Objective: Study is to assess knowledge about corona among private dental practitioners in Karachi.      Study Design: Prospective cross sectional study. Materials & Methods:  This study is a cross-sectional study conducted during the time period of May, 2020 to Sept, 2020 in Karachi. The online questionnaire was divided into 2 sections, the first one included a biodata section including years of practice and clinic area. The second section comprised of knowledge regarding disinfection techniques against COVID-19 and modes of transmission of COVID-19. There were 10 multiple choice questions to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on different surfaces found in the clinic. Effectiveness of various disinfectants and hand sanitizers was asked and the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on steel surfaces, tissue papers, glass and plastic material. Results: As our study focuses only private dental practitioners, we contacted them through emails and questionnaires were sent. Responses were received by 125 dentists and 20 dentists did not provide with completely filled questionnaire. Among total of 145 dentists, 67.2% (n=84) were males and 32.8% (n=41) were female practitioners. Amongst 125 dentists, 58.4% (n=73) had adequate knowledge regarding disinfection, viability of virus on different surfaces and proper protective equipment. 33 dentists scored total of 6 out of 10 with only 19 dentists having score of <6.  Conclusion: The global pandemic of 2019 has led to drastic changes in healthcare setups and way of providing healthcare services. In this study we found that around 60% of dentists have adequate knowledge about disinfection and modes of transmission of COVID-19. Private dental practitioners need to take adequate protective measures and disinfection techniques to prevent transmission.

Background: Dental plaque may cause oral problems that may include dentalcaries, periodontal problems, and halitosis. Motivation, awareness and manual dexterity havemuch effect on tooth brushing. The advantages related with manual and battery operated toothbrushing have been reported different in the literature. Objective: To compare the manual andbattery operated tooth brush for plaque removal efficiency. Study Design: Randomized controltrial. Setting: The Dental OPD of Department of Community Dentistry, Liaquat University ofMedical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro. Period: November 2011 to June 2013. Methods: Total100 patients of both genders, aged ≥18 years were included. Patients were equally divided intomanual and battery operated brush groups. The presence of plaque was checked and plaqueindex was recorded. Wilcoxon sign pair test was applied to compare pre and post plaquescore for manual and battery operated tooth brush. Independent sample t test was applied tocompare percent reduction of plaque score between groups. The significance level of P-valuewas up to 0.05. Results: In manual brush group, 27 were male and 23 were female. Meanage was 25.65±5.87 years. In battery operated brush group, 32 were male, 18 were female.Mean age was 29.92±10.37 years. Before manual brushing mean plaque score was 1.88±0.65while after brushing it was reduced to 1.11±0.43. Percent reduction was 40.96%, p=0.0005.Mean plaque score was 1.35±0.37 and 0.69±0.29 before and after brushing respectively inbattery operated brushing. Percent reduction was 48.9%, p=0.0005. Battery operated brushingwas significantly more effective than manual (p=0.023). Conclusion: Battery operated toothbrush was significantly more effective than manual toothbrush. It removes significantly moresupragingival plaque than manual tooth brush.

… Background: Dental plaque may cause oral problems that may include dental caries, periodontal problems, and halitosis. Motivation, awareness and manual dexterity have much effect on tooth brushing. The advantages related with manual and battery operated tooth brushing have been reported different in the literature. Objective: To compare the manual and battery operated tooth brush for plaque removal efficiency. Study Design: Randomized control trial.