Anju - Publications

1

Article

Khapung A, Rao GN, Shrestha S, Dhami B, Gupta S. Periodontal status and oral health-related quality of life among elderly attending Kantipur dental college, Kathmandu, Nepal. Journal of Nepalese Society of Periodontology and Oral Implantology. 2017 Dec 28;1(2):46-50.

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Article

Bimb K, Budhthoki M, Khapung A, Singh SK. Temporomandibular Disorders and Perceived Emotional Stress Among Medical and Dental Students Studying in a Private Medical Institution in Kathmandu, Nepal. Journal of Nepalese Prosthodontic Society. 2020 Jul 1;3(2):67–74.

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a collection of complex signs and symptoms that typically involves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles. Multifactorial etiologies of TMD include occlusal disharmony, oral habits, dysfunction of masticatory muscles and adjacent structures, emotional stress, and extrinsic and intrinsic changes on TMJ structure. Stress has been inflicted as one of the major etiological factors for developing TMD. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among the medical and dental undergraduate students and interns studying in Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal from January 2018 to February 2018. Fonseca Amnestic Index (FAI) was used to evaluate and characterize the TMD signs and symptoms. The stress factor was assessed by the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS-10) which is a self-report measure of stress level which consists of 10 questionnaires in which the subjects respond on how much they suffer from the listed symptoms. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16.0. Association of different variables was tested, with Chi-square test, with a value less than 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: A total of 487 students had participated. Among them 32.4%were male and67.6%were female. Among the participants, 44.6%were from dental school (BDS), and 55.4%were from medical school (MBBS). The age group of the participants was 17 to 27 years. The prevalence of TMD was 50.3% in the study participants. Among the participants with TMD, 81.2% had mild TMD, 17.2% had moderate TMD and 1.6% had severe TMD. Out of the total participants, 16.4% had low stress, 76.6% had moderate stress and 7% had high stress. This study showed a statistically significant association between stress factor and temporomandibular disease (p <0.001). Conclusion: Higher rate of TMD and level of stress has become common in medical and dental college students. Identifying the TMD at an early age can control or at least minimize its long-term effects. Moreover, identifying the stress factor highlights the importance of providing support programs and implementing preventive measures to help students.

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Article

Pandey N, Koju S, Khapung A, Gupta S, Aryai D, Dhami B. Dental Floss Prescription Pattern among the Dental Interns of Nepal. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2020 Aug;58(228):580–6.

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Article

Khapung A, Rao GN, Shrestha S. Reasons and Patterns of Permanent Teeth Loss among Patients attending a Dental College in Kathmandu. Journal of Nepalese Society of Periodontology and Oral Implantology. 2020 Aug 28;4(1):10–3.

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Article

Piya A, Shrestha BV, Khapung A, Bhattarai P. Prevalence and Pattern of Canine Impaction and Its Associated Anomalies among Orthodontic Patients Attending Tertiary Care Dental Hospital in Kathmandu. Orthodontic Journal of Nepal. 2020 Sep 4;10(1):6–10.

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Article

Pandey N, Gupta S, Shah A, Khapung A, Dhami B. Sub Sinus Ridge Height at First Molar Region- A Panoramic Radiograph Based Study. J Nepal Health Res Counc. 2020 Sep 7;18(2):243–7.

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Article

Ghimire R, Adhikari B, Pokharel A, Subedi R, Shakya S, Khapung A, et al. Public Understanding and Their Response to COVID-19 in Nepal [Internet]. Rochester, NY; 2020 [cited 2023 Apr 30]. Available from: https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=3688285

Background: Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has become one of the major causes of death. Its prevention and control have been challenging for every nation. Public understanding and practice play vital roles in its containment. This study aimed at identifying public understanding and response to COVID-19 in Nepal.Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Nepal among 3,582 adults through an online, self-administered questionnaire shared via Viber group created by Ministry of Health and Population. The responses were analyzed and predictors of response studied.Findings: Most of the participants were male (73·2%), with mean age 32·4 years. Majority were married (54·2%) and had knowledge about transmission and symptoms of COVID-19.Almost all (99·6%) stated that hand washing/sanitizing can prevent its transmission. However, myths about prevention like drinking hot water (78·9%), gargling (67·6%), avoiding imports (67·6%), distancing from pets (65·6%), and warm showers (40%) were prevalent. Most of them (98%) used mask. The average knowledge score was 9·74±1·59 out of 12, attitude score 7·09±0·77 out of 8, and practice score 2·70±0·53 out of 3.Majority of the total respondents supported the government’s efforts but were facing problems due to lockdown like difficulty getting daily consumables, increased levels of mental illnesses due to confinement, and facing increased economic burdens.Interpretation: From the findings summarized above, we can infer that government interventions should focus on minimizing the public’s difficulties due to lockdown while enforcing prevention strategies via raising awareness about COVID-19.Funding Statement: This study was funded by the Government of Nepal.Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest in the study. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval for research was obtained from the Ethical Review Board at Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC). Collaboration with MoHP was done to deploy the questionnaire in its Viber Group. We obtained an informed consent from all the participants and anonymity of the participants was maintained throughout the study.

