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Background: The medicinal benefits of guava have been discussed in many ethnopharmacological studies. Extract from the guava leaves is known for its spasmolytic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Its effects on saliva have been least explored. The study aimed at evaluating the effect of chewing guava leaves and xylitol gum on salivary pH. Materials and Methods: The study design was a randomized, single-blind, crossover type. Forty-five volunteers were chosen based on selection criteria for the study. The participants were asked to chew guava leaf and sugar free xylitol chewing gum for about 90 s and the salivary pH was assessed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in pH on comparing the two groups. pH comparisons between different time intervals showed significant differences in both groups (P = 0.001). Post hoc comparisons of pH after chewing guava leaves showed significant differences between different time intervals (P = 0.001) except between 30 and 60 min (P = 0.377). Post hoc comparisons in the xylitol group showed significant differences between different time intervals (P = 0.001) except between baseline and 30 min (P = 0.071) and between 30 and 60 min (P = 0.83). Conclusion: Chewing guava leaves showed a similar effect and had a better short-term effect when compared to xylitol chewing gum at different time intervals.

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Background: Evidence-based practice requires clinical trials to be conducted including dental research. In India, if any clinical trial is to be conducted, it is expected to be registered with the Clinical Trials Registry–India (CTRI) as mandated by regulatory bodies, ethics committees, and journal editors. Aims and Objective: The present study has been undertaken to assess the type and trends of dental clinical trials being registered with CTRI over a span of 9 years. Methodology: For this, dental/dentistry trials were extracted using the keyword “dentistry” from the Study Type section of the CTRI (www.ctri.nic.in). Results: The dental trials registration started from just 8 trials in the year 2011 and it has now reached to 400–500 trials from various dentistry disciplines per year. While the registration trends reflect an increase in the number of dental trials registered in CTRI over the years, the number of trials being submitted is low. Conclusion: This indicates the need for greater awareness and dissemination at the grassroots level including students and researchers. There is no dearth of dental research and academic institutions in India and the combined efforts of all stakeholders will not only enhance the dental trials registration numbers but also improve the standard of dental research in the country.

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Background: Decayed, missing, and filled teeth and def indices are the preferred choices for dental caries quantification. Lacunae in earlier caries indices led to Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment Needs Index (CAST) development. CAST index measures caries experience of a single tooth and overall dentition in a hierarchical level of caries severity. Aim: This study aimed to compare CAST and def indices in measuring dental caries among 3–6-year-old school children in and around Bhimavaram town, Andhra Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. A single examiner conducted survey among 898 3–6-year-old school children at randomly selected schools. Caries experience was recorded in a structured pro forma using CAST and def indices. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. Inter- and intragroup comparisons were made by Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U–tests, respectively. Correlation between def and CAST indices was explored by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: Caries prevalence with CAST index (45.7%) was marginally higher compared with def index (44.7%). No statistically significant difference was found between mean deft scores measured with CAST and def index (P = 0.87). High statistically significant difference in mean def scores with def index and def component of CAST index for 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year age groups was observed (P < 0.001). A strong correlation in measuring dental caries (P < 0.001) and similar percentage of agreement for application (98.5%) was observed between both the indices. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was found in measuring caries experience indicating the similarity between CAST and def indices in quantifying dental caries. CAST index provides more detailed information of caries prevalence, experience, and severity compared with def index.

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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on mental health status of all health-care workers. Among them, dentists are at high risk due to being in close contact, facing moral responsibilities to reduce routine work, and financial implications which follow. We performed a study to assess the mental health status of dental professionals all over North India in present times. Materials and Methods: A structured 27-item questionnaire developed on Google forms was circulated to dentists across North India. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Scale was used to assess/grade depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 was used to screen/grade anxiety and worry/fear regarding other related aspects was studied. Results: One hundred and fifty-five responses were obtained, and data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 25.0. All participants belonged to the age range of 23–65 years with 78 males, 76 females, and 1 other. A majority of dentists (59.4%) were experiencing depression and considerable proportions (46.5%) were experiencing anxiety. Nearly all dentists (98.1%) were worried about changing dental practices and majority (72.9%) were fearful of doing aerosol procedure despite using protective equipment. The data were further analyzed for variation based on gender, qualification, years of experience, and job. Conclusion: In a pandemic, amidst burden of physical/financial needs, psychological needs are often overlooked. Currently, a considerable portion of dentists across North India are already experiencing mental health issues, there is a need to implement strategies to tackle the same.

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Introduction: Hematologists have always had a keen interest in researching the pathophysiology and clinical relevance of hematological parameters in various populations. Factors that may affect hematological and serum biochemical parameters might include gender, age, body mass index (BMI), season, and nutrition. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association of hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelets with the age, gender, and BMI of patients who came to the hematology section of the department in the regular outpatient department (OPD) services. Materials and Methods: We had selected 300 patients randomly who came to the hematology section of the department in the regular OPD services. We had calculated height and weight of the patient after their consent and calculated their BMI. The selected patients were categorized into five age groups from Group A to Group E (20–30 years, 31–40 years, 41–50 years, 51–60 years, and 61–70 years), into males and females (Group A and Group B), also according to BMI into four groups (Group A – BMI <18.5 kg/m^2, Group B – BMI <18.5–25 kg/m², Group C – BMI >25 kg/m², and Group D – BMI >30 kg/m²). Blood sample was collected from each patient in an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anticoagulant and was analyzed using a hematological autoanalyzer. Results and Discussion: A decline in hemoglobin (HB) levels and RBC count was observed above 30 years, and it decreased more in females. The mean age of obese subgroup was found to be significantly more among males. Whereas, underweight and overweight were found to be significantly more among females. HB, RBC, and platelet count did not show any significant difference among the subgroups of BMI category, but WBC count was found to be adequate in majority of the subjects with normal weight. Conclusion: In our study, we found an age-dependent decline in HB levels in the age group above 30 years. RBC and platelet count did not show any significant difference among the subgroups of BMI category, but WBC count was found to be adequate in subjects with normal weight.

