title: Awareness of Stem cells & Health Implications of SHED found in Pediatric Dentition among Indian Population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Primary teeth may be an ideal source of postnatal stem cells to regenerate tooth structures and bone, and possibly to treat neural tissue injury or degenerative diseases. SHED (stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth) were identified to be a population of highly proliferative, clonogenic cells capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types including neural cells, adipocytes, and odontoblasts. The present study was carried out to assess the knowledge, awareness & attitude of parents visiting various dental clinics in tricity area of india regarding stem cells from primary teeth and their potential health benefits.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 250 parents of pediatric patients seeking dental treatment at various dental clinics in tricity area were included in the study. Parents were personally interviewed with a questionnaire and their responses were immediately computed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 250 parents only 95(62%) had knowledge regarding stem cells. While only 47(18.8) were informed regarding stem cells from baby teeth & their benefits. Maximum subjects were informed through internet 21(44.6%) followed by information through friends(23.4%) and dentist(21.2%). Very few were informed through magazines, newspaper and only one (2.1%) person was informed by television.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is important to create more awareness among the populace of our country about the potential health benefits of stem cells from primary teeth. Dentist should educate parents, caregivers and teachers regarding SHED & its benefits, ensuring good health for every Indian child and hence health of future citizens. How to cite the article: Goomer P, Sidhu AK, Tuli P, Kansal S, Bansal K, Thakre GR. Awareness of Stem cells & Health Implications of SHED found in Pediatric Dentition among Indian Population. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(1):44-7.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, BRS Dental College and Hospital, Panchkula, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: Pallvi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Goomer
authors.affiliation: Adesh Institute of Dental Sciences & Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Arshpreet Kaur
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Sidhu
authors.affiliation: Pruthi Dental Hospital, Nakodar, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Preety
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tuli
authors.affiliation: Panchkula, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: Shinam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kansal
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Maharana Pratap College of Dentistry and Research Centre, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Kanishka
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bansal
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Maharana Pratap College of Dentistry & Research Centre,Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Gauri R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Thakre
keywords: Health; SHED; stem cells