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The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, has shocked the entire world. As an effort to control the disease spread, the Indian government declared a nationwide lockdown on March 25th, 2020. As dental treatment was considered high risk in the spread of COVID-19, dentistry became one of the most vulnerable professions during this time. Dental professionals had to face job layoffs, salary cuts in professional colleges, closure of private clinics resulting in huge psychological, moral, and financial crises. Studies during the previous and present pandemics have shown mental issues among health care workers necessitating institutional reforms, along with early care and support. A balance in the work-life amongst professionals is the key to better efficiency and, was majorly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown due to sudden unexpected changes. Hence this study was conducted to understand the changes they underwent both at home and professional front with a hypothesis that physical and mental health, activities, relationship status, and workplace influence the work-life balance. A pre-validated questionnaire survey was done on dentists across India. Structural Equation Modelling and path analysis were applied to the data collected. The results of the study supported the hypothesis that factors like physical and mental health, activities, relationship status, and workplace influenced the work-life balance directly. A significant imbalance was seen amongst the female dentists. The present study proved the unpreparedness among dental professionals. Hence an evolutionary phase in every field with better working protocols, robust mental health support, and a focus on strategies to face future such emergencies is required.

Background Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is challenging to diagnose and manage due to its variable clinical presentation, resulting in inconsistent conclusions across existing reviews. Although several systematic reviews have investigated interventions independently, the evidence remains disparate, highlighting the need for an umbrella review to consolidate the different pieces of evidence and address any inconsistencies, thereby informing clinical recommendations. Methods This umbrella review will include published systematic reviews and meta-analyses focusing on treatment for CTS. Various databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science will be searched till June 01, 2025. Two reviewers will independently perform the article screening, study identification, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Overlap between relevant primary sources will be evaluated with the Corrected Covered Area (CCA) method. Certainty of evidence will be determined using the GRADE approach. The results will be reported as a narrative synthesis accompanied by summary tables. There will be an inclusion of only English-language publications, and the possibility of language bias will be recognized. Discussion This umbrella review will offer a broad and detailed summary of the available evidence pertaining to the management of CTS to facilitate the implementation of more uniform, evidence-based clinical decisions. The review, through assessing the quality of the methods used, locating the points of agreement or dispute, and indicating the gaps in the research, will be a guide for both the present practice and the next research directions. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD420250648720.

Objectives . To compare the prevalence of root surface carious lesions among the nondiabetic and diabetic elderly population and its association with various risk factors. Methods . An observational analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted among 800 elderly participants, 431 males and 369 females, aged 50 years and above, with a minimum of ten teeth present, with 400 being diabetic and 400 nondiabetic from the various hospitals of the Udupi district. Demographics, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene practices, oral abusive habits, and history of type 2 diabetes were collected using an interviewer‐administered questionnaire followed by an intraoral examination to assess root caries. The primary outcome measure was the presence of any carious or filled root surface. Binary logistic regression univariate analysis was done for all the predictor variables, and those with significant associations were further analyzed by multivariate analysis with the enter method in a single‐step model. An appropriate nomogram was designed for risk prediction. Results . Overall, the root caries prevalence was 37.3%, and the mean root caries index was 14.28%. The prevalence of root caries was 46% in people with diabetes and 28.5% in nondiabetics. Participants with type 2 diabetes, less education, low socioeconomic status, and using finger cleaning had a significantly higher risk of developing root caries. Additionally, those who used removable partial dentures (RPDs) were found to be 4.65 times more likely to have root caries than those who did not use RPDs. Conclusion . Elderly diabetics are at a higher risk for developing root caries and are strongly advised to maintain good oral hygiene practices and to undergo periodic dental evaluations. Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize early diagnosis and treatment of root caries in this population.

The present study explores the efficacy of Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks in age assessment using the root length of the second and third molar teeth. A dataset of 1000 panoramic radiographs with intact second and third molars ranging from 12 to 25 years was archived. The length of the mesial and distal roots was measured using ImageJ software. The dataset was classified in three ways based on the age distribution: 2–Class, 3–Class, and 5–Class. We used Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression models to train, test, and analyze the root length measurements. The mesial root of the third molar on the right side was a good predictor of age. The SVM showed the highest accuracy of 86.4% for 2–class, 66% for 3–class, and 42.8% for 5–Class. The RF showed the highest accuracy of 47.6% for 5–Class. Overall the present study demonstrated that the Deep Learning model (fully connected model) performed better than the Machine Learning models, and the mesial root length of the right third molar was a good predictor of age. Additionally, a combination of different root lengths could be informative while building a Machine Learning model.

