To evaluate caries detection and excavation methods used by dental students and practitioners in Hyderabad, and also to investigate differences in the attitude towards leaving residual caries and assess sufficient removal of caries. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire-based survey consisting of multiple-choice questions was compiled and responded by distributed among 420 dentists. These included 212 students (131 undergraduates and 81 postgraduates), and 208 dental practitioners (BDS and MDS). The survey compared the various techniques used for caries detection and caries removal. Data was collected and compared using the chi-square test with a level of significance at p< 0.05.
Worldwide oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer, affecting important structures for respiration, feeding and vision and is the leading cause of illness and death..1,2In developing countries such as India and Tanzania, many cancer patients visit healthcare facilities in the late stage of the disease. This results in delayed diagnosis, poor prognosis, and palliative care treatment. Comparatively indeveloped countries such as the United Kingdom (UK) where oral cancers are usually diagnosed early,1,3 there is less disfigurement, and a reduction in management costs of oral cancer patients. 4 Several factors associated with treatment delays have been identified, including gender, patient age, tumor site, lack of awareness, differences between rural and urban areas, fear of disfiguring surgery, and psycho-social factors .3
Engagement in harmful oral habits is one of the biggest initiating factors of Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) related signs and symptoms among individuals. University students are particularly at risk for developing TMD often due to a higher degree of engagement in harmful oral habits due to writing of examinations. The purpose of the study was to determine the association between self-reported harmful oral habits and the TMD related signs and symptoms amongst oral hygiene students at a training institution.
Trismus, characterized by limited mouth opening, is a condition rather than a standalone disease. It can pose challenges to eating, hinder oral hygiene, limit access for essential dental procedures, and have negative impacts on speech and facial appearance. In a recent case, a 42-yearold male experienced trismus due to submucosal fibrosis, infection, and direct trauma to the temporomandibular joint. Conservative treatment, involving ultrasound therapy, stretching, and mobilization, was administered. Remarkably, the patient experienced significant relief within just two weeks of treatment.
The healthcare waste management (HCWM) practices undertaken at dental healthcare facilities are of pivotal importance due to the infectious and hazardous nature of the waste generated at these facilities. Of particular importance is the risks associated with healthcare waste on the environment, including public health. Relevant knowledge of healthcare waste management regulations,with the emphasis on the individual responsibility of each dental healthcare team member, is paramount to ensure effective and efficient HCWM practices. The aim of the study is intended to contribute to the development of a HCWM plan specifically for dental healthcare facilities and as a basis for minimising risks to the health and well-being of the practitioners and people as well as the environment. Themain aim of this study is to explore dental healthcare waste management to identify knowledge strengths, -weaknesses, and -opportunities in the dental healthcare facilities in the Greater Tshwane region.
This paper examined the association between the ethical basis of feedback delivery and the student’s ability to selfregulate learning.
Recent research highlights the human microbiome as a significant determinant of systemic health. While the gut microbiome has been extensively studied, growing evidence suggests that the oral microbiome is implicated in a range of systemic and neurological disorders. This review examines the emerging relationship between the oral microbiome and mental health, with a focus on mechanisms including inflammation, neurotransmitter modulation and microbial translocation. Dysbiosis within the oral cavity may contribute to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. Understanding these associations provides a foundation fornovel therapeutic and preventive strategies that integrate oral health into broader neuropsychiatric care.
Background: A noticeable shift is occurring in how medical and dental practitioners advertise their services, moving beyond traditional methods to public platforms and highprofile sponsorships. There is an increased use of intentional and widespread advertising to the general public. Some use media such as flyers and pamphlets displayed in their own or in allied health care providers’ waiting rooms, while others target even wider audiences using the more public platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Foryears dentists have been observing these trends, yet nobody has voiced any concern as to the legality and ethics of this behaviour.
Established principles form the basis of guidelines for the effective usage of antibiotics in dentistry. These standards have been demonstrated to be effective in eradicating and controlling odontogenic infections. Yet, anecdotal evidence suggests that these well-established guidelines are often ignored by dentists. This study sought to assess trends in antibiotic prescribing among dentists.
The supraorbital notch (SON) or supraorbital foramen (SOF) houses the supraorbital neurovascular bundle which supplies the scalp, skin and muscles of the upper eyelid. Surgeons operating in the region may be cautious about performing surgical procedures in this region due to the increased risk of injury
In patients with multiple edentulous areas, evidence of tooth wear and occlusal alterations; a combined crown and bridge and removable partial denture treatment plan may be recommended. This treatment plan involves the placement of both fixed and removable prostheses to restore function and aesthetics. Combined restorative cases typically involve placement of crowns and bridges together with a removable partial denture. Patients often present seeking treatment to restore aesthetics and function, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort and sensitivity due to tooth wear. During the treatment of such combined cases it will oftenbe necessary to reorganise the occlusion by increasing the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) prior to the placement offixed and removable prostheses thus allowing for adequate space to accommodate additional restorative material. In addition, the dental practitioner should always provide accurate and step-wise clinical input and instructions to the dental technician in relation to the removeable partial denture (RPD) design in order to facilitate retention, stability and support.
