BACKGROUND:Older adults residing in long-term care facilities often depend on caregivers for daily oral care. Inadequate caregiver training may contribute to poor plaque control and denture hygiene. METHODS:A six-month parallel-arm cluster randomized controlled study was conducted in selected long-term care facilities in Northern India. Two old age homes were randomly selected, with one allocated to the intervention group and the other to the control group. A total of 150 older adults and 46 caregivers participated. Caregivers in the intervention group received a structured caregiver oriented oral health education. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Outcomes included Debris Index, Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman Plaque Index, Denture Plaque Index and Denture Stomatitis Index. Caregiver knowledge and practice were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS:Caregiver knowledge and practice scores improved significantly in the intervention group at 3 and 6 months. Significant differences were observed in Debris Index (DI), Plaque Index (PI), and Denture Plaque Index (DPI) in the intervention group over the six-month follow-up (p < 0.001). The Debris Index decreased from 2.76 ± 0.07 at baseline to 1.54 ± 0.05 at 6 months. Plaque Index scores declined from 3.26 ± 0.06 to 1.85 ± 0.08, and Denture Plaque Index scores reduced from 3.22 ± 0.03 to 1.74 ± 0.05. Denture Stomatitis Index improved over time; however, intergroup differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION:Structured caregiver-focused oral health education significantly improved oral hygiene among institutionalized older adults over six months, supporting integration of caregiver training within routine long-term care.

Objective:Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a major public health concern in India, with survival rates below 10%. Dental professionals, interacting with patients in diverse settings, represent an underutilized segment of the health system for emergency preparedness. This study aimed to assess knowledge, perceived barriers, and opportunities related to basic and advanced cardiovascular life support (BLS/ACLS) among dental professionals in India through a mixed-methods approach. Methods:A convergent parallel mixed-method study was conducted between February and July 2025. Quantitative data were collected from 330 registered dental professionals using a validated questionnaire (Item-Content Validity Index = 0.82; Cronbach α = 0.86). The primary outcome was the mean knowledge score. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression with reporting of 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Multicollinearity was assessed using variance inflation factors. Qualitative data were obtained through two focus group discussions (n = 18) and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results:While 64.5% of participants had received BLS training, only 21.5% had ACLS exposure. The mean knowledge score was critically low at 35.59% (95% CI: 33.77-37.41). Multivariate regression (model fit: R 2 = 0.188) identified prior BLS training (B = 6.93, P < 0.001; CI: 3.10-10.76) and higher qualification (e.g., Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) vs. Bachelor of Dental Surgery: B = -14.72, P = 0.011; 95% CI: -26.01 to -3.43) as significant predictors of knowledge. An attitude-based regression (model fit: R 2 = 0.173) found that disagreement with mandatory automated external defibrillators (B = -19.37, P = 0.016; 95% CI: -35.08 to -3.65) and neutrality on the importance of compression-only life support (B = -10.20, P = 0.015; 95% CI: -18.33 to -2.06) were significantly associated with lower scores. Qualitative analysis yielded five major themes: training, medical emergencies, needs and role of dentists, barriers, and areas for improvement. These themes elucidated factors such as low confidence, significant infrastructure deficits, and systemic obstacles to training, especially in small towns. Conclusion:This study highlights critical deficiencies and quantitatively low knowledge scores in cardiovascular life support preparedness among dental professionals. The findings underscore a missed opportunity to expand India's emergency response capacity, pointing to an urgent need for mandatory, standardized training and systemic infrastructure improvements.

