Bachelor Of Dental Surgery Research Articles

AMELOBLASTOMA OF THE JAW BONES: CLINICAL STUDY AND CASE REPORT

Ameloblastoma's origin is the epithelium of ectodermal origin, which means they are tumors arising from the cells around the tooth root or, in close approximation, derived from the ectoderm. It is a benign but locally aggressive tumor with a high tendency to recur. Patients after ameloblastoma treatment need a life-long follow-up. We present an 82-year-old female patient diagnosed with ameloblastoma and treated by us. She has been referred to the clinic by doctor of dental medicine because of a routine panoramic rentgenography, which displayed rentgenographic evidence for a cyst-like tumor formation on her mandible. The patient did not have any complaints. The patient was reffered for further paraclinical imaging tests – dental panoramic radiography (OPG) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The location and borders of the lesion were determined - it was circumferentially attached to the root of 44 tooth, well-outlined linea albuginea was present, the diameter of the lesion was approximately 26 mm. Bone curettage was the treatment plan - the surgical intervention in this volume was chosen as a consequence of the refusal of the patient of a partial mandibulectomy and according to her age – 82. The histopathological examination of the curettage revealed a locally infiltrative tumor process engaging the submitted bone and fibrous tissue. The final pathological diagnosis was conventional ameloblastoma with a predominantcanthomatous pattern. On the control panoramic rentgenography one year after the operation, no pathological changes in the field of the operative site were found.

Value of including loupes in prosthodontic and endodontic components of dental degrees: a systematic review.

Background It is crucial dental students graduate with sound knowledge of endodontics and prosthodontics. The use of loupes is important for these due to their intricate nature, but there is currently no standardisation of curricula.Objective This systematic review investigates the value of including loupes in completing dental degrees and their benefits to dental students.Methods Literature was searched from inception to February 2022 in PubMed, Embase and Scopus. Articles included were primary studies of dental students studying endodontics or prosthodontics, which had outcomes related to the value of utilising loupes in learning, clinical application and ergonomics.Results A total of 1,489 articles were retrieved, of which 14 relevant articles were identified. These articles discussed student perceptions and the impact on visual acuity, ergonomic practices and dental procedures. Overall, students perceived that loupes increased self-confidence and allowed a greater operative view but were initially difficult to use. Using loupes resulted in greater visual acuity than no magnification and improved ergonomic practices by reducing neck angulation and improving posture. Students also received better grades when using loupes during cavity access preparation or root canal therapy.Conclusion The use of loupes by dental students can be beneficial if there is initial teaching on their use.

Claves para el diagnóstico diferencial del dolor odontogénico mediante un soporte audiovisual: metodologías alternativas de aprendizaje

BackgroundDentists play a fundamental role in the diagnosis and treatment of orofacial pain, especially in pain of pulp or periodontal (odontogenic) origin. In the case of pain usually classified as chronic (non-odontogenic), a high percentage of dental students feel “not at all” or “somewhat” prepared to carry out a diagnosis and treatment. ObjectiveTo propose a brief guide to clinically differentiate odontogenic pain from orofacial pain, which is clinically useful for both dental students and professionals. Material and methodAn educational video was developed to support teaching within a teaching innovation project at the University of Valencia entitled “Orofacial Pain for Dentistry Degree Students: Acute Pain Versus Chronic Pain” (UV-SFPIE_PID-1640062. Reference No.: 64155). Eleven fundamental characteristics of odontogenic pain and another 11 of non-odontogenic pain were established, which are intended to serve as guidelines for the diagnosis in situations in which the pain does not present the usual characteristics. ResultsThe video was well accepted among students and it was understood to be an attractive learning tool that enhances motivation and the acquisition of responsibilities. 75.3% considered it to be “very interesting”, giving it the highest score. ConclusionAccording to the data currently available in the scientific literature regarding the characteristics of atypical facial pain, we believe that the guidelines provided in this project may be useful in the diagnosis of these processes.

