Private Dental Institution Research Articles

Malocclusion in Children with and without Cleft Palate - A case - Control Study

There is a principle agreement that malocclusion is a major health concern as it is the third most common oral disease, next only to dental caries and periodontal disease. As it is a major challenge for even normally abled children to handle these problems, questions arise as to the difference in the extent or severity of manifestation of malocclusion in the oral cavity of patients with cleft palate. The study aims to determine the prevalence of malocclusion in children with and without cleft palate. A sample size of 18 case sheets was reviewed for malocclusion in children with cleft only. The data was obtained from record management software of a private dental institute. Data was analysed using SPSS software, and Mann-Whitney was done. The results were recorded. Children with cleft palate showed higher incidence of malocclusion when compared to children without cleft palate. Within the limitations of the present study, children with cleft palate (case) showed a higher incidence of malocclusion than the control group.

Evaluation of Carious Primary Teeth that Causes Swelling In Children Visiting a Private Dental Institute - An Observational Study

The worldwide incidence of ECC was found to be 1.76 billion. If left untreated, these carious lesions have high possibility to progress into oro-facial swellings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the carious teeth in primary dentition, which causes oro-facial swelling. This observational study is carried out by observing the oro-facial infection in children and describing the associated carious teeth using GV Black's classification, ICDAS Criteria for carious teeth and also categorizing the caries index of the patient using dmft index. A total of 189 case sheets were reviewed, and cross-verification was done by photographs. Among the 189 case sheets, a total of 70 cases were selected after proper review. Out of 70 patients, 51 patients had Class 1 carious lesion, and 19 had Class 2 carious lesion all the teeth were categorized under ICDAS score 5 and 6, the mean dmft score was 8.64. Class 1 carious lesions with visible dentin were most commonly associated with Oro-facial Swelling in children. The carious teeth, which were ICDAS-6, were treated by extraction and which were ICDAS-5, were rendered pulp therapy.

Knowledge of Antibiotic Prescription Habit among Dental Students

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by almost all dental practitioners. The prescription habits of dentists vary among different groups of practitioners which can lead to various complications. This study aims in assessing the knowledge and practice on antibiotic prescription among the undergraduate students of a private dental college in Chennai. This study was conducted as a questionnaire based online survey in a private dental institute in Chennai. The data collection was done through google forms. Data was analysed using SPSS software.A correlation test and chi square analysis was done. On chi square analysis, the results showed p value 0.692. (> 0.05), does not have significant association. Most of the dentists preferred amoxicillin as their choice of antibiotics (82.35%). Majority of the dentists prescribed antibiotics for a period of 3-5 days (52.94%) and they prescribed antibiotics based on the symptoms of the patients. Thus, it can be concluded that the dentists had good knowledge on antibiotic prescription which is in contrary to many other studies, which may be attributed various limitations.

Knowledge and Perception about Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Habit — A Survey

Abstract Introduction: Nicotiana tabacum, a South American herb, is the main source of tobacco. The use of tobacco for medicinal purposes emerged in the 1400s, and later in 1800–1900, the presence of nicotine in tobacco was discovered, leading to tobacco abuse. Apart from tobacco use, manufacturing tobacco, packaging, and even disposal of cigarette butts and packages have an environmental effect. Tobacco is available in different types from manufactured cigarettes, hookahs, bidis, cigars, cheroots, and chewing tobacco. The main aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of health risks associated with tobacco habit in tobacco users. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among tobacco users visiting a private dental institution. A total of 100 participants were involved, and a questionnaire containing 21 closed-ended questions was prepared and distributed online using Google Survey Forms. The responses were collected, tabulated in excel, and statistically analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square test was done to assess the knowledge of the participants regarding the health risks of tobacco. Results: The majority of the participants smoked everyday for the past 3–10 years. Manufactured cigarettes were predominantly used among the 100 participants. The majority of the participants were aware that smoking causes lung and heart diseases in adults. Most of the participants were also aware of passive smoking. Conclusion: Immense programs regarding disposal of cigarette butts and awareness in young adults should be practiced to reduce the consumption of tobacco.

