Graduate Dental Students Research Articles

Perspectives from program directors on the selection process for Saudi periodontics residency programs: a cross-sectional study.

Applying to periodontics programs in Saudi Arabia holds significant importance for both applicants and periodontics program directors. As of today, there has been no investigation into how periodontics program directors (PDs) identify and select potential candidates for their programs. The aim of this study is to assess the factors taken into consideration during the selection process for periodontics programs by PDs in Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, an electronic survey was sent out to Periodontics PDs of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) in Saudi Arabia. Variables of interest included the Grade Point Average (GPA), Saudi Dental License Exam (SDLE), research, interview, service and electives, letter of recommendation, and other miscellaneous factors. A degree of importance scale was used to measure the significance of each factor for PDs. This study surveyed 16 PDs with a response rate of 72.7%. The majority of PDs were from the Central and Western Regions. Approximately 56% of the PDs were affiliated with universities. The study identified, from the perspective of PDs, that the most important factors were the reputation and performance of the applicant during clinics or interactions with staff, followed by general research experience. Additionally, interview performance was rated equally with SDLE score and GPA, as well as factors such as undertaking periodontics elective rotations during internship and working in the same department. Regardless of the region or number of years of experience, all PDs considered the most significant factor to be the reputation and performance of the applicant during clinics or interactions with staff. This study sheds light on the factors perceived by program directors in Saudi Arabia that influence the selection process for applicants to periodontics programs. By understanding these factors, dental graduate students can better customize their applications and experiences to meet the expectations of admission committees.

Comparison of case-based and lecture-based learning in dental fluorosis diagnostic ability with visual analog scale assessment

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the impact of case-based learning (CBL) versus lecture-based learning (LBL) on dental students' clinical decision-making regarding DF severity using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scoring.MethodsEighty first-year graduate dental students were randomly assigned to either the CBL (n = 38) or LBL (n = 42) groups. Both groups received instruction on DF diagnosis, with CBL involving small group sessions analyzing real cases and LBL involving traditional lectures. Effectiveness was assessed by presenting 32 dental fluorosis cases with Thylstrup-Fejerskov Index (TSIF) scores ranging from 0 to 7 through slide presentations to both groups for VAS assessment. Five evaluators of each group randomly selected were asked to repeat the rating 2 weeks later. Statistical analysis included two-way ANOVA for group and gender differences, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for reliability, and Spearman correlation coefficients for validity.ResultsVariations in VAS scores were observed between CBL and LBL groups, with no significant gender impact. Excellent inter- and intra-evaluator agreement was found for VAS scoring in both groups, indicating its reliability. Validation against established indices (such as DI and TSIF) demonstrated strong correlations, with CBL students exhibiting higher correlations.ConclusionsCBL enhances students' clinical decision-making and proficiency in DF diagnosis, as evidenced by more consistent and accurate VAS scoring compared to LBL. These findings highlight the importance of innovative educational strategies in dental curricula, with implications for improving training quality and clinical outcomes.Trial registration: The study was registered at the Clinical Research Center, Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University (Registration code: HGGC-036).

Factors associated with predoctoral and graduate dental students' intention to care for elderly patients: A cross-sectional study.

Ageism among pre-doctoral and graduate dental students may reduce their propensity to provide dental treatment to elderly patients leading to substandard healthcare for this population. This study evaluated the impact of perceived ageism constructs and geriatric dentistry education on the intention of pre-doctoral and graduate students to provide dental care for elderly patients. A questionnaire was applied to collect the data for this cross-sectional study from pre-doctoral students in their clinical years and graduate students in their internship year (N=201). A total of 183 completed responses were received, and the response rate was 91%. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to determine the incremental effects of perceived ageism constructs and geriatric dentistry education on the intention to provide dental care for elderly patients. Geriatric dental education (B=0.328, t=3.826, p<0.001) and patients' low compliance (B=0.503, t=4.658, p<0.001) were significantly positive predictors of pre-doctoral and graduate students' intentions to care for elderly patients. Also, negative attitudes toward the lives of elderly people have a substantial adverse effect on the intention of care for this population (B=-0.225, t=-2.206, p=0.029). Cronbach's alpha for the scale constructs ranged from 0.738 to 0.886. Advanced geriatric training may cultivate pre-doctoral and graduate students' deeper understanding and recognition of the intellectual and practical benefits that might arise from offering dentalcare to elderly people.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES PREPAREDNESS IN DENTAL CLINIC AMONG POSTGRADUATE RESIDENTS IN NEPAL

