Viral hepatitis has become a silent epidemic and a major public health problem worldwide. Among the viral hepatitis, Hepatitis C is one of most common dreaded infectious disease. Hepatitis C infections can be a potential occupational hazard for dental personnel. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude related to Hepatitis C among the dental interns. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured, selfadministered, 32 items questionnaire among 147 dental interns in Davangere city. Descriptive analysis of the data was done. The attitude and knowledge of dental interns was assessed by using Chi-Square Test. Results: Of the total studied individuals, 2 students (1.4%) showed poor knowledge, 18 students (12.2%) moderate knowledge and 125 students (86.4%) had good knowledge of hepatitis C. Furthermore, 124 participants (84.4%) demonstrated positive attitude, and 22 participants (15.0%) had negative attitude. Conclusion: Majority of the participants in the present study had good knowledge and positive attitude towards treating such patients. As the study was only conducted in two dental colleges in Davangere city. Therefore, the results are obviously generalizable only among this sample.
The transitional denture given in a full arch fixed implant restoration should not disturb the healing and osseointegration process. This is made possible by lining the denture with a uniform thickness of soft liner. The article describes a method of achieving uniform thickness of soft liner and minimizing the load transmitted to the area where implants were placed.
Commentary:As we know the cost and access to dental care remains a worldwide problem, especially in developing country like India. It is the largest democratic and second most populated country in the world. More than 70% of the people of India's population are residing in the villages 1 . As far as dentists and their availability are concerned, the demand and supply ratio is drastically imbalanced. The population to dentist ratio is 1:250000 in rural India 2 .Inadequate rural healthcare is a major concern facing the country 3 .In order to meet the health care needs of the population, it is essential to formulate a workforce with necessary number, knowledge, and skill sets to meet the increasing health care needs of the large rural population.In such scenario, the most vital part of the workforce would be the community health workers who are members of the community, selected by and answerable to the community they work for, supported by the health system 4 .They can be integrated into both individual & community services system and at health-social service system to form a chain between the disadvantaged rural population and the health care services.The major core competencies of these workers are: A) TO WORK AS COMMUNITY ORGANISER AND CAPACITY BUILDER -To build individual and community capacity B) TO WORKS AS HEALTH WORKER-To advocate for individual and community needs C) TO BE PART OF ORAL HEALTH CARE DELIVERY TEAM-To assist and provide direct services D) TO WORK AS A HEALTH EDUCATOR -To promote wellness by providing culturally appropriate health information to community and providers E) TO WORK CONSTANTLY IN OUTREACH AND ENROLLMENT ACTIVITIES-To assist in navigating health service system.In conclusion, they are considered "another pair of hands" as they are helpful in rendering services to underserved populations 5 .Hence, "community health workers can be rightly called as a navigating tool for accessible and affordable oral health".
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