Aim: This study was undertaken to investigate and analyze the significance of dermatoglyphics in predicting the susceptibility of individuals to develop dental caries. Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted on 1250 children in the age group of 5 to 12 years from Chennai Corporation School, Vadapalani, Chennai. Out of 1250 subjects, 625 subjects were in the study group and the remaining 625 subjects were the control group. The study group included children with dental caries in 5 or more teeth based on the DMFT index performed and control group consisted of normal, healthy children without any dental caries. The finger and palmar prints of both hands were taken using a stamp pad. The fingertip patterns were analyzed according to the classical method and configurational types were classified according to the topological method. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric tests and t-test to compare the dermatoglyphic pattern changes between the study group and the control group and was applied for each variable, to compare the proportions, and p-value. Results: (1) Dental caries susceptibility of an individual increases with an increase in the incidence of whorl pattern (83% correlation). (2) All the variables show statistically significant value, with a degree of divergence of specific dermatoglyphic patterns among study and control group. (3) The dermatoglyphic patterns are efficient and can predict in assessing the risk of susceptibility to dental caries in study group. Conclusion: The dental caries susceptibility of an individual increased with incidence of whorl pattern and it decreased with incidence of loop pattern. Clinical significance: The dermatoglyphic patterns may be utilized effectively to study the genetic basis of dental caries. In a developing country like India, it might prove to be a noninvasive, inexpensive and effective tool for screening.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of permanent mandibular canine tooth calcification as an indicator of skeletal maturity in Karnataka population by comparing it with the ossification stages of the middle phalanx of the left third finger and also to compare the sexual dimorphism in the timing of these events. Methods: This study was performed on 100 subjects (50 boys and 50 girls) of South Indian origin aged 10 to 14 years. Radiovisiographs of the middle phalanx of the left third finger and Orthopantomographs were obtained and assessed for the stages of calcification using the methods described by Hagg and Taranger and by Demirjian et al respectively. The correlation between various stages of lower canine calcification and stages of MP3 ossification was assessed for both the sexes using Chi-square test and percentage distributions. Results: The associations were statistically significant only between MP3-F and canine F stages in both sexes (88% for boys, 59% for girls) and MP3-H and canine H stages in boys (100%). Also girls showed an advanced trend in dental maturation. Conclusion: The mandibular canine calcification stages alone are not as reliable an indicator as MP3 stages for assessing the skeletal maturity in Karnataka population.

Aim of the study: The present study assessed and compared the success of an IPT procedure both clinically and radiographically when Dycal, MTA and Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) were used as an IPT material on primary molars. Methodology: Children aged 5-9 years were screened and those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected. Accordingly seventy five children were divided into 3 groups with 25 patient in each group. Cavity preparation was done and the three test materials (Dycal, MTA and SDF) were placed at the base in their respective groups and restored with RMGIC. Post-operative radiograph was taken for baseline data. Patients were assessed at Subsequent at 1, 3 and 6 months both clinically and radiographically. Results: SDF had formed a good biological seal, arrested further caries progression and did not cause any adverse pulpal reaction. However the amount of reparative dentin formed was highest in the Dycal group followed by MTA group and SDF group.

: The present study assessed and compared the success of an IPT procedure both clinically and radiographically when Dycal and MTA were used as an IPT material on primary molars.Children aged 4-9 years were screened and those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected. Accordingly fiftychildren were divided into 2 groups with 25 patient in each group. Cavity preparation was done and the two test materials (Dycal and MTA) were placed at the base in their respective groups and restored with RMGIC. Post-operative radiograph was taken for baseline data. Patients were assessed at Subsequent at 1 and 6 months both clinically and radiographically. Both the test materials had formed a good biological seal, arrested further caries progression and did not cause any adverse pulpal reaction. However the amount of reparative dentin formed was highest in the Dycal group followed by MTA group. Both the experimental materials Dycal and MTA showed reparative dentin formation at the end of 1 and 6 months and also formed a good biological seal and maintained vitality of the pulp which indicates both are good IPT material.

Orthodontic retainers are used to control the new position and occlusal relationships achieved with orthodontic treatment. It helps in stabilisation of tissues after removal of orthodontic appliances. But, can affect periodontal health as maintenance of proper hygiene becomes difficult due to plaque accumulation. Literature search was conducted to evaluate effect of orthodontic retainers on periodontal health. Studies in English and full texts were assessed after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Eight articles were assessed for periodontal outcomes such as Plaque Index, Calculus Index, Bleeding on probing and clinical attachment loss in patients wearing fixed or removable orthodontic retainers. Long term usage of retainers negatively impacted periodontal health. No significant difference was noted in patients with orthodontic retainers and those without. Further studies with prospective study designs are recommended to analyse the effect of retainers on gingival and periodontium.