied on each question with cut off value set as 70% for the 3 categories to get positive/negative response. SPSS version 22 was used for data entry and analyzing. Percentages and frequencies were calculated for qualitative variables like age, gender and educational level. Chi-square test was applied on all the three categories keeping the p-value <0.05 as significant. Results: The study included 115 subjects comprising of 21(18.3%) males and 94(81.7%) females, aged 12-30 years with mean age 19.15±3.96. Out of 115 patients 47(40.9%) patients met the 70 % cut off criteria for category 1.Similarly, for category 2, 73(63.5%) patients met the 70% cut off value. For category 3, 7(6.1%) patients met the 70% cut off value. Statistically significant difference was found for category 1 with age, gender and educational level at p-value<0.05. Similarly, in category 3, only educational level showed statistically significant association. Conclusion: The patients were quite aware of the need to visit orthodontists for regular follow ups during their treatment. The psychological status of the patients was the prime concern of the orthodontists as they had not sought orthodontic help during this time.

Quality of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate students at the Wits Oral Health Centre

In 2012, the School of Oral Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand modified its undergraduateendodontic curriculum which led to a need to assess the impact of curriculum changes on root canal treatmentoutcomes. This study was an audit of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate BDS students using postoperative radiographs, and compared the results between different undergraduate clinical years of study.Postoperative periapical radiographs of patients treated by undergraduate students were examined to assess length, density and taper. Two independent investigators were first calibrated, and thereafter assessed 299 endodontic cases that were performed by third, fourth and fifth year students during the 2013-2015 period at the Wits Oral Health Centre. 68.9%, 73.6% and 70.9% were found for adequate length, acceptable density and acceptable taper of root filling respectively. The most acceptable length, density and taper results were seen in patients treated by final year students, while the lowest results were observed in the fourth year student cohort. There was a tendency for third year students to overfill due to over-instrumentation of anterior teeth.The change in the curriculum has been justified, though room for improvement exists. The superior result found in the 5th year student cohort was most likely due to their relative experience, and the use of rotary instrumentation and dental operating microscopes. Endodontic teaching should further emphasize the importance of length control during endodontic treatment and more stringent steps may be necessary during patient allocation and clinical supervision of fourth year dental students.

Habits of Tooth Brushing and Tobacco/Betel Nut use among Patients Attending Dental Outpatient Department in a Teaching Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of tobacco/betel nut and frequency of tooth brushing in males and females reporting to OPD. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 600 patients attending the Dental OPD of Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences (SIOHS) in Karachi from January to March 2019. After obtaining informed consent from all participating subjects, data regarding tobacco/betel nut use and frequency of tooth brushing were recorded by the investigator. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., USA). RESULTS: Regarding use of tobacco, more females were using smokeless tobacco (40%), whereas more males smoked cigarettes (27%). In terms of tooth brushing, greater proportion of non-tobacco users (54.7%) had better brushing habits compared to smokeless tobacco and cigarette smokers (26.7% and 17.5 % respectively).Regarding frequency of tooth brushing, more non-tobacco users (53%) brush or miswak at least once a day compared to tobacco users. Additionally, there is a significant difference in frequency of brushing habit between males and females (22.1% and 43.2 % twice a day respectively) suggesting that females have better brushing habits. A statistically significant association was seen between tobacco users and brushing habit using Chi-Square test (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients using tobacco reported poor oral hygiene practices than non-users. Patients using tobacco (cigarette smokers and smokeless tobacco) should be identified separately and oral hygiene measures reinforced as part of routine dental practice. KEYWORDS: Tobacco, Tooth brushing, Oral hygiene, Smoking

Comparative Assessment of Autogenous Cancellous Bone Graft and Bovine-Derived Demineralized Bone Matrix for Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

