Senior Dental Students Research Articles

Clinical dental students' knowledge regarding proper dental settings for treating patient during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives:To investigate the clinical dental students’ knowledge on the proper dental setting during COVID-19.Methods:Using multicenter cross-sectional study, a 10-items questionnaire was distributed in April 2020 among senior dental students from two dental schools. It comprised three main domains: demographic questions, questions investigating student’s access to the proper recommendations of dental settings during COVID-19 and the specific recommendations questions.Results:The questionnaire was sent to 654 clinical dental students and the total number of respondents were 267 representing a response rate of 40.83%. The overall knowledge mean was low (1±0.92). Gender was not a statistically significant factor affecting the knowledge score (P > 0.05). Most of the participants never visited the Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Saudi CDC) website and received no guidance or advice regarding proper dental practices during COVID-19. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the mean knowledge score and access to knowledge variables (P < 0.05).Conclusion:It was noted that clinical dental students have low knowledge on the proper dental settings during COVID-19 pandemic that was recommended by the Saudi CDC guidelines and they must be equipped with adequate knowledge from reliable sources to overcome their insufficiencies such as a well-structured and dynamic curriculum.

Knowledge of undergraduate dental students toward orthodontic skeletal temporary anchorage devices at Kuwait University

BackgroundThe introduction of skeletal Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) into orthodontics has provided orthodontists with reliable techniques of correcting anchorage problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of undergraduate dental students during their clinical years (fifth, sixth and seventh-year) at Kuwait University Faculty of Dentistry regarding the use of TADs.MethodsA printed structured questionnaire consisting of 21 questions was given to the undergraduate dental students of Kuwait University in the fifth (n = 22), sixth (n = 28) and seventh (n = 22)-years. It evaluated the level and source of information regarding orthodontic TADs.ResultsThe seventh-year dental students displayed the best degree of knowledge regarding the use of TADs and the clinical case management, compared with the sixth and fifth-year dental students. The significance of introducing the orthodontic TADs topic earlier in the orthodontic curriculum has been agreed upon by 42% of respondents. The total knowledge score showed a significant difference (χ2 = 40.3, p = 0.000), where the seventh year dental students had the best level of knowledge regarding the topic of TADs. Two-thirds (63.6%) preferred to introduce that topic during the sixth year.ConclusionsThe senior (7th year) dental students had the best knowledge about the topic of TADs. Introducing the topic of TADs earlier in the undergraduate dental program will enhance the students’ case-based learning setup. Hence, the early exposure to use of TADs will improve the students’ clinical problem-solving and decision making skills during their undergraduate clinical years.

A Study of Occupational Exposure to Patient's Blood and Saliva among Dental Students of Shahid Sadoughi Yazd University in 2016-2017

Introduction: Occupational exposure in dentistry is defined as exposing the skin or mucosa to blood, saliva, or infectious discharge of the patient. Dentists are in contact with sharp and high-speed rotary devices that increase the chance of occupational exposure. The purpose of this study was to determine the occupational exposure to blood and saliva of patients in dental students of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciencesin 2016-2017. Methods: A descriptive analytical study was conducted on 70 senior dental students at the School of Dentistry of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd, Iran. A standard questionnaire was used for collecting the data. After collecting the data, they were coded and entered into the SPSS 20 software and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher exact test. Results: Based on the results, 49 (70%) of 70 students have been suffered from sharp devices. The skin or mucosa of the 62 students (88.6%) infected with saliva or other body fluids of the patients. Only 15.7% of the injuries were reported with sharp objects and 14.3% of mucosal-skin contamination with blood or saliva. Conclusion: Occupational exposure in dentistry environment is a common problem and many cases, which are related to these subjects were not reported. In order to reduce the risks of this, infection control issues should be taught to dental students. Therefore, occupational exposure management, follow-up centers and guidelines should be established for dental schools.