The oral-gut microbiome axis has largely been seen as a unidirectional framework, in which dysbiotic oral flora is considered to contribute to gastrointestinal and systemic disease. However, recent evidence now challenges this view, indicating that gut microbial imbalance can act upstream to modulate oral immune homeostasis and disease susceptibility. Therefore, in the current perspective paper, we present a structured narrative review that synthesizes recent evidence from human microbiome, immunological, and genetic studies to propose a hypothetical mechanistic model in which gut dysbiosis may contribute to oral pathology. The literature discussed was identified through a targeted keyword-based search of major databases and complemented by manual screening of reference lists to capture relevant studies. Analyzing the evidence from human case-control and longitudinal cohort studies, as well as Mendelian randomization analysis, we identify convergent pathways linking gut dysbiosis to oral disease. These include systemic immune priming in autoimmune disorders with oral manifestations, depletion of gut-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, that regulate epithelial barrier function and inflammation, and dysbiosis-associated barrier disruption that facilitates the systemic dissemination of microbial products and inflammatory mediators. Through these mechanisms, gut microbial imbalance contributes to chronic inflammatory conditions, altering host response and susceptibility to dental and mucosal diseases. In contrast, studies in healthy individuals show minimal oral-gut microbial overlap, supporting a model in which physiological compartmentalization is maintained in health and disrupted primarily under dysbiotic conditions. This synthesis reframes oral disease as host-microbiome dysregulation, highlighting gut microbiota as a driver of oral immune pathology.

Introduction:The use of antibiotics postdental extraction is quite prevalent, leading to widespread healthcare crisis, antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Judicious use of these antibiotics can prevent the onset of adverse events and enhance the positive patient outcome. The role of antibiotic therapy in orthodontic extraction of premolars among the healthy cohorts is unclear, requiring due consideration. Materials and Methods:The prospective study explores the role of prophylactic antibiotic in orthodontic extraction of premolar teeth. Forty-four patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A included 23 patients receiving Amoxicillin 500 mg, while group B included 21 patients receiving Lactose capsule (placebo), for 3 days postextraction. Postextraction the patients were evaluated for postoperative wound healing using Landry scale at day 3, day 10, and day 21. Pain scores were evaluated using 100 mm Visual Analog Scale at day 10. Results:This study showed better wound healing in group A (3.74 ± 0.45) compared to group B (3.05 ± 0.22) (P < 0.001) at postop day 3. However, the second and third follow-up demonstrated similar wound healing with no significant difference noted (P = 0.862 and P = 1.0, respectively). The pain scores demonstrated similar results across both group A (mean 8.78 ± 6.95 mm) and group B (mean 9.05 ± 6.70 mm). Conclusion:Similar wound healing progression across both the groups along with similar pain control challenges the need for antibiotic therapy in orthodontic extraction of healthy teeth. The rising AMR has led to equivocal increase in opportunist infections, requiring the healthcare professionals to judiciously use the antibiotics.

Introduction: Efficient patient management is a key quality indicator in healthcare services. Delays in hospital processes, from admission to discharge, can adversely affect patient satisfaction, resource utilization, and overall hospital efficiency. Materials and Methods: This observational study explores the challenges at different steps in patient management within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Through time-motion based study and self-audit measures, potential areas for improvement in various hospital processes were evaluated and baseline-generated data were studied for quality improvement and efficiency optimization. Results: The audit study revealed high variability in pre-anesthetic check-ups and surgical delays. Opportunities for improved coordination among the medical, nursing, and administrative teams were identified, which impacted the efficiency of the discharge process. Additionally, the average waiting time for the surgeries was 47 h, and the length of hospital stay was 11 days, which included all types of patients like trauma, pathology, and cancer. Conclusion: A comprehensive assessment of the patient’s profile and identification of potential obstacles is crucial for enhancing the patient experience and making efficient use of hospital resources. Conducting regular self-audits allows for ongoing monitoring and improvement of hospital operations, ensuring timely care delivery and better patient outcomes.

