Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major worldwide cause of acute and chronic liver infection. Dentists, dental students, and their paramedical staff are at a heightened risk of exposure to HBV. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of the graduating dentist from Faculty of Dentistry, Sebha University (Libya), toward hepatitis B infection. Subjects and Methods: Ninety-nine participants completed the self-administered, structured, pilot-tested close-ended 37-item questionnaire. Results: It was found that the graduating dental students from different study years have similar knowledge and attitude, except for the responses to questions on curriculum, contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV) from patient, vaccination schedule, perception, and treatment modality for HBV-infected patient, where statistically significant difference was noted. Conclusion: The results indicate that there is need to spread greater awareness about risk and seriousness of the HBV infection among the graduating dentists. We recommend that the dental policymaker considers modifying the dental curriculum to include a detailed session of training in areas of universal infection control procedures, handling high-risk patients, combating fear while treating patients, and teaching them to avoid discriminatory behavior beginning in the 3rd year itself.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Females have a more favorable attitude toward health-related issues, including dental health behavior. Many studies have shown gender differences in the occurrence of gingival disease, but a few have clearly explained what causes this difference. Objectives: The present survey was conducted to assess gender differences in the occurrence of gingival disease among dental students, influenced by oral health behaviors and lifestyle factors. Materials and Methods: The survey assessed 209 dental students (59 males and 150 females) aged between 18 and 29 years. The assessment of oral hygiene intraorally was done using plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, and simplified oral hygiene index. Additional information was collected regarding oral health behaviors and lifestyle factors. The results of the survey were subjected to analysis to test the statistical significance. Results: Chi-square test was used to assess the gender differences. It was found that females had better oral health behaviors and a healthier lifestyle (P < 0.001) than males. There were significant differences between males and females (P < 0.001) when the oral health status was compared. Conclusion: Gender-based differences in gingival disease among dental students were found to be significant in this survey. This can be explained by oral health behaviors and hygiene status, which is influenced by lifestyle factors. Hence, different approaches to males and females may be helpful in preventing gingival disease.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Autologous platelet rich fibrin (PRF) and Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP 2) technologies have been shown to significantly support alveolar bone. The present randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to compare the clinical and radiographic efficacy of autologous platelet rich fibrin (PRF) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP 2) in the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial conducted where in the IBDs were treated with either autologous PRF with open flap debridement (OFD) or recombinant rhBMP 2 with OFD or OFD alone. Clinical and radiologic parameters including probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), IBD depth, defect fill, and percentage of original defect resolved were recorded at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. Results: The mean pocket depth reduction was greater in PRF (1.3 ± 0.78 mm) than rhBMP 2 group (1.3 ± 0.78 mm). No significant difference was seen in CAL gain in PRF and rhBMP 2 groups (3.3 ± 0.43 mm and 1.2 ± 0.74 mm, respectively). However, the percentage of original defect resolved was significantly greater in rhBMP 2 group (41.1% ± 19.2%) compared to PRF group (26.75% ± 6.03%). Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, results suggest that in terms of hard tissue regeneration, rhBMP 2 has shown significantly better outcome in treatment of IBDs. However, PRF encourages superior soft tissue healing compared to rhBMP 2. Furthermore, added advantages of PRF being readily available and cost effective cannot be disregarded.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Immunization is one of the most effective, safest, and efficient public health interventions and was first introduced in India in 1978. While the impact of immunization on childhood morbidity and mortality has been great, its full potential has yet to be reached. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among local community and dental students studying in dental college toward child immunization. Methodology: In this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study, data were collected from patients attending the outpatient section of pediatric department of four private hospitals and dental students who are studying in a dental college. Further, data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 18.0, as well as descriptive and analytical tests, including mean, standard deviation, and Chi-square test. Results: Impaired KAP regarding immunization were observed among the parents and significant higher knowledge was assessed among dental students. A significant relationship was observed between level of education and awareness of immunization and between age and attitude to immunization (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Immunization has delivered excellent results in reducing morbidity and mortality from childhood infections in the last 50 years, but still there is a room for improvement.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]