University Dental College Research Articles

LIP FORENSICS; CHEILOSCOPIC PATTERN AMONG POPULATION OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN.

Introduction: Personal identity is an attribute of a mankind which makes him or her unique. Cheiloscopy is one of the sciences which is used to study and examine the lip prints pattern in order to establish the personal identity in Forensic Medicine. Objectives: To categorize lip patterns in female population of different divisions of Punjab, Pakistan according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi’s classification. Study Design: Descriptive, Cross-sectional study. Setting: The present study was conducted on 357 female students of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of University Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. Period: March-June, 2018. Methods: After obtaining informed consent students were asked to stand erect and their lip prints were taken on the glass slide. Next carbon black powder was dispensed on the slide and the latent lip print pattern was obtained. The slide was preserved by using cellophane tape and lip prits patterns were scanned. These patterns were then categorized according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi’s classification by using Software Adobe Photoshop version 6.0. Results: The results showed that most participants were from central Punjab (70%) followed by Southern Punjab (19%), Western Punjab (9.6%) and Northern Punjab (1.4%). The most common lip print pattern was Type I (66%), second was Type II (17.3%), then Type IV (7.1%), after that Type III (5.1%), Type Iʹ(2.5%) & last was Type V (1.7%). Conclusion: The most common lip print pattern in females of Punjab, Pakistan is Type I while the least common is Type V.

Gender Distribution Of Depression Among Undergraduate Medical Students By Using PHQ-9 Scale

Objective: To evaluate the depression on different stages (mild, moderate and severe) among undergraduate students of pre-clinical & clinical settings on the basis of gender. Study Design and Setting: The cross sectional study was carried out among undergraduate medical students of Bahria University medical and dental College (BUMDC) Karachi from September 2017 – December 2017. Methodology: The participants were 125 medical students of first year MBBS and 125 students of final year MBBS which were labeled as pre-clinical and clinical groups respectively. The survey instrument used was PHQ-9 scale. This scale divides depression into mild, moderate and severe categories with the help of scores. Percentage of students in different levels of depression was calculated in both the groups. Results: Mild depression was experienced more (39%) in pre-clinical medical students and (32%) in clinical students. On the other hand clinical medical students showed an upward trend for “severe depression” (19%) as compare to preclinical students (6%) as showed in Table 1. Gender based comparison was done between male and female students in pre-clinical and clinical groups separately. Strikingly, the results showed that females were more depressed than males in both cohorts. Conclusion: It was concluded that severe depression was equal in males and females in the preclinical group as compared to clinical group. Gender based comparison showed that severe depression was higher in females than males of clinical years whereas mild and moderate depression was also more frequents in females of clinical years.

Perceived stress, severity and sources of stress among female medical students in a private medical college in Pakistan.

To investigate apparent stress, severity and sources of stress among female medical undergraduate students. The cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted at the University Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad, Pakistan, from August to December, 2016, and comprised female medical students from first year to final year. The students were divided into pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 514 students, 271(52.7%) were in the pre-clinical group with a mean age of 19±1 years, 111(21.6%) were in the para-clinical group with mean age 20.59±0.77 years, and 132(25.7%) were in the clinical group with mean age 21.83±1.03 years. The marks of the students were negatively related with stress scores in all groups, but they were highly significant in pre-clinical year only (p0.001). Severe stressors stated by respondents were, 'raised parental expectations', 'frequent examinations', 'sleeping difficulties', 'anxiety about the future', 'quality of food in the mess', and 'accommodation away from home'. The subjects showed high levels of stress. Major stressors were academic and psychosocial.

