This study aimed to characterize the knowledge of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) among dental faculty members in the city of Bhopal in central India. A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered at two dental colleges in Bhopal City. All dental faculty members who were present on the day of the study and who agreed to participate were included in the study. A total of 50 dental faculty members returned the questionnaire. Six Likert-type questions were asked, and the percentages of various responses were used for analysis. Sixteen faculty members (32.0%) strongly agreed that EBD is a process of making decisions based on scientifically proven evidence. Fifteen faculty members (30.0%) strongly disagreed or disagreed with the item stating that the best and quickest way to find evidence is by reading textbooks or asking experienced colleagues. Thirteen faculty members (26.0%) strongly agreed that EBD allows dentists to improve their scientific knowledge and clinical skills. It is recommended that EBD be included in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and in intensive continuing dental education programs that are conducted for dental faculty members.
Clinical Competence ; Curriculum ; Dentists ; Education, Dental, Continuing ; Evidence-Based Dentistry* ; Faculty, Dental ; Humans ; India*

AIMTo review the perceptions of dental/medical educators and their students in the United States on the adequacy of didactic and clinical preparation to provide service for individuals with disabilities.

METHODOLOGYAn e-mailed questionnaire with follow-up was sent to 198 deans of dental/medical schools, 1,628 directors of residency programs in nine medical/dental residency programs, 427 medical students in 12 medical schools, and 368 health related organizations, facilities and programs.

RESULTSMore than half (58%) of the responding deans of reported that a curriculum for patients with disabilities was not a high priority at their school. A majority (61%) of deans of medical schools, and 47% of the deans of dental schools, reported that their graduates were competent to treat patients with disabilities. However, majorities of dental/medical school seniors and graduates expressed inadequate competency in the care of these patients. A majority of the directors of medical/dental residencies indicated a need for additional training for their residents.

CONCLUSIONThere is need for increased didactic and clinical preparation of dental/medical school graduates in the care of individuals with special health needs. The interest expressed by health profession educators in an effort to develop appropriate curriculum modules provides an opportunity to prepare new graduates for the care of an increasing population of individuals with disabilities.

Administrative Personnel ; Attitude of Health Personnel ; Clinical Competence ; Curriculum ; Dental Care for Disabled ; Disabled Persons ; Education, Dental ; Education, Medical ; Electronic Mail ; Faculty, Dental ; Faculty, Medical ; Health Services ; Humans ; Internship and Residency ; Schools, Dental ; Schools, Medical ; Students, Dental ; Students, Medical ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; United States

Chrysanthemum rubellum (durian) flower (CR) is well-known for its usefulness in conventional and advanced medicine. Bioactive glass properties are geared towards hard tissue regeneration. Hence, this study aims to investigate the response of dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) when exposed to bioactive glass-chrysanthemum flower extract-conditioned medium. Methods: Chrysanthemum rubellum (durian) yellow coloured petals freeze dried extracts (CRE) was prepared by separation and agitation in distilled water where the final powdery compound was being investigated and combined with melt-derived BG 45S5 powder to produce BGCRE-conditioned medium. The CRE extracts in various concentrations and BGCRE-conditioned medium were exposed to DPSC and the cells responses were assessed using AB and MTT assays. The CRE and BGCRE-conditioned media were also assessed using ICP-OES to check for ionic release profile from both medium. Results: The CRE-conditioned medium (7.81, 15.63, 31.25 and 62.5 μg/ml) showed a dose-dependent effect towards DPSC from Days 1 until 14. The BGCRE-conditioned medium containing BG powders (1 mg/ml) with the lower amount of CRE extracts (0.02 and 0.1 mg/ml) promoted DPSC viability and proliferation rate from Days 1 until 14 based on AB and MTT assays. The BGCRE-conditioned medium has potentially affected the DPSC viability and proliferation. Conclusion: The presence of CRE in BGCRE-conditioned medium enhanced the DPSC viability and proliferation possibly through the combined effect of CRE and BG. This BGCRE combination showed potential as natural medicament for dental tissue regeneration
Craniofacial and Biomaterials Sciences Cluster ; Advanced Medical & ; Dental Institute ; Universiti Sains Malaysia ; Bertam ; 13200 Kepala Batas ; Pulau Pinang ; Malaysia 2 Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry ; Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences ; Virajpet ; 571218 ; Coorg Institute ; Karnataka State ; India 3 Faculty of Applied Sciences ; Universiti Teknologi MARA ; 40450 Shah Alam ; Selangor ; Malaysia