Senior Dental Students Research Articles

Dental hygiene students' matching accuracy when comparing antemortem dental radiographs and oral photographs to simulated postmortem WinID3® odontograms.

Matching dental antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) data for human identification is especially challenging when the workforce is limited. Dental hygienists have served mass fatality incidents (MFIs) due to dental-related expertise. However, forensics within dental hygiene education and research on transferable skills is limited. This qualitative balance design study assessed senior dental hygiene students' match accuracy of simulated cases varying in dental identifiers based on AM full mouth series (FMS) radiographs and oral photographs to PM WinID3® odontograms to demonstrate possible disaster victim identification (DVI) transferable skills gained during formal education. A convenience sample of senior dental hygiene students (n=31) was presented information on WinID3® interpretation, then presented with 5 mismatched cases and asked to visually interpret each to make 10 total matches; five based on AM FMS with simulated PM WinID3® odontograms and five based on AM photographs with PM WinID3® odontograms. Match accuracy scores ranged from 41.9% to 58.1% for cases with 1-10 identifiers, and 77.4% to 93.5% for cases with 11-40 identifiers. Accuracy when matching AM radiographs to PM odontograms versus AM photographs to PM odontograms was compared and revealed no statistical differences in match accuracy depending on image type (p=0.388 to 1.000). Results of this pilot study suggests transferable match accuracy skills resulted from the participants' dental hygiene formal education. These baseline skills with additional specialized training support the rationale for dental hygienists serving on DVI teams. More research is needed in education and practice when preparing dental hygienists for forensic-based service.

Knowledge and awareness on pneumoconiosis among dental technicians and senior dental technology students in Saudi Arabia.

Dental technicians' pneumoconiosis is a condition that causes interstitial inflammation and fibrosis as a result of complex drug exposure. Therefore, it is of interest to assess and evaluate the knowledge and awareness about pneumoconiosis and other respiratory disorders among dental technicians and dental technology students in Saudi Arabia. A cross sectional survey was conducted on convenient sample of 300 senior dental technician students and dental technicians from Saudi Arabia and informed consent was obtained. The participants were approached through online questionnaire using Google forms. Questions were related to the socio-demographic data, knowledge and awareness of the students and the practicing dental technicians and their willingness to learn about pneumoconiosis. Final year undergraduate, interns and Dental technicians were included, undergraduate students without practical knowledge and experience and participants with history of respiratory disease were excluded from the study. Questions were assessed by face validity. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Descriptive statistics was calculated. 34.8% of the study group were not aware of the term and don't know about the etiology of pneumoconiosis. Pearson correlation was significant in terms of awareness difference between males and females and females had less awareness compared to males.

Professional motivations and perceptions of senior dental students in the distance education period during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dental students are particularly prone to be affected by the global emergency of Coronavirus-19 (Covid-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the professional motivations and perceptions of senior dental students during the distance education period due to pandemic. The data was collected via an online questionnaire, including questions related to students' professional motivation and perceptions, and views about preventive dentistry. For identifying the distress levels, Turkish version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)-21 was used. Descriptive statistics and marginal homogeneity test were used for statistical analysis. A total of 114 (83 female, 31 male) students, with the mean age of 23.7±1.03 participated the study. Statistically significant changes were observed on the students' career plans (p<0.001); fear about getting and transmitting infectious diseases (p<0.001); and satisfaction about their profession (p<0.001) during the Covid-19 pandemic. Motivation loss was determined on the participants. There is an urgent need for revision on dental education in order to ensure the students be competent to provide oral health service that can meet the latest needs and achieve professional self-confidence without deterioration on their professional motivation and perceptions. Crisis-oriented psychological support programs should be provided for students. Some improvements should be structured in terms of preventive dentistry issues, both for dental education and dental health service aspects.

