The use of antibiotics by health care professionals has benefitted mankind to a great extent in achieving adequate control of infections. However, there has been a tremendous rise in the use of antibiotics among medical and dental professionals during the last 10-15years which has given rise to a serious global problem of antibiotic resistance (AMR). There is a significant problem of antibiotic misuse by dental professionals in India, with antibiotics being prescribed inappropriately for clinical and non-clinical reasons. There are no dedicated antibiotic prescribing guidelines for dental practitioners in key Indian policy documents. Despite, many studies reporting inappropriate use of antibiotics by dentists, the full extent of this problem is still unknown and reasons for such prescription patterns are unclear and need further investigation. The present paper attempts to provide the most recent information regarding antibiotic misuse by dentists in India and recommends appropriate measures to combat this public health threat.

INTRODUCTION:In the present times, natural and man-made threats have questioned our existence on this planet. Health care professionals need to be aware of all the procedures to follow during such an event that threatens to paralyze the entire community and should be able to respond effectively.OBJECTIVE:The present study was conducted to assess the willingness and attitude of dental professionals to render help during any disaster or catastrophic event.MATERIAL AND METHODS:The present cross-sectional study among 480 subjects who were residing in Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula). Informed consent was taken from all the subjects. Systematic random sampling methodology was employed for selection for study sample. The study utilized a self-designed close-ended questionnaire written in English and verified by experts. The questionnaire was divided into two parts to collect the required information. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 21; chi-square test and multiple regression analysis were used to arrive at the results.RESULTS:More than 85% of subjects had awareness regarding natural and manmade disasters. A positive response was given by 79.2% of subjects regarding willingness to help during disaster. Educational qualification of subjects was significantly associated with attitude towards some aspects of disaster response (p<0.05). Postgraduate subjects and subjects who were academicians were more willing to render help (OR: 2.18 & 3.65 respectively).CONCLUSIONS:The study emphasizes the need for educational and training programs for dentists' regarding disaster management. A short course on emergency and disaster management can be included in undergraduate and postgraduate dental curriculum.

Objectives: To evaluate the oral hygiene practices and dentition statuses of transport workers who were working in a public bus transport system (C.T.U.) of Chandigarh (U.T.), India. Materials and Methods: The data were recorded on a modified W.H.O. format (1997). A total of 1008 subjects constituted the final sample size. Information was obtained regarding the oral hygiene practices and clinical examinations were conducted. Statistical analysis was done by using ANOVA and Z-test. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 45.3 ± 7.8 years. Mean DMFT of the subjects who were not using tobacco in any form was 5.02. 80.2% (808). 88.7% of the subjects brushed their teeth as least once a day. Mean number of decayed and missing teeth were 1.67 ± 2.16 and 1.46 ± 2.8, respectively and their relation with age was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion- Dental caries was found to be major indication in all the age groups. More elderly subjects than young needed extractions. This study emphasized the need of an improved dental awareness and availability of dental facilities to transport workers.