Background: Oral health is a vital component of overall health and well-being, significantly influencing physical, social, and economic productivity. However, disparities in oral health outcomes persist between rural and urban populations, particularly in developing countries like India. This study investigates the disparities in oral healthcare accessibility, availability, affordability, acceptability, and accommodation between rural and urban populations. Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative study design was adopted. Data were collected from 250 participants (125 rural and 125 urban) through a validated 28-item questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square tests, and logistic regression. Geospatial mapping was performed to assess the distribution and accessibility of dental clinics. Results: The analysis revealed significant disparities in clinic availability, with urban areas hosting 56 clinics within a 60 km radius compared to only 28 clinics in rural regions. Urban residents mostly lived within 1 km of a clinic, while rural residents were over 10 km away. Logistic regression revealed proximity (OR = 3.5, P = 0.001) and affordability (OR = 1.7, P = 0.025) as significant predictors of healthcare utilization. Affordability barriers were more pronounced in rural areas, with 50% avoiding visits due to costs versus 20% in urban areas. Cultural acceptability was also lower in rural populations (50% vs. 70%). Conclusion: Oral healthcare disparities between rural and urban populations in Lucknow, India, underscore the need for targeted interventions, including mobile dental units, financial support, and culturally sensitive education programs. Equitable policies are essential to enhance health outcomes for underserved communities.

Introduction: Community Oral Health Services (COHS) play a crucial role in improving access to oral healthcare in India. Despite the growing emphasis on COHS integration in national health policy, there is a notable lack of evidence on awareness and knowledge of COHS among dental students, the future primary workforce for its implementation. Existing studies have largely assessed practising dental surgeons or medical graduates, leaving a critical evidence gap at the training level. Understanding these gaps early, during dental training, is essential to inform timely and targeted curricular reforms. Aim: To assess the awareness, knowledge, and educational needs regarding COHS among dental students in Lucknow, India. Materials and Methods: A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted at the Department of Public Health Dentistry, among dental students enrolled at the Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George's Medical University, and affiliated private dental colleges in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, from October 2024 to March 2025. A total of 195 dental interns, post-interns and postgraduates gave voluntary informed consent. A validated structured questionnaire assessed awareness (8 items) and knowledge (11 items) of COHS. The qualitative component involved two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 22 purposively selected dental interns, analysed by thematic analysis. Demographic parameters, including age, gender, place of residence, study level, specialisation, and Institution type, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman's correlation, and multivariate regression were applied; p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Awareness of general national health initiatives was high- Ayushman Bharat: 170/195 (87.2%), National Health Mission (NHM): 158/195 (81.0%), Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): 154/195 (79.0%); however, dental-specific initiatives were lower; e-Dant Seva: 85/195 (43.6%) and dental care units at Primary Health Centres (PHCs): 74/195 (37.9%). Median knowledge score was 54.55% {Interquartile Range (IQR):27.27-63.64%}, significantly lower than the median awareness score of 75.00% (IQR: 50.00-87.50%). Postgraduates scored highest in both awareness and knowledge (p<0.001). Government Institution students showed significantly better awareness than private Institution students (p=0.043). FGDs revealed a disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, with three themes: Academic knowledge, practical knowledge, and learning and training needs. Conclusion: The study highlights gaps in dental students’ awareness and knowledge of COHS, with limited field exposure and insufficient curriculum emphasis being key barriers. Integrating community-based training, COHS-focused modules, and structured rural postings into dental curricula could enhance preparedness for public health roles. These findings emphasised the need for revisions in dental education to align with national oral health priorities and improve workforce readiness for COHS implementation.

Background: Transgender population is a marginalized group that has faced social exclusion and structural barriers that affects access to healthcare, including oral health services. There is limited evidence on effective, culturally appropriate oral health interventions for transgender communities in low- and middle-income settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of customised oral health education intervention in improving oral health knowledge, practices, and clinical status among transgender adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among transgender adults in Lucknow, India. Total 400 participants were included in the study, with 200 participants in conventional oral health education group and 200 in intervention group receiving a customised Scholastic Supply (SS) Model based intervention consisting of visual educational aids with oral hygiene supplies. Oral health knowledge, practices, and clinical oral health status were assessed at baseline, three months, and six months using a validated questionnaire and the World Health Organization Oral Health Assessment Form (2013). Intergroup comparisons were performed using chi-square tests, with Cramer’s V used to assess the strength of associations. Results: At baseline, both groups were comparable across most demographic, knowledge, and oral health practice variables, except for tobacco-related behaviors. By six months, behavioural change was substantially greater in the intervention group, where twice daily brushing increased from 7.5% to 60.1% compared with 10.0% to 18.0% in the conventional group (p < 0.001), and a lower prevalence of gingival bleeding at 6 months (27.7% vs 41.9%; OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.18–2.97). Improvements in oral health knowledge, oral hygiene practices, and self-reported oral health perceptions were also more pronounced in the intervention group. Conclusions: Integration of education with routine oral hygiene aids produced measurable improvements in behaviour and clinical outcomes, indicating that reinforcement-based models can contribute to reducing oral health inequalities among marginalized populations and support inclusive oral health promotion strategies.