Radiographic evaluation and determination of hypercementosis patterns in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Hypercementosis (HC) is an asymptomatic excessive cementum deposition at the dental root apex. There is a lack of research that determines the pattern and associated factors of HC in Saudi Arabia. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 815 Orthopantomograms (OPGs) that was obtained from a total of 14003 female patients archived OPGs. The OPGs were retrieved from the Kodak Carestream-R4 database for the period between 2015 and 2017 at Taibah University Dental College and Hospital (TUDCH), Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia. Width and radiodensity of HC were measured and the distribution was calculated. Association between HC and factors including age and nationality were explored. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. The mean/SD age of HC affected patients (9.8%) was 30.16 ± 13.1 years, of whom 55% were Saudis. The mean/SD width and radiodensity of the hypercementosed roots were 4.14 ± 1.2 mm and 119.86 ± 29.83, respectively. The mandibular teeth were more frequently associated with hypercementosis (65%) specifically first molars (47.5%), while the majority (64%) had a single unilateral distribution pattern. There was a non-significant association between nationality, age, and HC (P = 0.921, P = 0.633, respectively). Hypercementosis observed in 9.8% of female patients attending TUDCH which was primarily unilateral and prominently confined to the mandibular teeth roots. The complication of teeth extraction among female patients in Almadinah region should be anticipated.

Radiographic evaluation of hypercementosis in Al-Madinah region, KSA: A retrospective cross sectional study

BackgroundHypercementosis (HC) is an excessive cementum deposition at the root apex which is asymptomatic condition that often makes routine tooth extraction difficult. There is a lack of research that evaluates and determines patterns and correlations of hypercementosis in Saudi Arabia. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate HC prevalence, anatomical location, distribution and radiographic characteristics among female patients who attended the dental college and hospital, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Almunawwarah, (KSA) between Jan 2015 and Nov 2017. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. 815 random digital Orthopantomograms (OPGs) were selected out of 14003 OPGs for the period between Jan 2015 and Nov 2017. The selected sample were retrieved from Kodak Carestream-R4 database at Taibah University Dental College & hospital (TUDCH). Width, length, radiodensity of HC were measured and the anatomical distribution of HC was calculated. Association between HC and factors including age and nationality was investigated. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. ResultsAmong the selected 815 OPGs, 80 (9.8%) roots were affected with HC. The mean age of HC affected patients was 30.16 ± 13.1 years, of whom 55% were Saudis. Mandible was found to be affected twice than maxilla (65%), (35%) respectively. First molars were the most affected teeth (47.5%). The majority of affected teeth had single unilateral distribution pattern (64%). The right side was affected higher than the left side with a percentage of 53% and 47% respectively. The mean width of HC lesion was 4.14 ± 1.2 mm, mean length was 5.2 ± 1.7 mm while the mean radiodensity was 119.86 ± 29.83 pixel intensity. There was no significant correlation between nationality, age and HC (P = 0.921, P = 0.633, respectively). ConclusionHC has been found in 9.8% of female patients attending TUDCH, which is mainly affecting the mandibular teeth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, general dentists and dental students should be aware of the high prevalence of HC among Al-Madinah population in order to anticipate and minimize teeth extraction complications. RecommendationFurther validation of OPGs findings with histological examination and comparison between male and female in different regions of Saudi Arabia (multi-center study) are required. Conflict of interestThe authors declared that there is no conflict of interest. Ethical considerationsThe present study was carried out in accordance with The Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki). The study was approved by Research Ethical Committee of Taibah University (TUCDREC2Ol7O3O7Farghal). All patients’ personal information was not identified and only the researchers had access to the records.

Perception And Barriers Of Research Conduction Among Faculty Members Of BUMDC

Objective: To identify the perception and barriers regarding research conduction among faculty members of BUMDC Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted in Bahria University Medical and Dental College from June-September 2018. Participants both male and female with minimum one year of clinical/academic experience were included. Exclusion criteria were those faculty members not willing to participate and visiting faculty members. Results: The response rate of this study was found to be 116/133 (87.21%). Faculty members of MBBS were 74(63.8%), BDS faculty 34(29.3%) and DPT faculty 8 (6.9%). Most difficult area of research was found to be statistical analysis 56 (48.3%). Research is a important component of medical education 83 (71.6%) respondents strongly agreed. I consider research as a part of long term career goals 55 (47.4%) strongly agreed. Barriers were Lack of funding was strongly agreed by 44 (37.9%). Lack of time was agreed by 49 (42.2%) respondents and strongly agrees. Conclusion: Perception of faculty was found to be positive regarding conduction of research. Majority of faculty members reported that research is an important part of medical education to enhance knowledge. Lack of funding, time and access to journal were found to be barriers in conducting research. Interest in research will develop if these barriers are minimized.