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Background: Dental schools are known to be highly demanding and stressful learning environments. The identification of the potential sources of stress is important in dental education programs to take various measures for preventing stress in the dental school environment. Aim: To assess stress perception and coping strategies adopted by final year undergraduates at dental teaching institutes in Gujarat. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among final year students of dental institutions of Gujarat. The validated and translated questionnaire comprised the modified version of the dental environmental stress scale. A four-point Likert scale was used to record the responses from the participants. The participants were asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire about coping strategies. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Responses were received from 560 students. Out of 27 items, 22 items were reported to be stressful by more than 75% of the students. Six items were reported to be stressful by 100% of the students. Seven items were reported to be highly stressful among 27 items. Focus in problem, detachment, focus on positive, tension reduction, and keeping to self were the only significant predictors for total stress level. Conclusions: A contemporary dental school should address potential stress sources effectively. Strategies for stress management must be incorporated and evaluated on a timely basis in dental education to ensure the educational and professional well-being of dental undergraduates.

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Background: Literature reviews over the world have shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental practitioners. As a result, they commonly experience musculoskeletal pain during the course of their careers and often have to limit or even abandon their professional activities. This has a negative impact on their finance and even on their healthy life. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence and distribution of MSDs among dental practitioners in Nellore city of Andhra Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the Standard Nordic Questionnaire for MSDs. All the dental practitioners in Nellore city who were registered in the state dental council and are members of Indian Dental Association were included in the study. Results: Neck pain (57.5%) is the most prevalent MSD followed by lower back pain, and wrists and upper back trouble. Elbow pain, lower back, knee, and foot/ankle trouble were more common among males than females and this difference was found to be statistically significant. Neck-related MSDs have shown more amount of reduction in working hours (17.0%) and leisure activity (9.4%) and more doctor consultations (11.3%). Conclusion: High prevalence of MSDs exists among the dental practitioners. There is a need for the integration of ergonomic awareness and health promotion with the professional practice for dentists.

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Little information is available on the quality of the learning experience perceived by the dental students in India. The aim of this study was to review the available evidence on the educational environment in Indian dental colleges using Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM). Several electronic databases and reference lists of the included publications were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Quality assessment was performed based on the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Eight studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria. DREEM was commonly administered to the undergraduate dental students. The total number of participants included were 1,799. There was clinical heterogeneity in terms of outcome variables and study population. All the included studies reported a total mean score in the range of 101–150. The overall DREEM score indicated positive perceptions among students. Greater number of problem areas were recorded in student's perception of atmosphere and social self-perceptions. Least number of problem areas were recorded in students' perception of learning, teachers, and academic self-perception. Significantly low mean scores for the items “The teaching over emphasizes factual learning” and “The teachers are authoritarian” were also noted. This indicated that these areas of concern in the present educational system need to be addressed with effective intervention strategies.

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Background: Coronavirus has posed a greater risk of occupational transmission to dental professionals as it can spread through the aerosols. Aim: This syudy aimed to assess knowledge and awareness of private dental health-care professionals regarding coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) disease in India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 private dentists practicing in north India. A self–administered, anonymous, multiple-choice type questionnaire was administered to gather information. The questionnaire contained 12 questions on knowledge and awareness regarding coronavirus keeping in view the time constraints. Statistical analyses were done using analysis of variance and Student t-test. Results: Awareness regarding the mode of transmission of COVID-19 was reported positively by 93.3% of subjects. Only 3.3% of subjects reported about having encountered a corona patient at their clinic. Preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were known to 77.7% of subjects. A statistically significant association of mean knowledge scores was noted with education level (P = 0.013) and working profile (P = 0.016) of the subjects. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that some knowledge gaps existed among dentists regarding some important aspects of COVID-19. Therefore, there is an urgent need for training and continuous education programs regarding infectious diseases.

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Background: Measuring oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a person-centered approach to investigating oral health. Proxy reports by parents or caregivers were used for assessing children's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for decades. Using appropriate questionnaire techniques, it has become possible to get valid and reliable information from children about 8 years of age. Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the OHRQoL of 8–10-year-old Libyan schoolchildren from viewpoints of both the children and their parents, in order to evaluate the concordance between child and parent ratings. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using a representative sample of 303 8–10-year-old Libyan schoolchildren. Data were collected using Arabic versions of the Child Perception Questionnaire for 8–10-year-old children (CPQ_8–10) and the Parent-caregiver Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ8). Participants were examined for both traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and dental caries. Questions about the mother's and father's educational levels and current occupations were also asked, along with information on the child's age and sex. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows, version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). The alpha value was 0.05. Results: The mean CPQ_8–10 score was 3.5 ± 4.2 (range: 0–18) overall, and those who had had caries experience or a TDI had higher CPQ_8–10 scores, on average. The mean P-CPQ8 score was 7.5 ± 5.4 (range 0–27), and there were no apparent differences by parental education or employment status. The association between child and parental ratings of the children's OHRQoL was weak. The parents overestimated OHRQoL relative to their children's self-assessments. Conclusions: There is relatively low agreement between Libyan children and parents in their responses to OHRQoL scales, particularly in cases where that impact is greater. Where possible, if the aim is to obtain a more complete picture of the impact of a child's oral state on his/her life, both child and parental reports should be used.

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