Evaluating Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and Oral Health Needs of Geriatric Patients
Aging has a profound impact on oral health, contributing to diminished functional capacity and reduced quality of life. With the growing geriatric population, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has emerged as an important public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health needs and OHRQoL in the geriatric population
Dental Students’ Preference Between Composite and Amalgam for Posterior Restorations in Pakistan
Background: Dental restorative material choice has shifted globally, with composite resin increasingly preferred over amalgam due to esthetics and conservative preparation. However, amalgam remains valued for its cost-effectiveness and durability. Limited data exist on dental students’ perspectives in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 76 third- and final-year dental students at Islamic International Dental College (IIDC), Riphah International University, between June and December 2019. The questionnaire assessed student perceptions of ease of cavity preparation, handling, durability, cost, and patient demand. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 to generate descriptive statistics. Results: Composite resin was the preferred material for posterior restorations among 81.6% of students, primarily due to its esthetics, ease of preparation (90.8%), and patient preference (84.2%). Amalgam was favored for its lower cost (84.2%) and greater longevity (53.9%), and was most often selected for Class I restorations. Despite these advantages, 51.3% of students opposed the complete discontinuation of amalgam use. Conclusion: Dental students at IIDC demonstrated a stronger preference for composite resin, reflecting global trends and patient expectations. Nonetheless, amalgam continues to be acknowledged for its affordability and clinical durability, particularly in specific scenarios. Educational curricula should emphasize evidence-based decision-making that integrates both esthetic and functional considerations. Keywords: Composite resin, Dental amalgam, posterior restorations, dental students, esthetics, cost-effectiveness
From Theory to Practice: A Qualitative Exploration of House Officers’ Clinical Learning Experience in Prosthodontics
The theory-practice gap is a well-recognized phenomenon in healthcare education, including medicine, nursing, and dentistry. It highlights the discrepancies between what is taught in academic settings and what is required in actual patient care. In prosthodontics—an intricate branch of dentistry focused on the restoration and replacement of teeth—the consequences of this gap can be particularly pronounced (Seedat J 2023). Failure to effectively bridge the gap may not only compromise patient safety and outcomes but may also erode student confidence, increase procedural errors, prolong treatment durations, and diminish overall healthcare delivery quality (Abdullahi KO et al., 2022). For new graduates, these challenges can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and self-doubt, especially when they are expected to independently manage complex clinical cases shortly after completing their academic studies (Uoshima K et al,. 2021).
Use of Smartphones and medical apps in Dentistry
This was a cross-sectional survey carried out using an online self-administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of dentists and dental students from various institutes of Punjab. The participants were asked closed-ended questions regarding demographics, their pattern of smartphone apps usage. The usage of smartphone apps was lower in the studied population compared to international levels. Smartphone apps can aid clinical practice and learning experience through their accessibility and cost-effectiveness provided limitations and barriers in their use are addressed.
Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery for Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review on Enhanced Treatment outcomes, Cellular Uptake, Safety and Immunomodulatory Potential
This review highlights how nanoparticle drug delivery can transform tuberculosis treatment by enhancing efficacy, reducing side effects, and improving patient compliance. We discuss recent advances in liposomal and polymer-based formulations, key findings from preclinical and clinical research, and the challenges that remain before widespread clinical adoption.
Assessing Patient Safety Culture in Pakistani Dental Hospitals: A study using the DOSOPS questionnaire.
This study explores patient safety culture in dental hospitals using the DOSOPS questionnaire, highlighting gender and role-based differences that influence safety perceptions across staff groups. The findings provide evidence to strengthen safety protocols in South Asian healthcare settings.
Prevalence of Dental Caries and its association with Iron Supplements in School Children of Rawalpindi and Islamabad
ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries using decayed, missing, filled, tooth (dmft) index among school children between age 5-12 years. It aims to assess the correlation of dental caries with use of iron supplements and to evaluate the impact of oral hygiene habits on the prevention of dental caries. This study aims to address the paucity of knowledge interlinking caries and iron supplements and help parents of young children gain clarity regarding safe iron supplements intake. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among n=315 children aged 5-12 years in selected private and public schools in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Data on iron supplement intake, oral hygiene practices, and dietary habits were collected via structured questionnaires administered to mothers/guardians, and clinical dental examinations assessed DMFT scores. Statistical analyses were carried out using Jamovi software for bivariate and multivariate analysis to test predictive accuracy and determine the important variables. Results: The sample size of this study is n=315 children. Among the 315 children, 35.2% (n=111) had reported intake of iron supplement, and 64.8% (n=204) had not. There was no significant difference in mean DMFT scores between the non-supplement and supplement groups, which were 2.17 ± 2.63 and 2.35 ± 2.65. Multivariate regression demonstrated that age was significant DMFT predictors, with an age of 11–12 years having significantly lower DMFT scores than an age of 5–7 years. Balanced, healthy, and protein diets correlated with lower DMFT scores than processed/sugary diets. No significant interactions were seen between age and iron supplementation. Conclusion: The finding showed that iron supplementation was not significantly associated with an increased risk of dental caries in children. However, the research indicates age, and dietary habits were more strongly linked to caries prevalence. The findings support the continued use of iron supplements without adverse implications for paediatric dental health.
Global Challenges of Enteric Fever: Gaps, Hurdles, and Hope
Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, an extensive literature search was performed utilizing PubMed and Scopus databases from 2015 to 2024. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving preterm infants (26–34 weeks gestation) who received olfactory stimulation (e.g., milk, vanilla, rose odors) compared to standard care. The primary outcome was the number of days required to achieve full oral feeding. Data were synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis model, and methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and GRADE framework. Results Out of 1,029 identified records, five RCTs met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that olfactory stimulation significantly reduced the time to full oral feeding (mean difference = -1.37 days; 95% CI: -2.36 to -0.39; p = 0.006), with high heterogeneity (I² = 98%). Subgroup analyses indicated the greatest benefit in studies using milk odor and in smaller cohorts. Conclusion A safe and non-invasive strategy, olfactory stimulation appears to facilitate a quicker transition to full oral feeding in preterm infants. However, future research, particularly large-scale studies, is required to ascertain its long-term efficacy and refine intervention protocols. Keywords: Enteral Nutrition; Feeding Behavior; Infant, Premature; Olfactory Stimulation; Randomized Controlled Trial
Isolation and Characterization of Infidel, a Novel Bacteriophage Infecting Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki (Btk)
The phage exhibited strong lytic activity, with complete bacterial clearance in low-dilution plates, suggesting either a large burst size or highly efficient infection. Superinfection immunity assays could clarify whether Infidel also follows a lysogenic cycle.
None of Us Is as Smart as All of Us
Imagine Mrs. XYZ, a 69-year-old woman living in a remote area with her son’s family. One evening, she was brought to the hospital after a minor fall. Upon examination, her blood pressure was low, and she had a small fracture in her hip. The medical doctor admitted her for observation and pain management. During her care, the nurse noticed she seemed more confused than expected. During a medication review, the pharmacist realized she was taking two different medications prescribed by different doctors for the same condition, which were lowering her blood pressure, which might have led to the fall. A physiotherapist noticed that her muscle strength was poor for her age and suspected early frailty. The public health specialist spoke with her family and found out that Mrs. XYZ had a sedentary lifestyle with poor eating habits. The psychologist uncovered that she was grieving her husband’s recent death and suffering from undiagnosed depression. She was feeling like a burden to her family. If all these professionals had not spoken up or only worked in silos, Mrs. XYZ would’ve been discharged as ‘stable’, only to return weeks later with a major depressive episode, a serious injury or even something irreversible.