Background: Direct effects of climate change on different domains of general health have been well documented with evidence-based literature; however, the implications for oral health and dentistry have been addressed in different forms of research papers and lack a comprehensive evaluation. Objectives: We aimed to conduct a scoping review of the existing literature to elucidate the connections between the impact of climate change on oral health and dentistry, exploring how environmental shifts can influence dental diseases and practices and offering insights for future dental care using a systematic search strategy. Methods: A systematic search was carried out using keywords in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Boolean operators were also used to combine the searches and elaborate the search strategy. We did not apply any restriction of time frame or language to the articles. Summary of findings: A total of 10 papers were included in the final review. The findings from different papers have reported direct/indirect associations of climate change with oral diseases and conditions such as dental caries, dental erosion, and oral cancer; developmental defects of enamel; early childhood caries; periodontal disease; and dental trauma, skeletal, and dental fluorosis. Discussion: The findings synthesize a nascent yet significant body of research exploring how environmental changes driven by climate change impact the dental profession and oral health outcomes. Continued research and policy attention are imperative to address the complex and evolving challenges posed by climate change to oral health.

Background: ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activist)role is evolving beyond maternal and child health workers. They are engaged in NCD (Non-communicable Diseases)control activities. This study investigated their preparedness for this new task.The aim of the study was to assess the preparedness (knowledge, attitude, practices & patient navigation) of ASHAs in delivering community-based NCD prevention and control services under NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke)program. And the study also assessed the challenges faced by ASHAs in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities towards common NCDs. Settings and Design: Cross sectional descriptive conducted in Delhi. Method: Total 464 ASHAs randomly selected from 54 Primary Health Centres from 3 districts of Delhi. A self-administered, pre-tested, validated and piloted semi structured questionnaire was filled by enrolled ASHAs. It assessed their knowledge, attitude and practices related to NCD screening.Statistical analysis used: descriptive statistics, chi square test and logistic regression analysis were used. Results: Two-third ASHAs had moderate to good knowledge about NCDs. They had positive inclination towards NCD screening and risk mitigation. Their practices for hypertension and diabetes screening were adequate but common cancer screening practices were inadequate. Challenges encountered in performing these tasks were lack of appropriate referral linkages, minimal supportive supervision and no ear marked incentives. Conclusions: ASHAs showed willingness to work for NCD control provided they have optimum training, supportive supervision from their superiors, and screening facilities in functional state and appropriate incentives for the new tasks.

Oral health is a pivotal sign of overall health, well-being, and quality of life. With the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), insights into the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and oral diseases are urgently needed to elucidate the oral manifestations of SARS-CoV-2. The current review aims at analyzing various reports available on oral symptoms along with possible causation, their relationship to the time of occurrence of clinical symptoms, and to shape guidelines for dental practices that could help in combating this global pandemic. The common symptoms that patients report to the dental office even at the presymptomatic stage are ageusia (loss of taste), non-specific anosmia (loss of smell—not associated with rhinitis), and hyposalivation. Few studies also report unexplained ulcers in the oral cavity, desquamative gingivitis, herpetiform ulcers on attached gingiva, blisters/irregular ulcers on the tongue's dorsal surface enlargement of submandibular glands, and cervical lymph node enlargement. Dental surgeons should abide by the prevalent precautionary guidelines. They are at very high risk due to their close contact with patients and exposure to saliva and blood during treatment.