Postgraduate Dental Research Articles

Blended Module‐Based Teaching in Biostatistics and Research Methodology: A Retrospective Study with Postgraduate Dental Students

Information technology has stimulated efforts to reform teaching methods in dental education. Most of these efforts involve a shift from conventional mode to the more technology-savvy and student-centered approach. The aim of this study was to compare postgraduate dental students' academic performance using two teaching methodologies (video-based learning and blended module-based learning) in a biostatistics and research methodology course in a master's program at a dental college in India. This retrospective study involved two groups of students enrolled in the master's program with different years of admission: Group I in 2013-14 (n=80) and Group II in 2015-16 (n=80). Group I students learned the subjects with video-based learning, whereas Group II students were taught using a blended module program using a small-group learning system called Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL). The students' final course evaluation (summative assessment) and formative assessment (during course assessments) were compared for the two groups. The students' final course evaluation was derived from an end-of-year written examination, whereas the formative assessment was recorded with written tests and projects during the course. In the results, the summative assessment did not show a significant difference between Group I (68.2±13.4) and Group II (66.4±11.9) (p=0.39). The formative assessment showed a significant difference (p<0.001) in favor of the Group II students. In this study, the blended module-based teaching produced similar scores on the final exam to the video-based lectures, but it produced significantly better results on the in-course assessments. The latter finding could be attributed to the incorporation of small-group learning and POGIL.

Assessment of Knowledge of Professional Ethics among Medical and Dental Postgraduate Students In Central India - A Cross-Sectional, Questionnaire-based Epidemiological Study

Assessment of Knowledge of Professional Ethics among Medical and Dental Postgraduate Students In Central India - A Cross-Sectional, Questionnaire-based Epidemiological Study

Career pathways and professional skills of postgraduate students from a dental research-intensive programme.

With current global trends in postgraduate education, graduate programmes must make evidence-based improvements to offer the best programme that aligns with student needs and prepare them for their future career prospects. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the postgraduation career pathways of MSc and PhD students who graduated within the past 15years from the McGill University Postgraduate Dental Research Program. An online questionnaire, composed of 10 closed-ended format items, was used that covered domains such as student profile, career profile, postgraduate skill development, job search experience and satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and interpretative qualitative analysis were used to evaluate student feedback. Sixty-six students responded to the online survey, out of which sixty-two students completed the survey (61% participation rate). The majority of the graduate students, 67% (n=44), obtained MSc degree in Dental Sciences. Overall, our results showed that most graduates started careers in academia in their original field of study and were satisfied with their income. Most graduates reported "critical and creative thinking" to be the strongest acquired skills during their postgraduate training and identified fierce competition for their position of interest as the main challenge after graduation. Our results showed that graduates in dental research appeared to be overall satisfied with their careers after postgraduate research training, both in terms of scope of practice and income. However, strong competition in obtaining the position of their interest seemed to be the main obstacle after graduation.

Can Internet Anxiety Affect Electronic Journals Usage? A CrossSectional Study with Iranian Postgraduate Dental Students

Objective: To investigate internet anxiety among the dentistry students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences and its relationship with electronic journals use. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all 72 postgraduate dental assistants at Dentistry School of Kerman University of Medical Sciences were considered. Internet anxiety questionnaire included demographic questions and questions measuring online journals use and the barriers of using. The data then analyzed using independent t-test and linear regression, with significance level set at 5%. Results: The use of printed books was reported by 78.2% of the sample while the use of electronic books was 45.8%. The use of atlas was 28.9%, while the use of indexes and abstracts was 57.2. The participants used online journals mostly for research (30.8%) and education (27.7%). The most important advantages of online journals were fast access (25.1%) and easy use (19.9%). To get informed about online journals contents, they mostly used search engines and online databases (79%). The most important criterion was indexing in Web of Science (20.8%). A significant relationship between Internet anxiety and academic year was detected (p<0.05) also increase in internet use significantly increased Internet anxiety (p=0.001). We suggested increasing the knowledge and skill of dental students with online resources toward decreasing the level of their Internet anxiety. Conclusion: A reverse relationship was observed between the academic year and internet anxiety, in other words, senior students were more anxious than the junior ones. This study did not ask about computer literacy, other studies have reported a negative relationship between computer literacy, Internet literacy and internet anxiety, so it is suggested to increase the knowledge and skill of students with computer, internet and online resources.

Analysis of food frequency and acquired dietary allowance (ADA) in relation to dental caries and dental erosion affecting dental postgraduate students of Sawangi: A cross-sectional survey.