Assessment of Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Thinking among Dental Students

Introduction This study aimed to investigate dental students' clinical reasoning and diagnostic thinking ability by key feature test and “diagnostic thinking inventory” questionnaire. Methods The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The participants consisted of 61 senior dental students. Clinical reasoning and diagnostic thinking were assessed by key feature tests and the “diagnostic thinking inventory” “DTI” questionnaire, respectively. The “diagnostic thinking inventory” was developed by Bordage et al. in France and consisted of 41 questions on a 6-point Likert scale. The satisfaction of students was assessed through a 10-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 with descriptive tests (mean, SD, and percentage), student independent T-test, and Pearson correlation. The significance level was determined at p < 0.05. Results The mean scores of the key feature test were 56.55 ± 7.80. Diagnostic thinking scores of learners were reported in diagnostic thinking 136.47 ± 16.45, flexibility in thinking 72.22 ± 11.15, and structure of memory 64.24 ± 7.84. The difference in students' scores in flexibility in thinking was significantly higher among male students than female students. (p-value = 0.04). The students' satisfaction scores were 3.53 ± 0.52, which showed relative satisfaction. Conclusion The participants' clinical reasoning and diagnostic thinking skills were reported at a low level. This issue emphasizes the need for training to enhance diagnostic thinking and clinical reasoning in dental education. Formative evaluation and reform of the educational programs of this course should be considered.

Assessment of Knowledge of Senior Dental Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences on Medical Emergencies

Introduction: Medical emergencies during dental treatment are likely to occur. The ability of a dentist to manage medical emergencies requires sufficient knowledge and information. The purpose of this study was to survey the level of knowledge of the undergraduate dental students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences on medical emergencies.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: In the cross-sectional study in 2019, 60 senior dental students at the University of Medical Sciences of Isfahan were evaluated. A questionnaire was used for data collection with confirmed validity and reliability. Data was analyzed with correlation coefficients and independent t-test with level of significance at 0.05.&#x0D; Results: Participants' overall knowledge scores were 7.53 ± 2.58 out of 12. There wasn’t a significant difference between the knowledge of male and female students (p value = 0.72). Also this study revealed a relative relationship between students' medical emergencies score and their knowledge on emergencies (p value &lt; 0.001, r = 0.48).&#x0D; Conclusion: The knowledge status of senior dental students on medical emergencies was not desirable. It is recommended that more educational content like theoretical classes and practical workshops should be considered for dental students.

Evaluation of Prosthetic Procedural Skills in Senior Dental Students Using the Self-Assessment Method

Introduction: Student self-assessment is one of the methods of assessing procedural skills that complements existing assessments in dentistry. This study was designed to evaluate prosthetic procedural skills in senior dental students using the self-assessment method. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the level of practical skills of 127 senior dental students of Yazd, Esfahan and Kashan faculties were selected and their procedural skills were assessed by a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed through content validity and its reliability through Cronbach's alpha test (r=0.8).To analyze the data, SPSS 16 statistical software and t-test, Chi-square, ANOVA and non-parametric statistical tests were used at the significance level of 0.05. Results: Dental students with a mean age of (25.15 ±1.74) were included in this study. The mean of procedural skills score was 115.51 ±11.78 out of 175, which was at an average level. Procedural skills score was not significantly associated with age, gender, marriage, entrance exam rank, university, the level of anxiety during prosthetic application (P&gt;0.05), but the mean score of procedural skills in complete and partial prosthesis was significantly higher in people who interested in prosthesis (P˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Due to the limitations of the present study, the procedural skills levels in dental prosthesis of senior dental students of Yazd, Esfahan and Kashan faculties was evaluated at an average level. Revision of curriculum- based teaching methods in clinical departments and implementation of new methods for evaluating procedural skills such as DOPS test can be effective in improving the level of clinical skills of learners.

Evaluation of split-cast techniques for remounting casts on adental articulator: A survey and an in vitro study.

This study aimed to investigate the difference between senior dental students and prosthodontic faculty members regarding their opinions, attitudes and adoption of six split-cast techniques for remounting complete dentures. The accuracy of each technique for measurements of the vertical and the anteroposterior dimensions was assessed. Six split-cast techniques to remove the casts were compared. A total of 115 participants removed a set of casts on six different articulators, and a questionnaire survey was administered. A digital Vernier caliper was used to measure the linear dimensional changes between the laterally pindexed references on each cast. The data were statistically analysed at α= 0.05. There were significant differences between senior dental students and prosthodontic faculty members in their responses regarding adoption of daily practice and techniques requiring more skill (p=.001). To adopt a specific technique in daily practice, most students and faculty members chose long round die pins (36.4%) and central groove indexing (CGI; 40.7%), respectively. For techniques requiring more skills, most students and faculty members chose long rectangular die pins (30.7%) and short round dowel pins (33.3%), respectively. Dental students preferred ShRP, whilst faculty members preferred LReP. All participants considered CGI to be the easiest amongst the techniques. For comparison with baseline measurements, both senior dental students and prosthodontic faculty members considered side notch indexing and double dowel pins to be the most accurate techniques for vertical measurements, and CGI for anteroposterior measurements.

