Introduction: Dental anxiety is a common and potentially distressing problem, both for the patients and for dental practitioners. It is considered to be the main barrier and affects the working lives of dental professional potentially compromising their performance. Aim: To know the effect of aromatherapy in the reduction of dental anxiety and to compare the anxiety levels of dental patients with the control group. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was used. Of 40 dental clinics in Khammam town, 10 dental clinics were selected by simple random sampling method. A total of 100 patients attending the dental clinic for the first time were included in the study. Ambient odor of lavender was maintained with a candle warmer. A questionnaire comprising demographic information, smoking status, Modified dental anxiety scale (Humphries et al. in 1995), was given to the patients when they were waiting in the waiting room. Student's t-test and ANOVA test were used for data analysis. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: Considerable decrease in anxiety scores in 3 age groups was observed. A statistically significant (P = 0.002) decrease with age in mean anxiety score. A significant difference in anxiety scores of lavender group, a significant decrease of anxiety scores with an increase of age. Conclusion: Lavender decreased the current anxiety scores of patients effectively.

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Introduction: Oral hygiene practices are not taught as meticulously as general hygiene in schools. There is a dire need for effective and convenient oral health education program in schools. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of two different health education interventions in 12-year-old school children in Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted in two schools of North Bengaluru which were randomly selected and allotted to Group A (received oral health education from a class teacher, trained by a dental professional; n = 30) and Group B (received the same education from the dental professional; n = 33). Oral prophylaxis for both the groups was done at baseline. Assessment of oral hygiene was done for all the subjects using Silness and Loe plaque index and oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) along with reinforcement of health education at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. An adapted version of the World Health Organization Oral Health Questionnaire for children was administered to the participants at the beginning and end of the study to assess the oral health knowledge and practice. Mann–Whitney U-test and t-test were used for comparing the mean scores of two groups. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between Group A and Group B in the plaque scores at all 3 follow-ups (P < 0.001) and in OHI-S scores last two follow-ups (P < 0.05). There was an increase in knowledge score postintervention for both groups which was significant; however only Group B be showed significant improvement in practice (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Oral health education conducted by the dentist was found to be more effective than that given by a trained teacher.

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Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition, with a prevalence of up to 10–20% in the general population. GERD may involve damage to the oral cavity, and dental erosion may occur with a higher frequency. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of dental erosion in GERD patients and to evaluate the association between dental erosion and possible risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow among patients attending outpatient department between June and August 2014. The study group comprised 91 subjects with GERD and 114 subjects without GERD. Information regarding symptoms of GERD, medicines, any chronic disease, and dietary habits were recorded. Dental examination was done to assess the presence or absence of dental erosions and its severity was measured using O'Sullivan Index (2000). Statistical analysis was done using Mann–Whitney U-test and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: Of 91 GERD patients, 87 (95.6%) patients had dental erosion. In both groups, association between frequent intake of fruit juice, carbonated drinks, milk, yoghurt, fruits, and tea/coffee with occurrence of dental erosion were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In GERD patients, association between intake of milk and occurrence of dental erosion were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Association of medication with dental erosion was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma were also found to be statistically significant with dental erosion (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that GERD patients were at increased risk of developing dental erosion compared to controls.

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Introduction: Pediatricians are often the first health professional whom children visit but very few patients have presented in the orthodontic clinics with referrals from pediatricians, an indication that the primary caregivers may be deficient in the knowledge and skill to recognize cases requiring orthodontic intervention. Aim: To explore the knowledge, attitude, and practices of pediatricians regarding orthodontics. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey of 40 questions was conducted among pediatricians in Haryana. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between January 2015 and June 2015 (6 months) among 198 pediatricians practicing in Haryana state, India. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 19, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Frequency distribution and measures of central tendency were generated for all numerical values, and descriptive and inferential analysis was done using Chi-square test. Results: Knowledge level among the study participants was low. Although a majority (84.9%) agreed for a need for oral health assessment during general examination of the children in practice less than half (41%) did so citing problems, the lack of adequate training being the most common (41%). Conclusions: The need for more education of the pediatricians regarding orthodontics was perceived. Effective and appropriate involvement of pediatric primary care clinicians can be expected only after they receive the appropriate training and encouragement and problems with the dental referral environment are addressed.

