Dental Process Research Articles

AI-based Open-Source Software for Cephalometric Analysis and Predicting Full FOV Values from Low FOV Radiographs

BackgroundArtificial Intelligence (AI) in dental diagnostics is evolving, offering innovative approaches for conducting cephalometric analysis with less manual input and overcoming the limitations of traditional imaging methods. To enhance the diagnostic processes in dentistry, an open-source software that utilises AI to improve the extraction of cephalometric values from limited field of view (FOV) images was created. Material and MethodsReduced FOV images lack several vital cephalometric landmarks, prompting the creation of predictive models to estimate missing values. The GridSearchCV algorithm and other algorithms were used to construct predictive models using software and to select the best models. The software was validated by comparing the predicted values with the actual measurements and calculating the mean squared error using Excel. Further validation involved a randomly selected cohort of 25 untreated orthodontic cases. ResultsEvaluation of the software showed that it was effective in accurately predicting key cephalometric measurements, suggesting that it could be a reliable tool for clinical use. However, some variations were noted in its predictive accuracy across different measurements, indicating areas that could benefit from further development. The software could align closely with the actual cephalometric measurements through detailed statistical analysis. ConclusionsThe integration of AI into cephalometric analysis with the software could represent progress, potentially leading to more efficient dental diagnostics and a reduction in the need for additional X-rays. This study aimed to advance the integration and refinement of AI in healthcare, focusing on minimising bias and understanding its impact on clinical decisions. In future studies, the application of AI in dental practice should be expanded to address these challenges. Clinical Significance StatementThis software integrates AI into clinical practice to enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic phases for patient benefit. It enables precise and comprehensive cephalometric analyses using data previously considered insufficient, thereby reducing the need for X-rays and improving patient care.

Comparative study to evaluate the subtractive and additive process in dentistry: a systematic review

The objective of this study was focused on carrying out an analysis on the main contributions of additive manufacturing in dental pieces and the benefits of this procedure in dentistry, as well as establishing the advantages and limitations that this modality entails. The research was based on a systematic review with adaptability to Prisma and Tranfield methodology, through which the impact of additive manufacturing in dental clinics and in the various clients who acquire the pieces in terms of taste and adherence to product, likewise, in terms of contribution to knowledge, the study remains as a precedent for other investigations that are carried out later on this topic. Articles published in the last five years from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were reviewed. The process was developed through inclusion and exclusion criteria, wherein its final instance the material criteria, type of printing, and post-processing were reviewed, to which a final filter was made that yielded the articles for review of the literature. This project contributes to the knowledge of the processes that are carried out in additive manufacturing in dental pieces, the advantages and disadvantages, thus leaving a precedent for the adherence of dental clinics to this method.

Implantação dos programas de Residência de Medicina de Família e Comunidade e Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família de Campo Grande-MS, Brasil

Abstract Although there is an increase in the number of medical residency vacancies in family and community medicine, there is still poor distribution. These residency programs present cooperation with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation through actions based on and applicable in practice, with the innovation of assistance technologies. Results show growth in the evolution of medical, nursing and dental care, with percentages of 86.94%, 81.97%, 81.80% and 66.00%, respectively. Improving the quality of records, changing the work process in dentistry and empowering nursing, with care protocols, are the main results.

Resin Matrix CAD/CAM Materials

CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. CAD/CAM systems are used to speed up the design and production process in dentistry. With three-dimensional design and milling, various restorations can be fabricated without the need for a physical model. It is possible to scan the oral cavity and take digital impressions. The restoration can be designed with the software's help and fabricated in a shorter time without laboratory stages. In addition, the mechanical strength and edge compatibility of the restorations are improved and the fabrication of aesthetic restorations is aimed. CAD/CAM technology offers advantages such as time savings, elimination of potential errors, ease of use, and treatment quality. With the increasing demand for CAD/CAM restorations, various materials have been developed. Nowadays, CAD/CAM materials are widely available on the market and restorations can be produced from prefabricated blocks and discs. In this review, resin matrix CAD/CAM materials, which are relatively new on the market and claimed to have some positive properties for dental restorations, are described.