Knowledge and Practice of General Dentists and Senior Dental Students of Isfahan in Dental drug Prescription

Introduction: Proper diagnosis and administration of medication is one of the main aspect of treatment done by healthcare workers, such as dentists. Therefore, they should have enough knowledge, act precisely regarding the drug selection, dosage, and duration of treatment. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of the senior dentistry students and general dentists in Isfahan.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: The present descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional study was done on 99 senior dentistry students and 89 general dentists in 2018 in Isfahan. The questionnaire of this study contained 3 parts, including demographic details and information on knowledge and practice. The obtained data were analyzed with T-test, One-way ANOVA, and Spearman correlation (p value &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Results: The knowledge of the dentists and students at the poor level comprised (2.2% and 3% respectively), in moderate (82% and 82.9%) and in good (15.8% and 14.1%), respectively and for practice, for low (7.9% and 5%), moderate (84.2% and 89.6%) and good (7.9% and 8.1%), respectively. The practice of both dentist (p value &lt; 0.001,r = 0.417) and students (p value = 0.03, r = 0.213) was remarkably associated with their knowledge. The comparison of the knowledge (p value = 0.30) and practice (p value = 0.33) between dentists and students showed no statistical difference.&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the result of this study, it seems that conducting further training programs and making educational pamphlets on drug prescription can help increase the knowledge and practice of dentist dentistry student.&#x0D;

Are Iranian graduating dental students prepared to act as future role models of good oral health behaviour? A 10-year study.

Dentists by their professional knowledge of prevention have a key role in providing a positive role model for oral health-promoting behaviours. We aimed to investigate the health behaviour of Iranian senior dental students in terms of oral self-care and tobacco use during a 10-year period to assess their preparedness to act as role models for health-promoting behaviours. The study was performed in six dental schools selected through stratified cluster random sampling to have a representative sample of all dental schools in Iran. Data were collected in four occasions in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2015. Senior dental students (N= 1188) were invited to voluntarily complete a self-administered anonymous questionnaire about their oral self-care and tobacco use. Recommended tooth-brushing habit (RTH) was defined as at least twice a day brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. Three separate questions about cigarette, pipe and waterpipe use were applied to assess the students' reported use of tobacco. The response rate was 81%. Female students reported more frequently RTH than males (p< .001). The reported RTH was more prevalent among nonsmokers. In 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2015, 22.5%, 26%, 28.5% and 24.6% of the students reported smoking, respectively. The trend of reported smoking had the least variation among female students. This was true also for male students regarding RTH. The status and trend of oral self-care and tobacco use among Iranian dental students call for more emphasis on adopting health-promoting behaviours during dental education.

Blood oxygen level with long-term use of N95 face mask in dental practice during the coronavirus pandemic “Covid-19”

Wearing a mask for a long time, particularly N95, is sometimes uncomfortable, annoying, and confining, making catching breath difficult and reducing the oxygen level in the blood. The study aimed to investigate the change in blood oxygen level when wearing an N95 mask for three hours among dental practitioners in dental clinics and the impact of low O2 levels on the general status of students while working in a stressful environment. Material and methods . The sample included 82 adult healthy senior dental students attending the student oral surgery clinical sessions. All Participants had their oxygen saturation Spo 2 measured using a portable pulse oximeter before, 1hour, 2hours, and 3 hours after wearing the mask, and were allowed to describe their feeling of discomfort throughout the study. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and heart rate (HR) were also measured before and 3 hours after wearing the mask. Results . 84.15% (n= 69) of the participants reported some discomfort affecting their general status and clinical performance. There was a statistically significant increase in mean heart rate after three hours ( P -value = 0.001) while there was no statistically significant change in mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure after three hours ( P -value = 0.630) and ( P -value=0.407) respectively. On the other hand, the mean Oxygen saturation after three hours showed a statistically significantly lower value compared with baseline measurement. Conclusion . This study revealed a decrease in the oxygen saturation (SpO2) and a slight increase in pulse rate compared to baseline values in all students three hours after wearing an N95 face mask. In addition, the N95 mask induced discomfort in breathing, a decrease in physical performance, and increased fatigue not related to prolonged standing and stress.