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Article

Khapung A, Rao GN, Shrestha S. Permanent First Molars Clinical Status among School Children Aged 8-12 Years in Kathmandu. Journal of Nepalese Association of Pediatric Dentistry. 2020 Dec 1;1(1):8–12.

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Article

Gautam S, Thapa S, Khapung A. Assessment and Correlation of Uric Acid Concentration in Saliva and Serum of Patients Attending Tertiary Care Centre. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal. 2020 Dec 31;16(4):222–9.

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Article

Shrestha VV, Piya A, Khapung A, Bhattarai P. Comparison of Accuracy of Gonial Angle of Orthopantomogram and Lateral Cephalogram for Mandibular Measurements among Orthodontic Patients Attending Tertiary Care Dental Hospital in Kathmandu. Orthodontic Journal of Nepal. 2020 Dec 31;10(3):57–61.

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Article

Gautam S, Khapung A. Prevalence of Hypomagnesemia among Elderly Patients attending a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2021 Jan;59(233):35–8.

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Article

Karmacharya A, Shrestha S, Shah A, Khapung A, Shrestha B. Prevalence and Bilateral Symmetrical Distribution of Three Rooted Mandibular Permanent First Molar among Patients visiting Kantipur Dental College and Hospital. J Kantipur Dent Coll. 2021;2(2):21–5.

Introduction: Mandibular first molar is the first posterior tooth to erupt and is more likely to be affected by bacteria leading to dental caries, pulp, and periapical pathology, hence seeking the root canal treatment. Thorough knowledge of root morphology and its variations is important to avoid missed canals during treatment causing failure of the treatment. Usually, mandibular molars have two roots (mesial and distal) and three canals (mesiobuccal, mesiolingual, distal), three roots and four canals are also found. The occurrence of the extra root has generally been associated with racial, genetic, and external factors that affect the process of odontogenesis. However, the role of gender has the least importance during the formation of the radix roots Objectives: To determine the prevalence of three rooted mandibular permanent first molars and to observe the association with gender, race and side among patients visiting Kantipur Dental College and Hospital. Materials and Method: A total of 100 CBCT images of the patient (64 male, 36 female) visiting Kantipur Dental College and Hospital were selected with the bilateral presence of mandibular first molar (total of 200 teeth). The presence of the unilateral or bilateral third root was recorded and the chi-square test was used to test its association with gender, race and occurrence according to side. Result: Prevalence of the third root was 7%(6% on left side, 8% on right side), the prevalence of bilateral symmetrical distribution was 35.7%, and prevalence was 11.1% for females and 7.8% for the male patient. No statistically significant difference was found between gender and occurrence according to right and left side. The prevalence of three rooted mandibular first molar was found to be more among the Mongolian population. Conclusion: Awareness among clinicians regarding the prevalence of the third root should be taken into consideration during endodontic treatment to avoid missed root canals to get successful outcomes.

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Article

Bhochhibhoya A, Rana SB, Sharma R, Khapung A. Impact of sociodemographic factors, duration of edentulism, and medical comorbidities on the mental attitudes of individuals with complete edentulism. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 2022 Dec 1;128(6):1283–8.

