Medical students are the future health professionals and are expected to be teachers of hygiene as well as role models of self-care regimens for their patients. The objective was to assess self-reported oral health attitude and behavior among undergraduate medical students. A self-administered questionnaire based on the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU‑DBI) was distributed among 421 undergraduate medical students which consisted of 20 dichotomous responses (Agree- Disagree). Data were analyzed. Mean HU‑DBI scores among nursing students is 5.62 (Average) which shows students have average attitudes towards oral health. This study did not show any statistical difference between male and female students (p>0.05). Furthermore, second, third and final year students had better oral health attitude and behavior especially towards gingival health, oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist.

Dental caries (tooth decay) is one of the most important global oral health problems. Tooth decay can have a negative impact on activities of daily living and consequently on a person’s quality of life. Of the many species of microbes normally present in the oral cavity, Streptococcus mutans is the most significant bacterial group implicated in development of dental caries. Consequently, reducing the bacterial load is a practical prevention strategy. Various chemo-mechanical aids have been used towards achieving the goal. But many of the chemical constituents become disadvantageous due to various reasons like formation of stains and development of microbial resistance with prolonged use. As a result, researching and scientifically validating newer formulations becomes significant. This literature review briefly sums up the scientific basis of few indigenously used medicinal plants in India which have shown action against oral microorganisms like Streptococcus mutans. These studies have the potential to be converted into commercial preparations with appropriate field trials.

Habit is defined as a fixed practice produced by a constant repetition of acts. Oral habit may produce detrimental effect on oral and perioral structures if not intervened early. So oral habits are considered as the major etiological factors in the development of malocclusion. This case report describes a removable habit breaking appliance which is easy to construct and affordable for our patients. It is most effective in correction of thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.

Mixed dentition space analysis is very important in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The present study evaluated prediction methods for the estimation of size of unerupted canine & premolars, and observed any sexual dimorphism in tooth size in a local population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 192 boys and 192 girls aged 13-15 years who met the inclusion /exclusion criteria from schools of Lahore, Pakistan. Dental impressions of both arches were made and mesiodistal widths of teeth were measured with digital vernier caliper. Students t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and simple linear regression analysis was used to statistically compare tooth size differences in arches, among genders and predict maxillary and mandibular canine and premolars width based on sum of four mandibular incisors; sum of mandibular incisors and first molar; and sum of mandibular incisors and maxillary first molar. New regression equation was formulated for each arch and sex separately based on sum of mandibular incisors and maxillary first molar. Sum of maxillary first molar and mandibular incisors showed high correlation and determination coefficient in prediction of size of unerupted canine and premolars in the study population. Significant gender difference was found in tooth size in this sample. Sum of mandibular incisors and maxillary first molar is the better predictor for estimation of size of unerupted canine and premolars in our study population. Proposed prediction equations showed good accuracy, easy application and can be used in orthodontic treatment planning in local population.

The aim of this study to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of rubber dam use among Sudanese dentists. Descriptive cross- sectional study among 250 Sudanese dentists (143 general dental practitioner and 57 specialist) working within Khartoum city. Self administered questionnaire including questions about knowledge, attitude and practice of rubber dam use. Years of experience, gender, speciality and place of graduation were compared and analysed by chi-square test with the level of significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The response rate was 80%. Rubber dam as a routine use practiced by only 4.5%, however 31% used it occasionally. Cotton roll and saliva ejector were the methods of isolation for 40.5% of those doing dental operative procedure. Almost majority (69%); said they received training in rubber dam use during undergraduate period. The most barriers against rubber dam usage, was unavailability (45.5%). In spite of the majority of Sudanese dentists received training on rubber dam use during under graduate, few practiced it regularly and the main barrier was unavailability.

Satisfying patients’ high expectations for dental esthetics is one of the challenges in contemporary dental therapy for both clinicians and dental technicians. The prevalence of dental fluorosis appears high in some area. Its severe form results in great psychological distress to the affected individual. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the use of restorative materials used for treatment of different levels of fluorosis for a young patient. Maxillary individual crowns were constructed and cemented for a 30 years old teacher male patient presenting with severe fluorosis along with missing maxillary right canine tooth. The lower teeth were treated with in-office bleaching. These types of treatment by all ceramic crowns and in-office bleaching boosted the self-esteem of the patient with better social interaction especially as a teacher by profession.

To evaluate the efficacy of irrigating solutions EDTA, MTAD and Maleic acid in smear layer removal, using Navitips and conventional needles. 48 extracted mandibular premolar teeth were divided into 3 groups and two subgroups. They were prepared by ProTaper Ni Ti instrument system to an apical size of F3. The final irrigation in each group was done as follows, Group 1A- 17% EDTA (Control Group) with conventional needle, Group 1B-17% EDTA with Navitip, Group 2A- MTAD with conventional needle, Group 2B- MTAD with Navitip, Group 3A- 7% Maleic acid with conventional needle, Group 3B- 7% Maleic acid with Navitip. After final rinse with the test irrigants, the specimens were dried and prepared for SEM examination. In Group 2, MTAD was used, most root canal surfaces in coronal, middle and apical thirds had no smear layer. The coronal and middle third areas showed complete smear layer removal in 88 % and 75 % of samples, respectively, using both Conventional needle and Navitip. In apical third 63 % of samples, using Navitip and 50 % of samples, using Conventional needle, showed complete smear layer removal. Group 2 (MTAD) showed the best result for the removal of smear layer in all the areas. Group 3 (Maleic acid) and Group 2 (MTAD) are equally effective in the apical third, without much significant difference. Navitips are effective in the removal of smear layer than the Conventional needles, but there was no significant difference between them.