Evaluating the Impact of an Educational Program on Stigmatizing Attitudes in Dental Hygiene Students

ABSTRACT: People living with serious mental illness (SMI) are at high risk for poor dentition, poor oral health, and increased tooth loss. This mixed methods research study assessed the impact of an interdisciplinary education program on dental hygiene student attitudes toward people with SMI. Senior dental hygiene students ( n = 38) from a large northeastern university participated in 3 hours of didactic learning, followed by experiential service learning. Quantitative surveys and qualitative questions were administered at three time points. Results showed a decrease in stigmatizing attitudes from before to after the didactic learning, which was maintained following experiential learning for two of the three scales. Thematic analysis indicated students' willingness to work with the population after service learning. Interdisciplinary education programs combining didactic and experiential service learning offer promise to improve attitudes of dental hygiene students. Future work is needed to explore the most critical and impactful components of this type of educational program.

High levels of burnout and depression in a population of senior dental students in a school of dentistry in Korea

Background/purposeDental students are exposed to highly stressful environments, making them high-risk for burnout and depression. This study intended to investigate the burnout and depression level in senior dental students in Korea.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study among third- and fourth-year dental students enrolled at Seoul National University. Demographic data, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), dental education satisfaction, and counseling needs were measured. Statistical analyses included intergroup comparison of MBI subscales (emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA)) to identify the risk factors for burnout. Correlation analyses between MBI subscales and PHQ-9 were also conducted.ResultsAmong 112 students included in the study, 44.6% had high EE, 36.6% showed high DP, and 51.8% had low PA. There were 20 (17.9%) students who satisfied burnout criteria on all three subscales. There were 19 (17.0%) students with PHQ-9 scores of 10 or greater. There were no significant differences in MBI subscales or PHQ-9 scores according to sex, study year, marital status, funding for studies, or academic grade, but there was a difference according to academic workload. All MBI subscales had significant correlation with PHQ-9 score. Burnout students reported significantly lower satisfaction scores and greater need for counseling compared to non-burnout students.ConclusionBurnout and depression levels among dental students in Korea were relatively high and intercorrelated. Burnout level was significantly associated with high academic workload. Students experiencing burnout were likely to be dissatisfied with their education programs and likely to need counseling.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF APPROXIMAL CARIES IN DIGITAL RADIOGRAPH BY CHINESE AND AMERICAN DENTISTS: AN IN VIVO STUDY

<h3>Background</h3> Because dental education system is not the same in both the United States and China, there may be differences between Chinese and American dentists in the radiographic diagnosis of dental lesions. <h3>Objective</h3> The aim of this study was to assess whether there were any differences in the accuracy of diagnosis of approximal caries between Chinese and American dentists. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> The study was approved by the local ethical committee. Thirty-nine noncavitated teeth were collected from 11 patients who had parts of the upper or lower jaws excised to remove a cyst or neoplasm. Before surgery, radiographs of the involved teeth were taken by using the digital imaging system Digora Optime (Soredex, Helsinki, Finland). The teeth were then sectioned for histologic validation of the lesions. Four Chinese and 4 American dentists and 5 American senior dental students evaluated all of the radiographs according to a 5-category scale. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. Repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for statistical analysis. <h3>Results</h3> There were no significant differences among the Chinese and American dentists and the American senior dental students (<i>P</i> = .472). Interobserver (<i>P</i> = .67) and intraobserver (<i>P</i> = .24) variances were not significant. <h3>Discussion</h3> Dental education background is not an influencing factor on the accuracy of diagnosis of approximal caries based on digital radiographs.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Traumatic Dental Injuries among Saudi Dental Students: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of senior dental students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regarding the management of traumatic dental injuries. Materials and Methods A stratified random sample of fourth- and fifth-year dental students in different dental schools was given a two-part questionnaire; the first part included demographic questions, while the second part included case scenario questions related to knowledge and attitudes regarding the emergency management of concussion, crown fractures, luxation injuries, root fracture, and alveolar bone fracture. Data were statistically analysed using chi-square and ordinal logistic regression tests. The significance was set at p < 0.05. Results A total of 359 dental students participated in this study. The proportion of students from all dental schools with correct responses to each set of questions was as follows: alveolar bone fracture (78.4%), root fracture (70.1%), intrusive luxation (57.1%), complicated crown fracture (39.7%), uncomplicated crown fracture (35.5%), extrusive luxation (35%), concussion (31.1%), and lateral luxation (26.8%). The mean overall knowledge score of the participants was 3.421 ± 0.49. No statistically significant difference was found on any of the questions regarding the gender or year of study (p > 0.05). Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, dental students' knowledge of the management of traumatic dental injuries in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia ranges from low to moderate. Thus, there is a need to improve the knowledge of management of traumatic dental injuries among dental students.