Blood oxygen level with long-term use of N95 face mask in dental practice during the coronavirus pandemic “Covid-19”

Wearing a mask for a long time, particularly N95, is sometimes uncomfortable, annoying, and confining, making catching breath difficult and reducing the oxygen level in the blood. The study aimed to investigate the change in blood oxygen level when wearing an N95 mask for three hours among dental practitioners in dental clinics and the impact of low O2 levels on the general status of students while working in a stressful environment. Material and methods . The sample included 82 adult healthy senior dental students attending the student oral surgery clinical sessions. All Participants had their oxygen saturation Spo 2 measured using a portable pulse oximeter before, 1hour, 2hours, and 3 hours after wearing the mask, and were allowed to describe their feeling of discomfort throughout the study. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and heart rate (HR) were also measured before and 3 hours after wearing the mask. Results . 84.15% (n= 69) of the participants reported some discomfort affecting their general status and clinical performance. There was a statistically significant increase in mean heart rate after three hours ( P -value = 0.001) while there was no statistically significant change in mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure after three hours ( P -value = 0.630) and ( P -value=0.407) respectively. On the other hand, the mean Oxygen saturation after three hours showed a statistically significantly lower value compared with baseline measurement. Conclusion . This study revealed a decrease in the oxygen saturation (SpO2) and a slight increase in pulse rate compared to baseline values in all students three hours after wearing an N95 face mask. In addition, the N95 mask induced discomfort in breathing, a decrease in physical performance, and increased fatigue not related to prolonged standing and stress.

Knowledge and attitude in implant dentistry training courses amongst undergraduate dental students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Due to the increase of implant treatments in daily practice, graduates should be well acquainted with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge in implantology. This study sought to assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate students towards the benefits of their courses in the implant dentistry curriculum. This survey study was performed on all senior dental students at Pardis International Campus, School of Dentistry of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire containing various items on knowledge and attitude. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were already approved. Collected data were coded, entered in Microsoft Excel 2019, and analysed by t-test (α=.05). Forty questionnaires were filled out by 28 female and 12 male students. Only 7.5% and 12.5% of students reported that they had adequate knowledge to conduct the surgical and prosthetic steps of dental implant treatment, respectively. The majority of students had a positive attitude towards the quality of theoretical education. However, less than 50% of them perceived the same about their practical education. No significant difference existed between male and female students regarding their responses to the knowledge and attitude questions (p=.458 and p=.288, respectively). Ninety percent of the students felt the need for further education regarding dental implant treatment in the undergraduate curriculum. Despite the satisfaction of the theoretical knowledge, most senior students believed that they did not achieve adequate expertise to practice after graduation and were willing to receive further practical training in implantology.

CLASSIFYING FEATURES FOR AN ORAL LESION IMAGE LEARNING TOOL

<h3>Objectives</h3> A web-based image classification tool (DiLearn) was developed to facilitate active learning in the oral health profession. Students engage with oral lesion images using swipe gestures to classify each image into predetermined categories (e.g., Left - refer; Right - no intervention). To assemble the training modules and to provide feedback to students, DiLearn requires each oral lesion image to be classified with various features displayed in the image. Collection of accurate meta information is a crucial step for enabling the self-directed active learning approach taken in DiLearn. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the classification consistency of features in oral lesion images by experts and students for use of the learning tool. <h3>Study Design</h3> Twenty oral lesion images from DiLearn's image bank were classified by 3 oral lesion experts and 2 senior dental hygiene students using the same rubric containing 8 features. Fleiss's κ was used to evaluate the classification agreement among oral lesion experts and to evaluate the overall agreement. Cohen's κ was used to compare agreement between student raters. <h3>Results</h3> Classification agreement between the 3 experts ranged from identical (Fleiss's κ = 1) for clinical action to slight agreement for border: regularity (Fleiss's κ = 0.136), with most categories having fair to moderate agreement (Fleiss's κ = 0.332-545). With the exception of morphology, inclusion of the 2 student raters with the experts yielded fair to moderate overall classification agreement (Fleiss's κ = 0.224-0.554). In sum, the feature clinical action can be accurately classified, whereas other anatomic features indirectly related to diagnosis have lower classification consistency. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Findings suggest 1 oral lesion expert or 2 student raters can provide fairly consistent meta information for select features implicated in the creation of image classification tasks in DiLearn.

