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Original Research Article
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES ABOUT APRON HYGIENE AMONG CLINICAL DENTAL STUDENTS IN A DENTAL COLLEGE IN KERALA - A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY
Author Name: Pramod Philip Mathews, Subramaniam R, Suneesh Kuruvilla, Pooja Latti, R Venkitachalam
Abstract: Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs),also known as nosocomial infections, constitute a significant hazard for patients and their families visiting a healthcare facility. In a dental setup, white coats are known to be potentially contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and there has been always a concern about th e risk of transmitting pathogenic bacteria in clinical settings. Thus apron hygiene is a very important aspect of protective clothing. This study was undertaken with the objective of assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding apron hygiene among clinical dental students and house surgeons in a dental college in Kerala.
Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire based survey. The target population were the dental students and house surgeons. The questionnaire contained 20 questions to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about apron hygiene. Results were expressed as a number and percentage of respondents for each question and were analyzed using Chi-square test.
Results: All the 106 respondents believed there was a necessity to wear aprons in clinic. About 89% opined that apron in worn for personal protection. About 45% are using the present apron since less than a year. About 83%of the respondents have 2 aprons or more. 78% prefer separate aprons for clinic and laboratories. 88% wore apron outside the clinic and laboratory premises among whom 95% wear it in canteen and over 50% wear it outside the college premises.
Conclusion: Although the knowledge and attitude regarding apron hygiene is good, the practice seems poor. A more serious approach towards inclusion and practice of apron hygiene in dental curriculum needs to be done.
Keywords: Apron hygiene, dental students, universal precaution, cross infection.
Review Articles
PSYCHIATRIC CHALLENGES IN ORTHODONTICS - A REVIEW
Author Name: Hemant Nandan, Prasanth PS, Shelly E D, Vighnesh Varma Raja
Abstract: Many diagnosable psychiatric disorders are noticed right from childhood years. However psychiatric disturbances are more common in adolescent patients as it’s a period of physical and mental transformations. This makes the role of orthodontists all the more important as this is the age when majority of patients seek orthodontic treatment. Also, treatment duration of 12-24 months and frequent appointments puts the orthodontist in a better position than clinicians of other disciplines in noticing such disorders inpatients and making appropriate referrals. It is a well known fact that many of the psychiatric disorders that develop during adolescence show high suicidal tendency. This article reviews the etiology, diagnosis and management of various psychiatric disorders that an orthodontist is likely to encounter in his clinical practice.
Keywords: orthodontics, psychiatry, adolescents.
SUPPORTIVE PERIODONTAL THERAPY
Author Name: Manju Babu, Noorudeen AM, Bijoy John, Riyas Karim
Abstract: Supportive periodontal therapy is performed at certain intervals so as to reduce the disease progression and to assist the patient in maintaining oral health. A thorough evaluation of the periodontal condition is necessary in order to remove the persisting subgingival deposits. Patients with mild gingivitis are being recalled twice in a year where as periodontitis patients are recalled within three months after completing scaling and root planing. This treatment evolved from traditional dental prophylaxis and now emphasizes treatment of areas of previous attachment loss and areas where clinical signs of inflammation are found.
Keywords: Maintenance Therapy, Periodontitis, Supportive Periodontal Therapy.
TRANSMISSIBLE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALITIS(TSE) OR PRION DISEASES; A NEED TO BE AWARE!
Author Name: Pramod P Mathews, Niveditha Baiju, Jithin Jose, Athira C P
Abstract: Prion diseases are an interesting but puzzling group of diseases affecting both animals and human, that transmits their infectivity by a misfolded protein to the host. It then recruits other normal proteins to form a β pleated amyloid sheet which affects the neurons in an as yet undefined manner causing the various symptoms. The principal site of pathology is in the brain. Many diseases have been found to be caused by prions over the last century or so and new ones are being discovered. The infectious agent is unique as it does not have any DNA or RNA and it has a long incubation period. However they evoke no immune response leading to a noninflammatory pathologic process limited to the CNS. This article provides a short review of the several diseases caused by prions, and the agent causing infection. The precautions that need to betaken by healthcare workers are also discussed.
Keywords: prion diseases; transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE); prion protein; kuru; CJD, scrapie.
Case Report
UNICYSTIC AMELOBLASTOMA IN A 7 YEAR OLD MALE : A RARE ENTITY
Author Name: Lekshmi Venugopal, Jaya Jacob, M A Merina, Rajalakshmi G
Abstract: Ameloblastoma is the most common aggressive benign odontogenic tumors of the jaws the tumor is often asymptomatic ,presenting as a slow growing facial swelling or an incidental finding on a radiograph. Ameloblastoma is a locally destructive tumor with a propensity for recurrence if not entirely excised. A few cases of malignant changes with distant metastasis have been reported in the literature. Ameloblastoma is more commonly seen in 3rd and 4th decades of life and is considered as a rarity in the younger agegroups.1 The treatment of ameloblastoma is still controversial as it explains some special problems in the growth and development of jaws in children. Incidence behavior and prognosis of tumor in children make surgical consideration different from adults.
Keywords: Amelobastoma, unicystic