Abstract
Dental amalgam has been used in dentistry for the last 150 years to restore posterior teeth. Concerns regarding the safety issues with amalgam due to its mercury content have lead to the introduction of composite dental material to restore posterior teeth. This has transformed the teaching and training trends of direct restorative materials for posterior teeth. This descriptive study aimed to gain insight into academic staff and clinical supervisors’ perceptions regarding the use of dental amalgams in the teaching of restorative dentistry. This study used a qualitative method of data collection. Two focus group discussions were conducted between March and May 2020. Seventeen participants were invited to participate. Fourteen responded and participated, yielding an 82% response rate. The data identified two major themes, viz. the challenges experienced with the teaching of dental amalgam and curriculum development recommendations. Clinical quota requirements, disposal of waste products, and occupational and environmental risks regarding mercury exposure were sub-themes. Some of the curriculum recommendations included the skills gained during cavity preparations, the training and quota requirements of dental materials, and teaching trends locally, nationally and internationally.This study revealed that dental amalgam is still an integral part of the restorative dentistry curriculum at the university. However, the teaching of resin composite now occupies more than fifty percent of the restorative dentistry curriculum. Academics and clinical supervisors show a greater affinity for the placement of composite restorations.
Highlights
Dental amalgam has been used in dentistry for the last 150 years to restore posterior teeth
This study revealed that dental amalgam is still an integral part of the restorative dentistry curriculum at the university
Academics and clinical supervisors show a greater affinity for the placement of composite restorations
Summary
Dental amalgam has been used in dentistry for the last 150 years to restore posterior teeth. Commonly known as tooth decay or dental cavities, are considered one of the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide.[1] Caries results in the early stages of enamel breakdown, spreading into the dentin layer and causing tooth sensitivity and pain. At this stage, a tooth has to be restored by a dental professional.[2] The direct restorative material commonly used is either dental amalgam or resin composite.[3] Dental amalgam has been used in dentistry to restore posterior teeth for the last 150 years. There have been variations in the teaching with dental amalgam globally, with some countries completely stopping, while other countries are still teaching students with it.[7]
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