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   2015| January-March  | Volume 13 | Issue 1  
    Online since March 19, 2015

 
 
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Effect of long-term smoking on salivary flow rate and salivary pH
Mala Singh, Navin Anand Ingle, Navpreet Kaur, Pramod Yadav, Ekta Ingle
January-March 2015, 13(1):11-13
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153549  
Introduction: Saliva is a complex and important body fluid which is very essential for oral health and it is the first biological fluid that is exposed to cigarette smoke, which contains numerous toxic compositions responsible for structural and functional changes in saliva. Aim: To evaluate the long-term effect of smoking on salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary pH. Materials and Methods: The subjects of the study were divided into smokers and nonsmokers. Each group comprised of 35 male adults. The saliva of each subject was collected under resting conditions. They were asked to spit in a graduated container at an interval of 60 s for 5 min. Salivary pH was measured immediately after measuring SFR using the (Indikrom Paper) pH indicator and calibrated cylinder. Based on the color change of the indicator paper strip, the pH was assessed in comparison with a color chart. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test using SPSS 15. Results: The mean (±standard deviation) SFR and pH were 0.20 (±0.05) ml/min and 6.30 (±0.36) respectively in smokers while the mean SFR and pH were 0.36 (±0.06) ml/min and 7.10 (±0.24) in nonsmokers. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.00). Conclusion: Long-term smoking significantly reduces the SFR and salivary pH.
  16,431 1,867 12
Assessment of oral health attitudes and behavior among undergraduate dental students using Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory HU-DBI
Swathi Vangipuram, R Rekha, G Radha, SK Pallavi
January-March 2015, 13(1):52-57
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153587  
Introduction: Dental students are the future leaders in oral health care and are expected to be teachers of oral hygiene as well as role models of self-care regimens for their patients. Objective: The objective was to assess self-reported oral health attitude and behavior among undergraduate dental students and to analyze variations between gender and level of education. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire based on the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) was distributed among 270 undergraduate students which consisted of 20 dichotomous responses (yes-no). Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Females had better oral health attitude and behavior toward visiting the dentist and oral hygiene practices, mean HU-DBI score of 8.8 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the preclinical students (1 st , 2 nd years) had better oral health attitude and behavior especially towards gingival health, oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Among dental students, the overall attitude of oral health was good, even though there were deficits in a few areas. The oral health attitudes and behavior were better among female's dental students and were not improved with increasing levels of education. Better comprehensive dental education with exposure to dental health and prevention is suggested to improve dental students' oral health attitudes and behavior.
  7,236 1,006 9
CASE REPORT
Meth abuse and oral health
Deviprasad Makonahally, Vaibhav Gupta, Pushpanjali Krishnappa
January-March 2015, 13(1):87-90
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153602  
Methamphetamine abuse is spreading its roots in India due to its widespread appeal, ease of manufacture and low cost compared with other stimulant drugs. Methamphetamine-induced caries is a characteristic finding among methamphetamine abusers. Thus, it is important to understand the typical clinical manifestations inclusive of cervical and proximal caries, elicit proper case history and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help patients in a complete rehabilitation. We present a series of cases of "meth" abuser for dental professionals to help ensure successful treatment and prevention of disease progression.
  7,195 458 -
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Drug prescription awareness among the 3 rd year and final year dental students: A cross-sectional survey
Ankita Jain, Dara John Bhaskar, Devanand Gupta, Priyanka Yadav, Deepak Ranjan Dalai, Vikas Jhingala, Yogesh Garg, Monika Kalra
January-March 2015, 13(1):73-78
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153598  
Introduction: Prescribing is the act of indicating one or more drugs to be administered to or taken by the patient, its dosage, and the duration of the treatment. It is a dynamic and individualized clinical process. Prescription has unique characteristics, but it may be inclined by cultural, social, economic and promotional factors. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the knowledge of drug prescription in 3 rd year and final year students at a private dental college. Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to 150 male and female, 3 rd year and 4 th year students of a private dental college from April 2014 to May 2014. The questionnaire consisted of 10 open-ended questions. Results: The main reason for prescribing medication was pain. The most commonly used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were diclofenac, followed by paracetamol and ketorolac. The most extensively prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin. The main reasons for errors done by students were limited knowledge about correct posology of drugs. Students get their information for drug prescription mainly from professors, followed by classmates and pharmacology course. Most of the students were unaware about the Guide to Good Prescribing by World Health Organization. About 56.67% students had knowledge about dose of the drug prescribed. Conclusion: Pain was found to be the most significant reason for drug prescription. Amoxicillin was the most widely used antibiotic. Lack of knowledge about the posology of drug was the main reason for the error done by students.