Background: Serious medical emergencies in dental practices are generally rare (one in 3-5 years) but if it happens it is life threatening to the patient. Adequate knowledge and competency, training of the dental practitioners is necessary to avoid such life-threatening conditions. The study was conducted to assess the preparedness of medical emergencies among postgraduate dental students of Nepal. Methods: An online questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted among all post graduate dental students from all the dental colleges of Nepal. Pretested, validated, close ended questionnaire was used. Questionnaire consisted of twenty medical emergency situations and five questions regarding self-evaluation of training regarding the management of medical emergencies. Chi-square test was used to assess association between competency in managing medical emergency situations and years of academic experience during post-graduation. P- value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: More than 70% participants answered correct management of medical emergency situations. Almost 20% disagreed and 20% don’t know about the management of such situations. Only 28% received training in the management of medical emergencies during undergraduate dental program. More than 50% were moderately satisfied with their knowledge about medical emergencies. Conclusions: The results of the study showed that knowledge to handle commonly occurring medical emergencies was higher. Most of the participants did not attend any training regarding medical emergencies. And those who attended felt there is need for further training in the management of emergency medical cases in the dental chair.

Evaluation of Self-Perceived Confidence and Competence in Oral Surgery among Final Year Undergraduate Students in Greece.

Oral surgery is an integral part of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and management of pathology of the mouth and jaws that requires surgical intervention. The aim of undergraduate studies in oral surgery is, upon graduation, to be confident and competent to treat without assistance surgical cases in the spectrum of general dentistry. This study evaluates the senior Greek dental students' self-confidence and self-perceived competence to undertake cases within the scope of oral surgery. Evaluation of clinical experience gathered during training and self-perceived confidence and competence in generic oral surgery skills is included. The present study was a questionnaire survey conducted during the academic year 2018-2019. The questionnaire comprised three sections. Section 1 included demographic data and four closed-ended questions concerning numerical data about procedures that they had already performed or observed, section 2 included four questions concerning their self-perceived competence to perform basic surgical techniques, and section 3 included 10 clinical case scenarios. One hundred and twenty-seven students participated in the study. Among the basic surgical skills, students were most confident with suturing, and they were least confident with bone removal. Students from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) tend to show higher level of confidence compared with students from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) in most questions. Greek graduate dental students report moderate levels of self-confidence in oral surgery. A realistic approach in increasing self-confidence and competence in oral surgery would be the focus on preclinical training in generic elementary surgical skills, in combination with increased observational sessions of oral surgery procedures or outreach training.

A Survey Study on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Self-medication Practice with Over-the-counter Drugs among Under Graduate Dental Students

ABSTRACT Introduction: Self-medication practice is very common, especially after the coronavirus disease 2019 period. Self-medication among future health-care professionals can cause serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) as well as antimicrobial resistance that can lead to potential damage to our health-care system. There has been a drastic inclination among medical and dental students and practitioners toward self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. OTC medicines or nonprescription drugs are the group that can be purchased without a legible prescription from a registered medical practitioner and are safe as well as effective also. Aim: The aim of our study was to know about self-medication practice with OTC drugs among undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among all the dental undergraduate students of K. M. Shah Dental college, Piparia, from December 2022 to March 2023. The study was initiated only after getting approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A prevalidated questionnaire was given to the students, and responses were obtained. The collected data were subjected to percentage analysis. Results: The prevalence of self-medication practice among dental undergraduates from our study was found to be in 104 (67.1%) out of 155 students who enrolled in the study. The most common reason for self-medication was prior knowledge about drugs 88 (58.3%) and the most common drugs used were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 93.5%. Among the 155 participants, 110 (71%) mentioned that they got cured after self-medicating themselves with OTC drugs and 18 (11.6%) participants encountered adverse reactions. Conclusion: Self-medication was commonly practiced by dental students who were enrolled in our survey study. Self-medication should be considered an emerging problem, especially among undergraduate dental/medical students because they do not have enough significant knowledge about drugs, dose regime, duration of treatment, and their possible ADRs.