Statement of problem Understanding the attitude of elderly patients is important for successful complete denture therapy. However, data regarding the impact of sociodemographic factors, impact of medical comorbidities, and duration of edentulism on the mental attitudes of such patients are lacking. Purpose The purpose of this clinical study was to explore the association of sociodemographic factors, duration of edentulism, and medical comorbidities on the attitudes of completely edentulous patients. Material and methods The study was conducted among 125 completely edentulous patients visiting the Department of Prosthodontics, Nepal Medical College from August 2020 to October 2020. General information including age, sex, education level, medical history, and duration of edentulism were collected during a routine clinical evaluation. The mental attitudes of the participants were categorized according to M.M. House Classification into philosophical mind, exacting mind, hysterical mind, or indifferent mind. The participants were categorized into 3 age groups: 45 to 54 years, 55 to 64 years, and 65 years and above. Similarly, they were divided into 3 categories depending upon the duration of edentulism: 0 to 2 years, 2 to 5 years, and more than 5 years. Data were entered in a statistical software program for descriptive analysis using frequency distributions, and the chi-square statistical test and the Freeman-Halton extension of the Fisher exact test were used to determine the association between categorical variables. Results The highest number of participants was in the philosophical category (34.4%) with the fewest in the hysterical group (12%). Men had more philosophical and indifferent attitudes, whereas women were more exacting (P<.001). Those with a recent history of extraction had an increased exacting attitude (P<.001). The respondents without any comorbid diseases were more philosophical, whereas a higher percentage of respondents with different comorbid conditions were assessed to be in the hysterical category (P<.001). Significant relationships were not found between mental attitude and educational status or age (P>.05). Conclusions Socioeconomic factors, duration of edentulism, and existing comorbidities had a significant impact on the attitudes of edentulous patients. The role of these factors should be assessed during the appraisal of the mental attitudes of edentulous patients.

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Article

Pandey N, Basnet BB, Koju S, Khapung A, Gupta A. Awareness of aerosol-related transmission of COVID-19 among the dentists of Nepal. BDJ Open. 2021 Jun 28;7(1):1–6.

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Article

Vaidya S, Rajkarnikar J, Rana SB, Bhochhibhoya A, Khapung A. Current trends in dental implant practice among dentists in Nepal. Journal of Nepalese Prosthodontic Society. 2021 Jun 30;4(1):11–9.

Introduction: Implant dentistry is one of the fastest growing specialty in the field in dentistry. Yet there is a paucity of literature regarding the prevalence and the current trends of implant dentistry practice among dentists working in Nepal. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and current trends of dental implants practice among the dentists working in Nepal. Method: A cross sectional, online study was done among 267 Nepalese dentists from October, 2020 to December, 2020 by convenience sampling method. Data collection was done with the help of a proforma that included socio-demographic details and predesigned questionnaire adopted from a study done in Mumbai, India.13 The questions were developed in google form and shared to the study participants through various social media for the study duration of 3 months. Results: Out of 267 participants, 142 (53.2%) were BDS, 107 (40.1%) were MDS and remaining had other degrees. Of the total participants, only 83 (31.1%) placed dental implants in their practice. Those who did not place dental implants referred the case mostly to periodontist (51.1%), followed by prosthodontist (34.8%). Only 72 (26.9%) had undergone formal implant training program. All the study participants prescribed radiograph as CBCT alone or in combination with the other radiographs. Most of the participants, who placed dental implant, did both the surgical and the prosthodontic phases. Bone level implants (74.7%), Screw retained (50.6%) and extra oral fixation (50.6%) type prosthetics were used by most of the participants. Most frequently used implant systems were Bredent (46.9%), Nobel Biocare (46.9%) and Straumann (46.9%) followed by Adin (44.5%). Conclusion: The current study showed that dental implants practice is adopted by less than one third of the dentists in Nepal, that suggests the need for implementation of Continuing Professional Development in dental implants in Nepal to increase the knowledge and skills among dental professionals.

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Article

Khapung A, Vaidya S. Tobacco Cessation Practices and Perceived Barriers for its Implementation among Nepali Dentists. Journal of Nepalese Society of Periodontology and Oral Implantology. 2021 Dec 3;5(2):72–6.

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Article

Limbu S, Dikshit P, Malla M, Verma L, Khapung A. Pediatric Dental Emergency Pattern and Dental Care Provided during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown at a Tertiary Care Center in Kathmandu, Nepal. Journal of Nepalese Association of Pediatric Dentistry. 2021 Dec 31;2(1):3–11.

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Article

Pathak B, Dahal S, Khapung A. Survey of Impression Materials and Techniques Used in Fixed Prosthodontics among Nepalese Dentists. Nepal Medical College Journal. 2021 Dec 31;23(4):308–14.

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Article

Shrestha BV, Piya A, Khapung A, Bhattarai P. Patient’s expectation of orthodontic treatment attending tertiary care dental hospital in Kathmandu. Orthodontic Journal of Nepal. 2021 Dec 31;11(2):34–8.

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Article

Sharma S, Ghimire B, Khapung A, Sharma D, Nyaupane S. Patients` Satisfaction with the Dental Services among the Adult Patients Visiting a Teaching Dental Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. One Health Journal of Nepal. 2022;2(4):41–6.