Evaluation Of Clinical Presentation Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma In A Private Dental Institution

Evaluation Of Clinical Presentation Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma In A Private Dental Institution

Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Perspectives Regarding Tobacco Cessation Program among Students in Private Dental Institution at Chennai –A Cross Sectional Study

Aim: Dentists could play an important role in tobacco cessation counseling. This study is conducted to assess dental professionals’ understanding of tobacco prevention and control methods. Material and Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in which a close-ended, self-administered 30 item-questionnaire was distributed among 130 interns at private dental institutions in Chennai. Demographic data, tobacco use status, attitudes toward cessation programs, perceived barriers and counseling procedure was filled by the surveyed subjects. Results: About 97.7% of the dental interns agreed their role in helping patients to quit smoking. Though 82.3% enquired all their patients regarding their smoking status, 86.9% of them feared improper follow up. Nearly 85.4% of the respondents believed that the counseling done is effective but only 32% anticipated successful intervention and 21% of them were very confident in conducting it. Conclusion: It was concluded that although dentists were aware of their obligations towards smoking cessation counseling for patients but certain factors like lack of time, confidence, ,training ,absence of reimbursement and fear of losing patients were the common barriers for the same. Expansion of armamentarium to include tobacco cessation counseling strategies in clinical practice must be adopted by all dental professionals.

Aviation Dentistry: is it an Unexplored Field of Dentistry? A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: There is an increase in the number of flight travellers and with it comes the risks of developing in-flight dental conditions that evokes pain at higher altitudes. The knowledge about such conditions are necessary among the dentists to prevent such phenomena. Aim: To assess the knowledge and familiarity about aviation dentistry among dentists. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted among 170 postgraduates and dental professionals in a private dental institution. A pilot study was conducted among 30 individuals, and the questionnaire was validated. Data was analysed by SPSS package 20. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used. Results: 61.8% of the individuals were not familiar with the term aviation dentistry. A statistically significant association was found between familiarity with aviation dentistry and the qualification of the dentists and also between familiarity with aviation dentistry and years of experience of the dentists with a p value < 0.05. Conclusion: The study result shows the lack of knowledge about aviation dentistry among postgraduates and dental professionals.

Preference of Root Canal Obturation Materials for Pulpectomy Procedures by Students in A Private Dental Institution - A Retrospective Study

The present study aims to evaluate the choice and preference of the oobturating materials for pulpectomy of primary teeth in patients at Saveetha Dental college. Retrospective data of 2438 patients was obtained and segregated. Retrospective data of 2438 patients was obtained and segregated who visited between June 2019 to April 2020. After obtaining the data it was statistically analyzed using SPSS software by IBM Version 20. Out of the materials analysed in this study, Metapex (96.4%) was the most commonly used followed by Zinc Oxide Eugenol (1.8%) then Endoflas(1.5%) and the least used was Vitalex (0.16%). Metapex was the most widely used obturation material in Undergraduate and Postgraduate sections whereas Vitapex was used only in the Postgraduate Section. Metapex was most commonly used in anteriors. Whereas Endoflas, zinc oxide Eugenol and vitapex were most commonly used in posteriors (p=0.002). Males had undergone a greater number of pulpectomy procedures in comparison to females and there was a statistically significant association between the gender of the patient and the obturating material (p value =0.02). A statistically significant association was obtained between the choice of obturating material and age,gender of the patient and the tooth number ( using Chi square Test). Within the limits of the present study it is observed that the most common type of obturating material that is used is Metapex. Further studies are to be done to formulate a clear and distinct clinical practice guideline for pulpectomy procedure.Further awareness programmes that should be conducted to bring out better clinical outcomes and help the society holistically.

