Objectives To assess knowledge, awareness, and practice of health care workers about the role of teledentistry in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods A prevalidated structured questionnaire was used to evaluate awareness of general dentists, postgraduate dental students, dental educators, and consultants with postgraduation degrees toward teledentistry. The acceptability, reliability, and language clarity were also pretested. A total of 510 dental professionals contributed to this study. Statistical Analysis A statistical analysis using SPSS (version 20.0) was performed. Responses were noted as yes or no. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant. Frequencies described data. Chi-square test was performed for intergroup comparison to evaluate if the knowledge and attitude diverge with the increase in the level of seniority in the profession. Results Awareness regarding teledentistry is high among general dentists with bachelor of dental surgery qualification in comparison to final-year students and postgraduate dental students. The majority of participants agreed with improvement in health care (88.20%), access to rural areas (82.90%), and general practicing dentist agreed with statistically significant difference (0.00) on saving time by teledentistry. Conclusion General practicing dentist was observed with high awareness of teledentistry as compared with postgraduate and undergraduate dental students.

Background: Papacarie pre-treatment of dentin surface has been reported to exhibit good bond strength values between dentin and composites. Its desirable properties like high pH, sites specify and anti-inflammatory response makes it a future material in place acid etching pre-treatment. Acid etching may cause sensitivity and collapse of dentinal matrix. Methods: This in-vitro study involved, 60 caries free extracted premolars, randomly divided into three groups. Control Group (Group A) No pre-treatment of dentin prior adhesive application. Experimental Group B acid etchant was applied before adhesive application. Experimental Group C Papacarie was used as a pre-treatment agent. All these specimens were tested for shear bond strength with the help of Universal Testing Machine. All the collected data was entered in SPSS version 20.0. ANOVA was used to determine the mean SBS (Shear Bond strength) values of control and experimental groups. Results The mean shear bond strength of material was 7.74±0.47 in group A, 17.80±1.43 in group B and 15.11±0.70 in group C. Group B showing better strength than other two groups. Conclusion: The study provides information about longevity of composite restorations and may help in extending the clinical usage of papacarie to avoid harmful effects of acid etching on dentin and pulpal tissue.

Background: The students are in the best position to judge the effectiveness of any teaching system. They may comment logically to assess the teaching and evaluation methods. Aim: To analyze the student's feedback on teaching methodologies and effectiveness of methods being practiced in department of Prosthodontics in Islam Dental College Sialkot. Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted in Islam Dental College Sialkot with a specially designed questionnaire. The study subjects were 100 students, 50 each from 3rd year and final year BDS. The questionnaire was based on methods of teaching and assessments, in terms of content, time and relevance. Results: Majority (85%) agreed on the reliability of multimedia and digital methods of teaching .A huge number (73%) were also satisfied with delivery and content of the lectures.80% students were satisfied with teaching in lecture halls. 30% and 40% were not satisfied with teaching in clinics and OPDs respectively. Multiple Choice questions were the most favored type of assessment methods with 45% agreement. Conclusion: Students were satisfaction with the teaching methods being practice in Islam dental College. MCQs were considered preferred assessment tools. There is a dire need to innovate Clinical and OPD Teaching regime in the dental colleges. As the lapse has a significant impact on knowledge and skill of the students. Keywords: Blended Learning, Assessment tools, Feedback, teaching methods

The aim of the present study was to find out the reasons of low frequency of dental visits by the patients having one or less than one visit per year. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out using convenient sampling technique, in the female dental OPD of College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Proformas were filled after interviewing patients having one or less than one per year frequency of dental visits and attending dental OPD on duty days of interviewing doctors. 159 questionnaires were filled. Frequency and percentage of each response were calculated through descriptive statistics using SPSS (V.16). Results: Lack of time was the reason given by 29% of patients, high cost of treatment by 24.5%, fear by 23.9%, difficulty in approaching dental clinics by 23.3%,unawareness by 21%, low income by 20%, personal dislike for dental treatment by 14.5%, pending the visits by 13% and lack of family support for dental treatment by 12% of patients for not attending dental clinics for regular check-ups. Conclusion: Lack of time, high cost of treatment and dental anxiety were the most common reasons for low frequency of dental visits by the patients. Unawareness about the importance of dental health was also a significant factor. Strategies should be adopted to address all the factors and to educate patients at all levels regarding importance of oral and dental health. Proper implementation of these strategies should improve the frequency of visits by the patients for regular dental-checkups. Key words: Dental visits, Frequency, Low attendance, Reasons.