Stem cells: Redefining the future of dentistry HN Santosh, Aditi Bose International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):58-63 Stem cells are unique cells which possess the ability to grow rapidly and have the potential to develop into specialized cell types in the body. Stem cell-based therapies in dentistry could help in new advances in treating damaged teeth, inducing bone regeneration, and even making a biological tooth a possibility. Whole tooth regeneration to replace the traditional dental implants is also in pipeline. Tissue-engineering applications using dental stem cells may promote more rapid healing of oral wounds and ulcers as well as the use of gene transfer methods to manipulate salivary proteins, and oral microbial colonization patterns are promising and possible. Stem cells of dental origin have multiple applications; nevertheless, there are certain limitations as well. The oncogenic potential of these cells is still to be determined in long-term clinical studies if we are to realize the benefits, meet the challenges, and avoid the risks. This review is an attempt to highlight the pros and cons of stem cells in dentistry.

A literature review on the satisfaction of oral health care and health care professionals in dental colleges in India Paramjot Kaur International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):64-66 This literature review was aimed to assess the quality of oral health care provided by dental professionals and the satisfaction of dental undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates in their profession. Most of the dental students and graduate staff members are satisfied in their profession and are interested in pursuing masters in dental surgery. A significant number of dental professionals are satisfied in their profession. Their main cause of dissatisfaction was low salary. Main causes of satisfaction on standards of oral health care were found to be willingness to listen to dental problems and cleanliness of the treatment area. The main cause of dissatisfaction was significantly slow management of dental problems.

Parental acceptance of the advanced behavior management techniques in pediatric dentistry: A comparative study in North Indian population Ayushi Jindal, Parul Singhal, Ritu Namdev, Priyanka Grewal, Gaurav Aggarwal International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):67-71 Introduction: An integral aspect of pediatric dental care is to initially provide parents with the information of behavior management techniques (BMTs) and a mechanism by which parents can participate in treatment decisions of their child. The present study aims to assess the parental acceptance of the advanced BMTs in North Indian population and its association with several possible factors. Materials and Methods: A study sample of 200 parents accompanying their children aged 3–9 years who were demonstrating Frankl's 1 and 2 behavior and could not be managed by basic BMTs were randomly selected. The parents were verbally explained, and then, a video was demonstrated about the two included techniques – protective stabilization (PS) and sedation/general anesthesia; and subsequently asked to mention their preference between the two techniques in the questionnaire. Results: The parents of children in the age group of 3–6 years were more accepting to PS than sedation/general anesthesia as the preferred BMT with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). About 90% of the rural parents preferred PS oversedation (P < 0.001). Other variables such as gender, birth order, and general behavior of the child at home, educational and professional status of the parents were found to statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Parents of younger children (3–6 years) and those belonging to rural areas showed more acceptance for PS oversedation/general anesthesia. It is hoped that the data presented here will be valuable to the dentist for planning treatment and allow its completion effectively and efficiently.

Gender difference in the risk of developing diabetes mellitus type 2 and oral glucose tolerance test in dental students Santosh Mahajan, Khushboo Bhardwaj, Raunak Mahajan International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):72-78 Introduction: Diabetes mellitus, one of the major noncommunicable diseases, has emerged as a global societal catastrophe and is the leading cause of illness, disability, and death. The risk factors for the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 such as age, gender, and family history are nonmodifiable factors while others such as smoking, diet, physical activity, and hypertension are modifiable factors. Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) provides a useful tool to identify the people at risk of developing the disease and to target those individuals for further screening and educating them for healthy lifestyle so that the occurrence of the disease can be delayed or prevented. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 102 BDS 1st year students (17 boys and 85 girls) of the age group 17–21 years. All the students were assessed for their risk to develop the disease using Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) and oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) using Glucometer (CareSens™II). Results: The study revealed that out of 102 students, 35.3% and 64.7% students were in low- and moderate-risk groups, respectively. No student belonged to the high-risk group. Percentage of girls in moderate risk was significantly higher than boys. Mean blood sugar in girls was more. Two girls were suffering from impaired fasting glucose. Seven students (6.9%) including 2 boys (11.8%) and 5 girls (5.9%) depicted flat GTT curve with all values below 100 mg/dl. Conclusion: Higher risk of disease in girls is largely due to their lack of exercise which is a modifiable factor and can thus be protected from the disease by adopting healthy lifestyle. History of the disease (nonmodifiable factor) is the risk factor in boys to be prone to the disease in their future and thus requires a regular screening and monitoring of blood sugar level.

Effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy with tooth-whitening agent on smokers dependence and tooth stain: An interventional study K Indrapriyadharshini, Kiran Iyer, PD Madankumar International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):79-83 Introduction: Smoking cessation with an added tooth-whitening effect in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may increase motivation to quit smoking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of NRT-whitening agent in tooth stain reduction, being a motivational factor for smoking cessation among smokers. Materials and Methods: A pilot interventional study was conducted among thirty participants from June 2017 to August 2017. NRT-tooth whitening gum was distributed accordingly. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) was measured using CO breath analyzer, and extrinsic tooth stain score was assessed using the modified Lobene Stain Index at baseline, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week. Analysis of intensity and area score for tooth stain, cigarettes consumption, and CO level comparison at baseline, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week was performed using the Friedman test. Correlation between CO value and stain reduction value was performed using Pearson correlation test. Results: The difference in mean change in stain index scores, cigarettes consumption, and CO level between baseline and 4th week was statistically significant (P = 0.001). With regard to correlation between stain index score and CO value, statistically significant difference was found between total stain index value for lingual surface and CO value at 4th week(P = 0.00). Conclusion: The present study results provide evidence that the NRT-tested chewing gums can contribute to a better overall oral hygiene by removing the stain on the tooth surface, thereby motivate smokers to abstain from the habit.

Thumb prosthesis restoring fingers, hope and more Disha Patel, Siddharth Mehta, MD Chethan, DB Nandeeshwa, Manisha Singh, Haitham Hesham International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):84-88 Partial or complete fingers are the most commonly encountered forms of partial hand losses. Although finger amputations are commonly due to traumatic injuries, digit loss may also be attributed to congenital malformations and disease. Irrespective of the etiology, the loss of a finger has a considerable functional and psychological impact on an individual. Maxillofacial prostheses replace the lost body parts using the silicone materials to alleviate these problems, and partial or complete finger prosthesis may be fabricated. This clinical report portrays a method to fabricate silicone rubber prosthesis for a patient who had a partial amputated thumb caused due to trauma. These prostheses support the patients physically as well as psychologically, thus enhancing their confidence and social acceptance.

President's Message K Sadashiva Shetty International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):53-53

Secretary's Message IM Ali International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):54-54

Professionalism and ethics revisited CS Santhosh International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):55-56

Editorial C Shubha International Journal of Oral Health Sciences 2019 9(2):57-57