Background: The behavior of dental students, future professionals, toward their own oral health is not only a reflection of their understanding of the importance of disease prevention and improving the oral health of their patients but also affects their daily life and personal satisfaction. Through their undergraduate study, dental students develop and modify their attitudes toward their own oral health, which must improve if they are to serve as positive models for their patients. The aim of the present investigation was to compare the quality of life and associated factors, such as level of depression, with the periodontal and smoking status of preclinical (1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd year) dental students. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of periodontal assessment and a survey. The survey included demographic data, smoking status, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: No difference was observed between classes in terms of mean global OHIP-14 scores and BDI scores. The mean plaque index scores of 2^nd year students were statistically higher than other students. The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day of 1^st year students was significantly lower than other students. Conclusion: Current literature indicates that dental students have higher levels of depression, which correlates with higher smoking rates and lower oral health-related quality of life.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of airway obstruction visible on lateral cephalometric radiographs among patients of different racial groups who presented to the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) for orthodontic records. While many previous studies have confirmed the usefulness of the lateral cephalograms as a screening tool for airway obstruction, none have compared the prevalence and clinical presentation between two different patient groups, and our assumption is that the prevalence would be the same. Methods: Two groups of 56 patients with no history of adenoid/tonsil removal were identified. All patients were from two racial groups, African-American (A) and Caucasian (C), between the ages 9 and 15 years, and an equal number of male and female patients were selected. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were traced using Dolphin Imaging Software and the ImageJ program by NIH Image. Five airway measurements were used: three linear (McNamara's upper pharynx “UP,” and Linder-Aronson and Henrikson's A1 and A2), one ratio (Fujioka's adenoid-nasopharyngeal “A/N” ratio), and one area (Handelman and Osborne's Airway Percentage “Ad area”). Results: The prevalence of any clinical obstruction (enlarged adenoids and tonsils) warranting a referral to an ENT in the A Group was 0.25, and the C Group was 0.27. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the mean value of the two groups with a significance level of 0.05. The only mean airway measurement found to be significantly different between the two groups was Fujioka's A/N ratio. Conclusion: Based on our results, the prevalence of airway obstruction on lateral cephalometric radiographs between Caucasian and African-American patients presenting to EIOH for orthodontic records was not significantly different. Our sample size was small, and we believe that our study would benefit from an increased sample size. Future research could also benefit from looking at prevalence differences of airway obstruction on cone-beam computed tomography.

Background/Aim: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and Ankaferd Blood Stopper^® (ABS) are thought to contribute to wound healing. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of ABS and CAPE on the secondary wound healing of oral mucosal tissue. Materials and Methods: A total of 63 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: ABS group, CAPE group, and control group. Healthy 63 rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO) 50 mg/kg in 0.2 ml 10 m citrate solution. After a week, if the blood glucose value of the rat is ≥250 mg/dl, the rats are considered to be diabetic. General anesthesia of the rats was conducted with intramuscular ketamine (8 mg/100 g). The excisional palatal wound was formed by using a 4 mm punch biopsy tool. Topical ABS was applied to ABS groups; topical CAPE application was applied to CAPE groups. Animals were sacrificed at 7, 14, and 21 days. The palatal specimens were painted with hematoxylin and eosin. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for comparison of the two groups. Results: The results of the statistical analysis determined the vessel dilatation and hemorrhage to be significantly lower in the diabetic ABS and CAPE group than the control group at 7, 14, and 21 days (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In the present study, it is concluded that ABS and CAPE have a positive effect on the wound healing process.

Class II open sandwich restorations are routinely performed with resin-modified glass ionomer cement as a dentin substitute and with composite resin as an enamel substitute. Biodentine™ is a new calcium silicate-based material. Various authors have evaluated the microleakage of composite resin restorations, where different resin-modified glass ionomer cements and Biodentine, used as a dentin base, were compared in class II open sandwich restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare in vitro the sealing ability of Biodentine™ and Riva LC with cervical dentin and Filtek Z350 in posterior proximal restorations using the dye penetration test.

