Background Involving community members in identifying and reporting health events for public health surveillance purposes, an approach commonly described as community-based surveillance (CBS), is increasingly gaining interest. We conducted a scoping review to list terms and definitions used to characterize CBS, to identify and summarize available guidance and recommendations, and to map information on past and existing in-country CBS systems. Methods We searched eight bibliographic databases and screened the worldwide web for any document mentioning an approach in which community members both collected and reported information on health events from their community for public health surveillance. Two independent reviewers performed double blind screening and data collection, any discrepancy was solved through discussion and consensus. Findings From the 134 included documents, several terms and definitions for CBS were retrieved. Guidance and recommendations for CBS were scattered through seven major guides and sixteen additional documents. Seventy-nine unique CBS systems implemented since 1958 in 42 countries were identified, mostly implemented in low and lower-middle income countries (79%). The systems appeared as fragmented (81% covering a limited geographical area and 70% solely implemented in a rural setting), vertical (67% with a single scope of interest), and of limited duration (median of 6 years for ongoing systems and 2 years for ended systems). Collection of information was mostly performed by recruited community members (80%). Interpretation While CBS has already been implemented in many countries, standardization is still required on the term and processes to be used. Further research is needed to ensure CBS integrates effectively into the overall public health surveillance system.

Introduction: Toothbrush is the most common oral hygiene aid used by millions of people all around the world. Toothbrushes can either be discarded at an interval of three months or can be disinfected by different methods. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge on toothbrush contamination and practice of disinfection among dental students and interns of a dental institution of Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 undergraduate dental students and interns of Kathmandu Medical College, Duwakot, Nepal using a self-administered questionnaire. Mean, standard deviation, percentage were calculated for descriptive statistics. Results: Mean age of the study participants was 21.28±1.897 years. Most of the interns 18 (69.2%) had some knowledge regarding toothbrush cleaning and disinfection. Majority of the participants 186 (87.73%) reported bacteria as most susceptible microorganisms causing toothbrush contamination and sharing the toothbrush as common mode of transmission of infection. Most of them, 147 (69.34%) did not have any idea about toothbrush disinfection methods for general population. However, they felt it necessary in special needs patients. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is variable knowledge regarding toothbrush contamination and disinfection practice among undergraduate dental students and interns due the difference in their academic level and experience in the clinical work