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Introduction: Tobacco use is a major public health challenge worldwide and to counter the global tobacco epidemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to provide new legal dimensions for international health cooperation. Further WHO introduced the MPOWER package to monitor the tobacco control programs among the countries to accomplish the FCTC objective. Aim: The aim is to quantify the implementation of MPOWER tobacco control policies in South East Asia Region (SEAR) from the year 2008 to 2015. Materials and Methods: Information was collected from the WHO report on the Global Tobacco epidemic program SEAR from 2008 to 2015 using MPOWER. This assessment was based on the checklist which was designed previously by Iranian and International tobacco control specialists in their study on tobacco control. Results: Various countries of SEAR were ranked by scores and these scores were obtained from each indicator for each activity. Among SEAR region, Thailand got the highest scores and significant positive change was seen from a score of 8 in 2008 to 32 in 2015 where certain countries like Korea and Timore-Leste showed no significant positive change. Conclusion: Tobacco control policies have reduced the tobacco consumption, but still multisectoral efforts are needed toward effective enforcement of the law to bring about a significant decline in the prevalence of tobacco use.

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Introduction: Education is an igniting force amidst an obscure world bringing illumination into forefront. Understanding an educational program can assist with quality assurance by identifying where a program can be improved. Fundamental right of students to freely express their views and their active role in the decision-making process is a cornerstone of any academic program. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess students' perceptions of educational environment using Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, questionnaire-based study was conducted in a private dental school of Bhubaneswar city. The study population included 194 undergraduate students of the 3^rd and final year, who were personally approached by the investigator to complete the questionnaire (response rate 88.14%). Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 program. Comparisons were done using Student's t-test. Results: The mean DREEM score of the study sample indicated a positive learning perception (119.65 ± 19.68). There was a statistically significant difference between genders with respect to mean scores of perception of teachers. Conclusions: Dental students rated their learning environment as positive. It gives a valuable insight as to how students' view the course, enabling the school to address specific concerns.

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Introduction: Evaluating a patients' risk is an essential primary step in the prevention of dental caries. Based on its results, different preventive strategies catering to patients' specific needs should be advised. Aim: To assess and compare the knowledge, attitude, and practice among dentists who are either attached with an institute or running a private practice or both in Delhi-National Capital Region regarding caries risk assessment (CRA) and management. Materials and Methods: Knowledge, attitude, and practices of dentists' regarding CRA and management were assessed through a 30-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 21.5. Frequencies were used to assess the demographic information, knowledge, attitude, and risk assessment practices. Results: Dental professionals with institutional attachment were better aware of the importance of CRA and practised it more frequently as compared to the dentists who were solely attached with a private practice. This attitude could be due to lack of time and inclination to treat more number of patients in a working day. Pedodontists were more aware than other specialists. Conclusions: There is a need to update knowledge regarding CRA and incorporate preventive practices in daily work schedule among dentists of all specialties.

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Introduction: Dental negligence is very common among mentally challenged children. That might be due to their condition makes it difficult to maintain good general and oral health and so their dentition may be ravaged by dental problems. Aim: To assess and compare the dental caries experience and treatment needs of institutionalized mentally challenged and normal children of age group 6–13 years in Mysore. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among institutionalized mentally challenged and normal children of age group 6–13 years in Mysore. Modified World Health Organization proforma and predesigned questionnaire to assess dental caries experience and treatment needs. Results: Means number of decayed, extracted, filled teeth and decayed, extracted, filled surface score was higher among mentally challenged compared to normal children. The findings were found to be statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). The mean number of decayed missing filled teeth and decayed missing filled surface score for mentally challenged and normal children in relation to gender were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Temporomandibular joint problems and dentofacial anomalies were common among mentally challenged children compared to normal children. Conclusion: Health professionals should, therefore, be aware of the impact of mental illness and its treatment on oral health, health personnel should receive training to support and provide all possible services to this population.