Purpose: Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) is widely used on the basis of workplace-based assessments, which consist of direct observation and feedback. The DOPS covers all related professional qualities including knowledge, clinical perception, communication skills, ethics, the rights of patients, and the speed and accuracy of the task. However, the use of DOPS in dental treatment, especially in the field of periodontics is limited. Objective: The aim of the study was to find the utility of DOPS as assessment tool for the periodontal procedure. Methodology: The departmental faculty and postgraduate (PG) students were sensitized to the DOPS concept. A total of 12 PG students performed the periodontal procedure and were assessed on the basis of the DOPS rating scale for the 4 encounters each. The student's clinical skills were assessed by faculty members and then both students and faculty members were asked to give feedback for the procedure and overall experience. Results: Faculty and students both were comfortable in giving the feedback. Improvements in the knowledge of different clinical skills like relevant anatomy, technique of procedure were observed from 1st encounter to 4th encounter from 70% to 73.33%. Taking informed consent was improved from 53.33% to 90% from 1^st encounter to 4^th. Moreover, it helped the student to develop and improve their clinical skills, patient examination, and decision-making and treatment. Conclusion: The present study finding shows that faculty and students both were comfortable in giving the feedback and it helped the student to develop and improve their clinical skills. Our experience indicates that DOPS is an appropriate and functional tool in PG setup to enhance the clinical competencies.

Background and the Purpose: Soft-tissue paradigm shift clearly indicates the soft-tissue orientated treatment plan in orthodontics. Hence, the current study was undertaken with the aim to analyze the soft-tissue changes in orthodontic patients who have undergone upper and lower first premolar extractions followed by en masse retraction with conventional anchorage and mini-implant-supported anchorage. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was done on 32 orthodontic patients with a mean age of 17.5 ± 3.2 years. All the patients had undergone upper and lower first premolar extractions followed by fixed orthodontic treatment and a friction type of orthodontic retraction to close the extraction spaces using NiTi coil springs. All the cases belonged to high anchorage category. The sample was divided into groups, namely Group I (20) treated using conventional anchorage system and Group II (12) treated using implant-supported anchorage. The pre- and posttreatment lateral cephalograms were traced for different soft-tissue parameters such as mentolabial angle, nasolabial angle, liner measurements from E line, H line and Burstone's subnasale to pogonion line. Results: Significant changes were seen between the pre- and posttreatment soft-tissue parameter values for both Group I and Group II. However, Group II showed more changes in relation to superior sulcus to E line (SS-E line), Ls-E line, Li-E line, mentolabial angle, Ls-SnPg, Li-SnPg, Li-H line, and H line to nose tip, and the changes were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). The comparison of Group I and Group II showed that there existed a significant difference for the parameters such as nasolabial angle, mentolabial angle, and H line to nose tip (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Facial soft-tissue changes were to a greater extent in patients who have undergone implant-supported orthodontic retraction of anterior teeth in comparison to the conventional retraction method.

Context: Degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may show radiological characteristics similar to remodeling changes in an asymptomatic joint. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the bone changes in the condylar process of the TMJ in patients and associate the changes with age and gender. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences over a period of 2 years following institutional ethical clearance. Data were retrieved from the computer database and assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) (NewTom VGi evo). Subjects and Methods: Two hundred TMJ CBCT images were assessed in 100 patients. The study sample was carefully selected to exclude patients with any medical problems. The same bone changes in the condylar process were found in at least two consecutive slices by a single observer to avoid misinterpretation. Statistical Analysis: Data were collected and subjected to statistical analysis using kappa statistics for intraobserver reliability and using Chi-square test for comparison of parameters (P < 0.05). Results: Out of the 200 TMJs assessed, no changes were seen in 96 (48%) joints. The most common degenerative change seen was flattening, followed by erosion. When associated with gender, a statistically significant difference was found between males and females (P < 0.05). A statistically significant increase in changes was found with age (P < 0.05). The intraobserver agreement in assessing the CBCT images was carried out using kappa statistic and was found to be in almost perfect agreement (κ = 94.59%, P < 0.005). Conclusion: The study revealed a high frequency of TMJ alterations in male patients with degenerative changes, beginning in individuals <25 years of age and increasing with age. The high prevalence of TMJ changes in patients without complaints, suggests that some people with joint structural damage may not display clinical manifestations.

Dentistry involves very close contact with the patients while providing oral health care. During pandemics like COVID-19, teledentistry has enabled the oral health-care providers to incorporate telecommunication in dentistry to exchange clinical information and allow remote distance virtual consultations. The COVID-19 like pandemics is one of the reasons for inequities in oral health care. The use of technology and telecommunication can be used to bridge these inequities. This article reviews the challenges faced by oral health-care providers and patients, especially with intellectual and developmental disabilities during COVID-19 like pandemic. This article also reviews the utilization of teledentistry by different dental specialties, along with the current evidence that exists in the literature. In response to this crisis, we believe that teledentistry offers a promising uninterrupted oral health care and enhances the quality of care by improving the access, profession education, and patient satisfaction.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has taken the form of a pandemic that is threatening the public health and economies across the world. Statistics from various studies initially provided relief due to the lower incidence of COVID-19 occurrence in children. However, this respite was short lived as recent studies suggest that the children tend to be mostly asymptomatic, therefore, raising the possibility of lower testing and subsequent lower detection of cases. Certain articles have even termed the children “silent killers” by accusing them of secretly transmitting the SARS-CoV-2 infection without anybody suspecting them. This particular point tends to be scary, especially for the pediatric dentists because of their proximity to children during treatment which may unknowingly place them at a greater risk of viral exposure if the concerned child is asymptomatic. This review article will try to find answers to why are children shielded from the symptoms and severity of this pandemic and will also provide the pediatric dentists with information to spot the “red flags” as soon as possible.

