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To assess micro‐tensile bond strength (μTBS), degree of conversion (DC), microleakage (ML) antibacterial efficacy, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of orthodontic brackets to enamel with different concentrations of photoactivated riboflavin‐doped hydroxyapatite (HA) nanospheres (NS) (0%,1%,5% and 10%) and 0.5 wt% RF alone in orthodontic adhesive. Samples were included on the predefined inclusion criteria and positioned up to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Hydroxy apatite nanospheres (HANS) commercially bought were doped with RF. Surface characterization of HANS and RF‐doped HANS were assessed along with EDX analysis. Samples were grouped based on experimental orthodontic adhesive modification. Group 1: Transbond XT no modification, Group 2: experimental Transbond XT 0.5 wt% RF, Group 3: experimental Transbond XT 0.5 wt% RF‐doped 1% HANS, Group 4: experimental Transbond XT 0.5 wt % RF‐doped 5% HANS and Group 5: Experimental Transbond XT 0.5 wt% RF‐doped 10% HANS. Brackets were placed based on different adhesive modifications and samples underwent thermocycling. Samples were evaluated for μTBS, DC, and ML. The type of failure was assessed using ARI. Adhesive modified and un‐modified in four different concentrations (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%) and 0.5 wt% RF only were used to test efficacy against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans). The survival rate of S.mutans and ML was determined using the Kruskal–Wallis Test. For the analysis of μTBS, ANOVA was employed, followed by a post‐hoc Tukey HSD multiple comparisons test. The highest μTBS and lowest ML were observed in Group 2 experimental Transbond XT 0.5 wt% RF only. The lowest μTBS, highest ML, and lowest DC was seen in Group 5 experimental Transbond XT 0.5 wt% RF‐doped 10% HANS. Samples in Group 1 in which Transbond XT was used as adhesive demonstrated significantly the highest microbial count of S.mutans and DC. Photoactivated RF‐doped HANS in 1% and 0.5 wt% Riboflavin alone in orthodontic adhesive for metallic bracket bonding improved micro tensile bond strength, ML, DC, and antibacterial scores. Research Highlights: The highest μTBS and lowest ML were observed in Group 2 experimental Transbond XT 0.5 wt% RF only.The lowest μTBS, highest ML, and lowest DC was seen in Group 5 experimental Transbond XT 0.5 wt% RF‐doped 10% HA‐NS.Samples in Group 1 in which Transbond XT was used as adhesive demonstrated significantly the highest microbial count of S.mutans and DC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Dentists and particularly general dental practitioners (GDPs) should be able to identify problems such as malocclusions and refer patients with such problems to orthodontics. The aim of the study was to evaluate the awareness of orthodontic problems and referral practices among GDPs and non-orthodontic specialists practicing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods. A cross-sectional prospective study included GDP and specialists/consultants of both genders, aged between 22–60 years, practicing general dentistry and specialists other than orthodontics who had worked in their field for two or more years. Non-practicing dentists and nonregistered dentists were excluded. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 21.00. Results. Among the respondents, 55.5% were men, and 44% were GDPs. Out of the total number of respondents, 107 (53.5%) GDPs and 66 (33%) non-orthodontic specialists practiced orthodontic referral in their practices. By using the χ2 test, statistical analysis of different variables depending on the participants’ gender and specialty was performed. It revealed that variables with significant p-value were: orthodontist referral, the recommendation of orthodontic treatment only after the eruption of all permanent teeth, awareness of tooth extraction for alignment of irregular teeth, and awareness regarding worsening of temporomandibular joint problems by orthodontic treatment. Conclusion. The referral practices of dentists practicing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concerning orthodontic patients were satisfactory, although awareness regarding orthodontic problems requires continuous learning and considerate positive progression toward basic orthodontics.