Consent for the paediatric patient

Introduction Obtaining valid consent is a fundamental process in dentistry. Written consent must be obtained where treatment involves conscious sedation or general anaesthesia. For children, consent may be provided by a person with parental responsibility (PR). Methods A retrospective evaluation was completed of 160 children over 2 UK hospital sites with paediatric services. Cases involving conscious sedation or general anaesthesia for dental treatment were selected. Data were obtained to establish whether it was documented that the correct person had provided consent for a child and whether all possible individuals with PR for the child were identified at the initial visit. UK national legislation and guidance was reviewed, from which a PR form (to determine PR status for a child) was created and implemented. A second evaluation was subsequently completed, again with 160 children. Results Combined data from both sites confirmed documentation of an appropriate person providing consent in 127 cases (79%) in the first evaluation. This improved to 155 cases (97%) following implementation of the PR form. All possible individuals who had PR for the child were identified at the initial visit in 35 cases (22%). This improved to 139 cases (87%) following the introduction of the PR form. Conclusions Use of a PR form improved documentation regarding valid consent for children.

Digitally designed casting ring and sprue system - a contemporary approach to the casting process in dentistry

The current paper aims to present a new casting approach in dentistry by eliminating some conventional preliminary procedures and digitalising the process as much as possible.The experiment uses six digital crown patterns. They are aligned with each other and to the wall of a virtual casting ring. Then a digital sprue system is created. The object alignment and sizes are revised, and the optimal correlation is set. Finally, a single virtual object is created and is 3D printed of light curing acrylic resin suitable for casting, invested, and cast.The castings that are achieved have good quality and no defects. At the same time, the virtual designing and aligning of the patterns and all the components of the sprue system and casting ring save much time and allows better precision to be achieved. All these facts allow better control of the casting process results, making the process faster, more predictable, and more accurate.The limitations of this study concerns pattern selection. It is well-known that the acrylic resin sublimates and expands massively during a temperature rise, which may cause mould fracture. This obstacle is very representative as solid objects with higher volumes are examined. This may enforce alignment revision or even temperature rate modification.Suggested approach will be very useful for daily dental laboratory practice by optimizing the working time of the dental technician, making the denture production process faster, more predictable, and more accurate. As a result, the process optimizes the working process in dental offices, by allowing shortening the time of each visit and treatment plan terms.Presented approach reveals some new opportunities for dental technicians to substitute the conventional raw stages of sprue system fabrication with digital planning and designing. This allows dental technicians to take advantage of the full potential of digital technologies.

Influence of Block Copolymer Concentration and Resin Crosslink Density on the Properties of UV‐Curable Methacrylate Resin Systems

AbstractAdditive manufacturing is on the verge of replacing established processes in dentistry, as it offers the possibility of manufacturing individual parts simply and cost‐effectively. Due to its suitability for a wide variety of materials and, above all, its high precision, the focus is currently on stereolithographic processes. Intrinsic brittleness of the used multifunctional acrylic monomers remains however one of the major challenges. One promising concept is the use of block copolymers (BCPs) guaranteeing minor effects on 3D‐printing processing and UV‐curing due to initially at least partial solubility, and hence low viscosity impact. A polycaprolactone‐polysiloxane (PCL‐PDMS‐PCL) triblock copolymer is synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization of caprolactone and used in radical UV‐cured methacrylic resin systems. Small angle X‐ray scattering measurements reveal the self‐assembly of the BCPs to objects of around 20 nm prior to curing. Subsequently, thermo‐mechanical characterization is carried out by dynamic mechanical analysis, flexural testing, and fracture toughness measurements (KIC). Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy micrographs show a homogenous distribution of the BCPs and effective toughening via cavitation and shear yielding. The influence of the crosslink density on the toughness and the high effectiveness of block copolymers for improving fracture toughness is clearly shown.

Modeling the Relationship Between Tooth Color and Skin Color in Equations to Predict Tooth Color.