Audit on The Type of Antibiotics Used for Post-Operative Surgical Management of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Development of potentially severe complications secondary to head and neck cancer surgeries is commonly noted. Role of prophylactic antibiotics in head and neck surgeries has been proven with sound literature evidence. Certain studies have reported that the rate of wound infections when antibiotics were not used was as high as 87% whereas 10% of studies reported decreased surgical site infection (SSI) following antibiotics. This study aims to find out the various antibiotics and their combinations used for post opervative management of Oral Squamous cell carcinoma patients at private dental college in Chennai. The aim of the current study was to audit on the type of antibiotics used in postoperative management of Oral squamous cell carcinoma in a private dental institution in chennai. Data was procured from case records of patients undergoing surgical management for oral squamous cell carcinoma.The information obtained was tabulated in Ms-Excel and analysed using SPSS. 62.5% of the cases had cefotaxime and metronidazole prescribed postoperatively while other combination used in 37.5% of the cases were gentamicin, sulbactam, clindamycin and ofloxacin. Cefotaxime and metronidazole were predominantly used in the management of postoperative oral squamous cell carcinoma cases and 25% of the postoperative infections were associated with Cefotaxime and metronidazole combinations.

Is Individual deprivation measures associated with dental anxiety and socioeconomic status of patients visiting dentists.

To assess the association between Individual deprivation measure with dental anxiety and socioeconomic status among patients visiting dentists in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 patients aged 18-70 years who visited a private dental institution. Data on socio-demographics and detailed history about dental visits were obtained. Dental anxiety was measured using Corah Dental Anxiety Scale along with Individual deprivation measure questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS package 20. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study, 38% belonged to 31-40 years of age, 56% were male, 16% postponed dental visit due to dental anxiety, 54% belonged to upper middle class and 64% of the subjects had moderate anxiety. In all, 71.9% of the subjects with moderate anxiety were not deprived and 88.9% of upper middle class subjects were not deprived. Significant association was found between socioeconomic status and dental anxiety with Individual deprivation measure with a P < 0.05. Increasing socioeconomic status was associated with more deprivation and dental anxiety was higher among less deprived patients. Individual deprivation measure was associated with dental anxiety. Less deprived and higher socioeconomic class population had a significant higher dental anxiety.

Perception of Saudi parents towards the problems related to primary dentition of their children residing in Riyadh city.

Background:The parental awareness and perceptions help in early recognition of problems in deciduous dentition, which will help us plan better preventive measures. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the perceptions of Saudi parents residing in Riyadh towards the problems related to primary dentition of their children.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients attending private dental institution in Riyadh city. Information about demographic details, questions related to maintenance of primary teeth, and future implications of poor primary dentition health were collected. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used for the analysis. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.Results:A total of 1773 male and females filled up the survey form, which comprised of 28% males and 72% females, and maximum parents (68%) were university graduates. Overall better responses were in females and parents having more children.Conclusion:Over all mothers had a higher level of knowledge and positive attitude towards their children's oral health as compared to fathers. Developing and strengthening optimistic outlook among parents towards oral health especially primary dentition is utmost important.

Effectiveness of Arthrocentesis in Management of Internal Derangement Of TMJ In Patients Reporting to a Private Dental Institution in Chennai - A Retrospective Analysis

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of TMJ arthrocentesis procedure in patients with internal derangement of TMJ. This retrospective study analysed the data of 86000 patients,record of 22 patients who have underwent arthrocentesis procedure were obtained,7 patients were filtered out as the study population based on the strict exclusion and inclusion criteria. Parameters such as Pre Op & Post OP VAS(Visual Analogue Scale) score,technique used were included.Data was recorded in Microsoft Excel 2007 software and then exported to IBM SPSS 20 Statistics Software. Out of 7 patients female n=3,Male n=4, Mean of age =33.71 + 11.265 & Age ranging from 20-55. Pre Op VAS score ranged from 4 to 7. Mean of the Pre OP VAS score was found to be 4.71+2.289. The Post Op VAS score ranged from 0-2 and the mean of the Post OP VAS score mean=0.29 +.756. Two types of techniques were used;Single injection technique n=4 and Double injection technique n=3. Statistical analysis for correlation was done using Pearson’s correlation method and it was found that the positive correlation was seen between Pre op VAS Score and Post op VAS Score (P