Teaching rapid oral health deterioration risk assessment: A 5-year report.

The purpose of this study was to present a 5-year report about the outcomes of using a teaching tool that guides dental students through the thought process of the expert about how to assess the risk of rapid oral health deterioration (ROHD) among older adults and provide viable treatment alternatives. A teaching tool was previously developed using ROHD risk factors identified in the literature and the steps that experts apply in their treatment decision making, summarized in 10 questions. During 5 years, 188 senior dental students were introduced to the teaching tool and asked to use the 10-question set to present a case they have treated during their Geriatric and Special Needs Program. Two evaluators were asked to grade the students on each question. Students were graded "G" if they answered the question and grasped the principles behind it, "A" if they only answered the question, or "M" if they missed the question. Additionally, the students were given a form to grade the importance of and comment on the exercise. More than 75% of the students had an A or G for most questions, agreement between the 2 evaluators was above 85%, and students' performances improved during the 5-year period. Additionally, 94.4% of the students considered the teaching tool as important or very important for the general dentist. The vast majority of the students had an A or G grade, examiner agreement was high, and the students appreciated the importance of this teaching tool for the general dentist.

Using mobile multimedia platforms in teaching dental diagnosis

ObjectiveMobile Multimedia Platforms (MMPs) are prolific tools that can be used by individuals and corporations to share content. However, few studies have shown the effectiveness of MMPs as educational tools. Through this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MMPs in improving basic dental diagnostic skills. In addition, we captured student feedback on the use of MMPs in a dental curriculum. MethodIn this voluntary interventional study on 89 senior dental students, we created pilot learning modules through an MMP called Instagram Stories to teach dental diagnosis. We evaluated the efficacy of the modules through diagnostic tests that were given to dental students who were close to graduating. ResultsThe students showed a significant increase in diagnostic test scores from 49% to 73% (p < 0.05) after the use of an MMP. Furthermore, the students' feedback on the MMP indicated that most students found it easy and enjoyable to use. ConclusionOur study data show that MMPs may be used to improve training in basic dental diagnostic skills and can serve as an adjunct teaching tool. Moreover, MMP modules can potentially enrich professional education in developing countries where access to educational resources is limited.

Dental Students' Perceptions before and after Attending a Centre for Children with Special Needs: A Qualitative Study on Situated Learning.

Objectives: To develop an in-depth understanding of the perceptions and experiences of senior dental students before and after fieldwork visits to a centre for children with special needs. Methods: A qualitative study utilised open-ended questions and involved 39 fifth-year dental students. A thematic analysis of the collected responses was undertaken, and a hierarchy of themes and subthemes were developed. Results: Analysis of the pre-visit responses revealed three main themes and a number of subthemes: ‘negative expectations’, ‘positive expectations’, and ‘pain expectations’. Similarly, four main themes with a number of subthemes emerged from the post-visit responses: ‘positive perceptions’, ‘negative perceptions’, ‘oral problems observed’, and ‘recommendations’. Conclusions: Within the study limits, different perspectives were extracted. Prior to the fieldwork visit, students expressed their lack of self-confidence and inadequate preparation. Following the situated learning visit experience, students’ perceptions of managing special needs children was positively influenced. Students were happy to be exposed to such an experience, but hoped for better organisation and specialised supervision in the future.

