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Dental anxiety among children attending university-affiliated special needs and child dental clinics in Trinidad and Tobago: a cross-sectional study.
The research involved children receiving care at two university-affiliated clinics in Trinidad and Tobago: one specialising in Special Needs Dentistry  and the other in Pediatric Dentistry . Published in BMC Oral Health  (2025; 25:1262), the research was conducted by Ramaa Balkaran, Satu Lahti, Visha Ramroop, and Jorma I. Virtanen . The study provides valuable insight into how dental anxiety manifests among children with and without special needs—and what can be done to creat
ramaasingh
23 hours ago
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children attending University Special Needs and Pediatric Dental Clinics in Trinidad and Tobago: A parental perspective.
Oral health is an essential part of overall well-being—especially for children with special needs, whose medical or developmental conditions can make dental care more complex. This article sheds light on how oral health impacts the daily lives of these children and their families. The research, published in Acta Odontologica Scandinavica  (2025; 84:103–111), was conducted by Ramaa Balkaran, Satu Lahti, Visha Ramroop, and Jorma I. Virtanen . It offers one of the first in-depth
ramaasingh
23 hours ago
Dental students’ behavioural intent after comprehensive exposure to Special Care Dentistry: A survey in two dental Universities.
Delivering equitable oral health care requires more than clinical skills—it demands empathy, awareness, and confidence to treat patients with diverse needs. This study explores exactly that—how structured learning experiences can influence students’ willingness to care for people with disabilities and other special health care needs. Published in the Journal of the British Society for Special Care Dentistry (JBSSCD, 2025; 25(2): 55–64), this research was conducted by Ramaa Ba
ramaasingh
23 hours ago
The Knowledge and Attitudes of Trinidadian Dentists and Dental Students Regarding the Treatment of Special Needs Patients (Portuguese Journal of Public Health, 2023)
This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists and dental students in Trinidad regarding the treatment of...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Feb 2, 2023
Evaluation of a Special Needs Dental Workshop for Health Professionals and Students in Trinidad and Tobago (Frontiers in Oral Health, 2022)
This publication highlights the success of an innovative educational initiative designed to equip healthcare professionals with the...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Dec 1, 2022
The Knowledge of Clinical Dental Students on the Oral Effects and Consequences of Cannabis Use: Implications for Curricular Modification (Academic Journal of Health Sciences, 2022)
With the increasing global prevalence of cannabis use, this research investigates dental students' understanding of its oral health...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Sep 1, 2022
The Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs of Medical Doctors Towards Dental Treatment During Pregnancy (Caribbean Medical Journal, 2022)
This study explores the perspectives of medical professionals on dental care during pregnancy, an often-overlooked aspect of maternal...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Jun 1, 2022
Challenges Experienced in the Dental Care of Persons with Special Needs: A Qualitative Study Among Health Professionals and Caregivers" (BMC Oral Health, 2022)
This study provides critical insights into the barriers faced by both caregivers and healthcare professionals when delivering dental care...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Apr 9, 2022
Unmet Dental Treatment Needs and Barriers to Dental Care of Patients with Special Needs Attending a Dental Teaching Hospital (Portuguese Journal of Public Health, 2022)
This research identifies key challenges in accessing dental care for patients with special needs and proposes actionable strategies for...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Apr 6, 2022
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Dentists in Caribbean Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study (Dentistry Journal, 2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to dental practitioners worldwide. This multicenter study examines the psychological,...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Nov 15, 2021
Oral Medicine Referral Patterns in the Emergency Dental Clinic: A Pilot Study (Caribbean Medical Journal, 2021)
This study analyzes referral patterns to oral medicine specialists in an emergency dental setting, identifying common referral reasons...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Apr 1, 2021
Gestational Diabetes and Periodontal Disease in Trinidad: A Pilot Study (Caribbean Medical Journal, 2021)
This pilot study investigates the potential bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitus...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Apr 1, 2021
COVID-19 Stressors Among Dental Academics at UWI—A Caribbean Perspective (Oral, 2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted educational institutions worldwide. This study focuses on the unique stressors faced by...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Nov 13, 2020
The Use of the Slipping Slipper Sign to Explore the Connection Between the Foot and the Mouth in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal, 2020)
This innovative research examines potential oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus, specifically using the 'slipping slipper sign' as...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Jun 1, 2020
The Prevalence of Recurring Medical Conditions Among Dental Patients at a Community-Based Dental Clinic in Trinidad (Journal of Oral Health & Community Dentistry, 2018)
This study provides a comprehensive overview of common medical conditions encountered in a community-based dental clinic, emphasizing the...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Aug 1, 2018
Knowledge and Attitudes of Dental Students and Dental Surgery Assistants at the UWI School of Dentistry Towards HIV/AIDS Patients (Caribbean Medical Journal, 2017)
This research investigates attitudes toward providing dental care to HIV/AIDS patients, highlighting areas of stigma and misconceptions....
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Jan 1, 2017
The Knowledge, Attitude, and Beliefs of Undergraduate Medical and Dental Students Towards Dental Treatment During Pregnancy (West Indian Medical Journal, 2016)
The study assesses medical and dental students' understanding of oral healthcare during pregnancy and identifies knowledge gaps that...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Jul 1, 2016
Case Report: Hematomas (British Dental Journal, 2015)
This case report documents the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of oral hematomas. It provides practical insights for...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Nov 13, 2015
Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Mandible: Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Characteristics (Journal of Oral Biology & Craniofacial Research, 2015)
This publication presents a detailed case study of spindle cell carcinoma of the mandible, discussing its histopathological...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Aug 1, 2015
Incidental Finding of Unilateral Hyperplastic Condyle (International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Health, 2015)
A rare case study highlighting an incidental finding of unilateral hyperplastic condyle. The authors discuss the diagnostic challenges...
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran
Jan 1, 2015
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