Comparison between bovine-derived demineralized bone matrix (DMBM) and iliac crest graft over long term for secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) in terms of radiological and clinical outcomes. Prospective, randomized, parallel groups, double-blind, controlled trial. Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Health Science Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh. Twenty patients with UCLP. Patients were allocated into group I (Iliac crest bone graft) and group II (DMBM) for SABG. Outcomes were assessed at 2 weeks, 6 months, and then after mean follow-up period of 63 months. Volumetric analysis of the grafted bone in the alveolar cleft site was done through cone beam computed tomography using Cavalieri principle and modified assessment tool. Clinical assessment was performed in terms of pain, swelling, duration of hospital stay, cost of surgery, alar base symmetry, and donor site morbidity associated with iliac crest harvesting. Volumetric analysis through Cavalieri principle revealed comparable bone uptake at follow-up of 6 months between group I (70%) and group II (69%). Modified assessment tool showed no significant difference between horizontal and vertical bone scores over short- and long-term follow-up. In group II, there was higher cost of surgery, but no donor site morbidity unlike group I. Demineralized bone matrix proved analogous to iliac crest bone graft as per volumetric analysis over shorter period. However, although statistically insignificant, net bone volume achieved was lower than the iliac crest graft at longer follow-up.

Comparison of Collum Angle of Maxillary Central Incisor in High Angle and Low Angle Patients

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the mean collum angle of maxillary central incisor and to compare it between high angle and low angle patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using lateral cephalometric radiographs of 61 class II division 1 patients (comprised 32 males, 29 females, age range 13 to 30 years) from the record files of patients inducted for Orthodontic management from June 2020 till August 2020 at the Department of Orthodontics, Sindh Institute of Oral Health Science, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan. The sample was divided on the basis of Vertical Analysis (angulation of mandibular plane) into high and low angle cases. Collum angle was measured using the angulation of the Maxillary Central Incisor (MCI). Student t-test was used to compare the mean difference of the collum angle between skeletal vertical malocclusions. RESULTS: Mean value of the collum angle for high angle (Vertical Growth pattern) cases were mean ± standard deviation (4.35°±1.49°) while for low angle groups (Horizontal Growth pattern) were (2.41°±1.60°). CONCLUSION: There Collum angle of permanent maxillary central incisors differ significantly (p&lt;0.001) among high angle and Low angle malocclusions cases (n=61) and showed pronounced axial bending in Class II division 1 incisors with high angle (4.35° ± 1.49°) as compared to low angle malocclusion (2.41° ± 1.60°). KEYWORDS: Collum Angle, Maxillary Central Incisor, Orthodontic Treatment, High Angle, Low Angle.

The Oral Manifestation of Hepatitis Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Clinics of Karachi

Background: The present study aimed to find out the most frequent Oral lesions in hepatitis B and C patients in the local population and correlate it with age and gender. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was designed at Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences at the department of Oral medicine. We studied the records of patients coming to OPD from 2016 till 2021 diagnosed with hepatitis B and C for treatment. Convenience sampling was done. Incomplete forms and data of the patients with comorbid conditions such as Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Hypertension were removed as a part of the protocol. Results: Data of sixty-seven patients was included in the study. Data analysis was done through SPSS ver.18. Frequency of the oral lesions in hepatitis B and C was assessed and the relationship between hepatitis and oral lesions was also explored by applying t-test. Male to female ratio was 1: 1.5. The most frequent lesion in both hepatitis B and C was Periodontitis followed by gingivitis and oral lichen planus. Also, the relationship between hepatitis C and oral lesions was significant at the level of p-value of 0.05% while for hepatitis B and effect on the treatment of hepatitis was no significant. Conclusion: The findings of the study show that the Hepatitis C has a significant relationship with oral lesions and presence of chronic periodontitis or gingivitis and oral lichen planus requires further testing for HCV and HBV status which would result in early diagnosis and treatment decreasing the chances of complications such as liver cirrhosis in long term and spread of infection. Keywords: Periodontitis, Oral lesions, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Gingivitis.