  5,885 687 -
Beliefs and barriers for organ donation and influence of educational intervention on dental students: A questionnaire study
Basavaraj Patthi, Swati Jain, Ashish Singla, Shilpi Singh, Hansa Kundu, Khushboo Singh
January-March 2015, 13(1):58-62
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153588  
Introduction: Many developmental disorders or accidents leave the victims crippled resulting in vision loss and fatal damages to the vital organs. At such point of time, organ donation remains the only ray of hope. However, there exists very little awareness among the masses regarding the same. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and, belief on/toward organ donation and the impact of an educational intervention among the Dental undergraduate students of a Dental College of Modinagar, India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire and intervention based survey was carried out. All the students from B.D.S 1 st year to internship and patients who attended screening/treatment camps organized by the Department of Public Health Dentistry were included for the study. A 11-item structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, and beliefs regarding organ donation was used. This was followed by an educational intervention for the college students. Immediately after this session, the same questionnaire was again distributed and collected. Chi-square test was used to analyze the statistical difference. Results: The overall level of knowledge and beliefs about the concept of organ donation in the two groups was similar before the intervention was provided. After the intervention for B.D.S students, a significant improvement in the level of knowledge and attitude was observed. About 74.6% of students in contrast to 42.3% of the patients realized the significance of organ (P < 0.0001) and 72.4% of the patients and 63.4% of students considered organ donation against their religious beliefs. About 65.6% of the students post interventions were willing to educate the masses about significance of organ donation. Conclusion: A significant knowledge gap exists amongst the dental undergraduates and the general population for organ donation. The positive influence of educational intervention emphasizes the need of an intervention to bring positive changes thereby highlighting the significance of health education.
  6,044 523 7
Prevalence of tobacco use among 15-20 years old college students in Bengaluru city
Vasudha Sharma, SS Hiremath, Manjunath Puranik, Shweta Somasundara
January-March 2015, 13(1):24-29
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153560  
Introduction: Tobacco use in children and adolescents is reaching pandemic levels. The World Health Organization predicts that India will have the fastest rate of rise in deaths attributable to tobacco in the productive years of adult life, as a consequence of an addiction acquired in youth. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study based on global youth tobacco survey was undertaken to study the prevalence of tobacco use among 15-20 years old college students. A simple random sampling method was used to select the students from Government and Private schools and Colleges in Bengaluru city. Results: In the study population of 2399 in the age group of 15-20 years, 307 (12.8%) subjects reported use of cigarettes among whom 176 (7.3%) reported current use and 240 (10%) reported ever use of smokeless tobacco. Majority 226 (73.6%) belonged to private institutions and 81 (26.4%) to government institutions. About 41 (1.7%) were daily smokers. Conclusion: Prevalence of smoking was much higher among the private institution students as opposed to students of government institutions; also, it was observed that the percentage of smokeless tobacco users were higher in this age group when compared to cigarette smokers.
  5,332 542 2
Utility of pediatric cariogenicity index among preschoolers of the western part of Maharashtra: A cross-sectional study
Siddhi Pancholi, Snehal Patil, KM Shivakumar, Neelima Malik, Renuka Pawar, KV Suresh, Vidya Kadshetti
January-March 2015, 13(1):30-32
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153564  
Introduction: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial infectious disease occurring on one or more decayed, missing or filled tooth surfaces in a child from birth to 6 years of age. ECC results from the interaction of behavioral and biological factors including fermentable carbohydrate, plaque, and dietary patterns. Diet is a major modifiable risk factor in the initiation of ECC. Aim: The aim was to assess the utility of pediatric cariogenicity index among the Indian population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with sample size of 400 preschool children of Satara district, western Maharashtra. Data regarding the diet were obtained from caregivers and cariogenicity indices were used to score dietary data using a food frequency questionnaire. The 24 h dietary recall was taken. Preschool children were subjected to type 3 dental examinations. Solid and liquid cariogenicity scores were assessed by Statistical analysis - SPSS v 17.0. Results: The mean deft was 1.44 (±1.20) for the subjects. Similarly, according to the calculation using 24 h recall, mean solid cariogenicity score was 2.3 (±0.9) and mean liquid cariogenicity score 4.37 (±1.5). The correlation between deft and the solid cariogenicity score was not significant (r = −0.074). The correlation between deft and liquid cariogenicity scores was significant and positive (r = 0.671). Conclusions: There was definite positive correlation of liquid cariogenic food intake with the ECC experience among the preschool children of western part of Maharashtra.