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a reactive, hyperplastic lesion of the skin and mucosa in response to chronic irritation. It clinically presents as sessile or pedunculated growth, most commonly in the gingiva. The clinical and histopathological spectrum of PG depends on the phase of the lesion. Healing lesions are pinkish white compared to reddish lesions in the established phase. Long-standing lesions show features of fibrosis and calcification. We report a case of PG extra gingival in location, on the left lateral surface of tongue in a 45-year-old male with an insight into etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, histopathological, molecular, and immunohistochemical features. Novel concept of isolation of stem cells from pathological tissues such as PG might help future research in regenerative dentistry.

Odontome is the most frequent mixed type of odontogenic tumor comprising 22% of all odontogenic tumors. They are divided into two types namely, compound and complex types on the basis of the differentiation and organization of the dental tissues. The diagnosis of odontome relies on the clinical and radiographic evaluation of the lesion. This article presents an unusual case of compound composite odontome with prominent keyhole pattern in maxilla of a 23-year-old male patient.

Ameloblastomas are the second most common tumor that originates from the odontogenic epithelium. The common age of occurrence is usually the third decade of life, with majority of the cases involving the mandible. Unicystic ameloblastoma accounts for about 5%–15% of all ameloblastic lesions with no tendency to metastasize. It is a slow-growing tumor but locally invasive with high rate of recurrence, especially the mural variant. We report a case of mural type of unicystic ameloblastoma in a 32-year-old female patient with added emphasis on its histopathological importance.

Periapical cyst is an inflammatory odontogenic cyst of endodontic origin. It is called as periapical true cyst when the cyst is epithelium lined, closed pathological cavity or periapical pocket cyst when the epithelium lined cavity is continuous with the root canal of the affected tooth. Majority of the periapical cyst has the potential to heal after conventional root canal treatment. Large, true cysts respond less favorably to nonsurgical treatment. We present a case of 24 year old male patient who presented with a swelling in the upper lip region. A diagnosis of periapical cyst was made based on clinical and radiographic features. Intraoperatively, the cyst was found to be continuous with the root canal. Considering the histopathological features, a final diagnosis of periapical pocket cyst was given.

Dentigerous cysts, also called follicular cysts, are developmental odontogenic cysts that occur in association with an unerupted tooth. Fluid accumulation between the enamel epithelium and enamel causes the dental follicle to separate from the crown, giving rise to such cysts. Usually, these cysts do not show any symptoms and are diagnosed during routine radiological examination. Mucous cell prosoplasia is a rare type of entity commonly seen in oral pathologies such as odontogenic cysts and might lead to diagnostic difficulties. Although mucous cell prosoplasia is considered as a harmless condition, some studies have suggested that it may be a maiden step toward malignant transformation. We report a case of the dentigerous cyst with mucous prosoplasia that presented as an incidental finding emphasizing the importance of radiographs and histopathology in the definitive diagnosis of such cases.

India has a vibrant culture of customs and beliefs, yet the perceptions on health care remains consistent. Health-care delivery systems hinge onto the general health problems, unfortunately, overlooking the oral health. Most often, people seek dental care, but only in emergencies. Inclusion of oral health in the general health policies would initiate in the people of our country, a habit of regular dental visits. The dentists through these routine screening visits, could then not only promote preventive measures but also detect disease at the onset itself, halting its further progress. The awareness regarding oral health thus generated, could reach out to even rural India. This, in turn, improves the well-being of the society. This short communication aims at highlighting the need of oral health policies in India that would pave a way for a more healthy India.

Dentists and patients are exposed to pathogenic microorganisms and the risk of infection in 2019-nCoV due to special conditions in the provision of dental services, including face-to-face communication with patients, frequent contact with saliva and blood, and use of surgical instruments. With the decision of continuing education in dental schools without adequate consideration of the various aspects and critical measures, it is likely that dental schools will be the important centers for continuation of COVID-19 epidemic. This commentary provides useful tips for preparing students for dental education.