A Comparison of Oral Health Related Knowledge between Undergraduate Medical and Dental Students

Aim: Studies have reported that the knowledge of medical doctors about dental conditions is not satisfactory. Medical and dental students need to have and reflect good oral health knowledge as they will be major providers of health services in future. This study was conducted to assess and compare the level of oral health knowledge of medical and dental students. Materials and Methods: Using a self-administered structured questionnaire, cross-sectional study was conducted at King Faisal University University, Saudi Arabia. The survey tool consisting of 25 items assessed knowledge about oral health problems, etiology and importance in relation to general health. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 20. Results: Medical students exhibited a good level of oral health knowledge on 16 (64%) items, whereas dental students demonstrated on 18 items (72%) (p=0.02). In both streams, male students displayed a good level of knowledge on 17 items, while female displayed on 11 items. Mean score of male students to all the questions was 80.68% and that of females was 66.96% (p=0.001). Dental students scored marginally better than medical students for 14 out of 25 items, and mean scores was insignificant between medical and dental students (p=0.21). Students of years 2, 3 and 4 displayed better knowledge compared to those from years 1 and 5 (p=0.001). Students from any particular year did not seem to be having consistently better knowledge than the other years across all the items. Conclusion: This study showed a moderate to good level of knowledge about oral health. Dental students and men displayed somewhat better knowledge levels compared to medical students and women, respectively. Clinical Significance: This study highlights the importance of scientific oral health knowledge for the future health care professionals. Objective is to draw attention towards incorporation of preventive oral health sciences in medical curriculum at undergraduate level.

Oral Hygiene Maintenance Via Teledentistry in Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent of improvement in oral hygiene via text message reminder in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. METHODOLOGY: The participants were from 13 to 30 years of age recruited from Department of Orthodontics, Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan. The sample comprised of 70 patients (59 female and 11 male) about to have fixed orthodontic treatment, 35 in text message group and 35 in control group. Patient's plaque index was evaluated at baseline and after 30 days. RESULTS: Text message group had highly significant (P &lt; .05) plaque index score (PostPI) than control group. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic patients frequently reminded to brush have better oral hygiene. KEYWORDS: Plaque index, Text message, Oral hygiene, Orthodontics. HOW TO CITE: Khan EB, Shah M, Rafi S.M.T, Rizwan S, Ahmed Z, Fatima S. Oral hygiene maintenance via teledentistry in orthodontic patients: A randomized controlled trial. J Pak Dent Assoc 2021;30(1):34-38.

Effect of pre-cooling agent on intensity of pricking pain at intraoral injection site in adults: An experimental study.

To determine the effect of pre-cooling agent on the intensity of pricking pain at the intraoral injection site in adult patients. The in-vivo interventional study was conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from September 2018 to August 2019, and comprised adult patients of either gender. The pricking pain perception during needle administration was assessed using split-mouth technique. Topical anaesthesia benzocaine gel was applied on the left side, which was treated as controls, for 1 min, while on the right side, which was treated as the experimental side, refrigerated cartridge was placed for 2 min. Infiltration anaesthesia was then administered on both sides. Pain perception ratings were measured through visual analogue scale. After profound anaesthesia was achieved, restorative treatment was performed under rubber dam isolation. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Of the 152 subjects, 77(50.65%) were females and 75(49.34%) were males. The overall mean age was 35.97±8.669 years (range: 21-50 years). The effect of refrigerated cartridge was significant on the intensity of pricking pain at the intraoral injection site in patients aged 41-50 years, and in female patients aged 21-30 years (p<0.05), whereas its effect was non-significant in males aged 21-30 years and patients aged 31-40 years (p>0.05). Pre-cooling agent was found to be effective in decreasing pricking pain felt by patients.

Evaluating Distance between Vibrating Line and Fovea Palatinae in Class I, Class II and Class III Soft Palate Types

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the mean distance between the vibrating line and fovea palatinae in Class I, Class II and Class III Soft Palate types.&#x0D; Methodology: This study was conducted at Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences Karachi among 197patients. Duration of study was six months. All patients were examined for vibrating line clinically, assessed using phonation method. Subsequently, distance between vibrating line and fovea paltatinae was measured with uncalibrated compass in various contours of soft palate.&#x0D; Results: Out of 197 patient, the vibrating line was seen in130 (64%) anterior to fovea palatinae, whereas, 67 (34%) vibrating line was at the fovea palatinae. The mean distance of those anterior located vibrating line from fovea palatine was calculated as 2.13 (±0.82) mm in Class, 2.07 (±0.69) mm in Class II and 1.80 (±0.82) mm in Class III soft palate contours.&#x0D; Statistical analysis showed no significant between gender, while statistically significant difference among age group and mean distance of anterior located vibrating line from fovea palatinae were found.&#x0D; Conclusions: The mean distance of vibrating line which is predominately found anterior to the fovea palatinae was 2.07 (±0.77) mm.