Background Different types of retention appliances have been proposed over the years, but their effectiveness in maintaining arch dimensions and alignment after orthodontic treatment is still unclear. Aim To assess the efficacy of vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs) in preserving arch widths, arch length, and anterior alignment in maxillary and mandibular arches, compared to removable Hawley retainers (HRs) or fixed bonded retainers (FBRs). Search methods: unrestricted literature search of five major databases up to March 2024. Selection criteria randomized/non-randomized clinical studies comparing VFRs to removable HRs or FBRs. Data collection and analysis after duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, random effects meta-analyses of standardized mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals were performed, followed by meta-regressions, sensitivity analyses, and assessment of the quality of evidence with GRADE. Results Twenty-two prospective studies (4 non-randomized and 18 randomized controlled trials) involving 1797 patients (mean age 17.01 years, 38.3% males) were included. No significant differences were found in the intercanine width, intermolar width, and arch length between VFRs and HRs, in both arches (P  > 0.05). However, VFRs were statistically more effective than HRs in terms of Little's irregularity scores (LII) in the maxilla (eight studies; SMD = −0.42; 95% CI: −1.03 to −0.09; P  = 0.02; I 2 = 73.4%) but not in the mandible (P  = 0.12). No significant differences were reported for all considered outcomes between VFRs and FBRs in in both arches (P  > 0.05), except for lower LII, where VFRs were significantly less efficient (eight studies; SMD = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.26–2.7; P  = 0.02; I 2 = 93%). Follow-up times, risk of bias, and wire type (of FBRs) did not show statistically significant effects on outcome variables. Sensitivity analyses showed robustness of the findings for including non-randomized and postretention studies. The certainty in these estimates was from moderate to low due to the risk of bias and inconsistency. Conclusions Low to moderate quality evidence indicates that VFRs are as effective as HRs in maintaining arch widths, length, and alignment. Low-quality evidence found similar efficacy between VFRs and FBRs, with FBRs being statistically more effective at maintaining lower arch alignment, but the difference was not clinically significant. Registration PROSPERO registration (CRD42024518433). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Any manipulation of the surface of natural teeth may result in a variation of their colour. The fixed orthodontic treatment (FOT) is one such procedure which alters the enamel surface during the procedure. OBJECTIVE: To clinically evaluate the colour changes in teeth associated with comprehensive FOT (to compare the changes in test and control groups) and to determine the relationship of age and gender on enamel colour due to FOT by using an advanced spectrophotometer. METHODS: The selection of sixty patients for the study was done randomly and among these thirty patients who underwent the FOT as the case group, the other thirty patients who did not need FOT, were the control group. The recordings of spectrophotometric data were done in a standardized manner for all patients in the labial circular region of every anterior tooth, following debonding and cleaning operations, and before bracket bonding. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage's L*, a*, and b* (lightness, red/green, and blue/yellow) tooth-type characteristics were used to measure color, and the associated color differences (DE) between the groups were computed. One-way ANOVA (a < 0.05) and the paired t -test were used to evaluate any changes in these color characteristics. RESULTS: Fixed orthodontic treatment is associated with changes in colour parameters. L* values decreased (P < 0.001), while a* and b* values increased (P < 0.001) at the end of treatment. All measured tooth types showed significant colour change (DE); their mean differences ranged from 1.64 to 2.96 DE units. CONCLUSIONS: Fixed orthodontics can change the natural colour of teeth. The CIE colour parameters L*, a*, and b* of natural teeth showed statistically significant differences after debonding the orthodontic appliances. The L* values decreased making the teeth look darker. The adolescent and male patients had more tooth colour changes than the adult and female groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate hydroxyapatite-silver (HA-Ag) hybrid nanoparticles (NPs), as an antibacterial agent when integrated in self-etch (SE) adhesive. Blue light activated HA-Ag hybrid NP incorporation on mechanical properties, degree of conversion (DC), and microtensile bond strength (lTBS). Method: Eighty primary molar teeth have carious lesions reaching the dentin but not involving the pulp. The infected dentin was removed and carious-affected dentin (CAD) was preserved. Forty samples were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans. All primary teeth (n = 80) were allocated into four groups based on the incorporation of HAAg hybrid NPs in different concentrations (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%). Group 1: 0% HA-Ag hybrid NPs + Clearfil SE bond primer, group 2: 1% HA-Ag hybrid NPs + Clearfil SE bond primer, group 3: 5 wt% HA-Ag NPs + Clearfil SE bond primer, and group 4: 10 wt% HA-Ag NPs + Clearfil SE bond