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Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are defined as heterogeneous group of psychological disorders, commonly characterized by orofacial pain, chewing dysfunction, or both. Aim: To determine the prevalence of TMD and to describe the association between parafunctional habits and signs and symptoms of TMD among 15–17-year-old school children in Lucknow. Materials and Methods: This study followed a cross-sectional design, with a sample of 407 school children aged 15–17-year-old. A single, trained, calibrated investigator interviewed the participants according to Fonseca's Anamnestic Questionnaire-1994, which provided information on the prevalence of TMD, followed by the clinical examination of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) according to WHO (1997). Chi-square test and Univariate and Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis were used. Results: The prevalence of TMD was (22.4%). There was no statistically significant association was found between age, (P = 0.81) gender (P = 0.09) and TMD. Nail-biting (88.3%) was the most common habit, followed by clenching/grinding (68.4%) and mouth breathing (53.4%). However, habits and TMJ symptoms were found statistically significant P < 0.01 or P < 0.001 associated to TMD. Further, adjusted (age and gender) logistic regression analysis revealed that digit-sucking, mouth breathing, nail biting, and clenching has made a significant contribution to prediction (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The habits especially digit-sucking, mouth breathing, nail biting, and clenching had statistically significantly associated with TMD.

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Introduction: Supervised toothbrushing program at schools have indicated limited improvement in oral hygiene among children. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the use of an intra-oral camera as a reinforcement tool in a supervised tooth brushing program at school can improve plaque control. Materials and Methods: A double-blind, parallel, two arm interventional study was conducted among 120 school children from 2 schools, aged 12-year in Pune. The study group received an intervention of supervised toothbrushing and reinforcement sessions for 30 days using intra-oral camera. The control group received only supervised toothbrushing. Evaluation for plaque control was performed at the end of 30 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Analysis of co-variance was used to find the intergroup difference at different time intervals. Analysis of variance was used to find the intragroup differences of the plaque scores. Post hoc Bonferroni test was used to find the pairwise changes in plaque scores between different time intervals. Results: In the study group, the mean plaque score was reduced to a significant extent from baseline to 30 days and 3 months (P < 0.05) and then the plaque score remained stable until the end of 12 months. While in the control group, the plaque score increased compared to baseline. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean plaque scores of study and control group at each time interval (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Intra-oral camera can be effectively used as a reinforcement tool in supervised toothbrushing program at school for achieving higher plaque reduction.

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Introduction: As many oral health problems are preventable, creating awareness at a very early age has an impact on their health-related behaviors. Aim: To assess the impact of oral health education on plaque scores with and without periodic reinforcement among 12-year-old school children. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted among 12-year-old children of Manchi School, Balapur in Hyderabad. The study sample comprised 140 children that was further divided randomly into study and control groups with 70 children in each. The study was conducted for a period of 1 month with clinical examination being carried out at baseline and on 30^th day using Turesky, Gilmore, and Glickman modification of Quigley–Hein Plaque Index (1970). The study group received oral health education at the baseline and on the 15^th day from the baseline, whereas control group received oral health education only at the baseline. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon matched paired test. Results: Mean difference in the plaque scores among groups based on gender from baseline to follow-up examination (30^th day) revealed that males in the study and control groups had a difference of 1.09 ± 0.3, 0.59 ± 0.3, respectively (P = 0.001). On the other hand, females in the study and control groups had 1.47 ± 0.2, 0.76 ± 0.2 difference which was statistically more significant (P = 0.0001). The study and control groups showed 61.7% and 32.6% reduction in the mean plaque scores from baseline to follow-up examination (30^th day). Conclusion: Study group with reinforcement showed a prominent reduction in the mean plaque scores than control group.

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Background: Anganwadi workers (AWWs) play a vital role in improving health of the community whom they serve especially in rural areas. They form a potential vehicle for disseminating even oral health-related message and knowledge. Aim: To conduct a systematic review of observational studies to assess AWWs' knowledge and awareness regarding oral health. Materials and Methods: Relevant cross-sectional observational studies were included in the systematic review to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding oral health among AWWs. Eight studies out of 32 were finally included in the present review after conducting both electronic and manual search of scientific databases like PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. No limitation in terms of publication date was considered. Potential biases were reported and appropriate data were extracted by the concerned investigators. Results: More than 90% of subjects had education till graduation level in some studies. Very few subjects were aware regarding the role of fluorides in other two studies (7.9% and 3.4%). Very few subjects (17.1% and 37.5%) felt the need for visiting a dentist during pregnancy in two studies. Majority of the subjects cited tooth decay/pain as the main reason to visit the dentist in three studies. There were only two studies in which > 90% of subjects were aware regarding the association of oral health and general health. Conclusion: The results of the present review had shown that knowledge and awareness of AWWs is not adequate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further education on certain preventive and curative aspects of oral diseases and maintenance of oral health.