BackgroundColor selection for discolored teeth or for edentulous patients is a subjective process in dentistry. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no objective method for tooth color selection for edentulous patients. Several studies have investigated the relationship between tooth color and skin color and the ability to use skin color as a guide to select tooth color in dental rehabilitation cases. The objective of this study was to find and model the relationship between tooth color and skin color in equations to be able to predict tooth color by assessing skin color.MethodologyThis study was done on 150 participants with equal gender distribution. Digital photography with soft boxes and strobe lights were used to measure tooth and skin color. Digital photography was performed in a dark room with controlled and measured lighting sources and strength. A calibration board was used to create two calibration profiles in software. All photos were calibrated in Adobe Lightroom software. Then, color measurement was done using Adobe Photoshop software in the Commission International de I’Eclarirage (CIELab) system.ResultsThere were positive significant relationships in color spaces L* and a* between tooth color and skin color, and an inverted significant relationship in color space b* between tooth and skin. Three equations with excellent reliability were formulated in this study to predict tooth color by assessing skin color.ConclusionsThe relationship between tooth color and skin color was modeled in three equations. For edentulous patients, this research might be useful in detecting the proper tooth color and transferring the CIELab color data to dental technicians for further processing. Computerized shade matching and prediction dental software may be designed using these equations.

Effect of printing layer thickness on the trueness of 3-unit interim fixed partial dentures

Statement of problemThree-dimensional printing has facilitated the fabrication processes in dentistry. However, knowledge on the effect of layer thickness on the trueness of 3D printed fixed partial dentures (FPDs) is lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effect of printing layer thickness on the trueness of 3-unit interim FPDs fabricated by using additive manufacturing with that of those fabricated by subtractive manufacturing. Material and methodsThe right first premolar and first molar teeth of a dentate mandibular model were prepared for a 3-unit restoration and then digitized by using an intraoral scanner. A 3-unit interim FPD was designed to fabricate 40 restorations by using either the additive (NextDent C&B MFH) with layer thicknesses of 20 μm (n=10), 50 μm (n=10), and 100 μm (n=10) or subtractive manufacturing technique (Upcera) (milled, n=10). After fabrication, the interim FPDs were digitized by using the same intraoral scanner and were superimposed over the design data by using a 3D analysis software program. Root mean square (RMS) was used to analyze the trueness of the restorations at 4 different surfaces (external, intaglio, marginal area, and intaglio occlusal) and as a complete unit (overall). Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni correction (α=.05). ResultsThe 100-μm-layer thickness interim FPDs showed the greatest overall (P≤.015), external (P≤.021), and intaglio occlusal (P≤.021) deviations, whereas the milled interim FPDs showed the lowest (P=.001). No significant differences were found among the test groups for marginal RMS (P≥.108). The differences between the 50-μm-layer thickness and 100-μm-layer thickness interim FPDs for the intaglio surface deviations (P=.064) and between the 20-μm-layer thickness and 50-μm-layer thickness interim FPDs for each surface tested were not statistically significant (P≥.108). ConclusionsThe printing layer thickness had a significant effect on the trueness of the additively manufactured interim FPDs. However, subtractively manufactured interim FPDs presented higher trueness than those additively manufactured, regardless of the printing layer thickness.

Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Human Bone Healing in Dentistry: A Systematic Review.

Background: Despite the association, possible causality, and contradictory results, numerous studies evaluate photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on the process of human bone healing. It is of paramount importance to review the available literature to elucidate the effect of laser on the bone healing process in dentistry. Objective: This systematic review analyzes the effectiveness of PBM therapy to improve bone healing in dentistry. Methods: A systematic search of studies published up to September 2021 and listed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020212790). Twenty-five studies were selected. Results: The most used device was diode laser. PBM therapy parameters varied greatly. From the 25 selected studies, 17 had the primary outcome bone healing. Of these, 11 studies revealed improvement in bone healing with PBM therapy and six studies suggested no effect. The other eight studies evaluated secondary parameters. In seven studies, some of the clinical parameters were improved with the PBM therapy. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this systematic review, bone healing in dentistry was improved with the use of PBM. PBM therapy can promote anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, improve healing, as well as enhance quality of life related to oral health. Within the areas analyzed in dentistry, laser parameters varied greatly, becoming difficult to consider a definite protocol as a proper one.

Metabolismo das bactérias

Estudo e descrição do metabolismo das bactérias. Subsídios e material de estudo para os alunos que cursem as disciplinas de Microbiologia nos cursos de Odontologia. Associação de fenômenos metabólicos das bactérias com os processos patológicos mais comuns em Odontologia: cárie com suas consequências e doença periodontal.

