Aim: To compare and evaluate the effectiveness of various pre-sterilizing techniques used for the sterilization of endodontic files used intermittently in between patients in the dental operatory. Materials and Methods: The current study involved investigating the effectiveness of 4 methods of pre-sterilizing endodontic files: Control group: no sterilization procedure was performed; Group A- chemical sterilization (with Glutaraldehyde), Group B- Autoclave, Group C- Ultraviolet Chamber and Group D- Ethanol. A total of 50 endodontic files for 10 patients indicated for pulp therapy in primary deciduous molars with 4 root canals each were selected for the study. After access opening, pulp was extirpated by 5 files each per patient. After access opening, 40 root canals in 10 patients were cleaned and shaped using conventional techniques. Each file was then allotted to each group and sterilized by the above mentioned methods and assessed for sterility by putting it in eppendorf tubes containing Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth and incubating it at 37oC for 24 hours. The bacterial cultures were then measured for their optical densities using the spectrophotometer.  Results: Maximum decrease in microbial cultures was noted in the Autoclave group followed by the Glutaraldehyde group with a non-significant difference. Ethanol and UV sterilization had non- significant results among them but were significantly different from Autoclave and Glutaraldehyde. Conclusion: Pre sterilization of files is an important step especially in these times and can be easily achieved by various methods.

Background and Aim In the present day scenario it is likely that the knowledge and perception on radiographic protection among dental students and graduates is high but their attitude towards taking appropriate precautions might be low. The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge and relative prevalence of common errors and negligence towards following proper radiographic techniques and radiation protection in pediatric dentistry.Methods The present study was conducted involving dental students and clinical practitioners routinely dealing with radiography in their clinical practice. A questionnaire comprising of multiple choice questions regarding knowledge practice and common errors in relation to pediatric dental radiography and preventive measures of ionizing radiation was distributed among dental undergraduates postgraduates general practitioners and pediatric dentists practicing in dental institutes government hospitals and private clinics in India. The collected data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using the SPSS software for Windows.Results The questionnaire responses were collected from one hundred and fifty dental students and graduated dentists. Over 50 of the respondents agreed that digital radiography uses lesser radiation when compared to conventional radiography and 85.8 were familiar with the ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable principle. Dental postgraduates general practitioners and pediatric dentists belonging to the academic field were found to be the most aware about radiation reduction measures.Conclusion The importance of adopting preventive measures for radiation protection needs to be stressed among general practitioners pediatric postgraduate students and pediatric dentists belonging to government sectors and private setups. Means to increase awareness and implementation of regulations should be addressed to limit the errors.