The global COVID-19 Pandemic combined with nationwide economic depression and public fear had caused dental clinics in Malaysia to experience a significant reduction in patient visits with a potential impact on the socio-economic and psychological status of Malaysian private dentists. This study assesses the socio-economic and psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Malaysian private dentists. A cross-sectional online questionnaire included demographic profile, socioeconomic factors and psychological status was used. Participation was voluntary. Descriptive statistics on the three variables were generated. Pearson Chi-square test was used to check for significant difference (p<0.05). In all, 95 private dentists voluntarily participated. Male and female participants were equally represented, mostly in the 22-25 group (62%). The Job Insecurity Scale measurement showed 58% and 48.5% participants respectively, were socio-economically and psychologically affected. The Financial Threat Scale showed 44.4% of respondents were financially affected, while 51% (measured by the General health questionnaire) displayed affected health. The socio-economicpsychological aspect was found to be statistically significant (p =0.018). Within the limitation of sample size, participating private dentists were found to be socio-economically and psychologically affected by the COVID19 pandemic.

Objective: To investigate the bone-resorbing effect of demethylbelamcandaquinone B (Dmcq B) extracted from Marantodes pumilum var. alata on osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells. Methods: RAW264.7 macrophages were differentiated using RANKL into osteoclast-like cells. Then, they were treated with 10 μg/mL Marantodes pumilum var. alata crude aqueous extract, 5 μg/ mL dichloromethane fraction, and 0.6 μg/mL Dmcq B and 0.06 μg/ mL estradiol. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b) as an osteoclast phenotypic marker was determined by TRACP staining and TRACP 5b colometric assay, and bone-resorbing pits were examined. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) was measured. Moreover, the protein expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and estrogen receptors were evaluated. Results: Marantodes pumilum var. alata crude aqueous extract and Dmcq B inhibited RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation as evidenced by size reduction of giant multinucleated osteoclast cells, decreased TRACP 5b activity as well as the subsiding of resorbed pit area compared with normal control. In addition, they reduced the gene and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-6. Marantodes pumilum var. alata, Dmcq B, and estradiol treatments increased the protein expressions of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in osteoclasts. Conclusions: Marantodes pumilum var. alata and its active compound, Dmcq B can inhibit osteoclast differentiation.