  5,166 369 1
The effect of the dentifrice on gingivitis and dental plaque: A 6-week clinical study in India
K. V. V. Prasad, I Anupama, N Rao, PK Sreenivasan, R Subramanyam, RD Kulkarni
January-March 2015, 13(1):4-10
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153548  
Introduction: Dentifrices are commonly used for oral hygiene with some formulated with antimicrobial agents to control plaque. There is little information regarding the effects of dentifrices on controlling dental plaque and gingivitis amongst Indian subjects. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of three commercially-available fluoride dentifrices on established gingivitis and supragingival dental plaque after 6-week of product use. Materials and Methods: Adult subjects completing informed consent and presenting a Loe-Silness gingival index (GI) score ≥ 1.0 and a Quigley-Hein, Turesky Modification, plaque index (PI) score ≥ 1.5 completed a 2-week washout period with commercial fluoride toothpaste. They were instructed to refrain from all other oral hygiene products (including mints, chewing gums, mouth rinses). Subjects returned to the clinical facility again having refrained from all oral hygiene procedures for 12 h and from eating, drinking or smoking for 4 h for baseline gingivitis and plaque examinations. They were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups according to baseline gingival and plaque indices scores: (1) A dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan and 1000 ppm sodium monofluorophosphate (Colgate ® Supershakti Dental Cream), (2) a dentifrice containing 0.54% zinc citrate, 0.64% stannous chloride and 0.33% sodium fluoride (Crest ® Pro-Health All Good 7 Effects Toothpaste), and (3) a dentifrice containing 1000 ppm sodium monofluorophosphate (Colgate ® CIBACA Toothpaste [negative control]). After 6-week use of their assigned dentifrice, all subjects were recalled for posttreatment plaque and GI examinations. Results: 105 subjects completed the study. Baseline plaque and GI scores demonstrated no statistical differences between treatment groups (P > 0.05). Further, Chi-square analysis demonstrated no significant differences between treatment groups for subject age or gender (P > 0.05). At the 6-week examinations, subjects in all three dentifrice groups exhibited statistically significant reductions in GI scores (32.5%, 16.6% and 19.9%, respectively) and PI (38.1%, 16.4% and 20.4%, respectively) scores from baseline (P < 0.05). The triclosan group exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.05) reductions in GI scores (17.5% and 12.5%, respectively) and PI scores (21.7% and 19.1%, respectively) when compared to the zinc citrate/stannous chloride dentifrice and to the sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrice. Conclusion: The triclosan/sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrice (Colgate Supershakti Dental Cream) demonstrated significantly less gingivitis and greater reductions of supragingival dental plaque (P < 0.05) when compared to a dentifrice containing zinc citrate/stannous chloride/sodium fluoride (Crest Pro-Health All Good 7 Effects Toothpaste) and to a dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate (Colgate CIBACA Toothpaste).
  4,957 515 -
Dental students perception of orthodontic treatment
Baswaraj , K Jayasudha, KM Kumarswamy, MN Padmini, B Chandralekha, DP Shruthi
January-March 2015, 13(1):79-82
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153600  
Introduction: The relationship between physical appearance and perception of an esthetic deviation, and the impact of such deviation on self-esteem and body image are important issues in determining the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Aim: To assess dental students' perception of orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 230 undergraduate dental students of Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka formed the study group. Each classroom of the participants was visited, and self-administered questionnaire was given. An analysis of variance was done between the groups to test for statistical difference. Categorical variables were evaluated using a Chi-square test with the level of significance of P < 0.001. Results: About 75% of the students were aware of their dental esthetics. About 75% of females were satisfied with the attractiveness of their teeth when compared to 69% in males. House surgeons had more positive attitude compared to the 1 st year students. Conclusion: The dental students had good knowledge about the orthodontic treatment and had a positive attitude toward it. Females had very good knowledge, satisfaction and positive attitude compared to the males regarding dental esthetics and treatment. House surgeons were much more aware, very much satisfied and had a more positive attitude than 1 st year students.