Oral health continues to be a neglected public health challenge, and is often perceived as a privilege rather than a fundamental right for most of the population. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) create a foundation for a sustainable future for all, encompassing various fields, including the role of oral health in the human population. Dental research and education are crucial in undertakingchallenges associated with promoting a sustainable future for the South African population. This effort requires supportby interdisciplinary collaboration with relevant stakeholders across disciplines. Higher education institutions, such as theFaculty of Dentistry at the University of the Western Cape play a pivotal role in advancing SDG research by fosteringinnovation, cultivating interdisciplinary collaboration, and equipping future professionals with the knowledge and skillsnecessary to address complex sustainability challenges, ultimately contributing to improved oral health outcomesand overall well-being for the South African population.
A significant part of general dentistry focuses on the repair or replacement of existing dental restorations to enhance their strength and functionality. In everyday dental practice, defective restorations are among the most common issues faced by professionals Rather than completely replacing damaged restorations, repairing them has become an increasingly popular and effective alternative. When dealing with partially defective restorations, repair instead of full replacement is not only safe but also highly effective. Thismethod often leads to greater retention of the tooth, as only the damaged portion is replaced. However, the repair’s successis largely dependent on proper case selection, choosing the right materials, and applying the correct technique. It is alsoessential to consider factors such as the caries risk level, the type of restoration to be repaired, material selection, and both aesthetic and functional considerations to ensure the longevity of the restoration. This literature review focuses on repair or replacement of direct restorations, its clinical guidelines and minimally invasive approaches.
Maintaining oral health is vital for overall well-being, and offering dental care services is a crucial part of public healthcare systems globally. A significant portion of South African population faces socioeconomic barriers to accessing private oral health services resulting in dependency on public oral health services. However, not much is known of patients’ experiences in accessing such care in these facilities.
There is a dearth of information on the epidemiology of oral lesions in South Africa. Knowledge of the characteristics and distribution of oral lesions in South Africa has many practical and research-related implications.
Why the work was done: The oral health impact of substance use disorder (SUD) has been comprehensively described, but not as yet been investigated for its effect on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) especially within the South African context. How the work was done: A cross-sectional study with a mixed methods approach was applied to investigate the oral health impact of SUD and the objective was to assess OHRQoL of drug users admitted to a treatment centre. A validated questionnaire (OHIP-14) supported by clinical oral examinations was applied to achieve the aim of the research project. A sample of 504 patients enrolled in a treatmentprogramme for SUD within the Western Cape was included in the study. All ethical considerations were adhered to. What are the main fi ndings: The physical pain and psychological discomfort dimensions of the instrument showed the highest negative impact on OHRQoL with a mean of 3.51 and 3.4 respectively. A signifi cant difference in OHIP-14 score was detected for those who used alcohol as well as for those who used methamphetamine as a primary drug. Those who used heroin/opiates and methamphetamine had the highest OHIP- 14 score. A multivariate regression analysis found that 19% of the variability in the OHIP score could be explained by thecombined effect of the risk predictors cigarette smoking, DMFTscore, poly-drug use, level of education, number of extractionsneeded, active caries and having a medical condition or not. Why the work is important: The present study highlighted the drug-specifi c oral health impact of SUD and reaffi rmed dental status and oral health behaviours are poor among these patients. Therefore, oral health professionals as well as staff at treatment centres can play a signifi cant part in placing more emphasis on oral health during treatment for SUD.
Obtaining valid informed consent requires that patients understand treatment information. This is crucial for irreversible procedures, like fixed prosthodontic treatment, where dentists are required to communicate highly technical information to patients with different literacy levels and treatment expectations. Failure of patients to understand some aspects of the treatment may result in dissatisfaction and complaints. There is limited data about dental patients’ understanding of treatment information in Uganda.
Periodontal disease (PD) can be considered a comorbidity of diabetes mellitus1. The relationship between Type I Diabetesmellitus (T1DM) and periodontal disease (PD) has been less extensively studied compared to Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). According to the International Diabetic Federation , the number of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetesin 2021 was 1.2 million people with 184,100 newly diagnosed cases each year2. This study investigated the periodontal status of adolescents with type 1 Diabetes in a South African population.
To evaluate the feasibility, uptake and preliminary effects of an app-based mindfulness meditation intervention on perceived stress among undergraduate dental students in South Africa.
Gingival enlargement (GE) is a common finding among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.To evaluate the prevalence and clinical severity of gingival enlargement (GE) in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment (OT) at the University of Pretoria Oral Health Center (UPOHC). The study also aims to determine the Plaque Index (PI) among these patients and explore the association of gingival enlargement with various factors, such as the different phases of orthodontic treatment, treatment duration, type of archwire used, age, and gender.
