Oral placement therapy: A novel approach for addressing lead metal toxicity in autistic children

Objective: To investigate the effect of OPT (Oral Placement Therapy) on Blood lead levels (BLL) measured in microgram/dl and CARS 2 ST (Childhood Autistic Rating Scale 2nd edition Standard version) scores of autistic children both in the short and long term. It also studied the clinical views in speech, feeding and sensory needs by using OPT to bring down the BLL along with levels of CARS2-ST scores in children under autism spectrum disorder. Methods: This comparative observational study was conducted from April 2019 to January 2020, used repeated measures design involving 40 children under autism spectrum aged between 3 to 8 years with concerns of mouthing and smelling of inedible things.  40 participants were recruited to understand the performance benefits of a 5 months OPT versus 10 months OPT on severity of autism as measured by the CARS2-ST from 5 months to 10 months. An asymp sign test was used to compare the differences in CARS2-ST scores in the two repeat measures.Results: Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed statistically significant median decrease in BLL (7.3) and (6.8) at 5 and 10 months respectively when compared before therapy (7.75).&nbsp

Sociodemographic profile and future expectations of newly entered students in a dental institute in Greater Noida, India

Introduction: Dentistry is one of the most reputed professions all over the world and is becoming a fastest growing career choice for students. Thus, it is necessary to know reasons for choosing dentistry as a career and their future expectations. Aim: The aim was to obtain information about sociodemographic profile, influencing and motivating factors for a career choice and to know future expectations of 1 st year students enrolled in a private dental institute in India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing pretested structured questionnaire to 100 1 st year students enrolled in the Institute. The overall response rate was 93%. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 and Chi-square test was applied. Results: Parents were most influencing factors for both male and female students to choose dentistry and students rated reputation and lifestyle (96.7%) as most motivating factor. About 80% of students wanted to pursue specialization after B.D.S where maximum preference was given to oral surgery (29%), endodontics (12%), and orthodontics (9%). Statistically significant association was found between gender and interest to do specialization in dentistry (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Dentistry upholds a reputable position among the students, and most students′ want to pursue specialization after completion, of course; however, it′s disheartening that very few students are inclined toward nonclinical branches

Determinants of preventive oral health behavior among senior dental students of Greater Noida, India

Introduction: Oral self-care practice is an effective preventive measure for maintaining good oral health. The health beliefs and attitudes of health professionals will not only affect their oral self-care habits, but will have a profound influence on their ability to motivate patients to learn and practice preventive oral health measures. Aim: The aim was to determine the preventive oral health behavior of senior dental students in relation to demography, knowledge of preventive care, and attitudes towards preventive dentistry. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a dental institution by distributing pretested questionnaire to 102 final year dental students. The overall response rate was 94%. Data were computed and tabulated. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test using SPSS. Results: More than half of the respondents (56.25%) agreed that the frequency of sugar consumption has a greater role in producing caries. It was observed that 93.75% of students found preventive dentistry practice to be useful. Significant gender differences were observed in the use of recommended oral self-care, knowledge of using sealant as a caries preventive measure and fluoridation of drinking water as an effective way of preventing caries. Conclusion: There was an appreciably high level of good knowledge of preventive dental care among the dental students with a positive attitude towards preventive dentistry practice