Background:The development and integrity of the oral cavity and the progression of oral diseases may be affected by the nutritional status and diet of the person. The most ubiquitous oral diseases are found to be dental caries and periodontal diseases in the world. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between food frequency with nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), NAR with dental caries, and dental erosion.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted among dental postgraduate (PG) students. A self-administered questionnaire was developed with consisted food frequency, acquired dietary allowance, Decayed, Missing Filled teeth (DMFT) index, and tooth wear index. Correlation was assessed between food frequency and NAR, NAR with dental caries and dental erosion.Results:Out of 123 PGs 100 PGs participated in the study making response rate 81%. Consumption of chapatti, pulses vegetables white rice, sugar, milk and milk products, and acidic food is on the daily basis mostly and it was statistically significant (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was also seen between frequency of consuming food items in decreasing order is fats, legumes, roots and tubers, fruits, meat and meat products, fried foods, vitamin and mineral supplements those who eat daily and never.Conclusion:The significant association between food frequency and nutrient adequacy ratio might be helpful assessing nutritional values. The high use of acidic beverages is a serious threat to the health of the oral cavity.

A literature review on the satisfaction of oral health care and health care professionals in dental colleges in India

This literature review was aimed to assess the quality of oral health care provided by dental professionals and the satisfaction of dental undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates in their profession. Most of the dental students and graduate staff members are satisfied in their profession and are interested in pursuing masters in dental surgery. A significant number of dental professionals are satisfied in their profession. Their main cause of dissatisfaction was low salary. Main causes of satisfaction on standards of oral health care were found to be willingness to listen to dental problems and cleanliness of the treatment area. The main cause of dissatisfaction was significantly slow management of dental problems.

Marital Status as a Stress Indicator in Postgraduate Dental Students.

The objective of this study was to explore perceived causes of stress and to analyse the influence of marital status and gender as indicators of these causes. Modified Graduate Dental Stress Environment Questionnaire was used on postgraduate students of basic dental sciences at a public sector university in Pakistan. Mean±SD was calculated for all stress-related items and statistical analysis was done through Mann Whitney-U test and multiple linear regression analysis. Out of 53 stress-related items, 15 (28.3%) factors were perceived as mildly stressful, 33 (62.26%) as moderately stressful and 9.4% as highly stressful. A significant relationship was found between 6 stress-related items and marital status. In the questionnaire majority of these items came under the domain of selfefficacy. Single students were more stressed in four areas relating to future career, academic responsibilities and confidence in their decision-making ability, while married students experienced higher stress when competing for research experience in their learning programmes.

Knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding teledentistry among postgraduate dental students of Kanpur city, India: A questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND:Teledentistry is a rapidly forming subset of dentistry being used extensively in urban as well as rural areas addressing problems related to cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and quality in delivering oral health-care services. The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding teledentistry among the dental postgraduates of Kanpur city, India.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out on a total of 120 postgraduate students. A pretested, self-structured, close-ended questionnaire was administered that consisted of 20 questions were included. The data collected was compiled in a systemic manner and analyzed in terms of frequency (yes/no).RESULTS:Only 77 postgraduate students responded, and it was observed that 74.4% of students had knowledge regarding teledentistry and 79.2% of students contemplated to practice teledentistry in the future. The overall awareness and attitudes regarding teledentistry were found to be 71.7%.CONCLUSION:The knowledge, awareness, and attitudes were found to be satisfactory among the postgraduate dental students.

Factors Contributing to Selecting a Postgraduate Dental Career in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

Objective: to study the motivation of dental students to postgraduate dental education programs and the factors that might contribute to it. Materials and methods: a questionnaire survey were distributed among male and female dental students at their internship training year that were directed toward the general preference of postgraduate specialty training and their career preference. Variable factors were included such as gender, residential area, parents’ education, and the type of program. The data were collected, extracted, tabulated, and analyzed. Results: A total of 115 students responded. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS program and looking at Pearson’s correlation and logistics regressions for results. It was found that females represented 59% of the group (males, 41%). Most of the students are turning toward clinical based specialties (79.2%) over the research based ones (1.7%) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The percentage of students whom did not decide yet about the postgraduate path was 19%. (P = 0.019), and most of them were actually females. Parental education was found to be a non-significant factor toward choosing a career path while accepting a job at a rural area was found to be rejected by most of the applicant, however females were the most (Pearson’s correlation=0.3, P= 0.019). Job preference was turning the most toward academic university setting 44% (P=0.011), while 41% selected working at other governmental hospitals and the private practice scored significantly the least of interest (15%). Conclusion: Clinical based programs, working at academic universities, and in main cities were the summary of the preferences. Students were turning away from research programs, working at rural areas, or a solo private practice. Variables did not show a significant power that affects choices and hence the urgent need of undergraduate orientation programs and optimizing the working environments in other sectors to support the distribution of the manpower toward different career paths in Saudi.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Among Postgraduate Dental Students

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Among Postgraduate Dental Students

The Use of Picture Cards to Elicit Postgraduate Dental Student Feedback.