Revisited maxillary sinus pneumatization narrative of observation in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective cross-sectional study

ObjectivesMaxillary sinus pneumatization (MSP), is linked worldwide to number of factors. MSP measurements and assessment alongside potential correlates in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia (SA) awaits identification. Materials and methodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Taibah University Dental-College and Hospital, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah; SA. The analysis included 700 female patients digital Orthopantomogram (OPG), of which 535 (76%) OPGs were usable. MSP was established according to the distance between the maxillary sinus floor and posterior teeth apices number 15, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27 and 28. MSP categorized as followed: Sever MSP (Category I), Moderate MSP (Category II) and No MSP/normal (Category III). Descriptive statistics, and inferential analysis were carried out. ResultsMean age of the patients was 30.11 (±10.26) and 290 (54.5%) were Saudi nationals. Severe pneumatization (category I) was prominent in the right and left first and second molars, 16, 26, 17, 27 (66%, 64%, 63% and 62%, respectively). A statistically significant difference (P < 0.0005) was observed between pneumatization categories in all sites. Furthermore, the impact of young age on levels of MSP was statistically significant (P < 0.05) on most teeth. However, nationality was non-significantly (P > 0.05) associated with MSP levels. ConclusionHigh percentages of female patients showed bilateral sever MSP in the upper molar area, specifically, young age group. Clinical significanceThe oro-antral communication during extraction and surgical cases of female patients’ maxillary teeth is possible. This should be considered during dentists’ daily practice in this geographic area of SA.

Oral Hygiene Practice And Perceived Oral Malodour Among Dental And Medical Undergraduate Students Of Bahria University Medical And Dental College

Objective: To determine the differences of self-perception of halitosis and oral hygiene practices among the medical and dental undergraduate students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted over duration of 9 months amongst the medical and dental undergraduate students of Bahria University Medical and Dental College. The questionnaires were distributed to 298 students. Questionnaire employed for this study was adopted and modified from the study conducted by Khalid Almas et al. Descriptive statistics were checked by means of percentages and frequency for all variables. Chi-square test was applied to check significant difference among the responses given by the medical and dental undergraduate students. Results: The response rate for the survey was about 85%. 55% of dental and 17 % of medical students were able to smell their breath. About having examination by dentist about 73% of medical students agreed as compared to 53% of dental students. Both medical and dental students preferred having examination done by the dentist. For management of halitosis, dentist was preferred by 62% of the dental students, while 97% of the medical students did not agree. 62% of the dental students preferred using traditional medications, while 82% of the medical students preferred using self-medications for treatment. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is not a high level of agreement among dental and medical students concerning the detection and management of halitosis. Although large percent of the respondents claimed to be aware of dentistry, our findings revealed low level of knowledge and attitude to Dentistry by the medical undergraduate students. Efforts should be made towards closing this knowledge gap to attain effective oral health.

Oral Cancer Awareness Among Medical &amp; Dental Students of Bahria University Medical and Dental College

Oral Cancer Awareness Among Medical &amp; Dental Students of Bahria University Medical and Dental College

Intraobserver and Interobserver Reliability Assessment of the Proximity of Maxillary Molars to the Maxillary Sinus Using Cone-beam CT

Purpose of the study: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the vertical and horizontal relationships between the root apices of maxillary molars and the maxillary sinus floor (MSF). And to examine the Intra- and Interobserver reliability of this assessments.Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Taibah University Dental College & Hospital. We evaluated the vertical and horizontal relationships between the root apices of maxillary molars and the maxillary sinus floor according to modified classification from Kang et al. 2015 study. Kappa agreement coefficient was calculated to examine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Frequency and proportions were tabulated, and Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model analysis was performed for the test of significance. Results: The sample contained 216 maxillary molars in total, with 56 missing molars, the analysis was performed on 160 maxillary molars. Kappa agreement coefficient was 0.9857 for intraobserver reliability and were 0.9799 and 0.9803, respectively for interobserver reliability. Concerning vertical measurements, the highest frequency was found in group two (58.8%) where there was close contact between maxillary molar root apices and MSF. For the horizontal relationship, most teeth were in the second group where the MSF is centrally located (37.5%).Conclusion: Our study showed that most of the maxillary molars in our sample had close contact with floor of the maxillary sinus which was centrally located in most of our cases. Also, our study stated that the assessment classification was highly reliable that greatly will assist the clinician to relay on for the assessment and preceding knowledge of relationship between maxillary molars and maxillary sinus floor before any surgical dental procedures which is valuable for preoperative treatment planning and the inhibition of complications.