Poor Quality of Sleep is Associated with Lower Academic Performance in Undergraduate Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the quality of sleep and associated factors among dental students. All dental students regularly enrolled at the Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil, were invited to participate. A structured online questionnaire was applied to collect the independent variables, including academic performance. Quality of sleep was assessed by the validated version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Sample was dichotomized as good sleep quality (total score: ≤ 4) and at least poor quality (total score: ≥ 5). Adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance to detect the association between sleep quality and independent variables. Independent adjusted models were performed to the whole-sample, only undergraduate and only graduate dental students. Poor quality of sleep was detected in 266 (65.2%) dental students, of which 228 (68.9%) and 38 (49.4%) were undergraduate and graduate dental students, respectively. Female students presented a prevalence ratio (PR) 19% higher compared to males (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.41). When only graduate students were considering, those that reported not being the head of the family presented a PR 4.39 higher for poor quality of sleep (95% CI 1.91-10.09). Poor quality of sleep was associated with lower academic performance among undergraduate students (PR: 0.94; 95% CI 0.89-0.99), but not significantly associated when graduate students are considered (PR: 0.99; 95% CI 0.96-1.03). It was concluded that dental students, mainly female ones, have high prevalence of poor quality of sleep, which is associated with undergraduate student's worst academic performance. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41782-022-00223-2.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among dental students is influenced by sex, academic performance, smoking exposure, and sexual orientation

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported depressive symptoms in undergraduate and graduate dental students. Methods: The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was applied, and only the depression domain was verified. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, behavioral, and COVID-19 pandemic-related fear variables. Academic performance was assessed based on academic records, ranging from 0 (worst possible grade) to 10 (best possible grade). Respondents included 408 regularly enrolled dental students. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance to verify the association between at least moderate depressive symptoms and independent variables. Results: The prevalence of at least moderate depression was 40.5% among undergraduate students and 26% among graduate students. The prevalence of fear and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic was 96.1% among undergraduate students and 93.5% among graduate students. In the final multivariate analysis, being female (prevalence ratio [PR]:2.01; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:1.36–2.96) was associated with a higher PR for depression. Conversely, no exposure to smoking (PR:0.54; 95%CI:0.36–0.82) and a final academic performance average ≥7.0 (PR:0.56; 95%CI:0.41–0.76) was associated with a lower PR for depression. Finally, among graduate students, a non-heterosexual orientation was associated with a higher PR for depression (PR:6.70; 95%CI:2.21–20.29). Conclusion: Higher rates of depression symptoms were observed in female undergraduates, students with lower academic performance and smoking exposure, and graduate dental students with a non-heterosexual orientation.

Awareness on current status of usage of ritonavir in the management of covid among dental students.

Ritonavir's pharmacodynamics raise questions regarding whether medication concentrations high enough to block the SARS-CoV-2 proteases can be obtained. Ritonavir may have a therapeutic benefit at any stage of the disease, although pharmacodynamic issues and the absence of clinical benefit data among hospitalized COVID-19 patients cast doubt on this claim. To study the awareness on current status of usage of ritonavir in the management of COVID among dental students. This study, which is survey-based, involved a sample of 100 individuals and was carried out on the website Survey Planet. The study included undergraduate and graduate dental students. The dental students were given a questionnaire containing 10 questions. Their responses were gathered. The number and percentage were used to summarize the data. Dental students from Chennai showed adequate knowledge of COVID-19 in the medical environment. Postgraduate students were more aware about the current status of usage of Ritonavir for COVID-19. This study demonstrates the urgent necessity for all health-care workers to regularly implement educational interventions and training program on infection control procedures for COVID-19.

Dental restoration selection by students at southern Saudi Arabian universities.

Dental caries is a serious oral health concern and restoration of teeth is the main solution to this issue. Various restorative materials having different properties are used for posterior restoration. The aim of this study was to find that which factors can affect the choice of selection of material for posterior restoration among dental graduate students. For this purpose, a questionnaire was shared electronically among students of three different universities (King Khalid University, Jazan University, and Najran University). After collection, data were subjected to a chi-square test to check the significance. It has been observed that almost 50% of participants choose composite resin for posterior restoration. Results showed that according to most (more than 50%) of the dental students in Southern Saudi Arabia, different patient and tooth condition related factors can affect the choice for selection of restorative material.

Attitudes of an international student cohort to the Quizlet study system employed in an advanced clinical health care review course.

Computer-based learning applications and mobile technology have transformed many aspects of the educational experience over the last decade, producing software aimed at improving learning efficiency and streamlining the presentation of course materials. One such class of software, purpose-created to take advantage of spaced learning and spaced testing principles, are electronic flashcard applications. We provide a perspective on the novel use of the Quizlet flashcard application in a tertiary educational setting. To reduce cognitive load for international graduate dental students taking a pharmacology review course, we implemented Quizlet, which integrates both spaced learning and self-testing, to improve the student learning experience. This study assessed students’ perceptions of the Quizlet flashcard system in a student cohort comprised of two consecutive years’ classes (n = 51 students in total). Results indicated broad acceptance of Quizlet based on ease of use of the software and ease of study of the material. Our data provide insight into the use of this common software in a professional healthcare tertiary education setting and further demonstrate the successful application of electronic flashcards for a mixed international student cohort. Further research should include an assessment of the impact of flashcard on long-term knowledge retention in this setting.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10639-022-11371-3.