The aim of this study was to elicit information about the use of picture cards to stimulate student feedback following a postgraduate dental course. Twenty-nine general dental practitioners (GDPs) volunteered for the study. Following an explanation of how this style of feedback worked, students were asked to choose a picture card from those available and use that image to stimulate their feedback. An independent interviewer introduced the topic and gathered comments in the form of qualitative data, generated by pre-formed questions. 93% (n = 26) questionnaires were completed and returned. 77% (n = 20) GDPs reported enjoying giving their feedback by ‘picture card’ technique; 83% (n = 20) reported this form of feedback stimulated their thoughts. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Some GDPs felt the picture cards helped them formulate their feedback, others felt being able to give feedback to a third party they did not know was beneficial and giving feedback as a group was helpful. This novel approach of using picture cards to stimulate feedback was well received by these GDPs. A mixed result as to the value of this style of feedback was evident. A group feedback session facilitated by a stranger was considered to be a valuable approach to take.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental implants among dental postgraduates and practitioners in Davangere City, Karnataka: A cross-sectional study.

Implant therapy has become an important part of treatment to restore function and esthetics in partially/completely edentulous patients. Inspite of the progress made in implant dentistry since its inception, there have been some loopholes in scientific based knowledge and established clinical experience amongst dental professionals and postgraduates.So,an analysis was performed of the real picture. A study was conducted to assess and compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of dental implants among dental postgraduate students and dental practitioners (General and institutional)in Davangere City, Karnataka and to identify the variations in their knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to dentist's factors (years of experience, implant training and their specialization). A cross sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted using census approach with informed consent. A pretested, self administered questionnaire containing demographic details and knowledge ,attitude and practice based questions was distributed and collected back from the respondents. Responses were coded before and decoded after the analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS SoftwareV17.0. The results were determined after the statistically analyzed and concluded that the knowledge was widespread among postgraduates and dental practitioners and variations existed amongst the subjects with respect to age, gender, years of experience, practice type, implant training and their specialization. It was also found that the attitude and practice towards implants and their evidence based knowledge about the same was variable.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on post exposure prophylaxis of Hepatitis among Dental undergraduates and Post-Graduates students at Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai– A Questionnaire Survey

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess under graduates and post graduates knowledge about post-exposure prophylaxis for Hepatitis B virus and to compare the results obtained from both the groups. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2015 using a self-structured questionnaire to collect information from Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai. Results: Knowledge, attitude and practice of post graduates is more followed by interns, final years and third years. Conclusion: Based on the results of this survey, authors concluded that there is lack of knowledge about HBV post-exposure prophylaxis among undergraduates and post graduates. Participation in such workshops must be made mandatory for all dental health care providers.[4]

A Survey on the Number of Annual Clinical Practices in Clinical Internship and Post-graduate Dental Clinical Training at Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital

A Survey on the Number of Annual Clinical Practices in Clinical Internship and Post-graduate Dental Clinical Training at Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital

Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) in chronic periodontitis patients

Introduction: Explorations into the periodontal medicine relationship have discovered interleukin-17 (IL-17) cytokine as one of the pro-inflammatory mediators that play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of the chronic periodontal disease. This case and control study aimed to compare the serum IL-17 concentration between chronic periodontitis and healthy subjects and to assess the relationship between the IL-17 serum and the clinical periodontal parameters in chronic periodontitis patients. Methods: This study was a case-control study. The subjects were selected using purposive sampling method. The periodontal screening assessment in the Family Treatment Center and Postgraduate Dental Clinic, Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital. A total of 55 samples who fit with the inclusion and exclusion study criteria of full-mouth clinical periodontal records together with blood serums were obtained from 28 chronic periodontitis patients and from 27 healthy subjects. The concentration of IL-17 cytokine in serum was measured using ELISA test. Results: Subjects with periodontal disease presented significantly worse clinical parameters (p&lt;0.001) compared to control. The level of serum IL-17 concentration was significantly higher (p=0.026) in chronic periodontitis subjects 3.6 (1.03) pg/mL compared to the control 3.1 (0.70) pg/mL. Conclusions: There was no correlation between the level of IL-17 concentration in the serum and clinical periodontal parameters.

Knowledge, perceived need for education, and willingness to participate in bioterrorism preparedness among students in an indian dental institute: A questionnaire study

Objectives: An act of bioterrorism may compromise the local medical system and require whole of the healthcare workforce. The purpose of the present study was to assess the knowledge, perceived need for education, and willingness to participate in bioterrorism management among students in an Indian dental institute. Materials and Methods: A total of 231 dental students, including undergraduates and postgraduates, participated in this study conducted in the year 2014. Dental students' knowledge, perceived need, and willingness were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: More than 90% of both undergraduate and postgraduate students were willing to provide care during a bioterrorism attack. The actual knowledge was observed to be very low in both groups. Perceived knowledge as well as actual knowledge was statistically higher in the postgraduate group (P

Do different maxillary expansion appliances influence the outcomes of the treatment?