Patient-centred care attitudes and knowledge: a national study of BDS students in New Zealand

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes and knowledge towards patient-centred care among Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students in New Zealand.MethodThe study was a mixed methods cross-sectional national study of the BDS students in New Zealand. All 2021 BDS students at the New Zealand’s National Centre for Dentistry, New Zealand, were recruited in the study. The Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) questionnaire was used to evaluate the dental students’ attitudes and knowledge of patient centred care. The students’ perspectives on the BDS curriculum regarding patient-centred care were also collected. ANOVA and the Student’s T-test were used to compare the difference among the BDS years, gender, and background.ResultsA total of N = 277 (277/346; 80% response rate) students completed the study. Female students had higher scores than male students for sharing (difference = 0.19, 95% CI 0.04–0.34, P = 0.01), caring (difference = 0.15, 95% CI 0.01–0.29, P = 0.03) and PPOS (difference = 0.17, 95% CI 0.05–0.30, P < 0.01). Domestic students had higher scores than international students for caring (difference = 0.35, 95% CI 0.21–0.50, P < 0.01) and PPOS (difference = 0.22, 95% CI 0.08–0.35, P < 0.01). Three main themes of patient-centred care were extracted from the qualitative analysis of students’ perspectives: (1) Understanding of the concept of patient-centred care, (2) Perception of the importance of patient-centred care in dentistry, and (3) Perspective on the curriculum about patient-centred care.ConclusionMost dental students favoured a patient-centred approach. According to dental students, the patient-centred care component of their education should be increased.

Well-Being and Resilience among Undergraduate Students at a Selected University

Abstract Introduction Today's students of healthcare professional courses are the pillars of future healthcare delivery system. Research studies have found that they are affected with psychological disorders. Objectives The objectives of the study were to assess the levels of well-being, resilience, and its relationship. Materials and Methods A descriptive correlational research design was adopted to assess the well-being and resilience among undergraduate students. A total of 135 participants studying in all levels of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc Nursing), and Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) were selected by disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. The tools used for data collection were demographic Proforma, Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, and positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (PERMA) scale. The reliability of the tool was tested by using Cronbach's alpha formula that was found to have a score of 0.925 for Connor Davidson Resilience Scale and a score of 0.916 for PERMA Scale. Pilot study was conducted to find out the feasibility of the study. Statistical Analysis The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 20.0. Results The mean well-being and resilience of the study participants were 160.34 and 73.67, respectively. Majority (49.6%) had normal level of well-being and greater resilience (77%). The correlation was 0.237 and it was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion There was an association between level of well-being and selected demographic variables such as age, education, level of study, religion, and residence, whereas level of resilience had significant association with education, religion, and socioeconomic status. Students' resilience can be promoted by implementing educational strategies and creating a supportive environment.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Interest in Forensic Odontology Among the Dental Teaching Staffs in the Dental Colleges of Jharkhand.

Forensic dentistry is a subspecialty of forensic science that handles, examines, and presents evidence from teeth in the most ethical manner possible. In addition to doing research, forensic odontology (FO) entails managing, examining, assessing, and presenting evidence from dentistry in civil or criminal investigations. In these circumstances, the forensic odontologist aids the court system by reviewing the dental findings. The present investigation was carried out to assess the dental faculty member's awareness, interest, and knowledge of FO at dental educational institutions in Jharkhand, India. The sample size calculation assumes a simple random sampling technique and a large population size using the formula E=sqrt((Z^2*p*(1-p))/n).A total of 102 dental teachingfaculty members from diverse dental specialties participated in the survey. Utilizing a validated questionnaire that was sent directly after receiving approval from the institutional ethics committee in January 2023, data were gathered in a tailored manner. The questionnaireincluded 12 questions to gauge the dental teachingfaculty members' awareness, knowledge, and interest in FO. Closed-ended questions were included. The outcomes were computed using a percentage system. In this study, 95% of study participants agreed with the fact that teeth are a possible source of DNA, while 5% were unaware of this fact. 68% of study participants said that visual examination constitutes the initial stage in the identification process for unidentified bodies while 8% of study participants said that DNA fingerprinting constitutes the initial stage in the identification process for unidentified bodies. However, 8% of study participants didn't know anything about this aspect. 72% of dental teaching faculty members agreed to the fact that Barr bodies should be used to determine sex. 89% of study participants responded positively to the question"Can teeth or enamel serve as a tool for determining age?" 11% of study participants did not know that teeth or enamel can serve as a tool for determining age. 41% of study participants had the correct information that FO instruction for bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) students takes place and, as per Dental Council of India (DCI) standards, should be given in both BDS second and third years. The results of the current survey provided information on FO practices among Jharkhand dental institutes' dental faculty. The poll revealed that they have the necessary information, which they must have learned either while studying, participating in continuing dental education, or teaching.

Survey of Dual Degree Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: A Review of their Decision to Pursue a Medical Degree as Part of their Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Training

A survey was conducted of practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeons with double degrees, a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine, (DDS/DMD) and Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (MD/DO). These responding dual degree, oral and maxillofacial surgeons were all current members of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS).

