Dental Technology Research Articles

Aesthetic restoration with metal-ceramic bridge construction made of precious metal alloys (cases from practice)

In modern dentistry, the technologies for restoring the defects in the dentition are constantly changing, but in patients with allergies, precious metal alloys provide a solution for fabricating dentures. Metal ceramics is a type of prosthetic construction, which has been used in Bulgaria for more than several decades. Restorations meet all the requirements of prosthetic treatment. This is a complex structure fixed on a tooth or teeth, made of a precious metal alloy on which ceramic (porcelain fused to metal) is applied. Well made, it is strong, resistant to chewing load and aesthetically sound. In order to achieve individual and successful results, all factors, such as aesthetics, functionality, anatomy and structural dynamics, have to be taken into consideration. The purpose of this report is to present two cases from the dental technology practice in which the defects of the dental crowns and bridges are restored by means of metal-ceramic bridge constructions on precious metal alloys. To achieve this goal, a multidisciplinary team was formed, which resulted in the manufactured restorative structures having maximum strength, functional suitability and perfect aesthetics.

Modern methods introduced in the training of students from the Dental Technician program

Dental technology practice is developing continuously with the introduction of innovative technologies. The education is conducted in a regular form with a duration of three years and educational qualification degree of Professional Bachelor in medical colleges in the country. The practical training is focused on the fabrication of denture structures with healing-restorative, functional and aesthetic effect. The dental technician, by following the instructions of the dentist, performs independently tasks related to the fabrication of all kinds removable (partial and total dentures, splints) and non-removable (crowns, dental bridges, pinlay, etc.) denture constructions.

A study on the dental technology student’s recognition for non-face-to-face classes

A study on the dental technology student’s recognition for non-face-to-face classes

Analysis of motivations for the major selection, the adjustment to university life and their effects on academic dropout intention among the dental technology students

Analysis of motivations for the major selection, the adjustment to university life and their effects on academic dropout intention among the dental technology students

Major satisfaction and job preference for South Korean dental technology students

Major satisfaction and job preference for South Korean dental technology students

Satisfaction and quality recognition of face-to-face and non-face-to-face lectures among students in the departments of dental technology and dental hygiene

Satisfaction and quality recognition of face-to-face and non-face-to-face lectures among students in the departments of dental technology and dental hygiene

Knowledge and awareness of dental implants among undergraduate dental students

Introduction: As we know that students doing graduation in dentistry will be future dentists, they should have thorough knowledge about latest technologies in dentistry for treatment of missing teeth. It is the responsibility of these budding dentists for educating the common man about new technologies in dentistry. Thus this study was done to find that how many dental students know about dental implants. Materials and Methods: Our study was a cross-sectional one to find out how many dental students were aware about dental implants from first and second year of a tertiary care Dental College and Research Institute at Bahadurgarh, Haryana. A total of 200 dental students were included in the study. Self-explanatory questionnaire forms which included 5 questions about implants were used for evaluation. Percentage of different responses was calculated to show the results. Results: The present study gives information about dental undergraduates of first and second year students’ knowledge and awareness about dental implants for the treatment of missing teeth. Out of a total of 200 students, 187 returned the completely filled questionnaire. Out of them only 11(5.88%) did not know about implants, rest 176 (94.12%) were aware of implants. Out of these 176 subjects the rest of the questions were asked and percentage calculated as depicted in table. Conclusion: After conducting the present study, it is recommended that the knowledge about dental implants in the curriculum of first and second year dental students needs to be increased, if we want the future dentists to be well informed and confident regarding dental implant therapy. Keywords: Implants, knowledge, awareness, missing teeth.

CBCT: Third eye in dentistry

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been one of the most revolutionary innovations in the field of dentistry. Comprehensive visualization and records of the craniofacial complex have been goals in dentistry. These approaches have evolved dentofacial imaging. These tasks have been performed by means of plaster, digital photographs across time, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has emerged as a comprehensive imaging technology for dentistry. Two dimensional radiographs are insufficient, especially in complex cases like impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth and surgeries. CBCT images provide better detailed information than conventional 2D radiographs and are user friendly. Soft tissues, skull, airway and the dentition can be observed and measured on CBCT images in a 1:1 ratio. This article focuses on numerous applications of cone beam volumetric technology in dentistry. Keywords: CBCT, 3D imaging technology, Diagnosis, Dentistry, Implant.

