Dentists and dental hygienists deploying air-turbine hand pieces during cavity cutting, ultrasonic scalers and high-speed hand pieces get themselves exposed to airborne contaminants like aerosols and splatter. Mucosal and nasal inhalation makes them susceptible to tuberculosis, hepatitis B & HIV because of established contact with respiratory secretions, saliva and blood splatter. Infection control practices have been advocated to prevent and minimize the exposure to aerosols through use of rubber dams, saliva ejectors, and pre-procedural rinse with 0.2% chlorhexidine before ultrasonic scaling. Universal precautions already in practice in dental establishments using gloves, protective eyewear with solid-side shields, face masks/chin-length plastic face shields, protective clothing (Aprons, Gowns, Clinic Jackets, Lab coats and Uniforms are helpful in containment of aerosols. High Volume Evacuator devices have been found to be efficient in substantive reduction of aerosols and should be exercised in routine dental procedures

Aim: This study aimed to assess the oral hygiene practices and oral health status of middle aged (45–55 years) women residing in rural areas of Ambala district (Haryana). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 79 villages were selected using simple random sampling technique through an online randomizer. The study participants (780) were selected through convenience sampling and oral health status was (dental caries, periodontal status, prosthetic needs, and dental fluorosis) recorded on a self-structured format based on World Health Organization Criteria (WHO, 1997). Group comparisons were done by using Chi-square test for categorical data. Results: In the present study, 69.2% of the study participants used toothbrush and toothpaste for cleaning teeth. Women in the age group of 45–50 years had lower mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (7.80 ± 5.21) when compared with the age group of 51–55 years (9.77 ± 6.16). Ninety-eight percentage of the women were in need of dental prosthesis. Among the study participants, 56.5% had 4–5 mm loss of attachment (LOA) and 23.2% had 6–8 mm of LOA. Difference between the need for multiunit dental prosthesis among the age groups (45–50 years) and (51–55 years) was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Thus middle-aged women residing in rural area have high oral care need; however, there is quite a gap between the need for dental care and the amount of dental care utilized.

Objective: The current research was conducted with an aim to assess the association of oral microbiome with Potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) because usage of tobacco in any form alters the normal microbiome and shifts it towards dysbiosis. Thus, our definitive knowledge of the oral commensal bacteria and oral cancer link can definitely be used as a potential adjunct to early diagnosis and management of PMDs and prevent it's malignant transformation. Study Design: A total of 100 individuals of minimum 18 years of age were included in the study which, were classified into 2 groups of tobacco users (50) and non-tobacco users (50). The tobacco users had a history of tobacco consumption for at least 5 years. Results: The present study, showed highest percentage (72%) of anaerobic bacteria, followed by aerobic (22%) and lowest count of yeast (4%). Conclusion: The ecological shift to dysbiosis is a significant finding in oral carcinogenesis. Further investigation on a larger group of altered microbiomes will definitely help in establishing relationship of altered microbiome and PMDs, which can help in appropriate treatment and better prognosis.

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Introduction The present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate prevalence of dental caries in 5- to 12-year-old children in the city of Patiala, Punjab. Materials and Methods This cross sectional study comprised 1,600 school children belonging to upper middle and lower middle class groups. The children were examined in their schools itself sitting on an ordinary chair. Results Caries prevalence reported was 40%. Higher decayed, missing, and filled teeth were found in children eating sweet foods. Conclusion Results reveal a high percentage of children with dental caries which shows a need for oral health awareness in these children. A low percentage of children was brushing twice a day.

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