There is no consensus in the literature regarding which rapid maxillary expansion (RME) design or activation rate benefits the patients the most. Therefore, the primary aim of this systematic review was to see whether there is a difference in the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of different RME appliances in children and growing adolescents. The secondary aim was to see whether these effects are different when using different activation protocols for these appliances. The search was done in three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science). The following inclusion criteria were used: randomized controlled trial, prospective controlled studies, 15 or more patients in each study, human subjects up to 18 years of age, and RME effects had to be assessed by computed tomography/cone beam computed tomography. Quality of the methodology was classified according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines as high, moderate, or low. The search resulted in 145 titles and abstracts; 109 of them were excluded based on pre-established criteria. Thirty-six full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 18 of which satisfied the inclusion criteria. Finally, seven articles were deemed eligible for full inclusion and revealed that all appliances and protocols showed significant expansion in the mid-palatal suture. No evidence was found for the cause of dental tipping. In this systematic review, having different age groups in each study and using different anatomical landmarks and outcome measures for assessing the skeletal and dental effects made it difficult to conduct a meta-analysis. There is moderate evidence that all designs produce significant expansion at the mid-palatal suture. However, lack of studies comparing appliances and protocols has been found. Finally, no evidence-based conclusions could be drawn about the appliance effect on teeth tipping. No appliance appears to be superior when it comes to expansion in the mid-palatal suture. Therefore, the tooth-borne appliance might be preferable until further high-quality studies conclude otherwise. The project was funded through the Department of Orthodontics, Postgraduate Dental Education Center, Region Örebro County, Örebro, Sweden. This systematic review was not registered in any external databases.

Comparisons and reference of dental education between the United Kingdom and China

Dental education in United Kingdom has been amongst the best in the world with years of experience. General Dental Council (GDC) is the sole competent authority for dentistry in the UK. GDC produces guidance on dental education and lead the inspections and monitoring for dental schools. Postgraduate Dental Deans are responsible for the provision and quality management of the education and training of dental graduates during 2 years' foundation training and 3-5 years' specialty training. There are similarities between UK dental education system and Chinese system in school education and continuing education. It is worthy of reference for the dental education in China in terms of the training system of dental residents and specialists in the United kingdom. Key words: Dental education; Dental education system; UK dental education

Awareness and Competency Assessment of Dental Post Graduates in Managing Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies are common during dental care and its management is crucial and can be life-saving. It is essential to train the students effectively in managing any kind of medical emergencies and the training to be considered an essential component of dental student curriculum. There is paucity of studies related to assessment of medical emergencies knowledge and competence levels among dental postgraduates in our environment. Thus, the present study was planned to assess the level of knowledge and competency of dental post graduate students in management of medical emergencies. Thirty four dental post graduate students participated in the study and were requested to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the knowledge of frequency and type of medical emergencies encountered, type of training for medical emergencies, knowledge of essential emergency drugs and confidence in performing emergency management procedures. The data was collected and tabulated. The scoring was analysed using SPSS 16.0 software. Results showed that syncope was the most common encountered emergency. Knowledge about emergency drugs was inadequate and confidence in performing life-saving procedures was very low. Only 50% participants have received training but most of them (97.1%) still feel that they are inefficient in managing a medical emergency and feel the need for undergoing further emergency management training. Overall findings suggest that knowledge and competence in medical emergency management among dental postgraduates was insufficient and its proper practical training should be an essential part of dental curriculum. This will help the students cope with the unforeseen incidents which can arise in a dental setup and can save life of patients in case of serious situations.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists Toward Bioterrorism Awareness in Dhule (Maharashtra, India): A Cross-sectional Survey

Introduction: Bioterrorism, as a major health problem, has received lots of attention in the recent years. It is the intentional use of microorganisms and toxins to produce disease and death in humans, livestock, and crops; their attraction in war and their use in terrorist attacks are attributed to various unique features. Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude of graduate dentists and postgraduate dentists toward bioterrorism in Dhule city, Maharashtra (India). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included graduate dentists and postgraduate dentists in Dhule, Maharashtra, India. The list of dentists of Dhule city was obtained from the Indian Dental Association office, Dhule branch. Among 110 dentists practicing in Dhule city, 97 responded. A structured, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 15 closed-ended questions was employed. The information regarding age, gender, and profession (specialty branch) was collected. The data were tabulated and subjected to analysis using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: Statistically significant difference was seen when knowledge and attitude of dentists and dentists with postgraduate qualification toward bioterrorism were compared (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dentists with postgraduate qualification have better knowledge and attitude toward bioterrorism as compared to graduate dentists. Most of the dentists felt the need to educate the public regarding suspected bioterrorist attack, and they were willing to do so and had the confidence that it was preventable.