Efektivitas Extraoral Suction dalam Praktik Kedokteran Gigi di Masa Pandemi COVID-19

Aerosol berpotensi menjadi jalur transmisi COVID-19. Aerosol merupakan partikel kecil berukuran kurang dari 0,5-10 µ yang terbentuk selama berbicara, batuk, dan bersin. Disamping itu dapat pula terbentuk akibat penggunaan instrumentasi pada kegiatan praktik Kedokteran Gigi. Virus COVID-19 yang terbawa dalam aerosol dapat bertahan selama 3 jam, dengan masa hidup 1,1 -1,2 jam. Melalui media transport aerosol, virus dapat berpindah hingga hampir 200.000 km horizontal. Penggunaan kombinasi intraoral suction dan extraoral suction dinilai efektif dalam menurunkan resiko transmisi COVID-19 melalui aerosol dalam praktik Kedokteran Gigi. Extraoral suction bekerja melalui mekanisme penyaringan, desinfeksi sinar UV, plasma ion, serta HEPA, sehingga udara yang dikeluarkan dari mesin extraoral suction merupakan udara yang aman dan bebas dari virus. Tujuan penulisan tinjauan pustaka ini adalah memberikan paparan mengenai efektivitas penggunaan extraoral suction dalam mengurangi produksi dan peredaran aerosol selama prosedur perawatan Kedokteran Gigi.

Results of studying the dimensional accuracy of the bases of complete removable prostheses made using 3D printing and traditional technologies

This article presents the results of studying the dimensional accuracy of the bases of complete removable prostheses made using a 3D printer and the traditional method. Bases of complete removable prostheses were made using an intraoral laser scanner iTero Cadent (USA) and a 3D printer Asiga Max UV (Australia). To study the dimensional accuracy of the bases of complete removable prostheses, we used the DentalCAD 2.2 Valletta software. The Nonparametric Wilcoxon W-test was used for statistical analysis of the obtained data. We found that the average value of the difference with the standard for bases made using digital technologies is 0.08744±0.0484 mm. The average value of the difference with the standard for bases made by the traditional method is 0.5654±0.1611 mm. Based on these data, we concluded that the bases of complete removable prostheses made using modern digital technologies (intraoral laser scanning and 3D printer) have a higher dimensional accuracy compared to the bases of complete removable prostheses made using the traditional method with a significance level of p<0.05 (Wilcoxon's W-test=0, p=0.031). Keywords: digital technologies in dentistry, digital impressions, intraoral scanner, 3D printing, ExoCAD, complete removable dentures.

The “Sitting” Position and Its Implications in Dental Technology. General Aspects of Improving the Quality of Life - Part II

Abstract Nowadays, at work, many people spend more than half of their entire day working in a sitting position. Maintaining this position for a long period of time is a risk factor for health. The results of various studies have shown associations between maintaining a prolonged sitting position with morbidity due to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, etc. And, as we have already mentioned in the first part of this study, dental technicians are part of this category of staff, who carry out most of their specific activity, in a sitting position.

Knowledge and Awareness on Advanced Technology in Dentistry among Dental Students

Knowledge and Awareness on Advanced Technology in Dentistry among Dental Students

Learning curve of digital intraoral scanning \u2013 an in vivo study

BackgroundThe spread of digital technology in dentistry poses new challenges and sets new goals for dentists. The aim of the present in vivo study was to determine the learning curve of intraoral scanning described by (1) scanning time and (2) image number (count of images created by intraoral scanner during the scanning process).MethodsTen dental students of Semmelweis University took part in the study. Dental students took digital study impressions using a 3Shape Trios 3® (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) intraoral scanning device. Each student took 10 digital impressions on volunteers. Volunteer inclusion criteria included full dentition (except for missing third molars) and no prosthetic/restorative treatment. Digital impression taking was preceded by tuition consisting of both theoretical education and practical training. Digital impressions were taken of the upper and lower arches, and the bite was recorded according to the manufacturer's instructions. Total scanning times and image numbers were recorded.ResultsThe difference in scanning time between the first and the tenth digital impressions was significant (p = 0.007). The average scanning time for the first impressions was 23 min 9 s; for the tenth impressions, it was 15 min 28 s. The difference between the scanning times of the first and the tenth procedures was 7 min 41 s. The average image count for the first impressions was 1964.5; for the tenth impressions, it was 1468.6. The image count difference between the first and the tenth procedures was 495.9. The image count versus sequential number of measurement curve shows an initial decreasing tendency followed by a trough around the sixth measurement and a final increasing phase.ConclusionOur results indicate an association between the sequential number of measurements and the outcome variables. The drop in scanning time is probably explained by a practice effect of repeated use, i.e. the students learned to move the scanning tip faster. The image count first showed a decreasing tendency, and after the sixth measurement, it increased; there was no consistent decline in mean scan count. Shorter scanning times are associated with poorer coverage quality, with the operator needing to make corrections by adding extra images; this manifests as the time function of image counts taking an increase after the sixth measurement.