What Do the Dental Students Know about Infection Control? A Cross-Sectional Study in a Teaching Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Background Dental students are exposed to various infections and infective sources during their training, and on this aspect, their level of knowledge is suboptimal and practices are risky. Therefore, improving their knowledge and practices would contribute significantly to infection control. Objective To ascertain the level of understanding of senior dental students regarding the infection control in the dental practice. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students (3rd year and 4th year) of the Foundation University Dental College, Pakistan. The sample consisted of 100 third year dental students and 88 fourth year students. A self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection which consisted of fourteen close-ended items. Frequencies of knowledge, attitudes, and practice were calculated separately by using SPSS 21.0 software. Results Almost half of the students would not use any antiseptic for sterilizing their hands, and only two-third would ask their patient to use an oral mouth rinse before starting the treatment. Many students did not the optimal temperature of the autoclave for sterilization of the instruments. Only one-third would wear the personal protective equipment during a procedure. Around one-third of the study participants reported that ineffective sterilization during clinical practice can transmit infection from one patient to another. Conclusion Knowledge on infection control among the dental students is though weak, practices are not as per standards but attitudes are positive and encouraging for taking steps and complying with measures on infection control.

Assessment of Teeth Prepared by Senior Dental Students for CAD/CAM Restorations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate teeth prepared for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) restorations by senior dental students using recently developed rubrics. The rubrics used evaluation criteria based on four factors: retention or resistance form; marginal or internal adaption or manufacturing process; biology, esthetics, or durability of restorative material; and intraoral scanner impression. In academic year 2018-19, four faculty members used the rubrics to assess 111 first maxillary right premolars (tooth no. 4) prepared for lithium disilicate crowns and 223 second maxillary right premolars (tooth no. 5) and first maxillary right molars (tooth no. 3) prepared for monolithic zirconia partial fixed dental prostheses. The preparations had been performed on typodont teeth. The most common errors identified for tooth preparations were in the finish line quality (136 errors in 223 prostheses), a criterion that is crucial for quality CAD/CAM restorations. To prevent poorly fit CAD/CAM restoration preparations that result from an unacceptable finish line quality, students need to understand the rationale used to develop detailed rubrics and adhere to the defined critera.

Knowledge about dentin hypersensitivity: A questionnaire-based survey among dental students and young dentists

Introduction Continued education is a fundamental characteristic of one’s working life, especially in the medical field. Keeping up to date should be a mandatory element of dental practice. Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) has been a long-term significant challenge for practitioners due to the uncertainties around its diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of senior dental students and young doctors with respect to this dental pathology. Methodology A total of 632 self-administered questionnaire were distributed to dental students and doctors for data collection. The 10 questions investigated the knowledge about the description of pain in DH, triggering and predisposing factors, treatment strategies, preventive and treatment measures, remineralization products, etiological factors of dental wear, and main characteristics of DH. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Standard descriptive statistics were computed and analytical statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results The response rate for dental students was 87.87% and 10.2% for young doctors. Most respondents revealed a good level of knowledge regarding pain characterization, triggering factors, and predisposing factors of dentin hypersensitivity, and a satisfactory level for the disease management strategies. The average score of the questionnaire recorded at group level was 42.253. Conclusion Young dentists had better knowledge of DH compared to 6th-year dental students. The information obtained from this study revealed that there is a need to provide better theoretical but also clinical teaching opportunities to students, as well as continued educational programs to young doctors.

Syrian Senior Dental Students&amp;rsquo; Perception, Educational Satisfaction, and Attitude Regarding the Usage of Rubber Dam

Syrian Senior Dental Students&amp;rsquo; Perception, Educational Satisfaction, and Attitude Regarding the Usage of Rubber Dam

Effect of Experience in Landmark Identification on 2D Lateral Cephalograms on Performance of Dental Students Concerning Landmark Identification on 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scans

Objective: To assess the effect of experience in landmark identification on two-dimensional (2D) lateral cephalograms on performance of dental students concerning landmark identification on three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Material and Methods: This quasi-experimental study evaluated 40 dental students in two groups (n=20). Group 1 included senior dental students who had experience in landmark identification on 2D lateral cephalograms and Group 2 included third-year dental students with no such experience. Both groups received instructions on identification of eight landmarks on 3D CBCT scans. The coordinates of the landmarks were determined in x, y and z axes. One orthodontist determined the mean coordinates of each landmark as a reference by twice measurements with a one-week interval. The mean distance from the identified points to the reference points was reported as the mean consistency (MC), and the standard deviation of the mean was considered as precision of landmark identification. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test . Results: The mean distances from the points identified as nasion, point B, orbitale, anterior nasal spine (ANS), menton, coronoid process and pogonion in x, y and z axes and point A in x and z axes (p<0.001) to the reference points in Group 1 were greater than those in Group 2 with no such experience . Conclusion: Previous experience in landmark identification on 2D cephalograms does not help in landmark identification on 3D CBCT scans and may even adversely affect the results.

