ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8872-4887
Current Organisations
Monash University
,
University of Maryland, Baltimore
,
Ministry of Health
,
National Institute of Forensic Medicine
,
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
,
University of Jordan
,
University of Sharjah
,
University of Melbourne
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-11-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S00784-019-03102-9
Abstract: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) represents a dysfunction in focal inflammatory processes. With the emerging anti-inflammatory roles of vitamin D (VD), we wanted to investigate the association between the onset and severity of RAS and serum VD level. Fifty-two RAS cases and sex and age-matched controls were screened for serum iron, B VD was deficient in 53% of the study population with no statistically significant difference between the RAS patients and healthy controls (53.6 versus 51.5 nmol/l, respectively). In comparison with controls, RAS patients had lower means of iron (81.0 versus 89.3 μg/dl), vitamin B VD deficiency appears to have a role in aggravating RAS ulcerative episodes, but not their onset. Multiple aphthous ulcers might represent a subcategory of RAS lesions in which VD deficiency plays a role in aggravating the oral ulcerative condition.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-07-2010
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2004
DOI: 10.1097/01.PAF.0000136440.73957.8B
Abstract: We present a case of smothering of a 2-year-old male infant by his schizophrenic mother who was having a psychotic episode. In addition to the initial autopsy findings of conjunctival petechial hemorrhages, facial linear abrasions and bruises, and mucosal abrasions and bruises, expert odontologic examination revealed indentations of the cusps of central incisors and molars, providing additional evidence of smothering. The postmortem and toxicological examination revealed features of forced quetiapine administration. The case presented is the first case of forced administration of quetiapine described. Our case also highlights the value of expert forensic odontological examination.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-01-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S40359-020-00509-Y
Abstract: Social media can play a detrimental role during a global health emergency. In this study, we aimed at assessing the impact social media has on the anxiety level of dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) whilst living through the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire was disseminated to a cross-sectional s le of DHCWs from 19 countries using social media platforms. The questionnaire enquired about DHCWs’ frequency of using social media and their dependency on health-related information posted on those platforms. Anxiety was measured using General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7). Four-hundred and three (403) DHCWs completed the online questionnaire. Sixty-eight percent (68%) frequently use social media for information on COVID-19. The frequency of social media use was higher among younger DHCWs, with shorter clinical experience, and holders of undergraduate qualifications ( p = 0.009, p = 0.002, and p = 0.023, respectively). Almost one third of DHCWs had moderate to severe anxiety (31.7%), which was significantly associated with the frequency of social media use ( p = 0.016). This association was adjusted for age, years of experience and qualification level (OR 1.75 95% CI 1.05–2.93 p = 0.032). COVID-19 social media infodemic has been adversely impacting the psychological wellbeing of DHCWs. More effective measures are needed to control the quality and spreadability of health information on social media platforms.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFLM.2014.11.004
Abstract: It is not unusual for laypersons to object on the conduct of an autopsy of a loved one for fear of disfigurement or burial delays. In this paper, we discuss a new possible reason for objection among Arabic speaking communities related to the language. The Arabic word for autopsy is "al-tashreeh" which, when examining its other linguistic uses, might result in wrong inferences among laypersons.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.OOOO.2014.08.002
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between narghile (water-pipe) smoking and the age of patients when diagnosed with oral cancer. Patients with oral cancer registered in the Jordanian National Cancer Registry were asked about frequency of cigarette, narghile, and alcohol use. Relationship between age at diagnosis and risk factors was assessed using multiple regression analysis. In this s le, 66% of patients were cigarette smokers, and 36% and 17% were narghile smokers and alcohol drinkers, respectively. The multivariate regression analysis adjusted for sex, cigarette smoking, and alcohol drinking found that narghile smokers were significantly younger when diagnosed with oral cancer compared with nonsmokers. Narghile smoking is an independent risk factor associated with the development of oral cancer at a younger age. Prospective studies of its effect on the earlier development of oral cancer are needed to establish a cause-effect relationship.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JIPH.2016.04.014
Abstract: Rotatory dental instruments generate atmospheric aerosols that settle on various surfaces, including the dentist's head. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess bacterial contamination of the dentist's head and to evaluate whether it is affected by using a rubber dam. Senior dental students (n=52) were asked to wear autoclaved headscarves as collection media while performing restorative dental treatment with and without a rubber dam. Four points from each headscarf were swabbed for bacterial culture after 30min of operative work. Bacterial contamination was quantified by counting the colony-forming units. Regardless of the collection point, using a rubber dam was associated with more bacterial colony-forming units than not using a rubber dam (P=0.009). Despite its clinical value, the rubber dam seems to result in significantly higher aerosol levels on various areas of the dentist's head, requiring that dentists cover their heads with suitable protective wear.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFLM.2016.01.033