Dentists' Awareness of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (Risk Factors, Drugs, and Prevention) in the Republic of Croatia.

Antiresorptive drugs (AR) have been used for many years in the treatment of various bone conditions such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, Paget's disease, bone metastases, multiple myeloma and the associated malignant hypercalcemia. As a side effect of AR therapy, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, which affects the mandible more commonly than the maxilla, (MRONJ) has become an increased risk regarding patients' health and quality of life. The incidence of osteonecrosis has increased significantly in the last few years. One of the main methods of the disease prevention is the education of patients and doctors of dental medicine (DDMs). This is evidenced by the national program of information and prevention of antiresorptive therapy side effects, which was also the impetus for this study. This study aims to test the knowledge of DDMSs on AR, especially on bisphosphonate (BF) therapy, MRONJ as well as on the risk factors of the disease itself. 458 DDMs from the Republic of Croatia participated in the survey and responded by an anonymous questionnaire to questions about the knowledge of AR/BF and the risk of MRONJ. The results showed that 36.68% of DDMs do not know that MRONJ is the main complication of AR/BF therapy. The results are significantly different in terms of academic degree, specialization, workplace, and work experience. 60.26% of respondents do not know the main indications for AR/BF use, 53.26% do not know the factors affecting the onset of the disease, and 42.58% do not know which therapy is not recommended for patients on AR/BF therapy. 93.89% of respondents expressed the desire to educate on this issue. This current study was carried out to further investigate the pilot study findings which was conducted in the year 2015, but it had a significantly lower number of participants. This research suggests that further education of DDMS on this topic is necessary to prevent or to start early treatment of MRONJ.

Prevalence and associated factors of mental health disorders among Brazilian healthcare workers in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil affected mental health among healthcare workers. To objective of this study was to evaluate the mental health of healthcare workers in in the central-west region of the Brazil, estimating the prevalence of mental health disorders, and investigating associated factors, perceptions of safety, and self-perceptions about mental health in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was divided into two parts that included general information and perceptions about the work process and identified symptoms using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. A total of 1,522 healthcare workers participated in the survey. Overall prevalence of symptoms was calculated for depression (58.7%), anxiety (59.7%), and stress (61.7%). Physicians had 3.75 times greater risk of depression (1.59-8.85, 95% CI). Independent variables associated with depression symptoms were not feeling safe with the way services were organized (1.12:1.03-1.21, 95% CI) and self-perception of poor mental health (8.06: 4.03-16.10% CI). Working in management was protective, and married professionals had 12% lower risk of exhibiting symptoms of depression (0.79-0.99, 95% CI). Participants with self-perception of poor mental health had 4.63 greater risk for symptoms of anxiety (2.58-8.31, 95% CI). Protective factors were not having sought support for mental health (0.90: 0.82-0.99, 95% CI), having a graduate degree (0.71: 0.54-0.94, 95% CI), and not having been diagnosed with COVID-19 (0.90: 0.83-0.98, 95% CI). Perception of poor mental health was associated with 6.95-fold greater chance of developing stress symptoms. Protective factors from stress were having a degree in dentistry (0.81: 0.68-0.97, 95% CI), residing in Mato Grosso do Sul (0.91: 0.85-0.98, 95% CI), and not having sought mental health support services (0.88: 0.82-0.95, 95% CI). The prevalence of mental health disorders is high among healthcare workers, and is associated with professional category, organization of services provided, and self-perception of poor mental health, reinforcing the need for preventative measures.

Changes in the teaching of prosthodontics adopted in the last academic course of the degree in dentistry in Spain during the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the teaching of prosthodontics, on the 5th course of the Bachelor's degree in Dentistry in Spain. MethodsIn June 2021, a two-section survey was submitted to the coordinators of prosthodontics of the 23 Spanish faculties of Dentistry. The first section was focused on the theoretical lessons, seminars, and clinical discussion sessions. The second part relied on the clinical teaching and the implemented preventive measures. ResultsThe response rate was 100%. By the end of the 2020-21 course, both the theoretical and practical teaching were replaced by online activities, returning to face-to face in 2021-22. While most participants preferred in-person seminars and clinical discussion sessions, concerning the theory, comparable percentages of professors chose either face-to-face or blended learning (BL). The students’ satisfaction with BL is high, but they seem more attentive in-person. At the beginning of the pandemic, the most common emergency in prosthodontics was debonding. Overall, a low concern about cross-infection was noticed. The barrier measures were the mainly adopted for prevention. ConclusionsAlthough the BL is appreciated in prosthodontics for theoretical lessons, face-to-face teaching appears to be the best option for seminars and clinical case discussions. The students are satisfied with BL. Clinical significanceIn the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish faculties of Dentistry responded quickly to continuing offering quality education through an accelerated digitization process that has created a new paradigm. Detailed analyses of these changes may help establish plans to respond systematically to unforeseen emergencies.