Effectiveness of school dental screening on dental visits and untreated caries among primary schoolchildren: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

BackgroundDental caries is one of the most common diseases affecting children in Saudi Arabia despite the availability of free dental services. School-based dental screening could be a potential intervention that impacts uptake of dental services, and subsequently, dental caries’ levels. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two alternative approaches for school-based dental screening in promoting dental attendance and reducing untreated dental caries among primary schoolchildren.MethodsThis is a cluster randomised controlled trial comparing referral of screened-positive children to a specific treatment facility (King Saud University Dental College) against conventional referral (information letter advising parents to take their child to a dentist). A thousand and ten children in 16 schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be recruited for the trial. Schools (clusters) will be randomly selected and allocated to either group. Clinical assessment for dental caries will be conducted at baseline and after 12 months by dentists using the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria. Data on sociodemographic, behavioural factors and children’s dental visits will be collected through structured questionnaires at baseline and follow-up. The primary outcome is the change in number of teeth with untreated dental caries 12 months after referral. Secondary outcomes are the changes in the proportions of children having untreated caries and of those who visited the dentist over the trial period.DiscussionThis project should provide high level of evidence on the clinical benefits of school dental screening. The findings should potentially inform policies related to the continuation/implementation of school-based dental screening in Saudi Arabia.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03345680. Registered on 17 November 2017.

Periodontal Health Status and Microbiological Analysis of Orthodontic Patient in Dhaka Bangladesh

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the level of bacteria in dental plaque associated with fixed orthodontic appliances.Materials and Methods: This longitudinal observational study was done during April’2014 to September’2014 in the Department of Microbiology, Primeasia University, Banani, Dhaka. The 100 samples were collected purposively from the Department of Orthodontics, University Dental College and Hospital, Dhaka and reported private Orthodontic clinic of Bangladesh. The microbiological test was done in the Department of Microbiology, Primeasia University, Banani, Dhaka.Results: The study result showed, there were significantly increased plaque accumulation as well as microorganisms in patient who wear fixed orthodontic appliances than normal subjects. Most of the organisms were streptococcus and most organisms were sensitive to antibiotic except eromycin, sensitive to paste (triclosan and fluoride) but resistant to mouth wash.Conclusion: The components of fixed appliance can hamper proper oral hygiene maintenance increases the chance of accumulation of plaque that lead to caries. So appropriate tooth brush with proper paste can inhibit microbial colonization on tooth surfaces.Ban J Orthod &amp; Dentofac Orthop, April 2015; Vol-5 (1-2), P.17-23

Endodontic Procedural Errors by Students in Two Saudi Dental Schools.

Objective:To explore endodontic procedural errors committed by undergraduate dental students in King Khalid University (KKU), Abha and AlFarabi dental college, Riyadh.Methods:In this cross sectional study, a questionnaire was distributed to 500 dental students from both schools and of both genders in the 5th and 6th levels in the academic year 2016–2017. Participants were asked to record their endodontic procedural error(s) that had occurred during training.Results:Returned and eligible questionnaires were 469 (93.8% response rate) and were almost equally distributed by university (KKU and Alfarabi). The participants’ age ranged from 22 to 24 years, and approximately 47% of them were female students and 65% were 6th level students. Almost 56% of the sample reported at least one endodontic procedural error during their training. Female students reported errors (65%) more frequently than the male students (49%; P=0.002). Up to 54% of these errors were in the posterior teeth and 65% were in teeth with curved roots. Most common error during access cavity preparation was gouging (68%) and due to instrumentation was ledge formation (47%), during obturation was voids (41%). There were no differences in the reported endodontic errors between the two universities.Conclusion:The frequency of reported endodontic procedural errors by senior dental students in both schools, more specifically those in the 6th year, is high. Ledge formation and voids in the root canal filling are the most frequently reported endodontic errors.

Potential Drug-Drug Interactions among Patients prescriptions collected from Medicine Out-patient Setting.