  4,760 497 1
Prevalence of taurodontism among the patients visiting a dental teaching hospital in Pune, India: A retrospective orthopantomogram study
Dipali Shah, Vikram Garcha, Janardan Garde, Devendra Ekhande
January-March 2015, 13(1):83-86
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153601  
Introduction: Taurodontism is a morpho-anatomic variation in the shape of teeth that chiefly affects molars in primary as well as secondary dentition. Aim: The aim was to assess the prevalence of taurodontism in premolars and molars by studying the orthopantomogram (OPGs) of the patients visiting a dental teaching hospital in Pune, India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out, wherein the panoramic radiographs of 525 randomly selected patients were evaluated for taurodontism. A detailed medical and family history record of the patients was also obtained. Radiographic analysis for taurodontism was carried out in premolars and molars. Prevalence of taurodontism was assessed, and a comparison among male and female prevalence was done using the z-test. Results: Prevalence of taurodontism was 11.8%. Taurodontism was exhibited in 12.5% females and 9.7% males. Unilateral taurodontism was seen in 24 (4.57%) and bilateral taurodontism in 38 (7.23%) of the 525 OPGs. Mandibular second molars were the teeth most commonly affected by taurodontism. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of taurodontism in patients visiting the dental teaching institute. Orthopantamogram can be used effectively to detect taurodontism. The findings of this study revealed that premolars may also be affected with taurodontism.
  4,578 425 2
Impact of oral health on quality of life among police personnel in Bengaluru City, India: A cross-sectional survey
Uma Shankarachari Rajagopalachari, Manjunath P Puranik, Laxminarayan Sonde
January-March 2015, 13(1):42-47
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153584  
Introduction: Oral diseases though rarely life-threatening, it does influence the quality of life (QoL). It can have an impact on the functional, social and psychological well-being of an individual. Hence, there is growing interest in oral health outcomes and its impact on QoL. Objectives: To assess the impact of oral health variables on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among police personnel. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among police personnel (n = 212) in the state intelligence headquarter division in Bengaluru. Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to measure OHRQoL. Dental caries was recorded using World Health Organization 1997 criteria, and periodontal health status was assessed using community periodontal index and loss of attachment. Oral hygiene status was evaluated using simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). Correlation between the oral health variables and domains of OHIP was done using the Pearsons correlation coefficient. Results: The prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease was 43.4% and 68% respectively among the study sample. Oral hygiene status of the personnel was fair with mean score of 2.67 ± 1.4. Domains of functional limitation and physical disability of OHIP-14 significantly correlated with decayed teeth (P < 0.01). Decayed, missing, and filled teeth positively correlated with "physical pain," "physical disability" (P < 0.01), and all other domains (P < 0.05) except social disability. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant association between OHIP and oral health variables. The largest impact was related to decay component.
  4,075 449 2
Dental trauma prevalence and disability types: A comparative study among children and adolescents in Dharwad, India
Prajna Pramod Nayak, Prasad V Kakarla, Preetha J Shetty, Manohar Y Bhat
January-March 2015, 13(1):19-23
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153558  
Introduction: Dental trauma (DT) has become an important attribute of dental public health. However, in the disabled population, the risks and consequences of DT have been barely studied. Aim: The aim was to assess and compare the prevalence of DT among disabled children and adolescents studying in special needs schools in the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad, India. Materials and Methods: About 714 children and adolescents who were classified as visual impairment, speech and hearing (SH) disability, physical disability, mentally subnormal and multiple disabilities (MD) and in the age group of 4-19 years, studying in 14 special needs schools of Hubli-Dharwad were included. DT was recorded based on Ellis and Davey's classification. Association between the trauma prevalence and disability types were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of DT was found to be 28.6%. MD children sustained highest trauma (40.90%) and SH children experienced lowest trauma (18%). Statistically significant association was found between trauma prevalence and gender, geographic location, anterior teeth protrusion and lip coverage. Maxillary central incisors were most affected, and Ellis class 1 fracture was the most common type of traumatic injury. None of the children had undergone any treatment for DT. Conclusions: This should alert caregivers to carry out intense investigation of the events, and there is a need to take up preventive measures by dental professionals and public health authorities to reduce this type of morbidity.