Smartphone Usage among Female Students of a Private Dental Institution in North Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Smartphones are now a part of our lives. We are increasingly depending on smartphones for almost everything. This technological prodigy has started infiltrating every aspect in our day to day lives to alarming levels. Objective: To determine the pattern of usage of smartphones by female students of dental institution in North Kerala. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 152 female students. A closed ended, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the number of hours spent, reasons for using, most commonly accessed applications, pattern of usage in response to different situations encountered, and whether or not they experience anxiety if the phone is not in possession. In addition, background data such as age, gender, place of residence, and year of study were also elicited. Student's t-test and analysis of variance were used to compare mean hours spent with respect to place of residence and year of study. Results: Everyone possessed a smartphone and spent about 5.1 ± 4 h on its usage. Final years spent significantly more time on their smartphone (P = 0.03). Sixty six percent reportedly checked their smartphones even when there was no notification. About 52% resorted to “phubbing” to end a conversation. Almost 80% accessed their smartphones during stress and 61% stayed awake longer than usual to access smartphones. WhatsApp™ was the most commonly accessed application, and 59.8% used their smartphones for social networking. Conclusion: The variables used in the study indicate trends reflecting increased usage and dependence on smartphones. This is unhealthy and needs effective strategy to create awareness among the masses for a balanced use of smartphones.

Correlation between bizygomatic and maxillary central incisor width for gender identification

Objective: The aim of the present study is to analyze and evaluate the applicability of bizygomatic and maxillary central incisor width in identifying the sex of an individual for anthropological studies. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 individuals in a private dental institution. The width of the central incisor was measured by requesting the subject to bite onto a sheet of modelling wax. The bizygomatic width was calculated with the help of a divider by taking the most prominent area of the zygomatic arch as the reference point bilaterally. Berry’s formula was used to calculate the width of the maxillary central incisor from the bizygomatic width. Berry’s Formula “Width of the maxillary central incisor = Bizygomatic width / 16.” The data obtained was tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: The results in our study indicated that the widths of both maxillary central incisors and the bizygomatic width were found to be higher in males when compared to females with a positive strong correlation. Conclusion: The Berry’s index can be used for identifying the gender and can also be used for facial reconstruction.KeywordsBerry’s index; Bite mark; Bizygomatic width; CentralIncisor; Gender identification.

Common Patient Positioning Errors in Digital Panoramic Radiographs of Patients Visiting A Private Dental Institution

Common Patient Positioning Errors in Digital Panoramic Radiographs of Patients Visiting A Private Dental Institution

Perceptions of freshman dental students regarding academic environment

Background: Quality of future dental workforce is passively determined by their perceptions to curriculum and academic environment. Aim: The aim of the study is to know the anticipations of the freshly joined dental students about their educational environment using Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire and comparing it after the completion of the 1st year. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal study conducted in a private dental institute. DREEM questionnaire was given to 84 freshman students on the day of joining institute and after completion of 1 year. The Statistical Package for the Social Science, version 21 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for analysis of data, and 95% confidence interval was used for analysis of data. Mean and standard deviation were calculated. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare overall mean DREEM scores, subscales scores, and individual scores on two occasions. Level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Mean DREEM score on the first occasion was 147.8 and completion of the 1st year was 124.6 with a discrepancy of 23.2. Conclusions: Students have positive perceptions for their academic environment at the time of joining institute and after completion of 1 year in the institute with DREEM score obtained was above 101 (indicating more positive than negative environment) on both occasion.