Objective:To identify and evaluate the frequency, severity, mechanism and common pairs of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in prescriptions by consultants in medicine outpatient department.Methods:This cross sectional descriptive study was done by Pharmacology department of Bahria University Medical & Dental College (BUMDC) in medicine outpatient department (OPD) of a private hospital in Karachi from December 2015 to January 2016. A total of 220 prescriptions written by consultants were collected. Medications given with patient's diagnosis were recorded. Drugs were analyzed for interactions by utilizing Medscape drug interaction checker, drugs.com checker and stockley`s drug interactions index. Two hundred eleven prescriptions were selected while remaining were excluded from the study because of unavailability of the prescribed drugs in the drug interaction checkers.Results:In 211 prescriptions, two common diagnoses were diabetes mellitus (28.43%) and hypertension (27.96%). A total of 978 medications were given. Mean number of medications per prescription was 4.6. A total of 369 drug-drug interactions were identified in 211 prescriptions (175%). They were serious 4.33%, significant 66.12% and minor 29.53%. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions were 37.94% and 51.21% respectively while 10.84% had unknown mechanism. Number wise common pairs of DDIs were Omeprazole-Losartan (S), Gabapentine- Acetaminophen (M), Losartan-Diclofenac (S).Conclusion:The frequency of DDIs is found to be too high in prescriptions of consultants from medicine OPD of a private hospital in Karachi. Significant drug-drug interactions were more and mostly caused by Pharmacodynamic mechanism. Number wise evaluation showed three common pairs of drugs involved in interactions.

Antibiotic Self-Medication for Oral Conditions: Characteristics and Associated Factors

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and contributing factors of antibiotic self-medication for oral conditions in dental patients. Material and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 501 patients attending Taibah University Dental College and Hospital, Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia during late 2016. Questions were on socio-demographic characteristics, and pattern of antibiotic self-medication for oral disease. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software version 21. Statistical significance level was set at p ≤.05. Results: Age range was 15-64 years (29.08±9.32 years) with 297 females (59.3%) and 204 males (40.7%). 135 patients (27%) self-medicated with antibiotics for oral disease. This practice was statistically significantly associated with the older adults (p=0.001), lack of medical or dental insurance (p=0.014 and 0.007, respectively), and poor dental attendance (p=0.021). A number of 26 (25.7%) perceived analgesics as antibiotics. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the most commonly cited antibiotic by 18 patients (17.8%). Dental pain was the most frequently reported oral condition. Pharmacists were the most common source for antibiotic prescription cited by 58 (57.4%). Conclusion: Antibiotic self-medication for oral disease is associated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for non-indicated clinical oral conditions. The practice was encouraged by lenient behavior of pharmacists, lack of health insurance, and poor dental attendance.

Utilization Focused Evaluation at Bahria University Medical & Dental College.

Objective:To evaluate integrated learning program of neurosciences for continuation of integrated learning in the forthcoming teaching and learning modules of undergraduate medical curriculum at Bahria University Medical & Dental College (BUMDC).Methods:A mixed method design was conducted from August 2016to February2017 after ethical approval from BUMDC. The quantitative aspect was evaluated retrospectively by desk records ofmarks obtained in integrated module and nonintegrated module. Focused group discussionwere conducted with primary intended users (chair of integration committee, faculty and students of first and second year MBBS)to share their expectations and concerns and get responses on key evaluation questions for implementationand outcome evaluation of integrated learning program.Results:The desk record revealed a positive perception of students and faculty at the time of implementation with improvement in results after integration in subjects of basic sciences. The discussions highlighted reasons which resulted in failure of its continuation and affirmedreadiness for re-induction and continuation of integration with clinicalsciences.Conclusion:Evaluators considered approval and re-application of integrated curriculum at BUMDC after utilization focused evaluation.

