BACKGROUND: Dentists are often overlooked resources in the workforce for disaster management (DM). To determine the knowledge, attitudes, willingness, and self-perceived effectiveness to participate in DM among general dental practitioners (GDPs) of Eastern India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based online survey was conducted among 256 Dental Council of India registered GDPs of Cuttack district, Odisha. The 45-item survey comprised closed-ended questions on the demographic data of the participants, years of practice, previous experience in DM, and willingness to participate. Other domains assessed were the participants' objective knowledge of DM, attitude, and self-perceived effectiveness toward participation during disasters. Data were analyzed descriptively, and the Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis, with a significance threshold of P < 0.05. RESULT: A total of 154 responses were analyzed, giving a response rate of 60.16%. The average age was ≤35 years, 59.1% were BDS dentists and 78.6% had less than 10 years of practice. Only 18% of them had previous experience with DM, and merely 3.2% were formerly trained; however, 95.5% of the dentists were willing to participate in DM. The mean DM knowledge and attitude scores were 16.12 (CI = 15.4–16.8) and 5.79 (5.45–6.13), respectively. Knowledge and attitude showed a significant correlation. About 56% indicated that they would be able to respond effectively to a disastrous event. Significant associations were observed between age group (P = 0.008), years of clinical practice (P = 0.001), qualification (P = 0.012), previous participation (P = 0.029), and self-perceived effectiveness. CONCLUSION: The knowledge regarding DM among respondents was at an average level. However, the majority of them were found to have a positive attitude toward participation in DM. Thus, including DM in dental curricula and drills for dental professionals might prove beneficial as almost all GDPs were showing greater self-perceived effectiveness and willingness to participate in disasters.
Dear Editor,Head and Neck Cancers (HNC) constituted 5.7% of global cancer-related mortality, an estimated 67% of cases, and 82% of HNC deaths occurred in low-and middleincome countries (LMIC). 1 HNC patients have multiple, unique, and challenging symptoms such as xerostomia, taste disturbances, dietary restrictions, dysphagia, pain, fatigue, permanent disfigurement, and infirmity. 2 Since the disease and its treatments result in a huge burden of mortality and morbidity, these HNC patients require a multidisciplinary approach along with trimodality therapy. 3 Therefore, patients with HNC are a group in whom Palliative Care (PC) is of paramount importance that specifically aims to improve the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients and their carer givers. In a nationwide sample from the National Cancer Database, United States of patients with HNC, the authors found increases in the use of palliative care services in recent years however it was not consistent throughout each region. 4 A scoping literature review suggests that only 18% to 21% of all people with HNC received palliative management following diagnosis. 5 In India, less than 2% of those needing palliative care receive it, with no data specific to HNC patients. 6 A systematic review demonstrated the effectiveness of home-based PC over hospital-based PC which involves doorstep provision of holistic care usually by a multidisciplinary team. 7 Kerala, the Southern state of India developed a sustainable unique home care model in the service delivery of PC through the community-based approach which gained worldwide recognition, especially in developing countries over the years. 8 A recent study evaluated that uninterrupted patient services, economic self-sufficiency, and volunteering efforts contributed to the overall sustainability of the model. Further, it was suggested that replication of the Kerala model for home-based PC be considered taking into account the sociological, geopolitical, and specific needs of similar LMICs. 9 Public health dentist (PHD) is a specialist in community dental health, working to prevent and control dental diseases and promoting the dental health of the community using group
Ingestion of corrosive substances may cause severe to serious injuries of the upper aero-digestive tractand the poisoning can even result in death. Acute corrosive intoxications pose a major problem in clinical toxicology since the most commonly affected population are the young with psychic disorders, suicidal intent and alcohol addiction. In our case report, a 19-year-old male, 2year engineering student committed suicide by consuming a heavy metal salt available in his chemistry lab after leaving a suicidal note. He got treated in a private hospital for 2 days and later he succumbed due to poisoning. Though the findings of this heavy metal poisoning mimicks corrosive acid poisoning, it has to be viewed through the eye of forensic toxicology for a clear view in clinching the diagnosis in the earlier phase of treatment.
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