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Introduction: India is estimated to have the third highest number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the world with about 20.89 lakh people currently living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes, and ignorance among the school students are major hindrances to prevent the spread of HIV. Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS among the higher secondary school students of Jaipur city. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study comprising 613 higher secondary school students (male = 390, female = 223) from Jaipur city were included in the study. The city was divided into 4 zones and one school from each zone was selected randomly. A questionnaire assessing the knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS was distributed among the senior school students. Pilot study was done among 50 students to test the validity of the questionnaire. Results: All the students (100%) in our sample knew what is AIDS. About 96.2% of the students knew that AIDS is not a simple disease, the correct knowledge about the modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS was nearly 85.6% and about 94% of students would not leave the school if there was an AIDS student in their class. Eighty-four percent of students believed that students with AIDS should not go to special schools and about 95.8% students believed that HIV individuals must be supported, treated, and helped. Conclusion: The students had satisfactory knowledge about HIV/AIDS and their attitude toward this group of people was good. There is need and opportunity to provide factual and precise knowledge on HIV/AIDS for school students. There should also be a drive to increase education and awareness about HIV/AIDS in educational institutes.

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Introduction: Adolescence is a crucial period of transition with personal responsibility for preventing dental disease. The outcome of health education program has shown considerable results. The knowledge which children received during health education program paves way for the first steps to their healthier life. Aim: To study the impact of oral health education on oral hygiene status of patients aged 12–18 years, attending outpatient department. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based randomized controlled clinical trial with 100 participants (allocated into 50 study group and 50 control group) aged 12–18 years attending the outpatient department, constituted this study. Participants were assessed for basic oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices using a questionnaire. The oral hygiene status was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI) and patient hygiene performance (PHP) index. After oral prophylaxis, oral health education was given only to study group. Both groups were reassessed after 4 weeks. The values were compared. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 15. Results: Comparison shows more reduction of mean OHI score, and PHP score in the study group than control group with a significant P value. Conclusion: Oral health education demonstrates the satisfactory impact on oral hygiene among adolescents.

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Introduction: The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and anganwadi workers form a strong link between the healthcare delivery system and rural community. The utilization of the dental care facilities by ASHA and anganwadi workers can be an indicator of oral health awareness among them. Aim: To assess the dental care utilization among ASHA and anganwadi workers and their oral diseases status. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the community health center, Chintamani, Karnataka. All the ASHA, anganwadi workers present on the day of the study were included in the study. A proforma was used to record demographic details, oral health care utilization during the previous year, reasons for last dental visit, and oral health status. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were performed using SPSS version 16 (SPSS IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The study participants were 321 in number. Among them, 141 (43.9%) were ASHA workers and 180 (56.1%) were anganwadi workers and 28.3% utilized dental services. However, 309 (96.7%) of the participants had oral diseases. There was a significant difference (P = 0.002) in the proportion of the dental care utilization and oral diseases among the participants. Conclusions: The dental care utilization was low and is not proportional to the disease present in the study population.

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Introduction: Gingival recession is a common esthetic and undesirable problem that causes distress among individuals of all ages throughout the world. Identifying and diagnosing such a common clinical entity at an early stage, especially in young population groups, help them to restrict its progression through preventive methods. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of gingival recession and role of various predisposing factors in nonmedical professional students in Nellore district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 1079 engineering students. The subjects were interviewed for personal habits and examined for intraoral distribution of gingival recession and its various predisposing factors. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test and Phi and Cramer's V coefficient. Results: The prevalence of gingival recession was 24.29% of the studied population. The prevalence of gingival recession is higher in males (68.7%) than in females (31.3%). There was a significant association (P < 0.05) between gingival recession and width of attached gingiva, tooth malposition, type of frenal attachments, simplified oral hygiene index, type of brush, and fremitus test. Conclusion: The prevalence of gingival recession was higher in males than in females with varying predisposing factors. Emphasis should be made on awareness of various periodontal problems and preventive methods to avoid future tooth loss in younger adults.