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Article

Ghimire P, Khapung A, Ghimire S. Knowledge, Attitude and Diagnostic Ability regarding Pre-Cancerous and Cancerous Oral Lesions among Dental and Medical Students at a Medical College in Kathmandu. Nepal Medical College Journal. 2022 Apr 4;24(1):11–7.

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Article

Tuladhar LR, Khapung A, Dhakal N, Regmi D, Sapkota A, Pokharel J. Study on adverse effects of COVISHIELD vaccine among hospital employees of Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Nepal Medical College Journal. 2022 Jun 27;24(2):109–12.

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Article

Shrestha K, Shrestha P, Karn SL, Khapung A. Evaluation of Interocclusal Rest Space among the Patients Attending Dental College and Hospital. Nepal Journal of Health Sciences. 2022 Aug 3;2(1):27–31.

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Article

Tuladhar LR, Khapung A, Dhakal N, Regmi D, Khadka P. A study on Adverse Effect of BBIBP-CorV (Vero Cell) Covid 19 Vaccine among Intern Doctors. Devdaha Medical Journal. 2022;4(1):17-20.

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Article

Khapung A, Pandey N, Gupta S. Knowledge and preparedness for medical emergencies in dental settings among the dental interns. J Nepal Dent Assoc. 2022;22(34):25-32.

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Article

Ghimire P, Ghimire S, Khanal A, Khapung A. Gender Specific Correlation between Lip Print, Fingerprint and Blood Groups among Adults aged 20-30 Years attending a Tertiary Health Care Centre. Nepal Medical College Journal. 2022 Sep 28;24(3):219–26.

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Article

Khapung A, Shrestha S. Dental Caries among Adult Population of a Municipality: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2022 Oct 1;60(254):870–3.

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Article

Khanal S, Shah P, Khapung A. Assessment of Sequelae of Untreated Dental Caries using PUFA index in Children Visiting a Tertiary Center in Kathmandu. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal. 2022 Nov 4;18(3):206–14.

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Article

Joshi B, Gautam S, Joshi R, Khapung A. Attitude and practice of dental interns towards the use of rubber dam in different dental colleges of Kathmandu. Nepal Medical College Journal. 2023 Mar 21;25(1):7–12.

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Article

Khanal S, Shah P, Khapung A. Evaluation of dental anxiety in school going children using modified dental anxiety scale and facial image scale. Journal of Kathmandu Medical College. 2023 Apr 1;12(1):17-24.

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Article

Panthee A, Pokhrel P, Panthee A, Khapung A. Knowledge of scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery amongst medical students at a tertiary hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Journal of Kathmandu Medical College. 2023 Apr 1;12(1):25-31.

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Article

Panthee A, Panthee A, Khapung A. Comparative Study of Serum Vitamin D and Calcium in Patients With and Without Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: An Institutional Study. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal. 2023 May 1;19(1):74–81.

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Article

Guragain M, Bhochibhoya A, Dahal S, Khapung A, Dahal U, Shah SK, et al. Correlation between Anthropological Measurements in Hand and Occlusal Vertical Dimension: A Study in a Tertiary Hospital of Kathmandu. MedS Alliance Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. 2023 Jun 30;3(5):46–50.

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Article

Joshi B, Gautam S, Joshi R, Khapung A. Prevalence of Dental Caries and Associated Factors among Patients Visiting a Dental Teaching Hospital of Kathmandu. Nep Med Coll J. 2023 Jul 7;25(2):125–30.

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Article

Rijal AH, Dhami B, Khapung A, Ghimire P. Evaluation of Width and Thickness of Attached Gingiva and Its Association with Age, Gender and Arch Location in Nepalese Population. The Scientific World Journal. 2023;2023(1):8877273.

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Article

Rai A, Sundas S, Dhakal N, Khapung A. Comparative assessment of dental caries based on ICDAS and WHO criteria. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2024 Jan;34(1):77-84.

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Article

Piya A, Shrestha BV, Khapung A, Bhattarai P, Ojha A. Comparison of collum angle in different skeletal growth pattern using cephalometric radiographs among orthodontic patients in tertiary dental care center of Kathmandu. Nepal Medical College Journal. 2024 Jul 1;26(2):119-24.

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Article

Rai A, Sundas S, Dhakal N, Khapung A. Assessment of Severity and Pattern of Early Childhood Caries Using ICDAS II Criteria: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. Journal of Nepal Medical Association, 62(278), 639–645.