Abstract: Reporting of suspicious cases of child abuse is a sensitive issue that is often hindered by uncertainty of diagnosis. This cross sectional study aimed to assess the UAE dentists' experiences in child abuse recognition, the factors that prevent them from reporting suspicious cases to authorities and their perceived training needs. A closed-ended, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 350 dentists working in the UAE. Chi Square test was used to determine association between training needs on child abuse and its reporting rate. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between perceived training needs and other covariates. One hundred and ninety three respondents satisfied the inclusion criteria. Forty seven (25%) dentists reported encountering a suspicious child abuse case at least once in their career, but only 15 (32%) of those reported their suspicion. Fear of making the wrong diagnosis was the most frequent challenge hindering reporting and dentists who demonstrated a need for specialized training were more likely to express this fear (OR = 5.88, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.45 P = 0.00). The majority of UAE dentists do not report their suspicion to authorities and specialized training should be offered to build dentists' capacity in diagnosing and appropriately reporting suspicious child abuse cases.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-11-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ODI.13208
Abstract: To investigate the clinical advices pharmacists would give to patients who present with various oral mucosal lesions. One hundred and twenty pharmacists in three major cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were approached by senior dental students acting as mystery shoppers. Pharmacists were shown an image of one of four oral mucosal lesions representing candidosis, aphthous ulcer, erosive lichen planus and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Pharmacists' referral pattern and choices of medications were recorded and assessed against demographic variables. Eighty-eight per cent (88%) of pharmacists dispensed a non-prescription medication to treat the oral lesions, including SCC, while only 12% recommended that the lesion shown to them be assessed by a clinician. Among all referral recommendations, 32% were for SCC (p = .006). Geographical proximity of a clinic to the pharmacy was a significant factor in determining pharmacists' referral recommendation (p = .036). Most pharmacists dispensed a medication for oral mucosal lesions, including potentially malignant and malignant ones, without referring patients to a medical or dental practitioner. Pharmacists should be aware of the serious nature of some oral mucosal lesions and the necessity to refer those cases to a qualified practitioner for proper clinical assessment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
Publisher: Saudi Medical Journal
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORSCIINT.2006.02.006
Abstract: In 1997 an internally supported but unfunded pilot project at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) Australia led to the development of a computer system which closely mimicked Interpol paperwork for the storage, later retrieval and tentative matching of the many AM and PM dental records that are often needed for rapid Disaster Victim Identification. The program was called "DAVID" (Disaster And Victim IDentification). It combined the skills of the VIFM Information Technology systems manager (VW), an experienced odontologist (JGC) and an expert database designer (JC) all current authors on this paper. Students did much of the writing of software to prescription from Monash University. The student group involved won an Australian Information Industry Award in recognition of the contribution the new software could have made to the DVI process. Unfortunately, the potential of the software was never realized because paradoxically the federal nature of Australia frequently thwarts uniformity of systems across the entire country. As a consequence, the final development of DAVID never took place. Given the recent problems encountered post-tsunami by the odontologists who were obliged to use the Plass Data system (Plass Data Software, Holbaek, Denmark) and with the impending risks imposed upon Victoria by the decision to host the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne during March 2006, funding was sought and obtained from the state government to update counter disaster preparedness at the VIFM. Some of these funds have been made available to upgrade and complete the DAVID project. In the wake of discussions between leading expert odontologists from around the world held in Geneva during July 2003 at the invitation of the International Committee of the Red Cross significant alterations to the initial design parameters of DAVID were proposed. This was part of broader discussions directed towards developing instruments which could be used by the ICRC's "The Missing" project that seeks to identify the victims of civil unrest and other atrocities. The most significant of these recommendations was that the next version of DAVID should be web-based allowing it to be used anywhere in the world and on any computer platform. The original intention that the software should be made available as freeware was strongly reiterated and endorsed. During 2005 these recommendations have been realized. This paper will describe the design parameters of the new software "DAVID web" and compare its features and performance with alternative packages.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2006
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S13690-021-00756-4
Abstract: Dentists’ refusal to treat patients infected with hepatitis C (HCV) continues to raise ethical concerns, particularly in countries where HCV is prevalent. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess dentists’ willingness to treat patients infected with HCV and the socio-demographic variables that influence their decision. An online questionnaire was disseminated to dentists practicing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and enquired about their willingness to perform two dental treatments: restorative and surgical, to patients infected with HCV, while hypothetically being equipped with optimal personal protective equipment. Binary logistic regression test was used to assess socio-demographic factors that predict dentists’ unwillingness decision. Two-hundred and forty-five dentists participated in this survey. Among those, 25.6 and 19.3% were unwilling to perform dental extractions and aerosol-generating restorative dental treatments for patients infected with HCV, respectively. Dentists’ clinical experience was a significant predictor of their unwillingness decision, with those of shorter clinical experience expressing greater reluctance than their counterparts (OR:1.61 95% CI: 1.02–2.54 p = 0.042). Patients infected with HCV who need dental care could face rejection by early career dentists, particularly if that treatment is a surgical one. Fresh dental graduates should be made aware of their ethical and legal responsibilities towards patients with infectious diseases, particularly HCV.
No related grants have been discovered for Suhail Al-Amad.