Pre and post orthodontic treatment changes in the sagittal and vertical skeletal dimension following all four first premolar extractions.

Objectives: To determine mean change in sagittal and vertical skeletal dimension in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with all four first premolar extractions. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study design. Setting: Department of Orthodontics, Dr. Ishrat-Ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. Period: Six months from 18th August 2015 to 18th February 2016. Material &amp; Methods: 50 cases treated with all first premolar extractions were included in this study. The analysis was done on pretreatment cephalogram taken at time of enrolment and post treatment lateral cephalogram taken after 12 months of orthodontic treatment and then their measurements were compared to find out changes in the sagittal and vertical dimension. Results: Pre and post mean SNA, SNB, ANB and Pog-Nperp was not significant while mean A-Nperp was significantly changed after 12 month treatment (p=0.002). Regarding angular measurement, pre and post mean SNMP, FHMP, MMA, Go-OP, SN-OP, Y axis was not significant while mean SN-PP, UI_SN, IMPA was significantly reduced after 12 month treatment. Similarly vertical measurement, pre and post mean LAFH, PFH was not significant while mean UAFH and, TAFH was significantly reduced after 12 months of treatment. Conclusion: Sagittal and vertical skeletal dimension showed no significant change in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with all four first premolar extractions. Some degree of extrusion was noted in all orthodontic patients who have undergone all four first premolar extractions.

Oral Health Sciences students' views of the shift to remote teaching and assessment in response to COVID-19

Introduction An online survey investigated the views of students on the four-year Oral Health Sciences Honours degree course at Edinburgh University regarding the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and assessment. While delivery of remote teaching was generally viewed favourably, problem areas included clinic cancellations and clinical simulated case examinations. Oral Health Sciences graduates can practise as dental hygienist-therapists. Materials and methods An anonymous and voluntary online survey asked students to rate and comment on different formats of remote teaching and assessment. This material is supplemented by internal papers describing the planning and delivery of remote teaching and assessment. Results Nineteen of 29 students completed the survey (response rate: 66%). The interactive platform Collaborate was the most popular remote teaching format, although a number reported connectivity issues. Questionmark software, used to deliver a timed live examination, was rated highly. Cancellation of remaining clinical sessions was rated by Year 3 and 4 students as particularly problematic. Remote clinical simulated case examinations gave several students concerns. Other concerns were the impact on revision and adapting to different exam formats. Discussion The challenge was particularly complex as the curriculum involves a mixture of educational and clinical teaching and assessment, all requiring General Dental Council approval. Responses suggest remote teaching and assessment generally went smoothly. Results may help to inform future course development in this and similar courses in order to overcome or mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19. Conclusion The survey gave valuable and detailed feedback prior to the move to hybrid teaching.

Frequency and association of maxillary ectopic canine with incisor root resorption and dental agenesis.

To assess the frequency of maxillary ectopic canine both buccally and palatally displaced with incisor root resorption and dental agenesis. The cross-sectional study was conducted from April 8 to June 29, 2019, at the Department of Orthodontics, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, and Dow Dental College, Dow University Of Health Sciences, Karachi, and comprised orthodontic patients diagnosed with maxillary ectopic canine eruption. Root resorption and agenesis were diagnosed on panoramic films. Root resorption was further confirmed by periapical radiographs. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 98 subjects, 86(87.8%) had buccally displaced canines of which 38(44.2%) were associated with root resorption, while 12(12.2%) patients had palatally displaced canines of which 10(83.3%) had root resorption (p=0.011). Overall, 30(30.6%) lateral incisors were resorbed, 7(7.1%) both central and lateral incisors, 5(5.1%) premolars, and 6(6.1%) both lateral incisors and premolars were resorbed. Agenesis was detected in 10 (10.2%) subjects (p=0.62). There was found to be no association of maxillary ectopic canines with incisor root resorption and dental agenesis.