Introduction: Early childhood caries is highly prevalent worldwide. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System incorporates both the non-cavitated and cavitated carious lesions with acceptable reliability. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence, severity and pattern of early childhood caries among children visiting outpatient department of a dental college in Nepal. The study also aimed to compare the severity and pattern based on individual tooth type. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 children of age group 24-71 months. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System II criteria was used to detect dental caries, and its severity and pattern. The ethical approval was taken from the institutional ethical committee (IRC Reference number: 1, 36, 2079/2080 IRC PDCH 2022 21). Results: Highest caries prevalence was seen among 48 to 60 month olds, whereas lowest prevalence was seen among the 24 to 35 month-old children. Based on severity, dentinal caries (Code 5) 526 (13.19%) was the most prevalent and undermined dentinal caries (Code 4) 36 (0.9%) was the least prevalent. The most common pattern of dental caries was multi-surface caries 644 (16.15%), and the least common pattern was the lingual surface caries 22 (0.55%). Prevalence of dental caries was highest in occlusal surface of mandibular second molars 151 (37.75%), and 227 (5.69%) of the teeth had received restoration and sealants of some sort (CARS). Conclusions: Majority of the children enrolled in the study had multiple cavitated and non-cavitated carious teeth involving different surfaces. Severity and pattern of caries also varied among individual tooth type. Downloads PDF Published 2024-09-30 How to Cite Rai, A., Sundas, S., Dhakal, N. ., & Khapung, A. (2024). Assessment of Severity and Pattern of Early Childhood Caries Using ICDAS II Criteria: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. Journal of Nepal Medical Association, 62(278), 639–645. https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.8782 Issue Vol. 62 No. 278 (2024): JNMA: Published Monthly Section Original Article License Copyright (c) 2024 Amita Rai, Sunanda Sundas, Neha Dhakal, Anju Khapung Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. JNMA allow to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of its articles and allow readers to use them for any other lawful purpose. The author(s) are allowed to retain publishing rights without restrictions. The JNMA work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. More about Copyright Policy.

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Article

Kharel S, Mandal G, Parajuli P, Mehta RS, Acharya B, Khapung A. Perceived stress and coping strategies among elderly people residing in geriatric centers of Nepal. Journal of Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal. 2024 Dec 31;13(2):35-8.

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Article

Piya A, Shrestha BV, Khapung A. Relationship of Dermatoglyphics Pattern and Malocclusion among Individual Visiting a Tertiary Dental Care Center in Kathmandu. Nepal Medical College Journal. 2024 Dec 31;26(4):270-6.

Dermatoglyphics is used as diagnostic and research tool in many fields including forensics to identify the individuals by forensic experts and in association with various medical conditions. The development of teeth and its associated structures coincide with the development of epidermal ridges during the 6th to 13th week of intrauterine life. This forms the basis for studying the association of dental anomalies with fingerprint pattern, malocclusion being most commonly reported oral conditions and is widely prevalent. Individuals including students and interns within the age group of 18-24 years visiting Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Attarkhel, Gokarneshwor-8, Kathmandu from April 2024 - June 2024 were included after signing the written consent form. Malocclusion was assessed based on Angle’s classification according to which participants were grouped into Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusion. The fingerprints of all ten fingers of both the hands of the participants were recorded with ink by using roller method as suggested by Cummins and Midlo. Descriptive statistics was presented in the form of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Chi square test was done to find out the association of dermatoglyphic pattern with malocclusion using SPSS- 17 software with significance level set at P <0.05. Most of the study participants (120, 71.4%) had Angle’s Class I malocclusion followed by Class II (26, 15.5%) and Class III (22, 13.1%). The most common dermatoglyphic pattern among all the fingers was the loop pattern seen in little finger of left hand of study participants with Class I malocclusion (88, 73.3%) and little finger of right hand among those with Class II malocclusion (22, 84.6%) and Class III malocclusion (17, 77.3%). There was no statistically significant association between dermatoglyphic patterns and type of malocclusion (p-value 0.156 for loop pattern, p-value 0.915 for whorl pattern and p-value 0.126 for arch pattern) dermatoglyphic investigation being convenient, cost effective and non invasive, had been applied in many fields including dentistry. It has been used as a diagnostic tool to unveil genetic factors related to many oral diseases, however, it cannot be relied upon as a sole factor.