Lexicogrammatical aspects in English for dentistry acquisition materials

In the 21st century, globalization and massive migration have increased the global demand for effective transnational communication skills in English in the health care workplace and academic contexts, including dentistry. English for Dentistry falls under the umbrella of English for Specific Purposes (ESP): this refers to teaching and learning English as a foreign language in a particular domain. While the role of grammar acquisition in ESP courses is often understated in the key theoretical literature on ESP, this article highlights the importance of lexicogrammatical knowledge. Dentistry students and practitioners in Latvia highly value the accuracy in communication since the knowledge of various syntactic and morphological rules of grammar and their use in the dentistry-related context contribute to the accuracy required in the performance of different communicative tasks, for instance, asking for, explaining, and providing information, giving instructions. Besides, if dentists are unable, for example, to explain a diagnosis, agree on treatment options with the patient in a meaningfully accurate way, the dentist’s authority may be undermined, resulting in unsuccessful communication. The case study reports on the tasks employing lexicogrammatical strategies in the material “Dentistry and Language Integrated Learning”, which has been developed by the authors of this article working in close collaboration with individual academic staff at the the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Latvia. The material piloted amongst both dentistry practitioners and students suggests that the applied strategies of morphological derivation, for instance, recognizing and building new words by gaining control of affixation devices, can be considered as useful tools in the new lexeme meaning-making process in dentistry. As a result, this study has attempted to support the assumption that ESP and content and language integrated learning (or CLIL) are compatible and can be efficiently mastered in the professional discourse development process.

Conceptualizing the clinical decision-making process in managing temporomandibular disorders: A qualitative study.

Management of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) appears to be more challenging than for other dental conditions. This study aimed to explore the decision-making process in TMD management, and thereby to conceptualize the decision-making process in dentistry. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted during 2018 and 2019 with a purposive sample of 22 general dental practitioners from the Public Dental Healthcare Services and private practices in the Region of Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. The interviews were analysed using the Grounded Theory approach of Charmaz. Data analysis resulted in the core category 'Combining own competence and others' expectations in the desire to do the right thing'. The dentists showed interest in and a desire to apply professional knowledge, but also reflected on challenges and complexity in the decision-making process for TMD. The challenges were primarily related to organisational factors and lack of self-confidence. This identifies a need for re-organisation of daily clinical management in dentistry, and a need for more postgraduate training to improve self-confidence. The complexity of the decision-making process for TMD makes the study findings applicable in other dental situations.

Effect of photobiomodulation in secondary intention gingival wound healing\u2014a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPhotobiomodulation is widely being used to improve the wound healing process in dentistry and a vast majority of studies have proven its benefits. But there are plenty of knowledge gaps according to the optimal laser characteristics which should be used to maximize the healing effects of lasers. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) as an adjunctive treatment to periodontal therapies to evaluate secondary intention gingival wound healing and post-operative pain.MethodsFive databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Sciences) were searched up to November 30, 2020, for clinical trials that reported the result of the application of PBM on secondary gingival healing wounds and post-operative pain and discomfort after periodontal surgeries. Two independent reviewers selected the eligible studies and the outcomes of interest were extracted. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.ResultsUltimately, twelve studies were included in this review. The application of PBM as an adjunct to periodontal surgeries resulted in a significant improvement in wound healing indices. The Landry wound healing index at the 7th post-operative day was significantly improved (SMD = 1.044 [95% CI 0.62–1.46]; p < 0.01) in PBM + surgery groups compared to the control groups. There was also a statistically significant increase in the complete wound epithelialization (RR = 3.23 [95% CI 1.66–6.31]; p < 0.01) at the 14th post-operative day compared to the control groups. The methods used to assess the post-operative pain were heterogeneous, and therefore the results were limited which made the meta-analysis for post-operative pain assessment not possible.ConclusionBased on the results of this review, PBM can be effectively used as a method to improve secondary intention wound healing. High-quality randomized clinical trials, however, are needed in the future to identify the optimal PBM irradiation parameters and the effect of PBM on post-operative pain.

Economic and Clinical Impact of Digitally Produced Dentures.