Oral cancer screening knowledge and practices among dental professionals at the University of Toronto

IntroductionOpportunistic oral cancer screening during visits to the dentist is a non-invasive and accessible option for detection of pre-malignant lesions and early-stage malignancies. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, practices, and attitudes towards oral cancer screening among dentists.MethodsA 42-item survey was sent to 650 dental professionals affiliated with the University of Toronto. Data regarding training/practice characteristics, knowledge of oral cavity cancer, current screening practices, attitudes towards screening, and remuneration were collected.ResultsNinety-one dentists responded. Most obtained their dental degree from Canada (71.4%) and were practicing in large urban centers (87.9%). Most dentists correctly identified the oral tongue (87.8%) and floor of mouth (80%) as the two of most common sites of oral cavity cancer but only 56% correctly identified the most common presentation. 91% performed intra/extra oral examinations at every patient visit. Only 9.9% of dentists discussed the risk factors of oral cancer and 33% were not familiar with resources for smoking cessation and alcohol abuse. International medical graduates were more likely to discuss risk factor management than Canadian medical graduates (p < 0.01). Over 80% of dentists referred to a specialist when a suspected lesion was found. The greatest barrier for oral cancer screening was lack of time. Almost all dentists (98.8%) reported that their screening practices do not differ depending on the patient’s insurance status and 63.8% reported compensation would not influence their decision to perform oral examinations.ConclusionMost dentists have a good knowledge of the presentation and risk factors associated with oral cavity cancer. Most dentists perform screening with every patient, with no influence from compensation and insurance status. Dentists are therefore an excellent first contact for oral cavity cancer screening for the general public and for high-risk populations.

Orthodontic management of traumatic dental injuries in Norway and orthodontists' perceptions of referral routines: A quality assurance survey.

Orthodontic treatment of patients with traumatic dental injuries is challenging, with limited evidence of routines and outcomes. The aims of this study were: (i) to describe how orthodontists perceive the information on traumatic dental injuries received by referral from the Public Dental Health Service before orthodontic treatment and (ii) to assess orthodontists' knowledge and working routines in managing traumatic dental injuries. Data were obtained through a survey of all practicing orthodontists registered as members of the Norwegian Association of Orthodontists (n = 203). Eighty-three orthodontists were enrolled, most of whom had received their dental degree (73.0%) and specialist orthodontic training (88.5%) in Norway. They reported examining patients with a history of traumatic dental injury at weekly (34.2%) or monthly (38.0%) basis. In 85.5% of cases, they obtained a history of traumatic dental injury from patients. Half of the respondents (51.3%) favoured two-phase early orthodontic treatment for patients with an overjet ≥6 mm. The observation time and treatment strategy showed considerable discrepancies across traumatic dental injury diagnoses. Most (59.1%) orthodontists considered the information on previous traumatic dental injuries provided by the Public Dental Health Services referral 'inadequate', more commonly in cases of mild (83.5%) than severe (57.5%) traumatic dental injuries. Orthodontic management of patients with traumatic dental injuries was characterised by lack of uniformity in both recommended observation time before orthodontic treatment and management strategy. The referral routines by the Public Dental Health Services for patients with traumatic dental injuries were perceived as 'inadequate' in terms of frequency and quality. The results indicate the requirement of standardisation of routines related to orthodontic management of traumatic dental injuries and referral routines by the Public Dental Health Services.

Reliability of online dental final exams in the pre and post COVID-19 era: A comparative study.

