Objective The purpose of our study is to determine the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the levels of empathy toward patients among undergraduate dental students in Pakistan. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted at Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan. After taking an informed consent, a validated and pretested Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) was distributed amongst the undergraduate dental students at two points, one before the COVID-19 existed, and the other after August 7th, 2020, when the COVID-19 cases dropped in Pakistan. Responses were indicated on a five point Likert Scale. Statistical Analysis A one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) was used to compare the TEQ scores between the different years of education at the dental school. Difference within the groups was analyzed using the post-hoc Tukey test. Pre- and post-COVID-19 comparison was done using the Chi-square test (significance level p < 0.05). Results A total of 221 out of 260 students in the pre-COVID-19 group, while 210 out of 260 students in the post-COVID-19 group enrolled in the dentistry program participated in the study. Significant difference in the empathy levels was observed in the pre- and post-COVID-19 groups of the same population, i.e., (p < 0.05). The response rate was 85%. Conclusions This study showed an increase in mean empathy scores among the undergraduate dental students after COVID-19, indicating a significant improvement in their empathy levels during the time of COVID-19. It highlights the impact of the pandemic, whereby death and chaos seem to have brought about an improvement in interpersonal harmony.

Background: There is no as such previous study that takes a glance on the perceptions of general public regarding effects of scaling. The objective of the study was to disregard the misconceptions about post-scaling sensitivity and tooth mobility, to disregard the belief that scaling’s purpose is to whiten the teeth and to figure out how much awareness is there in our society regarding scaling. There is no information regarding the misunderstanding of dental scaling. This study is conducted on general public in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted via a close ended questionnaire in the twin cities of Pakistan on a random sample of 238 individuals aged from 18 to 60 years age was conducted in April and May 2020. Results: According to the results,72.3% (172/238) participants were females and 27.7% (66/238) were males. More females had received scaling. 21-22 years age group had the highest scaling experience; also education level was related to scaling. About 87.4% (208/238) of the participants had received scaling once in their life, while 12.6% (30/238) had never experienced scaling. Of the subjects with complete data, 47.9% (114/238) got scaling done for teeth whitening, 39.9% (95/238) were advised scaling by their dentists before any procedure (braces, filing) and 12.2% (29/238) to reduce bleeding gums. Of those who had got scaling done, 44.1% (105/238) participants were scared before getting scaling done, 54.2% (129/238) individuals experienced pain and sensitivity during the procedure, 27.3% (65/238) individuals experienced sensitivity before scaling and 72.7% (173/238) had no sensitivity before the procedure. 56.3% (134/238) experienced sensitivity after getting scaling done, and for most of them this sensitivity was relieved within a week after treatment. 46.6% (111/238) individuals were told by their relatives and friends that scaling would increase their pain and loosen their teeth. 71.4% (170/238) patients were informed by their dentist that sensitivity is a normal part of recovery. 93.3% (222/238) patients found the treatment as beneficial and only 6.7% (16/238) marked it harmful. 92% (219/238) patients said that they would recommend scaling to others due to its beneficial effects. Conclusion: This study shows lack of knowledge regarding scaling among general population. The patients should be properly educated about the procedure and its effects, and clear all the misunderstandings, before the procedure. Keywords: Routine scaling and polishing; sensitivity; bleeding; periodontal disease

Aims: The main purpose of this study is to assess the different occupational hazards faced by the dental professionals and important precautionary measures undertaken in twin cities of Pakistan. Material and method: A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted among the dental professionals in twin cities of Pakistan. The targeted sample size was 150-200 individuals. The survey gathered information regarding age, designation, demographic details and knowledge related to physical, chemical, psychosocial hazards and the preventive measures taken in clinics. Results: Most common hazards faced by dental practitioners are of Musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. However, Personal protective equipment and instrument sterilization were declared as most effective means of infection control Conclusion: Awareness regarding various occupational hazards among the dentists in twin cities of Pakistan is good among specialists compared to house officers and students which requires a need to spread awareness among students and house officers so that they can identify and avoid these problems. Keywords: Occupational hazards, preventive measures, twin cities of Pakistan.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of Needlestick Injuries (NSIs) among dental professionals in various dental hospitals of Rawalpindi. Study Design and Setting: It was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in four different dental colleges of Rawalpindi from January 2019 to March 2019. Methodology: By using convenient sampling technique, a total of 252 dental professionals were approached for the data collection through a structured, pretested, self-designed questionnaire. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. P-value <= 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Among 252 participants; 36 (14.3%) were dental assistants, 158 (62.7%) were dentists, 38 (15.1%) were postgraduate trainees (PGTs) and 20 (7.9%) were consultant dentists. The mean age ± SD of participants was 26.9 ± 5.41. There were 92 (36.5%) male and 160 (63.5%) female participants. Mean knowledge score was best for consultant dentists (85.83 ± 15.74) followed by PGTs (80.70 ± 14.71) and dentists (76.58 ± 15.39) whereas it is lower for dental assistants (65.28 ± 11.87), p = 0.002. Practice response has shown that 22 (16%) of the dental assistants have never been vaccinated for Hepatitis B whereas most of the dental assistants have never reported the incident of NSIs to the concerned authorities. Conclusion: NSIs continue to be a serious occupational hazard in the field of Dentistry. This study concluded that despite the mean knowledge score was highest among consultant dentists, the dental assistants and dentists have lower overall knowledge and practice indicates a need to continuing education on safe injection techniques along with the hands-on programme to prevent NSIs in hospitals.

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