Effectiveness of Oral Health Education Given in Private Dental Institutions in Chennai

Effectiveness of Oral Health Education Given in Private Dental Institutions in Chennai

Awareness and approaches in treating patients with special needs among dental practitioners of Chennai City: A pilot study

Background: Special children are among the underserved dental patient groups around the globe, and their oral health care still remains an unmet challenge among the dental practitioners. One out of two persons with a disability cannot find an oral health professional resource to provide appropriate dental care. The identification of barriers can be the first step in addressing the deficiencies in dental care for such patients. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward treating patients with special care need among private dental practitioners employed at a private dental teaching institution. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among a conveniently sampled 45 dental professionals from the same institution who were both private dental practitioners as well as academicians. The study was conducted between November 2017 and December 2017. Participants were interviewed through a validated questionnaire, which consisted of 14 items. The questionnaire comprised demographic details of the participants, their years of dental experience, disabled patients they had encountered so far in their practice, and questions related to their attitude, perception, and practice to provide oral health care for patients with special needs. Informed consent was obtained from the participants prior to the study. The data obtained were entered into Microsoft Excel 2010 and descriptive statistics was computed using the SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Results: A response of 71% was obtained. Majority of the dentists (65%) were unaware of the Right to Disability Act. Half of the dentists (50%) felt teledentistry would do more good to people with special needs. About (31.8%) of them felt inadequate training to handle patients with special needs as major barrier faced while treating them. Conclusion: Majority of the study participants felt inadequate training among the dental practitioners as barrier to treat special needs patients and hence suggested incorporation of special care dentistry into the dental curriculum.

Assessment of habit of self-medication among non-teaching staff of private dental institute

Background: Self-medication refers to the use of medicines without prescription to treat self-identified illness. It is a worldwide prevalent practice. It is a common scenario that personnel engaged in health-care setup are closely related to the medicines which physicians prescribe, as a result of which they practice self-medication as well as prescribe medication to others also. The present study is aimed at assessment of habit of self-medication among nonteaching staff of VSPM Dental College.Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the habit of self-medication among nonteaching staff of VSPM Dental College and Research Centre (DC and RC), Nagpur. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 65 nonteaching staff of VSPM DC and RC, Nagpur. The informed consent was obtained from the participants. A prevalidated questionnaire was distributed among them, and data were collected by interview survey method.Results: Self-medication was highly prevalent among the participants of the present study. 53.48% of participants often self-medicate and 74% of them advised medications to others also. Majority of them (54.28%) were taking self-medication, as it was a time-saving option for them; 27.14% among them said that there is no need to visit a physician in case of minor illness. 69.80% of them visit a doctor only in case of serious illness, and very few, i.e., 12.30% were going for regular checkup.Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication practices was alarmingly high in the present study. The holistic approach must be taken to prevent this problem from rising which would involve awareness and education regarding the implications of self-medication.

Undergraduate dental students' perceptions regarding educational environment in a private dental institute in India

Introduction: Developing countries with improper dentist population ratio like India cannot lose health-care students during their undergraduate training period. Educational environment indirectly influences academic outcome of students needed to be assessed quantitatively so that perceptions of students can be acknowledged. The present study is influenced by this concern to understand views of students about the climate of their institute. Aim: The aim of this study is to gauge students' perceptions about their educational climate in a dental college in India and to evaluate the differences if any, related to gender and year of training with regard to perceptions toward educational environment. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire as the survey instrument. Questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate dental students (n = 326) within study duration of 6 months by primary investigator. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were computed. t- test and one-way analysis of variance were used with level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Overall DREEM score of institute was 126.46 indicating positive perceptions among students for their educational environment. Statistically significant difference was obtained for gender and year of study (P ≤ 0.05). A total of nine problem areas (individual mean score <2) were identified in the present academic environment. Conclusions: Undergraduate dental students have positive perceptions regarding their educational environment with some problematic areas needing proper action and intervention.