Digital denture technology has been gradually moving to the mainstream of dentistry over the last 25 years. Implementation of a four-step system utilizing in-house CAD/CAM milling technology may create cost savings for the clinical program in a dental university setting. An analysis was completed to evaluate the cost savings, if any, of fabricating complete dentures digitally versus traditionally through an outside lab. A large clinic at a North American dental school began fabricating digital dentures in 2019 utilizing the four-step Ivoclar system. A combination of 3D printing and CAD/CAM milling produced multiple denture products used in the steps of the digital process, including the final milled complete denture. A significant cost savings was achieved, both in terms of material cost and in chair time cost when compared to traditional laboratory fabricated complete dentures. A large clinic at a North American dental school introduced digital denture technology into the student clinical experience. This digital technology has created a cost-saving benefit when fabricating digital dentures. Using 3D printing for the preliminary steps resulted in substantial cost savings. Fewer visits to complete the denture fabrication steps, along with fewer postinsertion visits, added further savings. Patient satisfaction with the digital denture process has been consistently high, as has student and faculty satisfaction with the final product.

Мікробний склад повітря кабінетів стоматологічного профілю як фактор поширення внутрішньолікарняних інфекцій

The air environment of medical institutions plays a significant role in the spread of pathogens of a number of nosocomial infections, primarily coagulase-positive staphylococci, as well as respiratory viruses and pathogens of some mycoses. Nowadays, in the epidemiological situation regarding Covid-19, more and more attention is paid to the issues of microbiological assessment of air quality in medical institutions. The constant circulation of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora and the associated potential risk of infection of medical personnel is due to the specifics of the work process in dentistry. The purpose of this study was to conduct a sanitary-microbiological study of the air. Material and methods. Sampling was carried out by sedimentation method in 14 offices of dental clinics. Petri dishes with nutrient media, meat peptone agar and bile salt agar were placed on a horizontal surface at the level of human respiratory organs. The number of microorganisms grown on the nutrient medium was counted after 24 hours of incubation. Results and discussion. The obtained results showed that in the studied premises, the total microbial count varied from 756±0.8 Colony-forming units /1m3 to 6497±3.4 CFU / 1m3. Thus, only in 4 rooms the air was clean according to microbiological criteria, in 3 - questionable and in - 6 polluted. Analysis of the presence of sanitary-indicative microorganisms showed that S. aureus was not detected in 2 rooms in the air, in others - the amount of staphylococcus varied from 2 to 8 CFU / 1m3. Microscopic fungi were not detected in only 4 rooms. In other rooms, the number of microscopic fungi varied from 12 to 345 CFU/m3. Microbial air pollution is the greatest danger in medical institutions, especially infectious, surgical, burn and maternity wards, as it plays a leading role in the spread of nosocomial infections. At the same time, dental institutions pose a special danger in terms of the high prevalence of microorganisms in the air. Formation of aerosols consisting of small drops of oil, saliva, water, dust, manure, blood, microorganisms when working with high-speed turbines, drills, ultrasonic devices. Aerosols can be kept in the breathing zone of the doctor and the patient for up to 30 minutes and spread over a distance of up to 50-80 cm. When using water cooling, the diameter of the aerosol cloud reaches two meters. Conclusion. The systematic assessment of the air environment in dental offices and the development of a system of effective monitoring and measures to prevent aerogenic transmission of infectious diseases is of particular importance. The development of recommendations for the organization of nosocomial infections prevention in dental institutions is a promising task to be solved

Efficacy of color discrimination tests used in dentistry.

To evaluate the efficacy of visual discrimination tests used for color research in dentistry. Volunteers (N=120) were divided in three groups of observers (n=40; gender-balanced): S-dental students; D-dentists; and L-laypersons. Two general color discrimination tests (I-Ishihara and FM-Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue) and the test of color discrimination competency in dentistry using the VITA Classical shade guide (VC) were performed and data were recorded according to manufacturers' or literature recommendations. Data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test for the gender influence and Kruskal-Wallis test for the observer influence, and Bonferroni as post-hoc test (α=0.05). Pearson (α=0.05) was used to examine the correlation among visual tests (I, FM, and VC). Observers and visual tests were not influenced by gender (P > .05). Different observer groups had no influence on I test (P > .05). S and D showed similar level of color perception using FM and VC (P > .05), but these observers showed greater color perception than L (P ≤ .05). FM and VC also showed significant correlation (P ≤ .05) for the overall D observers (r=-0.362), male D (r=-0.594) and female S (r=-0.457). Observer experience significantly influenced on color perception, irrespective of gender. FM test showed greater correlation to color correspondence in dentistry (VC) than I test. Observer experience is more relevant than gender for the color selection process in dentistry. Considering the visual discrimination tests for color research in dentistry, the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test seems to be more efficacious than the Ishihara test.