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, prohibits smoking in public places under Section 4 to protect individuals from second-hand smoke (SHS). However, compliance with this provision remains inconsistent across India. To assess compliance with Section 4 of COTPA in public places in the Udupi City Municipal Corporation (UCMC) of Karnataka. A cross-sectional observational study assessed compliance with smoke-free regulations in 189 public places selected by convenience sampling using a structured observational checklist. Compliance was categorised as full, partial, or non-compliant. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc analyses and binary logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 189 sites, 38% were compliant (17.5% fully and 20.5% partially), while 62% were non-compliant, primarily due to absent signage (48%); active smoking was observed at 14%. Place category significantly predicted compliance (   < 0.001), with higher adherence in recreational venues (90%) and healthcare facilities (86.7%). Educational institutions, government offices, hospitality venues and hotels showed substantial non-compliance (45.5%-51.8%) and significantly lower odds of compliance compared with healthcare facilities (ORs 0.09-0.15). Marketplaces exhibited very poor compliance (77.8% non-compliant; OR = 0.03), while transportation hubs and religious sites were uniformly non-compliant due to the absence of mandated signage. The findings highlight the need for stronger enforcement, routine monitoring and targeted awareness initiatives to improve compliance with smoke-free legislation and protect public health.

The study was designed to characterize the surface, core promoter, precore/core region sequences for the presence of mutations in hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated with different liver diseases. 567 HBV associated patients with different liver diseases were enrolled in this study. All samples were analyzed for HBV surface, core promoter, precore/core region mutations and genotypes using PCR and direct sequencing. HBV genotype D (72.8%) was the predominant type followed by genotype A (27.2%). The serum viral load of HBV was highest in HBsAg carriers group and lowest in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. 17.9% patients with cirrhosis and 24.6% hepatocellular carcinoma cases were ADV-resistant with rtA181T/V mutations in the S-gene. A1896T was found more frequently in fulminant hepatic failure compared to acute viral hepatitis patients (p = 0.038). T1753V mutation was significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis of liver (34.6%) than in chronic hepatitis (18.9%) and hepatocellular carcinoma patients (21.2%; p = 0.001). T1762/A1764 mutation was observed in all the groups. C1914G core gene mutation was associated with the hepatocellular carcinoma (32.2%) compared to other groups. HBV genotype D predominated in comparison to genotype A. An increased frequency of precore mutation and BCP double mutations amongst the population studied was also observed. Mutations such as T1762/A1764, T1753V and C1914G were usually associated with advanced forms of liver disease and had an increased risk of HCC. The nucleotide variability in the basal core promoter and precore regions possibly plays a role in the progression of HBV disease. Prospective studies on the sequence variations of the preC/C region of the HBV genome and the molecular mechanisms in relation to progression of liver disease would aid in better understanding of the biological significance of HBV strains in India.

Background Given the high prevalence of tobacco use, India presents a significant challenge in tobacco control. Yet, the support received for tobacco cessation is suboptimal. Hence, the aim of this narrative review was to identify and heuristically evaluate 'high-quality' and 'engaging' tobacco cessation mobile apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Also, to categorize and analyse their features with respect to engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality. Methods A systematic search of tobacco cessation apps was done within app stores of prominent smartphone platforms developed by Apple and Android. The following search terms: 'quit smoking,' 'smoking cessation, 'stop smoking,' 'smoking therapy,' 'quit tobacco,' 'cigarette cessation,' 'cold turkey,' and 'quit cigarette.' Pearson's correlations were used to analyse correlations between app scores (Total score app-quality/mean score) and downloads/ratings and number of downloads with the overall MARS score. A Chi-square test was performed to analyse any association between app focus and app release dates. Results Total MARS scores ranged from 3.1 to 4.9. Quitsure app (4.9), Craving to Quit! app (4.8) and Stop Tobacco Mobile Trainer: Quit Smoking App (4.74) were ranked the highest according to the MARS overall mean score. Older apps focussed more on mere goal setting or substance use, as compared to behaviour change; whereas, recently developed apps are now focussing more on behaviour change. Conclusions The content and functionality of behaviour change-focused apps were of higher quality than those of other app categories. These recently developed mHealth apps can effectively supersede the traditional smoking cessation methods.