Use of digital dentistry in clinical practice among dental practitioners - A review

The aim of the study is to find an opinion about the use of digital dentistry in clinical practice among dental practitioners. Digital dentistry is the use of dental technologies and devices that incorporate digital (or) computer controlled components that carry out dental procedures than using mechanical (or) electrical tools. A detailed study is done by reviewing several articles about digital dentistry in dental practice. Many dentists are focusing on advanced dentistry now-a-days, which causes them to take care of conventional issues with present day arrangements. The purpose behind this article is to analyze the idea of computerized dentistry, its focal points and restrictions, and offer expressions and perceptions on explicit areas of advanced dentistry dependent on research, understanding, and correspondence with clinicians around the world. It is expected to give a functional perspective on computerized dentistry, an improvement for more prominent selection of the areas that are concerned with digital dentistry, and quicker incorporation of new innovations.

Development of complex of digital planning of dental treatment and assessment of its clinical effectiveness

The article considers prerequisites and methods of developing a complex of treatment planning profile in a patient using modern dental computer technologies. We performed a retrospective analysis of data based on the results of a protocol using digital dental technologies for planning, layout, and prototyping of dental prostheses This developed complex allows for obtaining a predictable result of dental treatment. The use of innovative computer technologies makes it possible not only to control each stage of rehabilitation, but also to make the necessary changes in the early stages of planning. Coordination with patients shape and size of teeth at initial stages avoids conflict situations by completing manipulations in oral cavity.

Relationship between the self-efficacy and CAD/CAM practice of dental technology students

Relationship between the self-efficacy and CAD/CAM practice of dental technology students

A study of the occupational image of dental technicians among dental technology students by the Q-methodology

A study of the occupational image of dental technicians among dental technology students by the Q-methodology

A comparison of blended learning and traditional face-to-face learning for some dental technology students in practice teaching

A comparison of blended learning and traditional face-to-face learning for some dental technology students in practice teaching

Self-reported dental student stressors and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To compare the influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the student reported outcomes among dental students reading/studying different courses offered in the only dental school in Malta. An anonymous questionnaire consisting of 13 closed-ended and open-ended questions was sent to all students (n=97) at the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the University of Malta. Emergent themes from open-ended questions were identified and tallied. Since data were classified as categorical ranks, nonparametric tests were used to compare variables among the different courses, years of study, preclinical/clinical students, and gender categories. Dental technology students were significantly less stressed about contracting COVID-19 (P=0.005) and regarding lack of preparation due to inability to physically go to the library (P=0.019). Female students reported significantly more anxiety for the following factors: "feeling anxious all the time" (P=0.033), "worried about contracting COVID-19'" (P=0.012), "worried that a family member may contract COVID-19'" (P=0.048), "more anxious about exams this year because of the challenges we are facing" (P=0.029), and "concern about losing manual dexterity skills" (P=0.038). Qualitative data gathered show considerable stress reported by students regarding changes in examination processes and formats and lack of timely communication. Students were greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and this caused fear of losing their manual dexterity skills, anxiety related to its consequences on their long-term plans, and anxiety related to the examinations. Dental schools in turn should adapt rapidly and customize changes that are specific to the individual student cohort and their stage of training.

The “Sitting” Position and Its Implications in Dental Technology. General Aspects of Improving the Quality of Life - Part I

Abstract Specifically, maintaining a prolonged sitting position is considered to be associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, hips, knees and legs. The purpose of this study is to generate data, which can be used to support decisions on improving the health of dental technicians, whose basic activity is carried out in a sitting position at the work table, in order to improve the quality of life. Implementation of ergonomic measures, in the area where professional activities directly affect the physical and mental health of the employee, is of great importance.