Faculty Research
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Welcome to the ANDC Faculty Research Repository, a curated digital collection of scholarly work by faculty members of [Institution Name]. Explore cutting-edge research, publications, and collaborative projects across disciplines.
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- 2024-06-01: Repository now indexed in [Database Name, e.g., Google Scholar].
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Item Calcium Phosphate-Loaded Novel Polypropylene Glycol-Based Dental Resin Composites: Evaluation of In Vitro Bioactivity(2023-04-04) Dr Naveed InayatAbstract: Objective: This study aimed to assess in vitro bioactivity of novel remineralizing dental composites loaded with calcium phosphate fillers and chlorhexidine in polypropylene glycol (PPG) resin matrix. Methods: The stock monomer was prepared by adding 69.75% urethane dimethacrylate and 23.25% of the polypropylene glycol dimethacrylate with silica fillers, chlorhexidine (5 wt%), and varying levels of calcium phosphate fillers. The study groups were BC (basic composite), commercial control, CHX-CP5, CHX-CP10, and CHX-CP15, respectively. Bioactivity was assessed by placing samples in the simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7, 14, and 28 days and observed under the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Data were presented in mean and percentage with a 95% confidence interval. Intergroup analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and the p-value was set 0.05. Results: The SEM images showed the deposition of calcium phosphate on the surface of CHX-CP10 and CHX-CP15 after 28 days in SBF. Mineral deposits of calcium and phosphate were observed on the surface of the experimental formulation containing higher calcium phosphate fillers (CP10 and CP15) in EDX. Conclusion: The addition of calcium phosphate fillers to the composites resulted in an apatite layer formed and demonstrated enhanced bioactivity in the presence of PPGDMA and CHX.Item Effects of informal learner handover in clinical dental education(2023-05-16) Dr Mehvish ShahidBackground It is currently under discussion whether Learner Handovers (LH) are beneficial, disadvantageous, or useful in Health Professions Education. Research has not been conducted to determine the extent of existing informal learner handover (ILH) through faculty discussions. In addition to providing stakeholders with added context, examining the nature of ILH may also provide insight into the bias associated with Learner Handover. Methods Transcripts from a series of semi-structured Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and interviews (from January to March 2022) were iteratively reviewed to identify relevant patterns and correlations. The study involved the voluntary participation of 16 active clinical dental faculty members with a variety of designations. We did not discard any opinions. Results It was found that ILH had a mild impact on students’ training. ILH effects can be categorized into four key areas: (1) faculty behavior with students, (2) faculty expectations from students, 3) teaching approach, and 4) faculty feedback practices. Furthermore, five additional factors were identified as having a greater influence on ILH practices. Conclusions In clinical dental training, ILH has a minor effect on faculty-student interactions. Faculty perceptions and ILH are strongly influenced by other factors contributing to the student’s ’academic reputation. As a result, studentfaculty interactions are never free of prior influences, so stakeholders need to take them into consideration when creating a formal LH.Item Exploration of Factors Influencing Co-creation in Medical Education using Holistic Approach(2024-06-30) Dr Mehvish ShahidIntroduction: Co-creation, an emerging pedagogical concept, has become a promising approach to enhancing medical education. Despite the escalating demands and justifications for involving learners in the educational design process, students and faculty lack familiarity with implementing this approach. Objective: This study adopts a holistic approach to identify and examine the diverse factors that impact co-creation in medical education. Methods: The study employed a qualitative approach using a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire. An interview guide was utilized for data collection. The total number of participants in the present study was 16. Results: The study was concluded by highlighting the stakeholders' experiences, explaining the factors that motivate their participation, and outlining the challenges faced in the student-staff engagement process. Conclusion: Educational institutions can foster a collaborative learning environment by investing in partnership programs.Item Benefits and Drawbacks of learner handover: A Scoping Review(2021-08-13) Dr Mehvish ShahidIntroduction: Learner Handover (LH), modelled after Patient Handover Protocols, is the act of collecting data regarding different aspects of student performance, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses so that it can be presented to future teachers as an added aide in planning their teaching