Fatima Jinnah Dental College

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an essential tool in all fields, including dentistry. Different levels of familiarity with the knowledge regarding AI and perception among dental professionals exist globally, with many advocating for its integration into the curriculum. However, highlighting ethical concerns like data privacy, biases, and job displacement must be addressed to ensure its responsible implementation in dentistry.Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of AI in dentistry among dentists working in teaching dental hospitals of Peshawar.Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to June 2024 at Sardar Begum Dental College and Hospital (SBDC). The population included 475 total dentists, including house officers, postgraduate trainees, and faculty members, selected through a census sampling technique. Participants were required to have a valid Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) registration and willingness to participate, while those unwilling or unavailable were excluded.Results: Among the 475 participants, 49.3% had low knowledge, 48% moderate, and 2.7% high. Faculty members demonstrated greater knowledge compared to house officers and trainees. Most participants agreed that AI enhances efficiency and quality in dentistry and should be incorporated into the curriculum. Ethical and data privacy concerns were more pronounced among younger participants. Interest in learning more about AI was high, particularly among house officers. Perceptions varied significantly by designation and age, but not by gender.Conclusion: Although knowledge of AI in dentistry remains limited, attitudes toward its integration are largely positive. Bridging knowledge gaps and addressing ethical challenges are essential for the effective and responsible incorporation of AI into dental education and clinical practice.

Background: To compare post-operative pain outcomes following pulpotomy using diode laser, formocresol, and ferric sulphate in primary molars of paediatric patients, assessed through the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBS). Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Fatima Jinnah Dental College and Hospital, Karachi, from January to August 2023. Ninety children aged 4–9 years requiring pulpotomy were enrolled and randomly allocated into three groups (n = 30 each). Group 1 received formocresol, Group 2 ferric sulphate, and Group 3 diode laser treatment. Post-operative pain was evaluated at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: Laser pulpotomy demonstrated the lowest pain scores (WBS = 0.07 ± 0.37) at 2 weeks, compared with formocresol (2.93 ± 3.14) and ferric sulphate (2.20 ± 2.54) (p < 0.001). Differences remained significant at 4 weeks but not beyond 3 months (p > 0.05). Radiographic success rates were highest for diode laser (100%), followed by ferric sulphate (95%) and formocresol (90%). No major adverse events were observed. Conclusion: Diode laser pulpotomy produced superior early pain relief and excellent clinical outcomes compared to conventional pulpotomy medicaments. It represents a safe, minimally invasive, and effective alternative for managing vital pulp therapy in paediatric dentistry.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a sudden shift to online learning globally, exposing significant challenges, particularly in countries like Pakistan. Dental education faced unique obstacles due to inadequate internet connectivity, limited access to technology, and unfamiliarity with digital resources. This study aimed to evaluate the pandemic’s impact on dental education in Pakistan, focusing on dental students’ and educators’ experiences during the shift to online learning. This qualitative study employed an interpretative phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of dental students and educators in Pakistan during and immediately after the pandemic from February 2020 to October 2022. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 25 dental students and 25 educators from public and private dental colleges. Thematic analysis was used to identify the key themes. Sentiment analysis provided additional insights into participants’ emotional responses. Four main themes emerged for both students and educators. For students, the themes included impacts on study habits, technological adaptation, clinical education challenges, and psychological concerns. Educators highlighted changes in teaching practices, institutional support, clinical education disruptions, and student engagement issues. Both groups expressed concerns about the long-term implications for professional competence and ethical responsibilities of graduating inadequately trained practitioners. Sentiment analysis revealed mixed emotional responses, reflecting frustration, resilience, and optimism. The abrupt transition to online learning highlighted the need for infrastructural improvements, teacher training, and curriculum adaptations to ensure effective dental education. Policymakers must prioritize strategies to integrate technology into dental education, address disparities and maintain clinical competence to prepare future practitioners.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of sustainability in managing operations within the chocolate industry in the UK. A survey questionnaire method involving 50 participants was undertaken during the period from 1st March to 21st March 2024. The target sample was identified through a convenience sampling method. The target sample consisted of chocolate manufacturing sector employees based in Scotland. The findings identified that increased sales in chocolate businesses may be attributed to an increase in sustainability-informed practices in the business. Moreover, it can also be assessed that brands like Cadbury still have loopholes in sustainability as they include misanthropic practices like Child labour and deforestation. Based on the findings, it is identified that consumers are willing to purchase from those chocolate brands which demonstrate sustainability practices.

