Dentition Status and its effect on the Oral Health Related Quality of Life in a Rural Elderly Population: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: This study was conducted to find out the effect of dentition status on the oral health related quality of life of rural elderly people residing in an Indian population.Methods: A total of 368 elderly subjects from eight villages were included in the study. OHRQoL was measured by using a validated Hindi version of Geriatric Oral Health AsBackground: This study was conducted to find out the effect of dentition status on the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of rural elderly people in an Indian population. The main objectives included the assessment of age wise differences among the elderly segment, particularly the effect of coronal and root caries, missing teeth and filled teeth.Methods: A total of 368 (192 (52.17%) males and 176 (47.83%) females) elderly subjects from eight villages were included in the study. Oral Health Related Quality of life was measured by using a validated Hindi version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Clinical assessment of the subjects was done regarding carious, missing, and filled teeth, and carious roots.Results: The mean GOHAI score was found to be 18.14 ± 5.71. The mean number of decayed crown was 1.34 ± 1.63, mean number of missing teeth was 12.74 ± 11.14, mean DMFT score was 14.08 ± 10.13, and mean number of teeth with root caries was 0.55 ± 1.17. Average number of carious roots was found to be maximum among 70-79 years age group followed by 60-69 years age group. Age wise differences were found to be statistically significant for mean number of decayed crown, missing teeth, root caries and mean DMFT.Conclusion: The results revealed that having more teeth present and less decayed teeth were found to be associated with better oral health related quality of life. The elderly are a special part of our society and need the utmost attention since they are most susceptible to oral diseases which impact their daily activities. Hence more light needs to be thrown on such issues to improve the overall health including the oral component.sessment Index (GOHAI). Clinical assessment of the subjects was done regarding carious, missing, filled teeth and carious roots.Results: The mean GOHAI score was found to be 18.14 ± 5.71. The mean decayed teeth were found to be 1.34 and mean DMFT was 14.08. Age wise differences were found to be statistically significant for mean number of decayed crown, missing teeth, root caries and mean DMFT.Conclusion: The results revealed the having more teeth present and less decayed teeth were found to be associated with better oral health related quality of life

Knowledge and Awareness of Ebola among Undergraduate Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: In the wake of the latest epidemic of Ebola, it has become important for healthcare personnel around the world to be very cautious regarding the contagious nature of the disease. This study was conducted among undergraduate dental students to assess the baseline knowledge and awareness about different aspects of Ebola.Methodology: A total of 212 students from third-year, final-year and internship were selected for the study. A pre-designed, structured and self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The first part had questions related to knowledge, epidemiology and transmission of Ebola. Second part was concerned with the symptoms, treatment and prevention aspect. Questions were close-ended with multiple-answer type.Results: Of the total sample, 78 (36.8%) participants were from third-year, 74 (34.9%) from final-year and 60 (28.3%) from internship. The overall success rate was just 48.58%. It was seen that the interns answered more number of questions correctly as compared to final-year and third-year students.Conclusion: Level of knowledge of Indian dental students about Ebola was generally acceptable considering the fact that it is not part of their curriculum. Dental school curriculum must also be updated in this regard