activities. It has recently gained popularity due to its application in Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME). This scoping review aimed to consolidate current knowledge regarding the usage, benefits and drawbacks of Learner Handover and to highlight areas for future research. Method: The Arksey and O’Malley framework was used to systematically select and summarize the literature available. Articles relevant to Medical Education were selected from searches of two databases and one search engine. Only articles published after 2017 to ensure the most recent developments were accounted for. Data was analysed thematically and quantitatively. Results: Out of the 12 articles reviewed, 46% usage of the Learner Handover revolved around smoothening out the UGME-PGME transition. 39% studies focused on the assessment of students and talked about the use of Learner Handover as a teaching aide. The most common benefits were a) Tailored Learning Environment, b) Programme Preparedness, and Improved Patient Safety whereas the drawbacks most mentioned revolved around a) Generation of bias, b) Resource intensiveness, and c) Breach of confidentiality. Conclusion: Learner Handover is a multifaceted process that provides performance information to future faculty, establishing a continuum that can map out the longitudinal improvements of medical students. However, there are major drawbacks – like generation of academic bias and breach of confidentiality - that need to be controlled. Additional research is needed to fully understand the efficacy of the benefits and the extent of the drawbacks. However, in the Competency-Based Educational Model, a well-designed Handover Protocol may prove integral.Item Assessing Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Drug Prescription among Dental House Officers- A Questionnaire-Based Study(2022-10-10) Dr Hammad HassanObjective: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of dental house officers regarding proper drug prescription and factors influencing judgement of dental house officers during prescription writing. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the approval of review board of CMH Lahore Medical College. Online questionnaire with 17 close ended questions was developed the authors and distributed among 400 dental house officers working in various private dental institutes of Pakistan. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Results: Majority of house officers relied on supervisor regarding drug prescription. Internet (37%), books (35.8%) as well as fellow colleagues (34.3%) was the other major sources of information. 8 out of 10 respondents 'always' consider medical history before prescription writing. 14.8% responded that they always explain side effects to the patient. There was a significant difference between males and females when it comes to need of supervision. Majority of the females felt the need of supervision when it comes to prescription writing. Male house officers were more significantly influenced by senior colleagues/supervisor, fellow colleagues and pharmaceutical companies during drug prescription. Conclusion: The house offers should be instructed to explain side effects to the patients, take compete medical history and always consult with supervisor when confused. Workshops, refresher courses and constant supervision according to WHO Guide to Good Prescribing are essential to keep house officers up to date.Item Assessing Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Drug Prescription among Dental House Officers- A Questionnaire-Based Study(2022-10-07) Dr Hammad HassanObjective: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of dental house officers regarding proper drug prescription and factors influencing judgement of dental house officers during prescription writing. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the approval of review board of CMH Lahore Medical College. Online questionnaire with 17 close ended questions was developed the authors and distributed among 400 dental house officers working in various private dental institutes of Pakistan. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Results: Majority of house officers relied on supervisor regarding drug prescription. Internet (37%), books (35.8%) as well as fellow colleagues (34.3%) was the other major sources of information. 8 out of 10 respondents 'always' consider medical history before prescription writing. 14.8% responded that they always explain side effects to the patient. There was a significant difference between males and females when it comes to need of supervision. Majority of the females felt the need of supervision when it comes to prescription writing. Male house officers were more significantly influenced by senior colleagues/supervisor, fellow colleagues and pharmaceutical companies during drug prescription. Conclusion: The house offers should be instructed to explain side effects to the patients, take compete medical history and always consult with supervisor when confused. Workshops, refresher courses and constant supervision according to WHO Guide to Good Prescribing are essential to keep house officers up to date.Item Dental Anxiety among Students of Lahore, Pakistan(2021-09-05) Dr Hammad HassanObjective: Current study aimed to explore the dental anxiety level among students in schools existing in Lahore. Method: This study was descriptive cross-sectional in nature. Data of 300 students was collected from three schools. Students with age of 13years or above were included in study. MDAS was used to collect data with a section of demographics. SPSS version 23.