Globally, early childhood caries is the most prevalent disease in children, even after a century of development. This demonstrates an “effectiveness illusion” where clinical methods fail to deliver true equity. The reason for this inconsistency arises from “dental exceptionalism”, which excludes oral health from the systemic medical care systems. Through this article, we advocate moving from a reactive, tools-focused Clinical Science model to a proactive, population-specific Program Science approach. By utilizing the principle of proportionate universalism, prevention can be integrated into the children's natural environment. We present an operational framework to guide Medical-Dental Integration, emphasizing the upskilling of primary care workforces and the use of real-time programmatic data to iteratively resolve implementation bottlenecks. Furthermore, we address structural barriers, including the commercial determinants of health, macro-economic sugar policies, and the health system feasibility, data governance, and financing shifts required to transition from fee-for-service models to value-based care. Ultimately, this framework provides actionable pathways for low-, middle-, and high-income health systems to achieve equitable, sustainable pediatric oral health outcomes.

Abstract India’s tribal communities, though rich in cultural heritage, face persistent challenges in achieving good oral health. This review draws on literature from databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and government reports, using appropriate MeSH terms and keywords. Data extraction was carried out independently by two authors and thematically analysed. To address these disparities, a multilevel approach rooted in the upstream–midstream–downstream model is proposed. Upstream efforts should include inclusive health policies and fiscal regulations that honour tribal traditions while promoting evidence-based care. Midstream actions must focus on empowering communities through the training of local health workers. Downstream strategies should ensure timely, accessible treatment via primary healthcare centres, mobile clinics and outreach programs. Improving tribal oral health goes beyond infrastructure; it requires a culturally sensitive, community-led approach grounded in social justice, inclusion and respect for traditional knowledge.

BACKGROUND:India bears a high burden of tobacco-related oral disease. The Dental Council of India (DCI) has recently mandated the establishment of Tobacco Cessation Centres (TCCs) in dental colleges and released operating guidelines to standardise their functioning. Evidence on how recently graduated dental practitioners engage with TCC-related competencies in actual practice remains limited. METHODS:A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted among BDS graduates (2018 onwards) currently in clinical practice in Uttar Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional online survey (n = 264) assessed TCC practices, attitudes, perceived barriers, and support needs. A composite Attitude-and-Practice Score was generated, and univariate linear regression examined associations with participant characteristics. In the qualitative phase, eight semi-structured in-depth interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and interpreted through the COM-B (Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour) model. RESULTS:Although 83.7% of respondents reported undergraduate posting in a TCC centre, only 37.1% had received additional cessation-related training and 14.8% reported personal tobacco use. Routine enquiry and brief advice were common, but pharmacotherapy use, structured follow-up and formal referral were inconsistent. The mean Attitude-and-Practice Score was approximately 74%, with personal tobacco use emerging as the only significant negative predictor. Qualitative analysis identified four interacting themes: procedure-driven clinical identity, system-level constraints, patient-related, challenges and training-related capability gaps. These collectively reflected limited capability, constrained opportunity, and fragile motivation within COM-B. CONCLUSION:Undergraduate training alone has not ensured routine tobacco cessation counselling among recently graduated dentists. Bridging the gap between training and practice requires competency-based education, supportive systems, and a shift in dentist's perceptions to value preventive counselling as an integral part of clinical care. Strengthening these elements is essential for enhancing the role of dental professionals in oral cancer prevention.