Covid-19 Vaccination Drive Among Dental Students: A Sweet and A Sour Encounter

Since 1918 flu pandemic, novel human corona virus diseases has been documented as the fifth pandemic resulting in catastrophic events not only in terms of deaths and increased number of cases but also hampered the workplaces. Dental practitioners, due to the concise area of work are in direct contact and consequently at a higher risk for transmitting or acquiring this diseases. In this COVID era, vaccine hesitancy remains a greater barrier to the population inoculation against this highly dreadful and infectious disease. With the rapid development of the vaccine globally, major concerns about it acceptance and safety still remains a question. Thus the main&#x0D; Aim of our article was to assess the acceptance and hesitancy rates regarding COVID-19 vaccination among dental student, exploring their experience and creating an awareness program for counseling of hesitant subjects.&#x0D; Material and Methodology: randomized 100 under and post graduate dental students of Himachal Pradesh were selected and divided into two groups G1 with 50 vaccinated and G2 with 50 non vaccinated students. A well structured, online multiple choice questionnaire was formulated and distributed among them for recording the response. The data obtained was collected, tabulated and analyzed using Chi square test for the experience of subjects regarding vaccine.&#x0D; Results: when compared around 76% of the vaccinated respondents agreed about the fact of making vaccination mandatory for all while 90% of the non-vaccinated respondents were still confused about the same.&#x0D; Conclusion: the results of our study highlighted for the need and awareness about the safety and effectiveness to promote the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Though made obligatory, there are still a huge number of people who still raise a question regarding the efficacy of the vaccine. &#x0D; Keywords: Acceptance, Covid-19, Dentist, Hesitancy, Vaccine, Virus.

Influence of the FDI criteria in the restorations evaluation and treatment decision in primary molars

Objective: This study investigated the impact of FDI criteria for evaluating restorations on examiners’ decision-making compared with their previous personal judgment in primary teeth. Secondly, the possible factors related to changes when using the criteria, including the examiners’ experience were explored. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study in a dental office setting was conducted selecting 27 resin composite restorations placed in primary molars in 11 children. Examinations of the restorations were performed by five undergraduate and five graduate dental students. First, the evaluations were performed based on personal judgment, and 2 weeks later, with FDI criteria. All examiners underwent training to use the FDI criteria after the first evaluation. The consensus of two benchmark examiners was considered to be the reference standard. Initially, a descriptive analysis was performed. Multiple Poisson regressions analyses were used to identify possible associated factors with outcomes - to be less or more invasive based on the FDI criteria than personal judgment. Results: The use of the FDI criteria changed the examiners’ decisions in approximately 15% of the cases. Irrespective of examiners’ experience, there was a trend of false results (compared to the reference examiners) when a change in the treatment decision was registered by using the FDI criteria. Examiners chose a less invasive option when assessing multi-surface restorations with FDI criteria (PR=2.04, 95%CI=1.03-4.05; p=0.04). Examiners who spent more time for evaluation with FDI criteria were more invasive (PR=1.001, 95%CI=1.0001-1.002; p=0.03). Students were more invasive with the FDI criteria when examined children with higher dmf-t (PR=1.16, 95%CI=1.01-1.32; p=0.03). Conclusion: The use of the FDI criteria negatively influenced the restorations’ evaluation and treatment decision in primary molars by undergraduate and graduate students. KEYWORDS Clinical decision-making; Tooth, deciduous; Dental restoration failure; Composite resins; Pediatric dentistry

Assessment of knowledge and acceptance to the era of uncertainty (Covid-19) among exposed undergraduate and postgraduate dental students- A Questionnaire-based Investigation

Introduction: Dental students are facing complex problems during the COVID-19. So, it is important to assess their knowledge, risk perception, attitude, vaccination, measures taken for prevention by the dental students. Objective: Assess awareness, attitude and risk perception among dental students, COVID 19 scenario. Methodology: A questionnaire-based survey is drawn in an online form, comprising of 19- variable, structured, multiple choice questions, and respondents are under graduate and post graduate dental students. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0. Results: Total 105 responses, 45% under graduate, 55% post graduate students. More than 50% responded, dentists are more exposed than other health professionals, at high risk for infection. 45% are aware of all COVID-19 symptoms. 44.4% worried to return for dental clinical activities.74.7% took preventive measures in clinical. 64% received general information about biosafey measures to COVID-19 without any practice. 50% agreed treating vaccinated patients reduced risk for transmission and 70%, dentists play major role in educating patients. Conclusion: Dental students revealed good knowledge regarding COVID-19, they accepted this uncertainty by taking all the measures to prevent being infected.