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Mean MDAS score of the sample was 14.11±4.330. The frequency of mild anxiety (MDAS <11) was 21.3%, moderate to severe anxiety (MDAS 11 to 18) was 62.7%, and dental phobia (MDAS 19 to 25) was 16.0%. Conclusion: Dental anxiousness was found in more than half of the students.Item COMPARISON OF ORAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG STUDENTS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR SCHOOLS(2021-03-01) Dr Hammad HassanCurrent study aimed to explore the prevalence of dental problems including dental caries among 12 years old students studying in public and private sector schools in Pakistan. 677 students were recruited in the study from 2 private and 2 public sector schools of Lahore. Significant difference between students of public and private schools was found in terms of prevalence of dental caries (X2= 35.094, P<.001). Significant difference between students of public and private schools was found in terms of scaling requirement X2=54.778, P<.001). Significant difference between students of public and private schools was found in terms of gum bleeding (X2=35.245, P<.001). Significant difference between students of public and private schools was not found in terms of Plaque accumulation (X2=54.778, P<.001). Significant difference between students of public and private schools was found in terms of fluorosis (X2=44.557, P<.001). In conclusion, dental caries and fluorosis was found higher among school going students in Lahore.Item The Incidence of Dry Socket Following Non-Surgical Extraction of Mandibular Molars in A Teaching Hospital(2024-11-05) Dr Shahzada Faiz Ahmad KhanObjective: This study aims to determine the incidence of dry socket following non-surgical extraction of mandibular molars in a hospital setting. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Community and Preventive Dentistry, Azra Naheed Dental College, The Superior University, Lahore from March 2024 to June 2024. Methods: A sample of 120 patients who underwent mandibular molar extraction was assessed for the development of a dry socket over a one-week postoperative period. Nominal variables were analyzed using the Chi-Square Test. Results: The incidence rate of dry socket was found to be 12.5 %. Risk factors such as poor oral hygiene, and lack of post-operative care were positively associated with dry socket development. Treatment: Treatment involved debridement of the extraction site and placing an obtundent dressing containing eugenol, with 10.8% of patients experiencing symptom relief within 48 hours. Conclusion: The study concludes that while dry socket remains a significant postoperative issue, proper patient education on postoperative care can reduce its incidence and improve patient outcomesItem Comparing bleomycin and sodium tetradecyl sulfate for treatment of low flow craniomaxillofacial venous malformations(2025-03-01) Dr Shahzada Faiz Ahmad KhanObjective: To compare the efficacy of bleomycin versus sodium tetradecyl sulfate for the treatment of low flow craniomaxillofacial venous malformations in the Pakistani population. Methodology: This study utilized a randomized controlled trial design and was conducted at the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, over six months. Patients who underwent sclerotherapy were given prophylactic antihistamine medication before the procedure. Patients with abnormal values in specific blood tests were excluded. Two groups were formed: Group A received a combination of xylocaine with adrenaline and bleomycin, while Group B received sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Outcome was assessed in both groups. Results: The study enrolled participants with an age range of 8 to 40 years. The duration of symptoms varied from 8 to 24 months. The size of the lesions ranged from 6×10mm to 40×40mm. The study population consisted of 43.2% male patients and 56.8% female patients. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test revealed a significant association between treatment efficacy and the two groups, with a p-value of 0.020. Conclusion: This study compares the efficacy of Bleomycin and Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (STS) in treating low-flow craniomaxillofacial venous malformations, with Bleomycin demonstrating a higher response rate, particularly in facial and oral cavity lesions. The findings support sclerotherapy as an effective minimally invasive treatment.Item Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Artificial Intelligence and its Uses in Oral Radiology Among Dental Surgeons of Lahore(2025-04-09) Dr Shahzada Faiz Ahmad KhanOBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of dentists in Lahore regarding the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and