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Article

Piya A, Shrestha BV, Khapung A, Santhalia N. Knowledge and Attitude of the Principles and Practices of Orthodontic Treatment among General Dentists and Non- Orthodontic Dental Specialists Nepal Medical College Journal. 2025 Apr 17;27(1):39-44.

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Article

Ghimire R, Adhikari B, Pokharel A, Subedi R, Shakya S, Khapung A, Kharel S, Bhandary S, Gyanwali P. Public Understanding and Their Response to Covid-19 in Nepal: A Population Based Study. Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences. 2025 Apr 28;10(1):62-7.

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Article

Dahal S, Dahal S, Khapung A, Poudel P. Utilization of oral health care services and perceived barriers among adults residing in Jiri, Nepal: a cross-sectional study BMC Public Health. 2025 May 1;25(1):1602.

Background Utilization of oral health services on a regular basis is essential for addressing any oral health problem and preventing the development of more serious concerns. However, there exist some barriers that directly impact utilization of dental services, like cost, lack of awareness, anxiety or dental fear, accessibility and availability of dental services. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine dental service utilization and perceived barriers among adults residing in Jiri, Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 725 adult residents of Jiri who were interviewed with the help of a validated and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 24. Mean and standard deviation were computed for continuous data like age. Frequency and percentage were calculated for categorical variables regarding dental service utilization and perceived barriers. Chi square test was used to determine association between demographic factors and their dental services utilization status. Results Out of 725 study participants, 595 (82.1%) did not visit a dentist in the past one year. Very few (87, 12%), utilized dental services in the past six months. Dental pain was the major reason for their visit to the dentist. Many aged 65 years and above (109, 87.2%) did not visit dentist in the past one year which was significantly higher than other age groups (P = 0.033). Similarly, most of the unemployed residents of Jiri (331, 86.9%) had not utilized dental services than employed or self-employed residents (P = 0.001).The major barrier for dental service utilization perceived by the study participants was the high cost of treatment (474, 65.4%) followed by lack of awareness to seek dental care (417, 57.5%) and difficult access to oral health services due to scarce dental facility (393, 54.2%). Conclusions The findings of this study showed low dental care utilization status by the adult residents of Jiri which was associated with age and employment status. High cost of dental treatment, lack of awareness and accessibility were the major perceived barriers. Utilization of dental services can be increased by tackling concerns about the affordability of oral health care, adequate accessibility of public dental facility, and oral health education and promotion at community level.

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Article

Shrestha S, Khapung A, Ghimire B. Reasons for delay in seeking dental treatment among patients visiting a dental hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Shrestha S, Khapung A, Ghimire B. Reasons for delay in seeking dental treatment among patients visiting a dental hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. J Nepal Dent Assoc. 2022 Jul;22(35):91-7.

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Article

30. Shrestha S, Khapung A. Prevalence of Maxillary Sinus Pathologies amongst Dental Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Nepal. Shrestha S, Khapung A. Prevalence of Maxillary Sinus Pathologies amongst Dental Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Nepal. J Nepal Dent Assoc. 2023 Jul-Dec;23(37):75-80.

Introduction: Maxillary sinus examination is of utmost importance for dentists, given its close proximity to the upper posterior teeth. While many studies have utilised Computed Tomography (CT) or Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), there remains a scarcity of research exploring maxillary sinus abnormalities through panoramic radiography. Objective: To determine the prevalence of maxillary sinus pathologies in the dental patients by using digital panoramic radiographs performed for maxillofacial diagnostic purposes. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over four months (from 2020 October to 2021 January) in Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nepal Medical College with a convenient sample size of 310 patients aged 16 years to 70 years undergoing panoramic radiography. Maxillary sinus pathologies were assessed visually by a single examiner using digital panoramic radiographs, excluding patients with trauma history or poor quality images. Pathologies such as mucosal thickening, sinus polyps, antral pseudocysts, non-specific opacification, periostitis, and antrolith were identified and recorded, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with level of significance set at p <0.05. Result: The study included 310 panoramic radiographs, with 166 (53.55%) females and a mean age of 34.07±14.08 years. The overall prevalence of sinus pathology was 229 (73.87%), with mucosal thickening 116 (37.42%) and non-specific opacification 92 (29.68%) being the most common findings, and no significant association was found between maxillary sinus pathology and gender or age group. Conclusion: Maxillary sinus abnormalities are frequently observed in asymptomatic individuals undergoing dental evaluation. Hence, a comprehensive panoramic image evaluation including maxillary sinus, with selective three-dimensional imaging can facilitate early diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of the patient. Keywords Maxillary sinus; pathology; prevalence; radiography.