Amidst the fourth COVID-19 wave in Viet Nam, national lockdowns necessitated the closure of numerous dental schools. To assess DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) graduation exams, this study analyzed their 2021 implementation in comparison to onsite exams conducted in 2020 and 2022 at the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam (FOS-UMPH). The final online examination comprises two main sessions: a synchronous online examination using FOS-UMPH e-Learning for theories (consisting of 200 MCQs and 3 written tests with 3 clinical situations needed be solved) and a synchronous online examination using Microsoft Teams for practicum (comprising of 12 online OSCE stations). The final grades were evaluated using the same metrics in face-to-face final examinations in 2022 and 2020. A total of 114, 112 and 95 students were recruited for the first-time exams in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. In order to analyze the reliability, histogram and k-mean clustering were employed. The histograms from 2020, 2021 and 2022 showed a striking similarity. However, fewer students failed in 2021 and 2022 (13% and 12.6%, respectively) compared to 2020 (28%), with clinical problem-solving part grades (belonging to theory session) being notably higher in 2021 and 2022. Intriguingly, the MCQ Score results showed the identical patterns. The courses of orthodontics, dental public health, and pediatrics subjects (in the group of prevention and development dentistry) stood out for their exceptional accuracy across both sessions. After examining data gathered over three years, we identified three distinct clusters: the first comprised of scattered average and low scores, the second characterized by high scores but unstable and scattered and the third cluster boasting consistently high and centered scores. According to our study, online and onsite traditional graduation exam results are relatively equivalent, but additional measures are necessary to standardize the final examination and adapt to the new normal trend in dental education.

Perceptions of oral health practitioners regarding the long-term effects of service learning; a qualitative study

The long-term effects of service learning (SL) have not been explored in the oral health field. Such information has the potential to provide useful feedback to dental educators regarding the effectiveness and impact of SL. This would be relevant in the South African context of inequality and poor access to care. To explore the perceptions of oral health professionals from an academic institution regarding the long-term effects of SL. A case study design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. A total of 22 participants from the Bachelor of Dental Therapy, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, and Bachelor of Oral Hygiene participated in the study. The participants indicated that SL is a worthy activity that exposed them to the real world of dentistry and provided them with the exposure that prepared them for work actualities. Four major themes emerged; namely, personal qualities, relationship building, challenges related to SL and strategies to improve the outcomes. Participants found SL to be beneficial in their professional development and practice although they highlighted some challenges in practice. They recommended the improvement and upgrading of the SL program, as well as further research on SL approaches in other environments

Longitudinal assessment of undergraduate dental students: Building evidence for validity.

To investigate the content and criterion validity, and reliability of longitudinal clinical assessment of undergraduate dental student clinical competence by determining patterns of clinical performance and comparing them with validated standalone undergraduate examinations. Group-based trajectory models tracking students' clinical performance over time were produced from LIFTUPP© data for three dental student cohorts (2017-19; n = 235) using threshold models based on the Bayesian information criterion. Content validity was investigated using LIFTUPP© performance indicator 4 as the threshold for competence. Criterion validity was investigated using performance indicator 5 to create distinct trajectories of performance before linking and cross-tabulating trajectory group memberships with a 'top 20%' performance in the final Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) examinations. Reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Threshold 4 models showed all students followed a single upward trajectory in all three cohorts, showing clear progression in competence over three clinical BDS years. A threshold 5 model produced two distinct trajectories, and in each cohort a 'better performing' trajectory was identified. Students allocated to the 'better performing' trajectories scored higher on average in the final examinations for cohort 2 (29% vs 18% (BDS4); 33% vs. 15% (BDS5)) and cohort 3 (19% vs. 16% (BDS4); 21% vs. 16% (BDS5)). Reliability for the undergraduate examinations was high for all three cohorts (≥0.8815) and did not change appreciably when longitudinal assessment was included. There is some evidence to support that longitudinal data have a degree of content and criterion validity for assessing the development of clinical competence in undergraduate dental students, which should increase confidence in decisions based on these data. The findings also provide a good foundation for subsequent research.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and the role of the doctor of dental surgery: a literature review

Introduction: Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) is a condition that may affect patients undergoing oral surgery procedures that use antiresorptive drugs. It is essential that the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) is familiar with the pathology and how to diagnose, prevent and approach it. Objectives: To perform a literature review on MRONJ and to guide the DDS on how to manage the affected patients. Methodology: a systematized search was conducted on the PubMed virtual database using the terms: "diphosphonates", "dentist's practice pattern", "dentists", "dentist's role" and "Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw". 29 articles in English, published in the last 5 years, were included. Results and discussion: MRONJ is characterized by exposed and necrotic bone that persists for more than 8 weeks and happens in patients taking antiresorptive agents. It is multifactorial and its severity depends on the dosage, route of administration, and treatment duration. Its management must be multidisciplinary to improve the patient's quality of life. The DDS must focus on prevention. Every patient should have their oral health evaluated before starting antiresorptive therapy and be informed of its risks and benefits. Most DDSs do not feel confident to adequately manage these cases, even though information on MRONJ is more widespread among younger DDSs and recent graduates. Conclusion: MRONJ is a harmful condition for the patient and it is the DDS's responsibility to know how to treat and prevent it, by having adequate knowledge of this pathology and making decisions based on the latest scientific evidence.