Gambaran Pengetahuan dan Sikap Mahasiswa Program Profesi Dokter Gigi Terhadap Intervensi Minimal Kedokteran Gigi

Minimal intervention dentistry (MID) is a modern approach to the management of dental caries. The philosophy of professional care in minimal intervention dentistry can be defined as focusing on the initial symptom, early detection, immediate treatment on a micro scale, followed with minimally invasive and patient-friendly treatment to restore damages caused by dental caries. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge and attitude about minimal intervention dentistry among dental students in clinical years and postgraduate dental students in the faculty of dentistry, Universitas Trisakti. Method: This research was conducted using descriptive observational cross-sectional design on dental students in clinical years and postgraduate dental students. The data were collected using a questionnaire. Result: Total of 129 respondents were involved. Almost all research subjects could answer the questionnaire correctly regarding knowledge with 71,93% of dental students in clinical years and 84,38% of post graduate dental students. In attitude section, have a positive attitude with 74,28% of dental students in clinical years and 87,5% of post graduate dental student agree with the concept of minimal dentistry intervention, while the attitude in daily practice of dental students in clinical years answered that they had never do minimum intervention procedure with 32.7% and post graduate dental student answered sometimes do that procedure with 32.1%. Conclusion: Dental students in clinical years show good knowledge and positive attitude, but it doesn’t affect their attitudes in daily practice, whereas residency doctors have good knowledge, attitude, and practices that include into the positive category of minimal interventions dentistry.

Evaluation of Neck Pain and Scapular Stability in Graduate Dental Students

Background: There is a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. The most commonly affected areas are the neck, low back, wrist, and hand. The symptoms of the musculoskeletal disorder occur during the educational and training course in dental students. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess neck pain and the scapular stability in graduate dental students. Study Design: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Study Setting: This study was conducted at a dental college attached to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The site of pain over the neck region (in subjects with pain) was assessed using body diagrams. Assessment of intensity of pain (if present) was done using Numerical Rating Scale, scapular posture using the pectoralis minor (PM) length test and resting scapular upward rotation using Baseline Bubble Inclinometer, dynamic scapular positioning using Lateral Scapular Slide Test, and muscle strength of scapular stabilizers using Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester. The outcome measures were compared between 1st-year undergraduate dental students (Group A) and dental interns (Group B). Results: Sixty-three female dental students (Group A, n = 32; Group B, n = 31) were included. There was a significant difference in the PM length test of left side (P = 0.02) and intensity of pain (right side P = 0.008, left side P = 0.003) in Groups A and B. The site of pain was over the lateral aspect of the neck and the character of pain was aching. We found no significant difference in other outcome measures. Conclusion: Dental students suffer from neck pain. Static scapular posture was affected, whereas the dynamic scapular stability was not affected.