primer. The survival rate assessment of S. mutans was conducted on 40 inoculated samples. On the remaining primary teeth (n = 40), Clearfil SE bonding agent was applied uniformly via a blue light source. The composite buildup was performed on the samples and lTBS and failure analysis assessed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to assess DC. Survival rates of S. mutans and lTBS among the tested groups were compared using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc analysis. Results: 10 wt % HA-Ag NPs + Clearfil SE bond primer exhibited the highest level of antibacterial efficacy (0.14 -- 0.02 CFU/mL) against S. mutans. The highest lTBS (18.38 - 0.78MPa) at the composite/CAD interface was in group 2 (1 wt % HA-Ag NPs + Clearfil SE bond primer + Clearfil SE bonding agent + activation with a blue light source). The highest DC was observed in the control group with Clearfil SE bond primer + Clearfil SE bonding agent + activationwith a blue light source. Conclusion: 1 wt% HA-Ag hybrid NPs showed enhanced antibacterial effectiveness, DC, and bond strength of the SE adhesive to the primary CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconium dioxide silver‐doped nanoparticles (ZrO2AgDNPs) impacts the adhesive material in terms of its physical characteristics, antimicrobial properties, degree of conversion (DC), and micro‐tensile bond strength (μTBS) of orthodontic brackets to the enamel surface. A comprehensive methodological analysis utilizing a range of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, DC analysis, and μTBS testing. A light‐curable orthodontic adhesive, specifically Transbond XT, was combined with ZrO2AgDNPs at 2.5% and 5%. As a control, an adhesive with no incorporation of ZrO2AgDNPs was also prepared. The tooth samples were divided into three groups based on the weightage of NPs: group 1: 0% ZrO2AgDNPs (control), group 2: 2.5 wt% ZrO2AgDNPs, and group 3: 5 wt% ZrO2AgDNPs. EDX graph demonstrated silver (Ag), Zirconium (Zr), and Oxygen (O2), The antibacterial efficacy of adhesives with different concentrations of NPs (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) was assessed using the pour plate method. The FTIR spectra were analyzed to identify peaks at 1607 cm−1 corresponding to aromatic CC bonds and the peaks at 1638 cm−1 indicating the presence of aliphatic CC bonds. The μTBS was assessed using universal testing machine (UTM) and bond failure of orthodontic brackets was seen using adhesive remanent index (ARI) analysis. Kruskal–Wallis test assessed the disparities in survival rates of Streptococcus mutans. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey multiple comparisons test calculated μTBS values. The lowest μTBS was observed in group 1 adhesive loaded with 0% ZrO2AgDNPs (21.25 ± 1.22 MPa). Whereas, the highest μTBS was found in group 3 (26.19 ± 1.07 MPa) adhesive loaded with 5% ZrO2AgDNPs. ZrO2AgDNPs in orthodontic adhesive improved μTBS and has acceptable antibacterial activity against S mutans. ZrO2AgDNPs at 5% by weight can be used in orthodontic adhesive alternative to the conventional method of orthodontic adhesive for bracket bonding. Research Highlights: The highest μTBS was found in orthodontic adhesive loaded with 5% ZrO2AgDNPs.ARI analysis indicates that the majority of the failures fell between 0 and 1 among all investigated groups.The colony‐forming unit count of S. mutans was significantly less in orthodontic adhesive loaded with nanoparticles compared with control.The 0% ZrO2AgDNPs adhesive showed the highest DC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on examining changes in biochemical profiles of crevicular fluid and salivary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with different blood glycemic levels undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. Topics include the association between diabetes mellitus and chronic hyperglycemia and the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing orthodontic therapy.

Background and Objectives: Evaluation of the levels of cytokine and bone metabolic biomarkers (BMBs) in patients receiving fixed orthodontic therapy (FOT) and Invisalign. Materials and Methods: Sixty participants were enrolled after meeting the predefined inclusion criteria. Patients then underwent either FOT or Invisalign by allocating them randomly to each group (n = 30). The basic periodontal assessment was performed, including the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing (BoP), at baseline and again after 4 weeks. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were taken from each individual at baseline and after 4 weeks. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to determine the cytokine and BMB levels. An unpaired t-test compared the FOT and Invisalign group's means and SDs. Paired t-tests examined the difference between T0 baseline and T1. Results: Patients treated with either FOT or Invisalign presented no statistically significant difference in terms of periodontal parameters such as PI, GI, and BoP (p > 0.05). The levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in patients treated with FOT as compared to Invisalign at T1 (p < 0.05) The other tested cytokines, IL-10, 13, 17, and GM-CSF, were not significantly different in either the FOT or Invisalign group at baseline and 4 weeks follow-up (p > 0.05). Regarding BMBs, it was detected that NTx and OC levels in both of the investigated groups were not significantly different at baseline and after 4 weeks (p > 0.05). However, NTx levels rose significantly (p < 0.05) and OC levels fell from T0 to T1. Conclusions: FOT and Invisalign displayed comparable outcomes in terms of cytokine and BMB levels. However, only IL-6 and NTx were significantly different at week 4 from baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of chlorhexidine (CHX)‐loaded poly‐L‐glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles as a modifier of a commercial orthodontic adhesive via the assessment of physicochemical, biological, and mechanical properties at tooth‐bracket interface. CHX‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles were synthesized using double emulsion‐solvent evaporation method and characterized using transmission electron microscopy and Raman analysis. CHX‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles in Transbond XT orthodontic adhesive were prepared using two different concentrations of the CHX (25 and 50%) and characterized for degree of conversion (DC), antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity testing. Bonded specimens were tested for shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) at tooth‐bracket interface. The synthesized PLGA nanoparticles averaged between 60 and 80 nm in size. After loading CHX inside PLGA nanoparticles, the morphology of the PLGA nanoparticles was considerably changed. Orthodontic bracket bonded with 25% CHX‐loaded PLGA‐modified adhesive demonstrated DC scores similar to control group. Both 25 and 50% CHX‐loaded PLGA‐modified adhesive specimens showed higher antibacterial activity against S. mutans compared to control group. The least mean SBS values were exhibited by 50% CHX‐loaded PLGA‐modified adhesive samples, while a statistically significant difference was observed in the mean ARI values among all study groups at all‐time points (p =.018). This study indicates that the addition of CHX‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles in Transbond XT achieved stable bonds with enhanced antimicrobial and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess undergraduate, postgraduate dental students' and dental practitioners' knowledge of management of dental and biomedical waste and to focus on critical issues such as environment-friendly waste management. METHODOLOGY: A total of 273 participants were recruited from January to June 2019 through convenience sampling in this cross-sectional study; undergraduate, postgraduate dental students, and general dental practitioners from private and public sector dental colleges of Karachi. The respondents answered different categories of waste management, including biomedical waste rules, waste disposal measures, dental waste types, common dangers of improper waste management, and some particular equipment problems, data analyzed on SPSS version 17.00. RESULTS: From 273 (92.8%) completed questionnaires, 217(79.4%) were females. Undergraduate students were 61.9%, (n=169). Almost 64.4 % (n=176) of respondents didn't know about dental waste management rules. Among 75 % (n=205) of respondents, there was a consensus that qualified professionals should treat hospital disposal. Only 67.7% (n= 185) of individuals surveyed stated that they were familiar with the categories formed by dental waste. Approximately 95.5% (n=260) of respondents recommend workshops and Continues medical education seminars for waste management. Compared to undergraduate students, postgraduate students had a significantly higher mean score, decreasing the "know-do gap" (p=0.069). CONCLUSION: Among undergraduate dental students and dental practitioners, postgraduates were found to have a greater understanding of the correct methods for disposing of healthcare waste. However, the overall knowledge level of environment friendly waste management was insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate outcomes in adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment for the Bleeding Index, Gingival Index, and Orthodontic Plaque Index through video graphics methods and plaque disclosing tablets compared to verbal instructions. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the University in the Department of Orthodontics. Adult orthodontic patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited from outpatient orthodontic clinics, with 60 participants randomly assigned to three groups. Patients with more than 2 mm of clinical attachment loss, pregnant or lactating women, those with a history of periodontal therapy in the past six months, and individuals who had taken antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs in the past month were excluded. The study evaluated outcomes using the Bleeding Index, Gingival Index, and Orthodontic Plaque Index through video graphics methods and plaque disclosing tablets compared to verbal instructions. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.00. Results: A total of 60 participants had a mean age of 21.15 ± 6.27 in the verbal instruction group, with a higher proportion of men. Descriptive data for the three intervention groups indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the baseline mean scores for GI, OPI, and BI among the three groups. There was no statistical difference between genders, except for the bleeding Index of the upper and lower jaws in females, which had a statistically significant p-value. The simple linear regression model suggests that video significantly improves oral hygiene, and the video group is more effective in educating about oral hygiene. Conclusion: In conclusion, adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance therapy benefit from improved dental hygiene outcomes when using video graphic methods and plaque disclosing tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess orthodontist's knowledge about maintenance of oral hygiene in the course of active management in the sub-population performed in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The cross-sectional plan, performed in multiple dental treatment facilities including governmental hospitals and private dental clinics in Abha City, KSA, between November 10, 2019 and December 29, 2019. A total of 500 individuals were selected according to the following inclusion criteria which was male and female during orthodontic treatment patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances for at least 6 months which aged between 10-30 years. Sample size was calculated through Rao soft software. Data was collected through non probability purposive sampling. The exclusion criteria were uncooperative and unresponsive patients. A structured questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics of patients (age, gender) and orthodontists' knowledge about maintenance of oral hygiene of patients in the course of active management. They evaluated frequency of tooth brushing, tooth paste selection, usage of several fluoride supplements etc. For categorical data, mean and standard deviation were used, descriptive statistics was described as frequency and percentage. For the evaluation of association among categorical variables, a Chi-square test was used. Statistically significant p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: About 500 patients participated in this study, 50% females and 50% males. 130 (26%) participants were treated in governmental facilities, while 370 (74%) were treated in private clinics. The association between orthodontists' awareness and orthodontist's age was found statistically significant "p=0.004". Statistically significant correlation among orthodontists' awareness and place of receiving orthodontic treatment "p=0.001" was also found. Conclusion: The orthodontists' knowledge about maintenance of oral hygiene in the course of active management in subpopulation of Saudi Arabia is insufficient in patient's opinion and there is significant association between orthodontist's age and place of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess the connection between dentist qualification and adequacy of sterilization and to determine practices of dentist against Infection control. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2018. General dental practitioners and consultants with minimum clinical practice period of one or more than one year were included in the study. The exclusion criterion included general dental practitioners and consultants who did not give consent for study. A questionnaire including basic demographic data, personal protection and cross infection control measures, instrument sterilization and operatory disinfection from the Gen¬eral Dental Practitioner Surgeons and consultants. Total 89 clinicians were asked for their practice of sterilization and disinfection. Data was entered and analyzed on SPSS version 13. RESULTS: According to the results mean age was 31.80±9.27 years. Results showed that the GDPs were 57.8% and consultants were 42.2%. Males were 46.7% and females were 53.93 %. Mean working experi¬ence was 7.80 years and number of practicing hours per day were 6.20. Association between dentist's qualification (general dental practitioners and consultants) and different methods of sterilization were evaluated which shows significant p-value i.e. <0.05. The variables with significant p-value were disin-fecting operatory at the end of the day i.e. 0.013 and biological sporing test i.e. 0.0175. The practices of dentist against Infection control were also assessed. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the connection between dentist qualification and adequacy of steri¬lization in some aspects was significant, those having higher qualifications than simple graduates were doing daily and prompt sterilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of perception of pain and of associated factors at different time intervals among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment in the Department of Orthodontics, King Khalid University College of Dentistry, Abha. An estimated sample of 80 subjects, males and females ranging from 12 to 35 years of age, was included in the study. The participants were asked to indicate the intensity of pain on a VAS scale ranging from 0 - no pain (on the left) to 10 - worst pain (on the right) through moderate pain (in the middle) after 4 hours, 24 hours, 2 and 7 days after the start of the fixed orthodontic treatment. The data thus obtained was collected and organized into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and statistically analyzed utilizing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 software. It was observed that the mean value of pain was highest (3.73) 4 hours after the start of the fixed orthodontic treatment, and lowest (0.93) on the 7th day of treatment. Most (68.8%) of the participants mentioned that their pain was aggravated by mastication, pain also increasing during tooth-brushing (3.8%) and speaking (3.8%). Moreover, 86.25% of them had used no analgesics for the relief of pain while 7.5% had used analgesics. It was concluded that the patients perceive the pain to be at peak level in the initial stage of the fixed orthodontic treatment which, being aggravated during mastication and declining with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of present study was to determine association of dental anomalies observed in various dental malocclusion patients visiting for Orthodontic treatment. Total of 600 patients (169 male, 431 female) having mean age 17.25±5.55 years were evaluated. This study showed that 61.2% of patients (n = 600) presented with at least one dental anomaly. Ectopic eruption was the most commonly found (46.8%), followed by Agenesis (missing tooth or teeth) 9.0%, canine impaction 4.0% and supernumerary teeth 1.3%. The frequency of theses dental anomalies were found higher in female than in males. Ectopic eruption (56% within malocclusions) was more frequent in patients with Class II div 1 malocclusion. No supernumerary tooth was found in Class II division 2 malocclusion rather more prevalent in class III malocclusion (2.5%). Impaction was associated with Class II div 2 malocclusion (11.1%), at a higher prevalence than other types of malocclusions. Agenesis was associated with Class II div 2 malocclusion and class III malocclusion (14.8). The correlations between dental anomalies and different types of malocclusion were found statistically significant. Within limitation of this study, Dental anomalies recorded frequently higher in females than male subjects, the reason may be the female patients being more esthetically conscious, visiting orthodontic treatment in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper hand hygiene is acknowledged as the most critical element of an adequate infection control program in the oral health care setting. This cross-sectional (KAP) study was carried out to assess the self-reported knowledge, attitudes and practices of dentists regarding Hand Hygiene from Various Dental institutes of Pakistan (Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Islamic International Medical & Dental College Islamabad, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry Multan and Liaquat College of Medicine & Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan) from July 2014 to December 2015. A total of 187 dentists including consultants, post graduate residents and house surgeons were included in the study by Non probability consecutive sampling. A self reported questionnaire derived from conducted survey by Myers R et al.3 were used to collect data. At the start of the practice day, forty three percent of participants always washed with antimicrobial soap but never disinfected with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Thirty six percent often/almost always washed with antimicrobial soap and disinfected with alcohol-based hand sanitizers. About one third were comfortable with their hand hygiene practices, regardless of what the CDC Hand Hygiene guideline Recommends. Most dentists used soap and water for HH frequently, and a smaller number use alcohol-based hand sanitizers for HH frequently. Further education of the dental community is warranted to improve HH compliance, efficacy of HH practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]