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of connective tissue and alveolar bone. Simvastatin (SIMV) is an antihyperlipidemic drug whereas metronidazole (MET) is a commonly used drug to treat chronic periodontitis. SIMV and MET administered sub gingivally have been shown to have bone-stimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in patients with chronic periodontitis.Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of 1% MET with 1% SIMV gel on clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with chronic periodontitis.Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 30 patients which were divided into 3 groups by block randomization method. Control group received only scaling and root planning (SRP). Group 1 received 1% MET gel and group 2 received 1% SIMV gel as an adjunct to SRP. Periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), tooth mobility (TM), bleeding (BOP), periodontal and gingival index (PI and GI), TNF-α, PGE2, and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured. ANOVA was used for comparing the outcomes variables between groups followed by Tuckey's test. Results: Mean PPD was reduced from 3.25 mm to 1.36 mm by 1% SIMV gel and it reduced PPD to a significant level (p<0.05) as compared to 1% MET gel. Mean CAL was reduced from 3.48 mm to 1.67 mm by 1% SIMV gel and it reduced CAL to highly significant level (p<0.001) as compared to control. TM was reduced from 1.10 mm to 0.50 mm by 1% SIMV gel (p<0.01). BOP (p<0.001), GI (p<0.001) and TNF-α (p<0.05) levels were reduced by 1% SIMV gel (p<0.001) as compared to 1% MET gel. Conclusion: Gel containing 1% SIMV is more efficacious in decreasing the clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarkers as compared to gel containing 1% MET in treating periodontitis. Keywords: Chronic periodontitis, Metronidazole, Simvastatin.

Objective: To identify the most frequently repeated mutations in the NS5 protein in DENV RNA isolated from dengue patients in the province Punjab of Pakistan.Methodology: The study was conducted at Aziz Fatimah Hospital and Allied Hospital Faisalabad during the 2022 dengue outbreak. The temporal sampling method was applied while selecting confirmed dengue patients from both hospitals, and written consent was taken. 120 blood samples were selected in total and after quantification only 23 samples were found fit for whole genome sequencing. Data was uploaded to Torrent Suite Server 4.10 for analysis. Epi Data Analysis, a WHO-developed software program, was used to calculate and summarize mutation frequencies. Excel analysis was used to check for flaws in the data.Results: There were a total of 199 mutations across the entire nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) sequence. NS5 mutations were found in 9 genomic isolates, with Sample (S) 17 having the highest number.Conclusion: The presence of large number of mutations in the structure of NS5 protein may be used in designing specific anti-viral against it, for better management of DENV infection in local settings in future.

Background and objective Pediatric dentists face a serious challenge when encountering cases of primary teethlost too soon due to systemic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, congenital heart disease, and chronic kidney disease. Prompt identification and treatment are necessary to minimize problems in these patients. This study aimed to better understand and enhance clinical outcomes in pediatric dentistry treatment by investigating diagnostic modalities and early therapy methods for kids wholose their primary teeth too soon because of systemic disorders. Methodology We conducted a retrospective observational study to examine the early loss of primary teeth in children aged 6-10 years with a history of systemic diseasesat Naseer Teaching & MMC-General Hospital, Peshawar; Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar; DHQ Teaching Hospital, Kohat; and Fauji Foundation Hospital, Multan from January to December 2022. After carefully gathering data from medical records, a sample of 360 patients meeting the inclusion criteria was examined. SPSS Statistics version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for the statistical analysis. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and management approaches were compiled using descriptive statistics. For categorical data, frequency distributions and percentages were determined, and for continuous variables, means and standard deviations (SD) were calculated. Regression analysis was conducted to analyze relationships between related variables and treatment outcomes. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The majority of patients were aged between six and eight years, and the cohort had an equal gender distribution. Dental problems including malocclusion (n=175, 48.61%) and early tooth loss (n=245, 68.06%) were common, as were systemic illnesses like genetic disorders (n=45, 12.50%) and endocrine abnormalities (n=67, 18.61%). Diagnostic procedures were often carried out, such as radiographic exams (n=256, 71.11%) and blood tests (n=123, 34.17%). Dietary supplements (n=60, 16.67%) and dental procedures (n=75, 20.83%) constituted the bulk of the treatment. Significant treatment outcomes that demonstrated the efficacy of the therapies were as follows: high patient satisfaction (n=213, 59.17%), improved oral health (n=255, 70.83%), and symptom relief (n=187, 51.94%). Conclusion Our findingshighlight the significant impact of certainpractical methods for identifying and treating early tooth loss in pediatric patients with systemic illnesses, leading topatient satisfaction in terms of symptom relief and enhanced dental health.