A Virtual 3D Dynamic Model of Caries Lesion Progression as a Learning Object for Caries Detection Training and Teaching: Video Development Study

BackgroundIn the last decade, 3D virtual models have been used for educational purposes in the health sciences, specifically for teaching human anatomy and pathology. These models provide an opportunity to didactically visualize key spatial relations that can be poorly understood when taught by traditional educational approaches. Caries lesion detection is a crucial process in dentistry that has been reported to be difficult to learn. One especially difficult aspect is linking clinical characteristics of the different severity stages with their histological features, which is fundamental for treatment decision-making.ObjectiveThis project was designed to develop a virtual 3D digital model of caries lesion formation and progression to aid the detection of lesions at different severity stages as a potential complement to traditional lectures.MethodsPedagogical planning, including identification of objectives, exploration of the degree of difficulty of caries diagnosis–associated topics perceived by dental students and lecturers, review of the literature regarding key concepts, and consultation of experts, was performed prior to constructing the model. An educational script strategy was created based on the topics to be addressed (dental tissues, biofilm stagnation areas, the demineralization process, caries lesion progression on occlusal surfaces, clinical characteristics related to different stages of caries progression, and histological correlations). Virtual 3D models were developed using the Virtual Man Project and refined using multiple 3D software applications. In the next phase, computer graphic modelling and previsualization were executed. After that, the video was revised and edited based on suggestions. Finally, explanatory subtitles were generated, the models were textured and rendered, and voiceovers in 3 languages were implemented.ResultsWe developed a 6-minute virtual 3D dynamic video in 3 languages (English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese) intended for dentists and dental students to support teaching and learning of caries lesion detection. The videos were made available on YouTube; to date, they have received more than 100,000 views.ConclusionsComplementary pedagogical tools are valuable to support cariology education. This tool will be further tested in terms of utility and usability as well as user satisfaction in achieving the proposed objectives in specific contexts.

The (in)adequacy of translational research in dentistry.

Translational research, as the name suggests, "translates" research findings into clinical practice to improve the health of human beings. The translational process builds on information from experiments conducted at a basic level (i.e., in vitro and/or animal studies) and progresses over experimental human studies for efficacy, efficiency, and safety to implementation. Therefore, all steps in the process should be based on studies conducted with the highest methodological quality possible in order to provide accurate and useful information. Furthermore, the systematic dissemination of new procedures/techniques should be done only when they have been proven to be effective and safe. This focus article describes examples of new techniques/procedures in dentistry that have not resulted from an adequate translational research process since the initial evidence was published. These procedures are generally characterised by lack of good evidence, particularly on their potential harms, and lack of adequate chronological order, regarding the translational research process (i.e., human research being conducted before animal research). Even so, they seem to be widely disseminated, and their promotion involves a wide range of sources, including social media. Some guidance is proposed to improve the quality of the translational research process in dentistry, as well as the level of awareness of all parties involved with the use of this research: clinicians, researchers, and patients. By improving the translational research process, optimization of the application and use of these resources, with less risk to the patients, is expected.

Clinical Evaluation of Maxillary Arch Complete Denture Impressions Made by Undergraduate Students in a Dental College

Introduction: An accurate impression is the foundation of denture fabrication process thus a practitioner should be aware of the possibility of including errors during this procedure. Time spent in making a good impression will reduce the time required in adjusting the final prosthesis as well as make it more comfortable for the patient in accepting the prosthesis.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Maxillary arch final impressions made by undergraduate dental students on 106 edentulous patients were evaluated. The impressions were assessed on the basis of criteria’s like errors on mixing, flow, tray positioning, presence of voids, creases/irregularities, exposure of tissue stops and extension at posterior border. The data’s collected were analyzed for the frequency of occurrence and distribution of each type of errors.&#x0D; Results: It was found that 97.2% of students performed at least one detectable error during making of maxillary arch final impression. The number of errors made by students ranged from single to as much as seven errors in one impression. The most common error was lack of exposure of all tissue stops followed by presence of voids and creases/irregularities on impression surface.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is high possibility of including errors while making maxillary arch final impression by undergraduate dental students. The study highlights the need to explore novel techniques of clinical demonstrations and teaching important concepts to learning students. The inclusion of more pre-clinical exercises in undergraduate curriculum relating to manipulation of dental materials may improve skills of students in making accurate edentulous impressions.