Attitudes and perceived barriers in geriatric dental care among undergraduate dental students in capital region of Andhra Pradesh

Background: This is the era of the elderly. In India, there is an exponential increase in the aging population. Increase in longevity means that the community will have to bear a greater burden of disease. The general health and well-being of older adults are related to their oral health. Aim: The to study the perceived barriers and attitudes of undergraduate dental students towards geriatric dental care. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and eighty senior dental students participated in the present cross-sectional questionnaire study. The first sought background information including gender, age, prior treating in geriatric dental care, and prior experience in treating the elderly in their education. The responses were categorized in a Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. P

Fingernail length as a predisposing factor for perforations of latex gloves: a simulated clinical experiment.

Concerns have been raised over the integrity of gloves and the longevity of their protective barrier function. This study aimed to assess the effect of clinicians' fingernail length as a predisposing factor for perforation of latex gloves. We assessed 2006 latex examination gloves for perforations using the water inflation method after being used by 6 senior dental students who had fingernail lengths ranging from 0 to 3 mm. Four simulated clinical procedures representing a variety of hand movements were used for this purpose and were repeated 30 times, followed by a water leakage assessment test. Data were analysed using the χ2 test, analysis of variance and logistic regression. Leakage was detected in 222 (11.1%) gloves, and was most frequent with longer fingernails (odds ratio =1.431, 95% confidence interval 1.249-1.640; P < 0.001). This was independent from the simulated clinical procedure. Most perforations were over the index fingers and thumbs (63.5% and 24.3%, respectively; P < 0.001). The simulated procedures with most perforations were wiping the scaler tip with gauze (20.8%) and placing the chamfer bur (15.3%). The procedure with the fewest perforations was placing the triple way syringe (3.5%). The length of the clinicians' fingernails significantly compromises the integrity of latex gloves. Maintaining short fingernails is important in reducing the risk of damaging latex gloves intraoperatively, and hence maintaining the barrier function of the gloves.

Pharmacists' clinical competency towards oral mucosal diseases: Results from a mystery shopper study.

To investigate the clinical advices pharmacists would give to patients who present with various oral mucosal lesions. One hundred and twenty pharmacists in three major cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were approached by senior dental students acting as mystery shoppers. Pharmacists were shown an image of one of four oral mucosal lesions representing candidosis, aphthous ulcer, erosive lichen planus and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Pharmacists' referral pattern and choices of medications were recorded and assessed against demographic variables. Eighty-eight per cent (88%) of pharmacists dispensed a non-prescription medication to treat the oral lesions, including SCC, while only 12% recommended that the lesion shown to them be assessed by a clinician. Among all referral recommendations, 32% were for SCC (p=.006). Geographical proximity of a clinic to the pharmacy was a significant factor in determining pharmacists' referral recommendation (p=.036). Most pharmacists dispensed a medication for oral mucosal lesions, including potentially malignant and malignant ones, without referring patients to a medical or dental practitioner. Pharmacists should be aware of the serious nature of some oral mucosal lesions and the necessity to refer those cases to a qualified practitioner for proper clinical assessment.

Dental Students knowledge in diagnosing orthodontic problems in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia

Dental Students knowledge in diagnosing orthodontic problems in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia - IDJSR- Print ISSN No: - 2394-708X Online ISSN No:- 2278-3784 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.idjsr.2019.013, International Dental Journal of Student's Research-Int Dent J Stud Res

Evaluation of knowledge and attitude of senior dental students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences regarding oral health care in pregnant women

Evaluation of knowledge and attitude of senior dental students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences regarding oral health care in pregnant women