Academic performance is a measurement of student accomplishment, which is tremendously achieved by providing a robust learning environment. Factors that hinder the incredible academic performance of nursing students include an uncomfortable learning environment, a shortage of committed faculty, and students' financial backgrounds. Objective: To determine the factors influencing the academic performance of undergraduate nursing students at a public sector institution in Karachi. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was completed at the Dow Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. All students who were enrolled in the BSN 4 Years Degree Program were the targeted population. The calculated sample was 300 nursing students. Data were collected by adopted and validated questionnaire "Combined Survey Questionnaire". Factors influencing the academic performance of nursing students were computed in mean and standard deviation. Results: Out of total, most participants (67.7%) were unmarried, and nearly one-third (61.7%) were female. Almost (49.3%) of the study participants were between 18 and 24 years old. The highest grand mean value was obtained for teacher-related factors, whereas the lowest mean was found for home-related factors. A significant difference has been established in age (p-value=0.003), marital status (p-value=0.011), discipline (p-value=0.001), and family income (p-value=0.006) have on the academic performance of the student nurse. Conclusions: It is established that nursing students face considerable issues depending upon teacher-related factors followed by home-related factors that are linked to deterring the student’s academic performance.

This case presents a diagnostic challenge in a 28-year-old male initially evaluated for severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation, leading to the presumption of post-appendectomy complications. Clinical examination revealed abdominal distension, tenderness, and signs of peritonism, along with a reducible inguinal hernia. On subsequent CT scan, a large, inflamed area of omentum localized to the right abdomen extending up to the defect in the inguinal region with mild ascites was revealed. Upon exploration, it was discovered that the patient's initial surgery had focused solely on an appendix deemed mildly inflamed by the operating surgeon, while a concurrent diagnosis of secondary omental torsion was missed. This oversight underscores the challenges in diagnosing abdominal pathologies, with the initial misdiagnosis leading to ongoing patient distress. Meticulous adhesiolysis and omentectomy were performed, resulting in the resolution of the patient's symptoms.

ObjectiveDental records and forensic odontology play an important role in both healthcare and the legal system, aiding in personalized patient care, human identification, and legal proceedings. This study aims to investigate dental record-keeping practices and assess the awareness of forensic odontology among Pakistani dentists over 12 months. This study aims to collect data from 500 dentists, identify areas for enhancement, and develop a strategic action plan to improve record-keeping quality and forensic odontology application, culminating in a comprehensive dental data repository to support legal and criminal investigations in Pakistan.MethodologyThis study employed a mixed-method approach conducted at Hamdard Dental College from January to March 2023. The quantitative phase involved distributing questionnaires to 463 dentists, chosen through stratified random sampling. Out of these, 413 responded, yielding an 86% response rate. These questionnaires focused on dental record-keeping practices and dentists’ awareness of forensic odontology. Subsequently, based on the questionnaire results, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 purposively selected dentists to gain deeper insight into the challenges and potential solutions. Data from both phases were integrated and analyzed accordingly.ResultsThe study included 413 participants, mainly females (79%), with ages ranging from 27 to 65 years and an average age of 46.4 years. Most dentists had 5–20 years of work experience (53%), and most (87.4%) were practicing in private clinical settings. All the dentists generated medical and dental records, but the duration of their record-keeping varied, with some maintaining them for up to a year and others for two years or longer. Five themes were generated from the qualitative content analysis. These themes were dentists’ perceptions, barriers and challenges, knowledge and awareness, and improvement strategies.ConclusionOur study revealed that local practitioners in Pakistan exhibit subpar practices in dental record-keeping and maintenance of patient history, irrespective of whether they use a digital or traditional file-based system. Even though dentists are cognizant of the importance of record-keeping, they do not actively maintain comprehensive records. This suggests the need for improved training and system improvements to address the gaps in record-keeping practices.