its future applications in the field of oral radiology. METHODOLOGY: A total of 300 dentists participated in our study. Data collection was done by sending Google forms to dental surgeons in Lahore. This descriptive study was carried out after approval from the ethical review committee of Azra Naheed Dental College, Lahore from July 2023 to February 2024. There were no age restrictions or gender discrimination in this study. RESULTS: Out of the 300 dentists who participated in the study, about 80% were already having the concept regarding AI and familiar with it, 70% agreed to the fact that they plan and expect to use AI for making clinical diagnoses, 53% agreed that the interpretation of complex radiographic cases would be the prime and key function of AI, and 56% were in agreement that AI in future would have a promising role in Pakistan. CONCLUSION: It was concluded in our study that dental professionals are familiar with AI concepts.Item Evaluation of Antimicrobial Peptides in Saliva as Potential Therapeutic Agents Against Oral Pathogens in Pakistan(2024-11-15) Prof Dr Asif ShahzadBackground: Maintaining optimal oral health is essential for overall well-being; however, conditions such as dental caries and gingivitis remain prevalent in Pakistan and are further worsened by increasing antibiotic resistance. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of salivary peptides as potential therapeutic agents against common oral pathogens in Pakistan. Methodology: A one-year cross-sectional study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, at Sharif Medical and Dental College and Akhter Saeed Medical and Dental College, involving 384 participants aged 18-65 years. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to isolate antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from oral swabs and saliva samples. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA), the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of histatin, defensin, and cathelicidin against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans was determined. T-tests and other statistical analyses were used to assess the significance of the results across demographic variables. Results: There were 210 men (54.69%) and 174 women (45.31%) in the participation group. A total of 298 individuals (77.60%) did not smoke, while 221 participants (57.56%) said they brushed their teeth every day. Moreover, 198 individuals (51.56%) had oral infections with S. mutans alone, 71 participants (18.49%) had oral pathogens with C. albicans alone, and 52 people (13.54%) had both. Histatin of 8.09 ± 2.13 μg/mL, defensin of 7.83 ± 2.31 μg/mL, and cathelicidin of 6.19 ± 1.57 μg/mL were the MIC values for salivary AMPs against S. mutans. MIC values for histatin, defensin, and cathelicidin against C. albicans were 10.57 ± 1.82 μg/mL, 9.01 ± 2.03 μg/mL, and 7.42 ± 1.73 μg/mL, respectively. Males had higher MIC values than females, and there were significant variations according to smoking status (p < 0.05) and age (p < 0.05), suggesting that smokers had lower AMP effectiveness. Conclusion: Salivary AMPs, particularly histatin, defensin, and cathelicidin, demonstrate strong potential as therapeutic alternatives against oral infections such as dental caries and gingivitis, suggesting a promising strategy to mitigate antibiotic resistance in Pakistan. Further research is needed to explore their application in clinical practice.Item Epidemiological Profile of Zygomatic Complex Fractures, Including Frequency, Etiology, Patterns, and Treatment Modalities for Patients(2025-01-06) Prof Dr Asif ShahzadOBJECTIVE: The study is aimed to determine zygomatic fracture frequency, etiology, and treatment patterns. METHODOLOGY: This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Dental Hospital, Lahore, from January 2022- June 2023 after ethical Approval vide no. ANDC/RAC/2021/15. The sample was selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique, and data was collected on various factors including age, associated fractures, gender, cause of injury, and treatment modalities. The use of both categorical and quantitative data, along with the chi-square test for comparison. RESULTS: There were 12 females and 55 males, and the affected male-to-female ratio was 4.5:1. The mean age of patients was 30.69± 10.83SD, with peak frequency occurring in the age range of 16-25 years. The frequency of zygomatic right sided bone fracture was 37(55.22%), left sided 24(35.82%) and bilateral 6(8.96%). The common cause of zygomatic complex fracture was road traffic accidents in 64(95.5%) patients, fall 1(1.5%), and assault 2(3%) patients. There was a significant association between etiology with age (P=0.03) and age with gender (P=0.04). There was also a significant association of age with zygomatic-maxilla bone (P=0.03), zygomatic-nose (P=0.00), and orbital floor-zygomatic bone (P=0.00). Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were performed in 64 (95.5%) patients, and 3(4.5%) patients received Arch bar elastics (ABE-ORIF). CONCLUSION: There was male predominance in road traffic accident and right-sided zygomatic bone being the most commonly affected. There was significant associations of etiology with age and gender, as well as age with associated fractures of the maxilla bone, nose, and orbital floor.Item Cultural Competency in Dental Practice: Navigating the Experiences and Perspectives of Dentists in South Punjab, Pakistan(2024-12-10) Prof Dr. Muhammad Asif ShahzadIntroduction Cultural competence in healthcare embraces the principles of equal access and nondiscriminatory services in healthcare delivery. Dentists as significant healthcare professionals should definitely have the skills needed to diagnose and treat patients’ conditions, but it is crucial to also address nontechnical skills such as cross-cultural communication, the ability to empathize, and inclusive-mindedness. Globally, cultural competency training has been included in healthcare educational programs; however, national practices reportedly have revolved around patients’ clinical competencies and thus entailed overlooking the cultural dimensions of dental education that include diverse sociocultural factors that influence how dental practices are taught, learned, and delivered. These dimensions encompass elements such as language, communication styles, attitudes toward healthcare, and culturally specific oral health beliefs and behaviors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the experiences and perspectives of dentists practicing in South Punjab regarding cultural competency. Methodology The study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data was collected through purposive sampling techniques utilizing semistructured interview guides. The participants recruited were licensed dentists practicing in dental institutions in South Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 18 dentists were recruited in the study. The interviews were focused on the different aspects of cultural competency by exploring the perspectives of dentists. Thematic analysis was carried out utilizing the Bran and Clarkes framework to categorize data into key themes and subthemes utilizing inductive coding. Results The study revealed that dentists lack awareness and understanding of cultural competency; they also faced significant problems due to limited cultural proficiency while dealing with diverse patients. Major challenges included inadequate training, communication barriers, and cultural bias in dentists while dealing with such diverse populations. Patients recognized the benefits of cultural competency and highlighted facilitators like institution support, peer support, mentorship support, and patient trust. Participants suggested incorporating cultural competency in dentistry curricula, continuous professional development, and community outreach programs for the development of cultural competency among dentists. Conclusions The study highlighted perspectives and experiences of dentists regarding cultural competency. The findings demonstrated key problems due to limited or lack of cultural proficiency that included communication and language barriers and unconscious cultural bias among dentists. The study also highlighted facilitators of cultural competency like institutional facilitation, mentoring opportunities from peers and seniors, and patient trust. Facilitating cultural competency among dentists may result in improved patient satisfaction, enhanced patient care, and an increase in compliance, hence overall enhancing the quality of care.Item Comparison of Efficacy of Buccal Infiltration Versus Buccal and Palatal Infiltration for Maxillary First Molar Extraction(2024-12-01) Prof Dr Asif ShahzadObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of palatal and buccal infiltration against buccal infiltration only while extracting the maxillary first molar. Study Design: quasi experimental study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Azra Naheed Dental College/Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Dental Hospital, Lahore from August 2022 to May 2023. Methods: After meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 100 patients (50 in each of the group) were enrolled for the study. In Group A (experimental) only buccal infiltration was given for extraction of maxillary first molar while in Group B (control) buccal plus palatal infiltration was used for the extraction of maxillary first molar. Efficacy was noted in both groups. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: In our study from only buccal infiltration group the mean visual analogue score (VAS) of the patients was 2.90±1.61 and in buccal and palatal infiltration group the mean VAS of the patients was 2.64±1.67 (p-value=0.432). In only buccal infiltration group efficacy was achieved in 27(54%) patients and in buccal and palatal infiltration group it was achieved in 28(56%) patients (p-value=0.841) Conclusion: Both buccal infiltrations versus buccal and palatal infiltration are equally efficacious during extraction of maxillary first molar Key Words: Buccal Infiltrations, Palatal Infiltration, Extraction of Maxillary First MolarItem Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular First Permanent Molars in Pakistani Sub-population – An in vitro study( MedSci Press Limited, 2025) Usman Sana