Perspectives of Dental Students in Oral Surgery Education and Training

Graduating dental students are expected to be competent in performing minor oral surgical procedures, but this depends on their education and training while in dental school. Students’ self-perceptions in performing surgical procedures offer valuable insights and highlight shortcomings in the current oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) education and training. The surgical skills of dental students have been found deficient in certain aspects in previous surveys conducted in Europe (Macluskey, et al, 2012; Cabbar, et al, 2019), but none have been conducted/published in the United States. The aim of this study is to evaluate dental students’ self-perception of their competency in surgical skills to perform oral surgical procedures and practice "independently" at a dental school in the United States.A cross-sectional survey of dental students in class of 2021 (D4) and 2022 (D3) was conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry February-March 2021. The Association of British Academic Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABAOMS) questionnaire was utilized and adapted, with permission, in accordance with the OMS curriculum in U.S. dental schools. The questionnaire (Figure 1) involves 17 items covering 5 domains (information, experience, skills, knowledge, and interest, in addition to feedback section for comments). The responses were scaled on a 5-point Likert-type scale. The anonymous data were collected and entered into the REDCap database, and the responses were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared using Fisher's Exact test. A P-value of < .05 was considered statistically significant. All narrative feedbacks were tabulated and analyzed qualitatively. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB # HM20020893).Sixty-four students (46 D3, 18 D4) participated (32 M, 32 F). Most D3 students performed fewer than 25 extractions (91%), while most D4 performed more than 25 extractions (89%). Analysis of the responses per question is detailed in Figure 2. Comparative analysis between the classes showed that the D4 were significantly more confident than D3 in performing surgical extractions while the D3 were significantly more confident in understanding head and neck anatomy. Comparative analysis between the genders showed that the females were significantly more confident than males in various aspects of OMS practice. Overall, the majority of D3 and D4 students felt more confident performing simple dental extractions than surgical extractions. Most students felt the OMS specialty is an enjoyable and rewarding discipline and consider practicing OMS procedures after graduation despite feeling unconfident in certain aspects. Qualitative analysis revealed that the main recurrent themes were the limited time allowed and devoted to practice dental extractions and the need for more hands-on supervised training.The students’ responses highlight the importance of teaching and supervised training by oral surgery faculty and the need to allocate more time to practice surgical procedures to enhance students’ self-confidence. The questionnaire is a useful survey tool to evaluate, and subsequently improve, the OMS curriculum, teaching, and training among the U.S. dental schools. The plan is to conduct a national survey via future collaboration with the ADA and AAOMS.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduate and graduate dental courses in Brazil.

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised challenges in adapting to teaching and learning methods in dental education. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the academic activities of undergraduate (UDG) and graduate (GD) dental students in Brazil. Additionally, students' perceptions and attitudes toward teaching activities during this period were analyzed. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of Brazilian UDG and GD dentistry students. Data were collected in 2020 through an online, self-administered, and anonymous questionnaire, which comprised 26 questions related to demographic data, activities of the college, family and individual student income, and attitudes and perceptions about e-learning during the pandemic. The data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The sample included 1,166 students (779 UDG and 387 GD). Among these, 425 (54.6%) UDG and 270 (69.8%) GD students remotely participated in teaching activities, of which 42.6% of the UDG considered their performance in e-learning to be bad or very bad and 49.8% of the GD regarded it as good or excellent. The survey also showed that 354 (45.4%) UDG and 102 (26.4%) GD expressed a desire to discontinue the course following the outbreak of the pandemic. Among the GD, 225 (58.4%) said that their experiments were completely interrupted. This study reveals the poor perception and performance of dental students regarding e-learning. Additionally, the findings suggest a negative impact of the pandemic on dental education in Brazil. Effective measures should be taken to mitigate these significant consequences.

Knowledge Levels and Educational Experiences among Dental Graduates in Saudi Arabia Regarding Child Abuse and Neglect: A National Study.

Background: Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is considered a serious problem worldwide. Dentists have a significant role in recognizing and reporting CAN cases. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the CAN-related knowledge and educational experiences among Saudi dental graduates. Design: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to dental graduates from all dental schools in Saudi Arabia (n = 1552). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between knowledge level and different predictors. Results: A total of 988 dental graduates completed the questionnaire. The majority of them were dissatisfied with the amount of education they had received in their school (56.4%). Around 60% of the participants had inadequate knowledge regarding CAN. Graduates from government schools who received dental education about CAN and female participants had significantly higher odds of having adequate knowledge scores than others (odds ratio = 2.0, 3.1, and 1.7, respectively). Only 39.5% of the participants felt confident in their ability to identify CAN cases, and only 9.7% knew how to report such cases. Conclusions: Graduate dental students have insufficient knowledge about CAN. More time should be dedicated to educating students about this important topic in dental curricula.

Knowledge &amp; Practices Regarding Oral Cancer among Graduating Dental Students in Bhopal City, India

Background: Evaluation of oral cancer related knowledge among dental students would aid in planning the oral health service programs and curriculum on large scale. The aim of this study was to assess the self reported knowledge and practice pattern of dental students in Bhopal, India. Methods: The study population comprised of 200 dental students studying in final year and undergoing internship. Knowledge and practices were recorded using closed ended assessment form. Simple percentages were calculated to draw inferences. Results: 68% students agreed that their knowledge regarding the prevention and detection of oral cancer is current and adequate. A total of 178 (89%) felt that there is need for additional training/information regarding oral cancer. Almost half 106 (53%) agreed to have you ever attended any educational programs on oral cancers. Conclusion: The knowledge of graduating dental students was found to be adequate. The need for regular clinical updation and practices related to screening cannot be ignored. Keywords: dental students, knowledge, oral cancer, screening, tobacco.