  3,913 482 5
Assessment of disease burden among army personnel and dependents in Lucknow city
Anil Ahuja, Brig Narinder Singh
January-March 2015, 13(1):14-18
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153554  
Introduction: Oral health is a valuable asset for an individual. The oral cavity has a significant role to play in providing a satisfactory lifestyle including proper mastication, phonetics, esthetics, appearance, communication abilities and an overall emotional well-being. Very fewer studies have been carried out in the past on disease burden of army personnel and their dependents. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 2160 army personnel and their dependents reporting to Command Military Dental Center, Lucknow. The study population was screened for caries, periodontal status and prosthetic status and treatment need, oral hygiene practice and prevalence of the tobacco habit. All relevant information was noted into a Proforma. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0 version (Chicago, Inc., USA). The results are presented in percentage and mean (±standard deviation). The unpaired t-test and Chi-square test were used. The P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The oral hygiene awareness is adequate among serving, and dependents and practices of oral hygiene were also adequate. The higher prevalence of the tobacco habit was found among young army personnel than older. There was a significant association of smoking and periodontal disease. Leukoplakia was common oral mucosal lesion between smokers. Conclusion: This study will help to access dental disease occurrence rate and evaluate treatment needs and also to formulate a plan for augmentation of resources. The study will also create awareness about oral hygiene practices and oral habits among army personnel and their dependents.
  3,932 381 -
Professional satisfaction among dental practitioners in Ghaziabad city
Venisha Pandita, Basavaraj Patthi, Ashish Singla, Shilpi Singh, Ravneet Malhi, Vaibhav Vashishtha
January-March 2015, 13(1):48-51
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153585  
Introduction: Professional satisfaction is an important determinant of health worker motivation, retention and performance and are critical improving the functioning of health systems in low-and middle income countries. Objective: To measure professional satisfaction among registered clinical dentists in Ghaziabad city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 dentists practicing in clinics. A questionnaire measuring dimensions of professional satisfaction was distributed manually to the participating dentists. All items were written in 5 point Likert format with a score ranging from 5 (strongly satisfied) to 1 (strongly dissatisfied). Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and Student's t-test measuring the difference of means between the subgroups for each dimension was performed. Results: Analysis showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in levels of satisfaction for various dimensions of professional satisfaction by gender, educational qualification and work status type. There were differences in professional satisfaction between male and female dentists-related to the personal time dimension. Results also showed that postgraduates were more satisfied than graduates. It was reported that full time dentists expressed dissatisfaction in the time spent with their family and leading to troubles in their personal relationships. Conclusion: Overall, dentists have a high level of professional satisfaction and the level of satisfaction is influenced by various socio demographic and psycho-behavioral factors.
  3,904 409 2
Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding oral health of the schoolteachers in Mangalore city
Nishi Gupta, N Vanishree, Ashwini Rao, V Chaithra, Deepa Bullappa, RV Bharathi
January-March 2015, 13(1):38-41
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153581  
Introduction: School teachers can play a significant role in school dental health education as they can bring about changes in the attitudes and behavior of the children at a very young age, which is long lasting. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the primary and middle school teachers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 241 primary and middle school teachers from 17 selected schools in Mangalore city and was given the questionnaires in English as well as the local language Kannada. There were 18 questions regarding knowledge about dental diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease, oral hygiene practices, tobacco chewing habits and smoking habits. Results: About 241 (100%) had heard about tooth decay and 228 (94.6%) had heard of gum disease. An inverse relationship between the frequency of changing the brush and awareness about dental caries was observed people with a chewing habit and smoking habit had a low level of knowledge and awareness about the dental caries and periodontal disease. Conclusions: Since the information was gained more from dentists and televisions, more dental health programs should be encouraged in televisions and dentists should play a vital role in enlightening people about oral health.