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Introduction: Preschool oral health is an overlooked aspect of childhood health and well-being. Early childhood caries (ECC) is an infectious and multifactorial disease of the childhood. Several factors play a role in the etiology of disease. Aim: To predict the risk factors for occurrence of ECC in children aged 3–6 years of Anganwadi centers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study consisting of 3009 children aged 3–6 years attending Anganwadi centers of Bangalore South. Required and relevant information regarding feeding practices and oral hygiene practices were obtained. Multivariate regression analysis was performed for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of ECC was 31.4% with mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) of study population is 1.15 ± 2.28. Mean DMFT among males and females were 1.31 ± 2.48 and 1.01 ± 2.07, respectively. Habit of bottle feeding in the night (P < 0.001 and odds ratio [OR] of 1.32), in between meal, snacks (P < 0.001 and OR of 1.24) were the risk factors for caries in this study. Conclusions: The present study provides an insight regarding the risk factors involved in predicting ECC in children.

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Introduction: Many variables of interest in healthcare research are abstract concepts. Reliable and valid instruments are required for the researchers to study complex constructs. Hence, measuring and reporting validity of instruments is incumbent where content validity shows to be a promising tool. Aim: To content validate the Kannada translated modified service quality (SERVQUAL) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A modified SERVQUAL questionnaire consisting of 15 close-ended questions was prepared and translated to Kannada language. Content validity of the questionnaire was calculated by content validity ratio after distributing to a panel of five subject matter experts (SME's). SME scored the questionnaire according to relevance, clarity, simplicity, and ambiguity. It was later modified according to the inputs of SME's, and final content validity index of the questionnaire was obtained. Results: The content validity scores based on the relevance, clarity, simplicity, and ambiguity were 0.97, 0.97, 0.97, and 0.94, respectively for the translated and modified SERVQUAL Kannada questionnaire. Overall, CVI score was 0.96. Conclusion: The content of the present questionnaire is validated in respect to relevance, clarity, simplicity, and ambiguity. It can be utilized in future by the researchers for assessing the SERVQUAL of hospitals in Kannada language.

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Introduction: Most school oral health programs (SOHPs) focus on either oral health education or preventive aspects of oral health. This scoping review emphasizes the significance of the knowledge application to design and implement SOHP which is more industrious and result oriented. Aim: To highlight, those school dental health programs which have approached the school oral health from all possible planes, i.e., education, prevention, treatment needs, and follow-up. Materials and Methods: Document 11 of WHO information series on school health for planning the intervention was utilized to obtain the initial benchmark for “best practices.” Electronic database MEDLINE, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and SCOPUS were searched. Our search strategy included a 3 staged extraction. The first based on the title, the second was based on abstracts and the third stage was based on the full text. Hand search of the key journals was also done. Results: A total of four studies were finally selected and studied to indicate the best practices of the programs. Conclusion: Public health dentistry should now focus on SOHP planning and implementation in terms of management. We need to expand our horizons beyond clinical outcome and short-term goals to accumulate knowledge.

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Introduction: Many oral squamous cell carcinomas develop from premalignant lesions/conditions of oral cavity. Hence, the awareness of such lesions/conditions is important. Aim: To assess the awareness about existing oral precancerous lesions/conditions among patients arriving for dental treatment at a dental hospital, in Nashik city of Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect information from 80 patients with existing oral precancerous lesions/conditions attending the dental hospital, in Nashik city of Maharashtra. The questionnaire included questions to ascertain information on sociodemographic parameters, awareness, and sources of information about of oral precancerous lesions/conditions, habit of tobacco, areca nut chewing, smoking, alcohol, and combined habits. Results: We found that 40% (n = 32) respondents knew about the existence of lesion in their mouth of which only 50% (out of 40%) had thought that it was precancerous lesion/condition. Among all subjects, only 47.5% (n = 38) were aware of oral precancerous lesions/conditions. Television was the major source of information about oral precancerous lesions/conditions almost all the subjects (97.5%) wanted more information about oral precancerous lesions/conditions but through television (42.5%) and lectures (27.5%). Conclusion: Awareness of patients (coming to hospital) about oral precancerous lesions/conditions was found to be low. The people must be made aware of symptoms, signs, and preventive strategies of oral precancerous lesions/conditions through their preferred media – television and lectures.