Comparative Effectiveness of Two Light Curing Units on the Properties of Dental Resin Composites

Background: Setting of conventional glass ionomers cement and dental resin composites as filling materials is predominantly through polymerization reaction, which is usually induced by light. The objective of this study was to assess the temperature changes, light intensities, sorption and solubility capability and comparative micro hardness in Dental Resin Composites (DRC) by using two different light curing units that is Quartz Tungsten Halogen (QTH) and Light Emitting Diodes (LED). Methods: This analytical, experimental, in-vitro study was spanned over one month, conducted in the laboratory of Dental Materials, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences. Through non-probability, convenient sampling, 60 samples of DRCs was prepared as 10mm in diameter and 2mm in thickness in the steel moulds by a single trained operator. Effect of heat generation, light intensities, sorption and solubility and micro hardness during polymerization of DRCs were all measured. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS with descriptive statistics and two sample independent t-tests. The p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered significant at 95 % confidence level. Results: Mean surface micro hardness of DRC was found to be 15.48±0.46 and 18.26±0.53 when QTH and LED lamps were employed respectively. Whereas, mean light intensity of QTH and LED lamps were found to be 434 and 925mW/cm2. No significant difference in temperature change during polymerization reaction (p=0.128) and in sorption and solubility capability (p=0.001) of DRC was observed. Conclusion: Light-emitting diodes were evaluated to be more effective than Quartz Tungsten Halogen Light in achieving increased surface micro hardness of DRC. Keywords: Light; Glass Ionomer Cements; Tungsten; Hardness.

Evaluation of Candidal Carriage Among Smokers and Non-Smokers

Objectives: To determine the Candidal carriage among smokers and non-smokers and with different intra-oral sites including examination of various biotypes of Candida. Study design and setting: Cross-sectional based study conducted at Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences and Dow International Dental College, Karachi, from May 2017 till April 2018. Methodology: Comprised 100 patients (50 smokers and 50 nonsmokers) between 20 and 60 years of age. The collection was performed through sterile cotton swab to evaluate oral Candidal carriage and the colonizing Candida species using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and API20C AUX (BIOMERIEUX). Data was analyzed Spss version 20. Results: A total of 100 participants (50 smokers and 50 non-smokers) were evaluated for candidal carriage. The common age group was 20-30 years in both the groups, without significant difference (p-value 0.79). Frequency of candidal carriage was comparable among smokers 14 (28.0%) to non-smokers 10 (20.0%), with a statistically insignificant p-value 0.35. Based on various biotypes among smokers and non-smokers, Candida albicans was 9(18%) and 7(14%), Candida glabrata was 4(8%) and 2(4%); and Candida tropicallis was 1(2%) each for both smokers and non smokers. Dorsum of tongue harbored all prevalent biotypes i.e. Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis as statistically significant among smokers (p-value 0.04). Conclusion: Candidal carriage was comparable among smokers and non-smokers. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were the common biotypes predominantly among smokers

Sleep medicine education in US and Canadian orofacial pain residency programs: Survey outcomes

The role of the dentist in the field of sleep medicine has grown significantly over the past few decades. This applies not only to the management of sleep disorders but also to the screening of those patients who may be at risk of developing a sleep disorder and the need to proceed with a thorough clinical interview, examination, and referral to a sleep physician when appropriate. Now more than ever, this requires education in dental schools about sleep, sleep disorders, the relationship between sleep and pain, and the management options. Dr. Moreno-Hay is an assistant professor and the program director, orofacial pain, Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Dr. Hernández is an associate clinical professor, Oral Medicine Graduate Program, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Dr. Mulet is an adjunct assistant professor and an associate program director, Orofacial Pain Graduate Program, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Villalon is a visiting faculty member, Department of Orofacial Pain, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Alonso is an assistant professor and the director, orofacial pain, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC. Dr. Lockerman is an instructor of surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, and a clinical instructor in orofacial pain, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. Dr. Bailey is a visiting instructor, Department of Orofacial Pain and a co-director of sleep medicine miniresidency, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.