Dental Students' Knowledge, Attitude, and Confidence toward Evidence-based Dentistry: A 5-year Retrospective Study.

The purpose was to assess dental students' knowledge, attitude, and confidence toward evidence-based dentistry in five graduating Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) classes. All dental students (class of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023) enrolled in the D3 research design course were required to take a pre-Knowledge, Attitude, and Confidence in Evidence-based Dentistry (KACE) survey. On completion of the 11-week course, a post-KACE survey was distributed to compare the differences in the three domains of evidence-based dentistry (EBD). For the knowledge domain, the responses from the 10 questions were converted to either correct (1) or wrong (0) so that the compiled scores could range from 0 to 10. The attitudes and confidence domains used a five-point Likert scale. The compiled attitude score was a sum of the responses from 10 questions yielding a range from 10 to 50. For confidence, the compiled score ranged from 6 to 30. The mean knowledge scores of all classes together before and after training were 2.7 and 4.4, respectively. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-knowledge indicating an improvement in knowledge associated with the training (p < 0.001). The mean attitudes of all classes together before and after the training were 35.3 and 37.2, respectively. Overall, there was a statistically significant improvement in attitude (p < 0.001). The values of mean confidence of all classes together before and after the training were 15.3 and 19.5, respectively. Overall, there was a statistically significant improvement in confidence (p < 0.001). A dental curriculum emphasizing Evidence-based practice (EBD) resulted in increased knowledge acquisition, improved attitude, and confidence toward EBD of dental students. Educational initiatives emphasizing evidence-based dentistry increase students' knowledge acquisition, improved attitude, and confidence toward EBD that may also translate to active implementation of EBD in their future practices.

Working whilst studying: a survey of medically-qualified dental students

Medically-qualified junior trainees who are interested in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) are faced with the challenging decision to undertake the minimum three years required to obtain a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) with its associated expenses and loss of income from full-time employment, or to follow a different career path. Trainees have reported duration of training and financial factors, such as cost of attaining additional qualifications and loss of income, as common reasons for loss of interest in OMFS. This survey of students enrolled on King’s College London’s three-year BDS dentistry entry programme for medical graduates (DPMG)shows that most studentsundertake paid part-time work in various settings and specialties alongside their studies. The average number of hours worked by students whilst studying is reported to be 27.0/week. Students report a wide range of incomes from various sources including secondary-care shifts in the NHS and private sector, as well as non-secondary-care activities such as non-surgical facial aesthetics. Direct correlation is noted between the number of hours worked and earnings, with comparable potential income in OMFS and non-OMFS specialties. Participants working in OMFS report greater educational and training value compared with non-OMFS work.

Dr. Ani John (1950-2007): An exemplary dental educator and administrator and the first female President of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology.

Dr. Ani John (1950-2007): An exemplary dental educator and administrator and the first female President of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology.

Knowledge, Attitudes of Preclinical Medical and Dental Students in Mymensingh towards “COVID-19”: A Cross-sectional Study

In 2020, a new global pandemic Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged, which was caused by a new strain of coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus (SARS-COV-2). This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 among preclinical medical and dental students of Community Based Medical College (CBMC,B) in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Data were collected in September 2020. The online questionnaire was created using Google Forms after reviewing previously conducted research and posted on several online platforms accessible by the students. Most of the students (93%) were medical students, and the rest 7% were studying Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 9.04 (SD: 2.107, Range: 0-12), suggesting an overall 75.33% correct rate. The results showed that knowledge scores are higher in male, MBBS students but the difference are not significant. Analyses showed that the knowledge scores of 1st-year participants were significantly higher than 2nd-year students. Increased knowledge score was noticed in those who were not in direct contact with COVID-19 patients and not infected by COVID-19 than others, though the difference was insignificant (P&gt;0.05). Half of the participants (50.2%) agreed that this disease will finally be successfully controlled. One hundred and sixty-seven participants (65%) had confidence that Bangladesh would get a vaccine soon to prevent the COVID-19 virus. The overall knowledge level of students was generally good. As the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, improvement of knowledge and perceptions among healthcare students is essential.&#x0D; CBMJ 2023 January: Vol. 12 No. 01 P: 53-59