This book provides a concise overview of oral health from a public health perspective, synthesising current scientific evidence and policy frameworks. Rather than viewing oral health as a standalone or specialty issue, it positions oral health as an essential component of general health and public health systems. The book critically examines how oral health priorities can be aligned with existing national health programmes, prevention strategies, and equity-focused policies in India. Intended for dental professionals, public health practitioners, researchers, students, and policymakers, it supports evidence-informed decision-making to improve oral health outcomes. By integration instead of isolation, the book presents a framework that encourages sustainable action, strengthens health systems, and advances oral health equity at the population level.

BACKGROUND:Oro-dental trauma (ODT) is a significant health concern among adolescents participating in contact sports due to frequent physical contact and increased risk of orofacial injuries. Despite the availability of preventive measures such as mouthguards, their utilization remains limited, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of ODT and to explore perceptions regarding mouthguard use among adolescent contact sportspersons in Lucknow, North India. METHODS:An explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted among 13-18-year-old contact sportspersons in four sports complexes in Lucknow, India. The quantitative phase involved a cross-sectional survey using the Universal Sports Dental Examination Protocol (USPDES) and the Adolescent Oro-Dental Trauma Impact Index (AODTII). Clinical examination assessed dental trauma, oral health status, and associated conditions. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants to explore perceptions and barriers related to mouthguard use. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS:A total of 280 participants (mean age 14.78 ± 1.48 years) were included in the study. The prevalence of ODT was 28.9%, with uncomplicated crown fractures being the most common injury. A statistically significant association was observed between gender and ODT prevalence (p = 0.006), with higher prevalence among males. Mouthguard use was reported by only 10.4% of participants, and none used custom-fabricated devices. Although most participants reported less than significant impact on oral health-related quality of life, 11.1% demonstrated significant or highly significant impact. Qualitative findings revealed that discomfort, breathing difficulty, communication barriers, and limited professional guidance influenced mouthguard non-use. CONCLUSION:ODT prevalence among adolescent contact sportspersons in this North Indian setting is considerable, while preventive practices such as mouthguard use remain low. Strategies promoting accessible, well-fitted protective devices and increased collaboration between dental professionals, coaches, and sports organizations may help reduce sports-related dental injuries.

Background and Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the Oral Health related to the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of rural and urban children of Jaipur (Rajasthan). Materials and Methods: A survey form was prepared with the help of a self-administered, structured questionnaire written in English and Hindi, and validated through a pilot survey that included 17 multiple-choice questions to evaluate the oral health awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practices of 12- and 15-year-old children from rural and urban schools. Results: This cross-sectional study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of school children in Jaipur regarding oral health. The study included 1050 children (520 rural, 530 urban) aged 12 and 15 years. Correct knowledge that sweets cause tooth decay was reported by 206 (39.6%) rural and 301 (56.8%) urban students. Awareness of plaque and gum disease was low in both groups. Only 112 (10.7%) children reported regular dental visits, while 178 (17.0%) had never visited a dentist. Most children (1024, 97.5%) used a toothbrush and toothpaste; 627 (59.7%) brushed once daily, and 417 (39.7%) brushed for ≥2 min. Frequent sweet intake (4–6 times/day) was reported by 371 (35.3%) students, and 182 (17.3%) consumed chocolates or candies daily or more often. Soft drink consumption at least daily was noted in 132 (12.6%) students. Conclusion: It is concluded that the present study showed the need for oral health education of the rural school children, aiming at improving oral health knowledge and the continuous implementation of school oral health promotion programs.