Professional knowledge acquisition of dental students employed part-time as dental assistants.

Whilst admission to dental school in many jurisdictions requires applicants to shadow dentists or undertake work experience at a dental practice, little is known about the impacts on professional learning when dental students work part-time as dental assistants whilst concurrently studying dentistry. This paper explores what, how and from whom dental students who work as dental assistants acquire professional knowledges during employment. This study draws on a qualitative analysis of interviews with sixteen senior dental students who have extra-curricular part-time employment as dental assistants in private dental practices. Analysis produced four themes that relate to students learning in the professional environment: students learn about the responsibilities, rhythms and routines of practice, as well as patient communication and interactions. Students embedded in the dental team noticed and related to the dispositions and the work of dentistry. Students learned from all members of the dental team including clinical and non-clinical staff (reception, administration, laboratory and sterilisation). Students used their experiences in a practice setting to further their professional education. The ability to "read" a situation and formulate an appropriate response requires the integration of complex and actionable professional knowledges. This research study presents insight into the ways dental students employed as dental assistants are embedded in and learn from the dental team in a critically evaluative manner. Students professionally notice and make sense of complex practice environments whilst undertaking university studies to learn about practice routines, rhythms and responsibilities as well as advancing confidence in relating with patients. This study provides a stimulus for further research about the contribution of workplace experiences to dental education.

Effect of Implant Angulation on the Accuracy of Connecting Impression Coping to the Implants With Internal Hex

Background and Aim: Different implant angulation, which is unavoidable in clinical situations, can affect the accuracy of impression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fixture position on the accuracy of connecting impression coping to implants with internal hex. Materials and Methods: A gypsum model with 4 implants with internal hex connection was prepared. The implants were installed in different mesiodistal angles of 0, 15, 25 and 35 degrees to the longitudinal axis in the gypsum model. To simulate the gums, a gingival mask was injected around the implants to a height of 2 mm. After a training session for senior dental students on how to close the impression coping, forty students were asked to close the impression copings on four implants. The correctness of the impression coping was evaluated by an expert prosthodontist. Data were statistically analyzed using Cochran Q test. Significance level was considered 0.05. Ethical Considerations: this article is approved by ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences. Findings: The correct performance of students in connecting the impression coping to the implant at angles of 0, 15, 25 and 35 degrees was equal to 85%, 72%, 52%, 35%, respectively. With the exception of 0 and 15 degree groups, a statistically significant difference was observed between different study groups. Conclusion: The fixture position has a significant effect on the accuracy of connecting impression coping to the implants with the internal hex and by increasing the implant angulation, the accurate connection the impression coping to the implant decreases.

Competencies of dental public health for undergraduate students and their self-perceived achievements: The case of Iran.

The aim of this study was to develop Dental Public Health (DPH) competencies and to assess the self-perceived achievements of undergraduate students in regard to these competencies. In the first phase, by using the mixed method of the RAND-UCLA model, a list of the proposed competencies was developed and validated based on three-round expert consensus using both rating and group discussing method. In the second phase, 120senior (final-year) dental students were asked to determine their achievements based on the finalised list of competency statements on a 0-10 numerical scale. Descriptive statistical analysis was then performed using SPSS (version 22) to determine the mean score of the items and domains. Some background factors were also tested for any relationship. After three rounds of implementing the RAND-UCLA method, 31statements in 10 domains were developed and validated. The mean total score of the self-reported competency was 176.87±52.4 amongst the recruited dental students with a range of 37 to 304. The highest mean±sd score (7.7±1.8) was found for the preventive oral health services field, whilst the lowest one (4.5±2.3) was reported for understanding the components and functions of the health system. The average self-reported scores of professional ethics and professionalism, evidence-based practice and oral health determinants were also acceptable amongst them. The finalised competencies gained the consensus level of agreement and appropriateness by representatives of all DPH experts in the country. However, according to the dental students' self-reports, they had moderate competencies in most cases. Therefore, content and applied methods of training and evaluation may need to be revised to support students' development. Also, the complementary evaluation method at real work setting is highly suggested.

Self-reported stress among senior dental students during complete denture procedures.