Background Pediatric oncology patients are highly susceptible to oral complications during chemotherapy. Awareness amongst parents and oral hygiene practices play a crucial role in preventing and managing these issues. Aim To assess parental knowledge and awareness about the oral hygiene practices and reported oral manifestations associated with chemotherapy in pediatric oncology patients. Materials and methods This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pediatric Oncology over one year. Parents of 66 children aged 0–18 years completed a structured questionnaire covering dental care utilization, oral hygiene practices, awareness regarding oral health, pre-treatment dental status, and self-reported oral side effects after therapy. Results Only 25.7% of children had ever visited a dentist, and 12.1% underwent dental evaluation before oncology treatment. While 57.6% brushed once daily, 51.5% required assistance, and 63.6% consumed snacks between meals. Parental awareness regarding the impact of diet and oral health on general health was low (30.3%). More than half of parents (57.6%) reported oral changes after the initiation of therapy, with oral ulcers (40.9%), difficulty eating (30.3%), and taste alteration (27.3%) being most common. Despite these symptoms, only 3% underwent dental treatment post-therapy initiation. Conclusion The study reveals inadequate dental care utilization, suboptimal oral hygiene practices, and lack of awareness amongst parents of pediatric oncology patients. Routine dental screening, structured oral hygiene education, and multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to minimize oral complications and improve oral health during chemotherapy.

Background: Disparity in the esthetic perceptions between a patient and clinician could result in patient dissatisfaction with orthodontic treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions of a group of orthodontists, general dentists, and laypersons about the attractiveness of Indian facial profiles. Methods: In this study, a male and a female participants' photographs and lateral cephalograms were digitally manipulated by inserting them into Dolphin software; we considered four soft tissue parameters at a nasolabial angle, upper lip E-line, lower lip E-line, and pg-pg', so that 20 profiles were created for each model. A visual analog scale (VAS) along with a question about surgical correction opinion was given to 18 orthodontists, 18 general dentists, and 18 laypersons to score (1-5) from least to most attractive. Spearman's rank correlation was computed to assess correlation, as well as ANOVA, followed by post hoc Tukey analysis to compare the mean scores, and Chi-square test to determine the opinion about surgical treatment. Results: There was an overall weak and negative correlation between the three groups, indicating that orthodontists attributed lower pleasantness scores to almost all the altered female and male facial profiles. Additionally, statistically significantly lower mean scores were attributed by orthodontists to many females and few male facial profiles. More orthodontists identified the need for surgical correction for a few severely distorted profiles but there was a statistically non-significant difference among the groups for most of the profiles. Conclusions: It was concluded that participants in the three groups had diverse concepts of facial attractiveness in all the parameters considered. Compared to general dentists and laypersons, orthodontists were much more precise, firmer, and meticulous in identifying a favorable or good-looking profile.

Background: The management of deep carious lesions can be done by various techniques but residual caries dilemma still persists and bacterial reduction in cavities treated by either partial or complete caries removal techniques is debatable. So the objective of the present randomized clinical trial was to compare microbial counts in cavities submitted to complete caries removal and partial caries removal using either hand instruments or burs before and after 3 weeks of restoration. Materials and Methods: Primary molars with acute carious lesions in inner half of dentine and vital pulp were randomly divided into three groups of 14 each: Group A: Partial caries removal using hand instruments atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) only; Group B: Partial caries removal using bur; Group C: Complete caries removal using bur and caries detector dye. Dentine sample obtained after caries removal and 3 weeks after restoration, were subjected to microbial culture and counting (colony-forming units [CFU]/mg of dentine) for total viable bacterial count, Streptococcus spp., mutans streptococci, Lactobacillus spp. Results: Three techniques of caries removal showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in all microorganisms studied after 3 weeks of evaluation, but there was no statistically significant difference in percentage reduction of microbial count among three groups. Conclusion: Results suggest the use of partial caries removal in a single session as compared to complete caries removal as a part of treatment of deep lesions in deciduous teeth in order to reduce the risk of pulp exposure. Partial caries removal using ART can be preferred for community settings as public health procedure for caries management.