International Journal Of Drug Research And Dental Science

Knowledge, Awareness, Perception and Attitude Regarding Anti-USAG-1 Gene Therapy for Tooth Regeneration

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Background: Tooth loss remains a major global oral health issue affecting function, aesthetics, and quality of life. Current tooth replacement options, such as implants and dentures, have limitations related to biological integration and cost. Recent advances in regenerative dentistry have identified the anti- USAG-1 (Uterine Sensitization-Associated Gene-1) gene therapy as a promising approach to stimulate natural tooth regeneration.

Understanding dental students’ knowledge, awareness, perception, and attitude toward this emerging field is essential for integrating regenerative technologies into future clinical practice.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, awareness, perception, and attitude regarding anti-USAG-1 gene therapy for tooth regeneration among undergraduate dental students.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among undergraduate dental students. The survey evaluated four domains: knowledge of anti-USAG-1 gene therapy, awareness of its applications in tooth regeneration, perception of its benefits and ethical implications, and attitude toward incorporating gene-based therapies in dentistry.

Results: Most participants demonstrated limited knowledge and awareness of anti-USAG-1 gene therapy, reflecting the novelty of the topic. However, the majority showed a positive attitude and interest in learning about gene therapy as a future treatment modality. Students perceived gene therapy as a potential revolution in regenerative dentistry, though they expressed concerns about cost, ethical considerations, and lack of clinical exposure.

Conclusion: Undergraduate dental students exhibited low knowledge but positive attitudes toward anti-USAG-1 gene therapy for tooth regeneration. Strengthening genetic and molecular biology components within the dental curriculum and conducting workshops or seminars on regenerative biotechnology can enhance preparedness for future clinical integration.

Can ChatGPT Be Guide in Pediatric Dentistry

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT have gained significant attention for their potential role in healthcare education, communication, and decision support. In pediatric dentistry, where patient management, preventive care, and parental counseling are critical, AI-driven conversational models may offer unique advantages.

Aim: To evaluate the quality, readability and originality of pediatric patient/parent information and academic content produced by CHATGPT in the field of pediatric dentistry.

Objective:

To assess the accuracy of ChatGPT’s responses to common questions and clinical scenarios in pediatric dentistry.
To evaluate the reliability of information provided by ChatGPT in comparison with standard pediatric dentistry textbooks and guidelines.
To analyze the usefulness of ChatGPT as an educational tool for dental students and practitioners in pediatric dentistry.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 201 dental students, comprising 57 males (28.3%) and 144 females (71.7%), including. The survey included 11 questions exploring whether ChatGPT can be a guide in pediatric dentistry, were analyzed based on gender, age and year of study using chi-square tests to identify statistically significant differences.

Dental Esthetics and Its Impact on Psychosocial Well-Being and Dental Self-Confidence among Undergraduate Students in Khammam City

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Dental esthetics profoundly affect an individual’s psychosocial well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall self-confidence. The smile, as a key element of facial attractiveness, influences how people perceive and project themselves socially. Deviations from ideal dental appearance—such as discoloration, misalignment, or spacing—can lead to embarrassment, reduced self-esteem, and social inhibition. Understanding this relationship is essential for integrating psychosocial aspects into oral health promotion.

Aim

To assess the impact of dental esthetics on psychosocial well-being and dental self-confidence among undergraduate students in Khammam City.

Objectives

To evaluate students’ perception and satisfaction with their dental esthetics.
To assess the influence of dental appearance on self-confidence and social interactions.
To identify gender-based differences in psychosocial effects related to dental esthetics.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among undergraduate students from various colleges in Khammam City, among 240 students comprising 132 males (55%)and 108 females(45%). The survey included 11 questions assessing them based on their perception of dental appearance, satisfaction with their smile, and it’s influence on self-confidence and social behavior. Students were analysed based on gender and age using chi-square tests to identify statistically significant differences.

Comparative Evaluation of Oral Health Quality of Life among Geriatric Patients Undergoing Oral Rehabilitation with Conventional Dentures Versus Strategic Implant Supported Prosthesis – A Randomized Control Trial with 1-year Follow-Up

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Background: Conventional dentures often provide limited stability in edentulous patients with resorbed ridges. Strategic implants, designed for bicortical anchorage and immediate loading, may offer improved functional outcomes. This study compares the impact of strategic implant–supported prostheses and conventional dentures on oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in geriatric patients.

Materials and Methods: Sixty edentulous patients (≥60 years) were randomly assigned to receive either conventional complete dentures (Group A) or strategic implant–supported prostheses (Group B). OHRQoL was assessed using GOHAI and OHIP-14 at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups.

Results: Both groups showed improved OHRQoL over time, but Group B exhibited significantly greater improvement. The implant group demonstrated a larger decrease in GOHAI scores and increase in OHIP-14 scores across all follow-ups, with the most significant differences observed at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Strategic implant–supported prostheses provide superior improvement in quality of life compared to conventional dentures, particularly for patients with resorbed ridges, making them a strong alternative for geriatric oral rehabilitation.

“The Influence of Doctor-Patient Communication on Patients’ Trust: The Role of Patient-Physician Consistency and Perceived Threat of Disease”

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:05:22 -0500

Effective doctor–patient communication is a cornerstone of high-quality healthcare and a key determinant of patients’ trust in their physicians. This study investigates how communication behaviors influence patients’ trust, with a focus on the moderating effects of patient–physician consistency (e.g., alignment in values, expectations, and communication styles) and perceived threat of disease. Using a cross-sectional survey of patients from various medical settings, data were analyzed through structural equation modeling to examine direct and interaction effects. Results indicate that clear, empathetic, and responsive communication significantly enhances patients’ trust in their physicians. Moreover, patient–physician consistency strengthens this relationship, suggesting that trust develops more readily when patients perceive congruence with their doctors. Conversely, high perceived disease threat attenuates the positive impact of communication, as anxiety and uncertainty may reduce patients’ receptivity. These findings highlight the importance of adaptive communication strategies tailored to patients’ psychological states and underline the need for medical training programs emphasizing relational and situational communication competence.

Aim: To assess the influence of doctor–patient communication on patients' satisfaction and relationships with their doctors among dental undergraduates.

Objectives

To evaluate the awareness and understanding of effective communication skills among dental undergraduates.
To assess the perceived impact of communication on patient satisfaction and compliance.

• To identify barriers faced by dental students in establishing effective communication with patients.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 dental students, comprising 44 males (22.0%) and 156 females (78.0%), including. The survey included 13 questions exploring The Influence of Doctor-Patient Communication on Patients’ Trust: The Role of Patient-Physician Consistency and Perceived Threat of Disease.