Endodontic treatment, primarily root canal therapy, is a critical procedure to eliminate infection from the root canal system and prevent reinfection. This case report discusses the retreatment of a 38-year-old male patient who experienced persistent pain and swelling in the lower left molar region following root canal treatment. Clinical examination revealed tenderness, an exaggerated thermal response, and radiographic evidence of inadequate obturation with potential periapical inflammation. The retreatment involved careful removal of the previous obturation material, thorough cleaning and shaping of all canals to the correct working length, and final obturation extending to the apical terminus to ensure effective sealing. This case underscores the importance of precise root canal obturation, as underfilled root canals are a significant contributor to endodontic treatment failure. Successful outcomes in endodontics are highly dependent on correct working length determination and obturation quality, both of which prevent bacterial ingress. Studies corroborate that posterior teeth, particularly mandibular molars, are more susceptible to endodontic failures due to higher susceptibility to caries. This case emphasizes the need for continuous professional development in endodontic techniques to enhance treatment success rates. Proper root canal sealing is essential for the prognosis, and the use of advanced tools such as electronic apex locators, and Ni-Ti rotary instruments can optimize the accuracy of treatment.

Dental caries affects over 3.5 billion people globally and remains one of the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases. Despite the proven efficacy of preventive interventions such as dental sealants and fluoride varnish (FV), their reach remains limited, especially in underserved populations. This gap is particularly critical in primary care dentistry, where preventive approaches form the backbone of community oral health delivery. This narrative review explores recent innovations in mathematical modeling – specifically ordinary differential equation (ODE) and hybrid ODE-Markov frameworks – to optimize caries prevention strategies across diverse populations. This review followed a narrative synthesis approach. Articles were identified through electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the World Health Organization oral health reports published between 2000 and 2024. Keywords included: “mathematical modeling,” “dental caries,” “ODE,” “Markov models,” “sealants,” and “fluoride varnish”. Studies included peer-reviewed papers, national surveys, randomized trials, and grey literature evaluating caries prevention strategies, especially in public health contexts. Models that demonstrated either disease progression simulation or cost-benefit predictions were prioritized. ODE models estimate up to 42% caries reduction through increased sealant coverage, whereas hybrid models offer more refined long-term predictions and individualized risk profiling. Community-level interventions in India and the U.S. show cost-saving ratios up to 1:3. Disparities in intervention access persist, particularly in rural and low-income groups. Mathematical modeling serves as a transformative tool in preventing dental caries, guiding public health resource allocation, and supporting global policy implementation. Importantly, these insights are directly applicable to primary care dentistry and oral health, where they can strengthen preventive strategies in both clinical and community settings. Incorporating AI, longitudinal data, and public–private partnerships can further enhance impact and equity.

Introduction The rapidly evolving nature of technology and globalization in recent times makes it imperative to remain at the forefront of innovation and creativity in order to effectuate changes in health practices. Objective To assess and compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) reforms among various academic ranks and grades of healthcare professionals in North India. Methods A self-designed validated questionnaire comprising 24 close-ended questions was administered to healthcare professionals working in various settings through online links. This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to September 2023. Prior to this study, a pilot study of 20 healthcare professionals was conducted with a sample size of 747. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s α (0.84), and validity was assessed using the content validity ratio (0.76). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 28.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Results The average age of the participants was 36.31 ± 9.95 years, and their average experience was about 8.53 ± 5.70. The mean overall knowledge score for healthcare professionals was 9.65 ± 1.26 (faculty), and 7.73 ± 1.84 (Residents). The majority of participants 289 (38.7%) agreed that obtaining a patent was tedious process. Conclusion Healthcare professionals have scarce awareness of intellectual property rights and their reforms in research. The Ayurveda specialty participants and government institution participants were better aware of IPR reforms, but implementation was challenging for them. Hence, enforcing a robust IPR regime and its appropriate implementation is of utmost importance for an hour.