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Introduction: A dental visit provides the patient with an opportunity to discuss the habit of tobacco consumption and its detrimental effects on oral and general health. Cessation advice, as well as pharmacological therapy, has been used by health professionals to help patients quit tobacco use. Aim: To investigate the knowledge and practices of tobacco use cessation (TUC) interventions among final year students and interns in Chennai, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional random sampling technique was used to collect information from final year students and interns, from four dental colleges in Chennai. Data regarding TUC interventions were obtained using a structured and self-administered questionnaire, comprising 30 questions. Results: A total of 53% and 47%, final year students and interns, respectively participated in the study. The response rate was 75%. Statistically significant associations were observed between the students' year of study and their views on the inclusion of TUC in clinical practice (P < 0.05) as well as the advice/interventions practiced by them (P < 0.05). Significantly higher proportions of interns, when compared to the final year students (P < 0.05) regarded periodontal disease as a symptom of tobacco consumption, agreed that tobacco use could cause implant failure, informed patients about the negative effects of smoking on oral health, discussed the ill-effects of passive smoking and admitted to helping their patients quit smoking. Conclusion: Several parameters related to TUC interventions were different among final year dental students and interns. This study reveals that significant numbers of dental students are not practicing any TUC methods in their routine dental curriculum which might help patients discontinue tobacco use.

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Introduction: Some of the dental materials possess occupational hazards, preprocedural errors, and patient allergies as suggested by evidence. With due consideration to safety of the patients and dental professionals, it is essential that the trade of these materials is in conformity with the law. Aim: To perform the legal analysis of the information displayed on the packaging of dental materials. Materials and Methods: The Bureau of Indian Standards sets guidelines for packaging and marketing of dental products in India. An exploratory cross-sectional study was performed using various search engines and websites to access the laws and regulations existing pertaining to dental materials packaging. Based on the data obtained, a unique packaging standardization checklist was developed. Dental laboratory and impression plasters, alginates, and endodontic instruments were surveyed for all the available brands. This study considered 16 brands of plasters and alginates and 42 brands of endodontic instruments for legal analysis. Legal analysis was performed using the direct observation checklist. Descriptive statistics were obtained using SPSS version 19. Results: The guidelines set by the Bureau of Indian Standards do exist but are not updated and stand as oblivious guards for marketing standards. Overall compliance to the guidelines was reported to be 18.5% by brands of alginates, 4.1% by plaster of Paris, and 11.11% by endodontic instruments. Wave One^™ File reported maximum adherence with the guidelines as 66.7%. Conclusion: This study found lower rate of adherence to the guidelines, thus indicating insufficient information being disclosed to the consumers.

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Introduction: The research knowledge translation along with evidence-based learning in health systems has increased during the last decade, particularly because of the recognition of its importance for achieving many of the Millennium Development Goals. Till now, no studies have highlighted the learning atmosphere in dental learning institutions. Aim: To assess learning culture in a dental institution in National Capital Region of India applying the dimensions of the learning organization questionnaire (DLOQ). Materials and Methods: DLOQ pro forma was distributed among 236 employees at all levels of the dental institution. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19.0; Chicago; IL, USA and was subjected to quantitative analysis and nonparametric tests. Results: The dimension “embedded system” scored the lowest mean of 2.36, while the dimension “systems connection” scored the highest mean of 4.02 in general. A significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between the means of the different professions was noted, whereas on comparison of the relation between each of the professions were performed and a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) with respect to all the seven dimensions was also noted. Conclusion: The results provided sufficient inputs about the multidimensional learning organization capacity of a dental school in a rapidly developing country like India. This tool can be used as a reliable assessment technique in a dental learning setting to inculcate a wave of individual and organizational learning.

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Introduction: The effect of fluoride in the reduction of dental caries is well established, its effect on periodontal tissues is enigmatic. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between dental fluorosis and the periodontal status. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 600 subjects suffering from fluorosis. Variables such as age, gender, and smoking, which could act as covariates for the periodontal disease were recorded. The oral examination included assessment of oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), community periodontal index and treatment need, and assessment of dental fluorosis by Jackson's fluorosis index. Results: Periodontitis was more common in females than in males. As the age advances, the rate of periodontal disease increases steadily. Periodontitis was significantly associated with poor oral hygiene and tobacco usage. As the degree of fluorosis increased, the severity of gingivitis reduced and periodontitis increased. Conclusion: There is a strong association between the degree of dental fluorosis and periodontal disease along with other factors such as age, gender, OHI-S, and tobacco usage.

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