Background: Plagiarism (Plg) is an unacceptable practice since it affects the integrity of scientific literature. Aim and objectives: To seek students’ knowledge and attitude regarding Plg and solicit suggestions to prevent Plg in our institute. The specific objectives of the study were to ascertain whether students’ knowledge and attitudes about Plg differ by their demographic characteristics and academic years. Methodology: A 32 item questionnaire was given to all the undergraduate (UG) students of the College of Medicine and Dentistry, Jouf University, KSA. The research questions focused on demographic information, knowledge and attitude regarding Plg, and suggestions to curb Plg. Results: A total of 134 UG students filled out the survey. The samples consisted of 97 males and 37 females. Most of the students displayed adequate knowledge regarding Plg in terms of copying words or ideas, quoting references, and copying words without changing the matter. As compared to female students, male students had better awareness regarding meaningful and harmful effects of practicing Plg (p < 0.05). Additionally, our results indicate that as students climb the academic ladder, their awareness on Plg tends to rise. Common reasons for plagiarizing are discussed here together with suggestions to combat Plg. Conclusion: The results of this study can be mainly taken as an eye opener which demonstrates the vital factors pertaining to the level of students’ knowledge about Plg, and to eradicate the problem, there is a need for more discussions and training on this topic for students.

Background: Pre-operative radiographic assessment of the anatomical relationship between the roots of the mandibular third molar and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is a must to minimize the risk of IAN injury during surgery. Objectives: To compare the radiographic signs of digital orthopantomogram (OPG) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). An additional objective was to assess the cortex status between the mandibular canal and third molar on CBCT images in relation to the demographic characteristics, region (right or left side), and angulation of mandibular molar. Methodology: In this retrospective study, a total of 350 impacted mandibular third molars with a close relationship between the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and impacted mandibular third molars on digital OPG were further referred for CBCT imaging for assessment of the position of the mandibular canal. The study was conducted between August 2018 and February 2020. Digital OPGs were evaluated for radiographic signs like interruption of the mandibular canal wall, darkening of the roots, diversion of the mandibular canal, and narrowing of the mandibular canal. The age and sex of patients, site of impacted third molar, Winter’s classification of mandibular third molar, position of IAC relative to impacted molar, and the radiographic markers of OPG were assessed for cortical integrity using CBCT. Chi square testing was applied to study the values of difference and binomial logistic regression was done to assess the factors associated with cortication. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Among 350 patients, 207 (59.1%) were male and 143 (40.9%) were female with a mean age of 36.8 years. The most common OPG sign was interruption of white line, seen in 179 (51.1%) cases. In total, 246 cases (70.3%) showed an absence of canal cortication between the mandibular canal and the impacted third molar on CBCT images. Cortication was observed in all cases with a combination of panoramic signs which was statistically significant (p = 0.047). Cortication was observed in 85 (50.6%) cases where IAC was positioned on the buccal side, 11 (16.9%) in cases of inferiorly positioned IAC, and just 8 (7.6%) for cases of lingually positioned IAC which was statistically significant (p = 0.003). Statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) results were noted for cortex status in CBCT images with regards to the age, sex, site, and angulation of impacted third molars. Conclusion: CBCT imaging is highly recommended for those cases where diversion of the mandibular canal is observed on OPG and when the roots are present between canals.

Dry socket is a common postoperative complication secondary to any tooth extraction but is more commonly associated with mandibular third molars. Dry socket has been treated with various treatment modalities with different success rates. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using honey and zinc oxide eugenol as an intra-socket medicament for the treatment of dry sockets. Ninety patients were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1 “honey”: 30 patients; Group 2 “zinc oxide eugenol”: 30 patients; and Group 3 “control”: 30 patients. Pre-medication and post-medication pain scores at different time intervals were measured on a verbal rating scale. The mean ages of the patients in each of the groups were as follows: Group 1: 44.26 ± 14.14; Group 2: 45.30 ± 18.08; and Group 3: 51.93 ± 9.75. As regards verbal rating scale pain scores, a significant difference was noted in patients that belonged to Groups 1 and 2, with an immediate reduction in post-medication pain scores. However, patients belonging to Group 3 reported pain and discomfort for over a week. The use of honey and zinc oxide eugenol resulted in significant immediate post-medication pain scores in patients as compared to the control group. Therefore, both honey and zinc oxide eugenol can be used as treatment options for dry socket patients.

Background: The ratio between 2nd and 4th digit length is termed as hormonal fingerprintand is used as an indirect marker in many medical diseases.Dental studies pertaining to theimportance of hormonal fingerprint on oral health are very sparse. Aim and objectives: Tostudy the correlation of dental caries and malocclusion with hormonal fingerprints. Materialsand Methods: A total of 100 children of age group 7-15 years and both genders were randomlyselected and included in the present study. The hormonal fingerprint (2D:4D ratio) wasdone bymeasuring the length ratio of the index and ring finger with the help of digital vernier caliper.Caries assessment wascarried out using standard mouth mirrors and Community PeriodontalIndex probes. WHO assessment form (1997) was followed for assessment of dentitionstatus and treatment need.Occlusal characteristics evaluated were molar relation, anteriorand posterior crossbite, open bite, deep bite and lower anterior crowding. The subjects weredivided into high 2D:4D, equal 2D:4D digit ratio and low 2D:4D. All the measurements weredone by two investigators. The data collected were tabulated and statistically analyzed usingChi-square and ANOVA test. Results: Out of 100 children, 34% were males and 66% werefemales. Most of the participants were 7-8 years old (12 males and 15 females). Majority of theparticipants (87% for the right hand and 80% for left hand) had low 2D:4D ratio, only 6% forright and 11% for the left hand had high 2D:4D ratio and the remaining had equal 2D:4D ratio.Statistically insignificantcorrelation between 2D:4D ratio and deft/DMFT score and occlusalstatus of an individualwere found. Conclusion:The insignificant results of 2D:4D ratio with allthe parameters assessed validates that hormonal fingerprints could not be employed as an earlypredictor of caries and malocclusion in an individual. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(1) 2021 p.154-158