Interview with Prof Praveen Mishra

Prof. Dr. Praveen Mishra was born in November 11, 1962 in Pipara, Mahottari district. He completed BDS from University of Bombay in 1985, MDS (Orthodontics) from Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 1995 and Post-doctoral Fellowship from MAHE (Mangalore) in 1996. Currently, he is the Professor and Head, Department of Orthodontics at Kantipur Dental College. He has served as Head, Department of Dental Surgery at NAMS (Bir Hospital); Chief of Oral Health Focal Point; Dean, National Academy of Medical Science; and Secretary, Ministry of Health &amp; Population, Government of Nepal during 2009-14.He has also served as the President of Nepal Dental Association, Founder President of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedic Association of Nepal, Executive Member- Nepal Medical Council. He is the Visiting Professor at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan; University Dental College, Dhaka. He is the Fellow of Academy of Dentistry International, International College of Dentists and Pierre-Fauchard Academy.

BREAST FEEDING AND WEANING PRACTICES IN RURAL AREAS: ITS RELATION TO MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF AGE

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study is to see the current breast feeding and weaning practices in our rural areas and its impact on the growth of children less than one year of age. Design: It is an observational descriptive study. Place and duration of study: Madinah Teaching Hospital University Medical and Dental College Faisalabad from June to September 2015. Patients and Methods: A total of 300 children belonging to rural areas were included in the study. The address was noted from the CNIC of father/mother/caregiver. Only children &lt; 1 year of age belonging to rural areas were included in the study. Infants having chronic illnesses like congenital heart disease, Asthma, Tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiency or congenital defects like cleft palate and lip were excluded from the study. The weight of each infant was recorded and Classified according to gomezs classification for malnutrition on a predesigned proforma. The data was assessed by using SPSS version 19. Results: Out of 300 infants 121 were on exclusive breast feeding, 81 were on predominant breast feeding and 98 were not being given breast milk. Early ablactation was also observed, at the age of&gt;8-12 months 36 children were not being given breast milk. Weaning foods were started in 152 infants only. The infants who were not being given breast milk were the worst affected group by malnutrition, 37 infants had 3rd degree malnutrition similarly the infants who were not given weaning foods were also affected adversely by malnutrition , 40 infants had 3rd degree malnutrition as compared to 17 who were being given weaning foods. Conclusion: The breast feeding practices in our rural areas are not optimal, the timing and quality of weaning foods are also not appropriate. There is a significant association between breast feeding and weaning patterns with malnutrition in infants less than 12 months of age.

Students' views of mentoring at Bahria University Medical and Dental College.

Objective:To explore the mentoring program on a subset of Pakistani medical students in a private medical college.Method:Total students targeted were 300 MBBS students of 1st Year (group B), 2nd Year (group C) and 3rd Year (group D), of these 256 students filled the self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on Likert Scale. The statements in the questionnaire are designed in a positive manner so that if the students agree to them the level of satisfaction with the mentoring program was considered significantly good. Open-ended questionnaires were also given so as to have a clearer concept of the students’ perception. This study is a mixed method study catering to both quantitative and qualitative domains.Results :The overall results reported that the junior students of group B and group C showed higher satisfaction in being mentored as compared group D (p-value=0.001). All three groups were compared with each other to check the response of every statement by applying Tukey’s test. Analysis of the result showed that majority of the students considered mentoring program a beneficial tool for their academic and non-academic lives. The students of all three years have reported that the mentor is mostly available and helps to reconcile internal conflicts. They also confirmed that their mentor keeps records but most of the students have reported that communication via email is limited.Conclusion:Majority of students of Bahria University Medical and Dental College are able to carry on with their academic and non-academic routine due to the presence of mentoring. The medical students appreciated the presence of a mentor during thick and thin; they have also accepted that it is due to the presence of this guide that they are able to continue with their difficult studies in these difficult times.

Forensic odontology: Supernumerary teeth, their importance, and a radiographic study in identifying supernumerary teeth

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of panoramic radiographs (PRs) in identifying supernumerary teeth (ST) which can be useful to identify the individual in case the ST are impacted which cannot be seen clinically. Materials and Methods: The study analyzed the specificity and sensitivity of PR in identifying ST among the 180 dental undergraduate students in a University Dental College, India. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Saveetha Dental College, India. Positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated and analyzed. Results and Conclusions: The overall (all examiners) sensitivity and specificity figures for identifying patients with ST were 88.5% and 94.2%, respectively [Table 1]. The overall PPV for this study was 93.5% and the NPV was 89.6%. The sensitivity and specificity figures for students who have completed internship were 88.8% and 95%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for students who are currently doing internship were 87.9% and 93%, respectively.