  3,542 386 -
Parental and family influences on dental treatment need among school children from north Bengaluru: A cross-sectional study
R Murali, Deepak Viswanath, Hemalatha Rajendran, Priya Nagar
January-March 2015, 13(1):33-37
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153565  
Introduction: Very few studies have documented the relative significant factors that assess the parents and their family status that can have some impact towards dental treatment needs. Aim: To assess the burden of dental caries among children aged 8-14 years in relation to parental influence and family characteristics from North Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out on 1216 school children aged 8 years to 14 years. Children were examined in schools and data comprised information about dental caries status. Structured questionnaires were given to parents to collect information regarding their socioenvironmental and family characteristics. Student's t-test on metric parameters and Chi-square/Fisher for study parameters between two or more groups were used. Results: In families where the average monthly income <6000/-, decayed, missing, and filled teeth was proportionately lower in comparison to decayed, missing, and filled surfaces which were higher. Conclusions: The socioeconomic status, which is primarily influenced by parental factors and family structure, have a definite role in dental needs of children from underprivileged background. Dental health program should aim to reduce the gross inequalities in the oral health status of these children and their families.
  3,527 376 -
Sociodemographic profile and future expectations of newly entered students in a dental institute in Greater Noida, India
Vaibhav Motghare, K Jayaprakash, KK Shivalingesh, Bhuvandeep Gupta, Sahil Thakkar, Ishan Prabhakar
January-March 2015, 13(1):67-72
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153595  
Introduction: Dentistry is one of the most reputed professions all over the world and is becoming a fastest growing career choice for students. Thus, it is necessary to know reasons for choosing dentistry as a career and their future expectations. Aim: The aim was to obtain information about sociodemographic profile, influencing and motivating factors for a career choice and to know future expectations of 1 st year students enrolled in a private dental institute in India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing pretested structured questionnaire to 100 1 st year students enrolled in the Institute. The overall response rate was 93%. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 and Chi-square test was applied. Results: Parents were most influencing factors for both male and female students to choose dentistry and students rated reputation and lifestyle (96.7%) as most motivating factor. About 80% of students wanted to pursue specialization after B.D.S where maximum preference was given to oral surgery (29%), endodontics (12%), and orthodontics (9%). Statistically significant association was found between gender and interest to do specialization in dentistry (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Dentistry upholds a reputable position among the students, and most students' want to pursue specialization after completion, of course; however, it's disheartening that very few students are inclined toward nonclinical branches.
  3,285 319 -
Determinants of preventive oral health behavior among senior dental students of Greater Noida, India
Ishan Prabhakar, K Jayaprakash, KK Shivalingesh, Bhuvandeep Gupta, Neha Gupta, Richa Anand
January-March 2015, 13(1):63-66
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153592  
Introduction: Oral self-care practice is an effective preventive measure for maintaining good oral health. The health beliefs and attitudes of health professionals will not only affect their oral self-care habits, but will have a profound influence on their ability to motivate patients to learn and practice preventive oral health measures. Aim: The aim was to determine the preventive oral health behavior of senior dental students in relation to demography, knowledge of preventive care, and attitudes towards preventive dentistry. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a dental institution by distributing pretested questionnaire to 102 final year dental students. The overall response rate was 94%. Data were computed and tabulated. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test using SPSS. Results: More than half of the respondents (56.25%) agreed that the frequency of sugar consumption has a greater role in producing caries. It was observed that 93.75% of students found preventive dentistry practice to be useful. Significant gender differences were observed in the use of recommended oral self-care, knowledge of using sealant as a caries preventive measure and fluoridation of drinking water as an effective way of preventing caries. Conclusion: There was an appreciably high level of good knowledge of preventive dental care among the dental students with a positive attitude towards preventive dentistry practice.
  2,848 334 -
HON. GEN. SECRETARY’S MESSAGE
Hon. Gen. Secretary's message
MB Aswath Narayanan
January-March 2015, 13(1):2-2
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153546  
  2,360 288 -
LETTER TO EDITOR
Developing economy, declining oral health, raising dental manpower: High time to implement National Oral Health Policy in India
BR Chandra Shekar
January-March 2015, 13(1):91-92
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153603  
  2,312 315 -
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
President's message
Ganesh Shenoy Panchmal
January-March 2015, 13(1):1-1
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153545  
  2,264 258 -
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
From the Editor's desk
Manjunath P Puranik
January-March 2015, 13(1):3-3
DOI:10.4103/2319-5932.153547  
  2,200 255 -
IAPHD NEWS
IAPHD News

January-March 2015, 13(1):93-99
  2,136 208 -