Working together in clinical pathology: An interprofessional education initiative for dentistry, oral health, and medical laboratory science teachers and students.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Introduction. In the health professional education literature, there is a need for information about the teaching and learning of medical laboratory sciences for clinical practice. The goal of this reflection-on-practice is to describe how an orofacial pathology interprofessional education (IPE) initiative was designed and implemented. Innovation. The designers of this initiative were teachers from dentistry, oral health, and medical laboratory science. The designers used six interprofessional competencies (patient-centred care, role clarification, team functioning, collaborative leadership, communication, and cultural practice) to guide their construction of teaching and learning resources. The initiative required students to work collaboratively with a given patient case to develop a differential diagnosis, prepare a treatment plan, present their case to classmates and staff members, and describe how they worked together to address the orofacial pathology in their case. Evaluation. The designers collected and considered evaluation information including the learning resources used, logistical arrangements for the initiative, and evaluation data from students via an anonymous 10-item questionnaire. Students rated statements that addressed the six interprofessional competencies and provided written comments about the initiative. Outcomes. In general, the 18 students agreed strongly with all statements except for cultural practice. Written comments about the initiative were positive and indicated that students appreciated learning about their own discipline and that of other professionals in the context of providing oral healthcare involving orofacial pathology. What next? Given the acceptability of this initiative to the designers, facilitators, and students, the next step is to consider the feasibility of scaling-up this small voluntary IPE initiative into a permanent component of the dentistry, oral health, and medical laboratory science programmes. Aspects to consider include staffing, scheduling, assessment, and cultural perspectives.

COVID-19 and anatomy: Stimulus and initial response.

The outbreak of COVID-19, resulting from widespread transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, represents one of the foremost current challenges to societies across the globe, with few areas of life remaining untouched. Here, we detail the immediate impact that COVID-19 has had on the teaching and practice of anatomy, providing specific examples of the varied responses from several UK, Irish and German universities and medical schools. Alongside significant issues for, and suspension of, body donation programmes, the widespread closure of university campuses has led to challenges in delivering anatomy education via online methods, a particular problem for a practical, experience-based subject such as anatomy. We discuss the short-term consequences of COVID-19 for body donation programmes and anatomical education, and highlight issues and challenges that will need to be addressed in the medium to long term in order to restore anatomy education and practice throughout the world.

Natural variations in the appearance and the positions of the mental foramen in a selected population of Karachi (Pakistan).

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the most common appearance, horizontal and vertical positions of the mental foramen (MF), using the panoramic radiographs in a selected population of Karachi (Pakistan). As this is relevant to consider prior to plan any maxillofacial surgical procedures in order to avoid nerve injuries. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Radiology Department of the Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad khan institute of oral health sciences (Dow University of Health Sciences). Period: 25th September to 5th November 2018. Material &amp; Methods: Total 500 panoramic images were assessed. The study was divided in to the two group i.e. male and female adult patients in which the appearance, anterior-posterior positions and the superior-inferior positions of the MF was analyzed on the panoramic radiographs. Results: Total 500 OPG were accessed, the age ranges between 12 years to 73 years, 229 were male, 271 were females, and majority of MF were separated type (n=341, 68.2%) on right side and (n=373, 74.6%) on left side. And the most common superio-inferior position of the MF on both sides were position 2 (below the level of apices of 1st and 2nd premolar) on right side (n=387, 77.4%) and on left side (n=376, 75.2%), and the most common anterio-posterior position of the MF on both the right and left side is position 4 ( M.F lies in the line of 2nd premolars), on right side (n=269, 53.8%) and on left side (n=255, 51%). Conclusion: In this study the “separated type” was the most common type of appearance in both genders and the most frequent superio-inferior position of the MF is below the level of apices of 1st and 2nd premolar on both right and left sides. And the most common anterior-posterior position is within the line of longitudinal axis of 2nd premolar on both sides.