Aim:Oral health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, particularly during childhood when positive habits are best established. Despite ongoing efforts, traditional oral health education methods often fall short in effectively influencing long-term behavior change. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel oral health tracker cum motivator (OHTM) in comparison to conventional educational methods for improving oral health behaviors among school-aged children in Lucknow. Materials and Methods:In a single-blinded, parallel design, and RCS, 64 children were randomly assigned (computer-generated sequence; opaque sealed envelopes) to either the experimental group (OHTM) or the control group (traditional education). "Single-blinded" refers to outcome assessors being unaware of group allocation. Sample size was calculated using G*Power 3.1.9.7 for 80% power, α = 0.05, and effect size d = 0.31, based on Kumar et al. (2015). Baseline and follow-up assessments at 2 months used a 15-item theory of planned behavior (TPB)-based questionnaire and the debris index (oral hygiene index-simplified). Primary outcomes were pre-specified as knowledge scores and debris scores; no secondary outcomes were registered. Statistical analyses included paired and independent t tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, effect sizes (Cohen's d), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results:Post-intervention analysis revealed that the experimental group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in both clinical and behavioral outcomes. Debris scores in the experimental group reduced from 2.06 ± 0.43 to 1.26 ± 0.36 (95% CI: -1.00 to -0.60; P = 0.017; d = 0.64), while the control group showed a reduction from 2.03 ± 0.48 to 1.48 ± 0.35 (95% CI: -0.77 to -0.33; P = 0.017). Knowledge scores improved from 9.09 ± 2.40 to 11.50 ± 1.48 in the experimental group (95% CI: 1.47-3.35; P = 0.002; d = 0.82), compared to 8.63 ± 1.77 to 10.34 ± 1.41 in the control group (95% CI: 0.98-2.44; P = 0.002). Conclusion:The findings highlight that the OHTM significantly improved oral hygiene and knowledge compared to traditional methods. Interactive, theory-based tools showed more engagement and sustained behavior change, aligned with social cognitive theory, and the TPB. These findings suggest that such tools may be scalable in school health programs. The trial is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI) under registration number CTRI/2025/03/082764.

The success of endodontic therapy depends on a thorough understanding of root canal anatomy and the effective treatment of all canals within the system. Anatomical variations, such as the presence of multiple root canals in mandibular teeth, often lead to treatment failures when undetected. This case report describes the endodontic retreatment of the mandibular teeth from the left first premolar (#34) to the right first premolar (#44), each exhibiting two root canals. A 50-year-old patient presented with persistent pain despite previous treatment. Clinical and radiographic evaluations revealed missed secondary canals and incomplete obturations. The comprehensive treatment approach involved modified access openings, careful canal exploration, biomechanical preparation, and obturation using the lateral condensation technique. Radiographs confirmed successful filling of all canals. Following endodontic therapy, the teeth were restored prosthetically using ceramic crowns to ensure functional and esthetic rehabilitation. This case underscores the importance of recognizing anatomical variations, performing comprehensive access preparations, and employing meticulous diagnostic and treatment techniques. In addition, it highlights the critical role of prosthetic rehabilitation in restoring oral function and esthetics, and the broader implications for public health, by emphasizing the importance of timely and effective treatment in preventing long-term dental complications.

Introduction The rapidly evolving nature of technology and globalization in recent times makes it imperative to remain at the forefront of innovation and creativity in order to effectuate changes in health practices. Objective To assess and compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) reforms among various academic ranks and grades of healthcare professionals in North India. Methods A self-designed validated questionnaire comprising 24 close-ended questions was administered to healthcare professionals working in various settings through online links. This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to September 2023. Prior to this study, a pilot study of 20 healthcare professionals was conducted with a sample size of 747. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s α (0.84), and validity was assessed using the content validity ratio (0.76). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 28.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Results The average age of the participants was 36.31 ± 9.95 years, and their average experience was about 8.53 ± 5.70. The mean overall knowledge score for healthcare professionals was 9.65 ± 1.26 (faculty), and 7.73 ± 1.84 (Residents). The majority of participants 289 (38.7%) agreed that obtaining a patent was tedious process. Conclusion Healthcare professionals have scarce awareness of intellectual property rights and their reforms in research. The Ayurveda specialty participants and government institution participants were better aware of IPR reforms, but implementation was challenging for them. Hence, enforcing a robust IPR regime and its appropriate implementation is of utmost importance for an hour.