Stress is a common problem that can have a considerable impact on student performance and subsequently the quality of treatment given to the patients. This study aimed to investigate the levels and reasons of stress among senior dental students when they perform different complete denture clinical procedures. A questionnaire was designed and distributed electronically among senior dental students of 19 universities in Saudi Arabia. The students were asked to score the levels of stress during five complete denture clinical steps on a scale from zero to ten and report factors contributing to it. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were carried out by One-way ANOVA and independent t-test to compare stress scores between different procedures. A total of 419 responses were collected, 195 (46.5%) males and 224 (53.5%) females. One-Way ANOVA revealed statistically significant difference in the mean stress scores between the five procedures (P < 0.001). The highest mean stress score was for border molding and final impression procedure (4.06 ± 2.664) and jaw relation (4.20 ± 2.690). Moreover, the Stress scores were significantly higher among females when compared to males in all procedures (P < 0.05) except the placement of final denture (P > 0.05). Border molding, final impression, and jaw relation records cause more stress for dental students than the other complete denture procedures. Difficulty of these two procedures was the most common reported stress provoking factors.

Stress levels among senior dental students in Saudi Arabia during fixed prosthodontics procedures.

ABSTRACTAims:To investigate self-perceived stress level of senior dental students in Saudi Arabia during different fixed prosthodontics procedures. Also, to explore the possible stress-related factors during each procedure.Settings and Design:A structured, close-ended, and open-ended, anonymous questionnaire was distributed in a website format to senior dental students of 19 dental schools in Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods:Students were asked to rate the level of stress they feel during different fixed prosthodontics procedures on a scale from 0 to 10. They were also asked to rate the adequacy of their preclinical training in these procedures and how many times they have performed each of the procedures clinically.Statistical Analysis Used:Descriptive statistics were presented in means, percentages, and standard deviation and inferential statistics were performed using One-way ANOVA, independent t-test and Pearson’s correlation.Results:About 423 students answered the questionnaire, in which 228 (54%) were females and 195 (46%) were males. Vital tooth preparation (5.27 ± 2.459) and pos space preparation (5.13 ± 2.766) were rated as the most stressful procedures (P < 0.05). Fear of error or mishaps was the most reported reason for stress during these two procedures. Pearson’s correlation showed significant but weak negative correlation between stress scores and number of times the student has performed the procedure (P < 0.05). Students who believe that they had adequate preclinical training reported significantly lower stress scores (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Self-perceived stress among dental students is related to the type of procedure they perform in the clinic and how frequent they have been exposed to it during their preclinical training.

The relationship between prevalence of dental anxiety and dental caries: cross-sectional study

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess level of DA among dental students in different gradesand patients and to evaluate associations between DA and presence of dental caries. Material and Methods:Both four hundred all-grade dental students of Istanbul University and patients of Istanbul University Hospitalwere included in the study after random selection. Data regarding gender, oral hygiene habits, frequency ofdental visits, and educational level were obtained via questionnaire. DA of participants were measured usingboth Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Dental Fear Survey (DFS). The prevalence of caries wasdetermined using International Caries Detection and Assessment System Criteria (ICDAS). Data were analyzedusing Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and Chi square tests. Results: Female patients and female 4th-yearstudents had significantly higher MDAS scores (p&lt;0.05). First-year students had significantly higher MDAS andDFS scores than 4th and 5th-year students (p&lt;0.05). Patients who had caries and brushed their teeth less thantwice a day had significantly higher MDAS scores (p&lt;0.05). Among 3rd-year students, individuals who visiteddentist regularly had lower MDAS scores (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: DA among senior dental students was lowerthan that in younger students with an increase in knowledge about dentistry. Tooth brushing frequency andcaries prevalence was associated with DA in patient group. No association was found between DA and frequencyof dental visits, except in 3rd-year students.KEYWORDSDental anxiety; Dental caries; Dental student; Prevalence.

Knowledge and Perception of Senior Dental Students Regarding Digital Dentistry and Its Use in Prosthodontics

Technology is becoming an ongoing expense as dentists across the globe expect Digital Radiology, Computer-Aided Design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and 3D Cone Beam technology to be utilized in every practice in the future. To keep up with the rapidly increasing demand for digital technology in dentistry and meet new dental Accreditation Council (CODA) standards, dental education is making a solid transition to actively integrate technology into the curriculum. This is a cross-sec