Dental School Students Research Articles

Knowledge about dental care in patients with head and neck cancer among senior dental school students: a cross-sectional descriptive study

BackgroundThe dentist's central role in treating head and neck cancer patients is to care for the patient’s oral cavity before, during, and after radio/chemotherapy. This research aimed to determine dental students' knowledge about head and neck cancer patients’ dental care.MethodsOne hundred and four fifth and sixth-year dental students participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that collected demographic information (gender, year of study) and four questions consisting of attendance to courses or workshops, passing a dedicated course at the university, willing to participate in a course or workshop on the treatment of head and neck cancer patients and self-evaluating information about the treatment of head and neck cancer patients. Final part 36 questions about oral and dental care for head and neck cancer patients before, after, and during treatment. The data were analyzed with SPSS 26 statistical software and using t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression at the 0.05 significance level.ResultsMost of the participants were in their sixth year (48.9%). A total of 48.1% of the people reported that their information about dental treatments in patients with head and neck cancer was bad. 85% of participants agreed with the necessity of evaluating the patient's mouth and teeth before starting the treatment. The lowest percentage of correct answers was related to the ideal duration of tooth extraction and a poor prognosis before the start of cancer treatment. The regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between years of education, willingness to participate in courses, and students’ knowledge evaluation and knowledge.ConclusionThe findings showed that students’ awareness of oral and dental treatment and care for patients with head and neck cancer is insufficient. It is recommended that teaching staff pay more attention to the lack of knowledge and effort to educate students by holding special courses and workshops.

HIV/AIDS-Associated Knowledge and Attitudes towards Treating Disadvantaged Communities among Pre-Community-Based Dental Education Dental Students in the U.S.

This study examines HIV/AIDS-associated knowledge and attitudes towards treating disadvantaged communities among predoctoral dental students in U.S. dental schools who have not yet commenced their Community-Based Dental Education (CBDE) training. It also compares the difference in the knowledge and attitudes between students with reported community engagement with PLWHA and those without. Our study comprised 89 predoctoral dental students within their D1-D3 years of dental school who had not yet initiated their Community-Based Dental Education (referred to as pre-CBDE dental students). Their responses were collected via an online survey. The participants were 68% females, 94% heterosexual, and with a mean age (years) of 25.9 ± 3.5 SD. The majority (62%) were in their first (D1) and second (D2) years of dental education. Of the thirty knowledge questions, only five received a minimum of 90% correct responses. Similarly, we found no statistical differences in most of the knowledge/attitude sections between those with and without prior PLWHA exposure. Encouragingly, 90% of our participants reported prior experience working with disadvantaged communities. Early community engagement fosters a sense of professional responsibility towards administering dental care to disadvantaged communities and we propose that it must be encouraged among aspiring dental school students.

Psychophysiological wellbeing in a class of dental students attending dental school: anxiety, burnout, post work executive performance and a 24 hours physiological investigation during a working day

AimTo the best of our knowledge, dental school students have never been evaluated for stress, anxiety, burnout, physiological indexes during a 24-h working day, and executive function performance post-work and post-work after returning from vacation; therefore, this research has been conducted.MethodsData were acquired at the Dental School of the University of Padua on 16 students in their 4th year, far from the exam session. While performing clinical activity on the dental chair and during a working day, electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate variability (HRV), and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Participants’ stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10 scale) and anxiety with the General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y-2), while burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS). Executive functions were evaluated using the Tower of London test (TOL-R).ResultsThree students (2F/1M) had a GAD-7 score ≥ 10. Five students (4F/1M) showed trait anxiety. Moderate levels of perceived stress were reported in 85% of participants. MBI-HSS showed that 7 participants scored high on emotional exhaustion and 7 on depersonalization. TOL-R performance (M = 15.85, SD = 4.01) was below the normative value p < 0.00001. A second test, after the holidays, showed normal values. EDA was higher during children’s treatment (p < 0.05), ANOVA showed high HR during working time (p < 0.001), and HRV was higher in males (p < 0.001).ConclusionBased on the sample size evaluated, it is reported that being a dental student has a moderate impact on stress, anxiety, and burnout while a strong impact on executive functions buffered by rest.

Necessity of Anatomy Education for Dental School Students Utilizing 3D and Virtual Reality Technologies: A Narrative Review

Members of dental academia are eager to embrace innovative tools for anatomy education. The proliferation of technological resources has facilitated the integration of virtual systems into dental and medical education. This is considered paramount for communicating the anatomical knowledge essential for safe and competent medical practice. Among these tools, three-dimensional (3D) anatomy models, virtual reality (VR) simulations, and haptic technologies are pivotal for educating students and training healthcare professionals. This narrative review discusses these topics based on published outcomes from the past decade, emphasizing their potential in anatomical learning and clinical practice, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Substantial interest and positive impacts have been reported by educators and students regarding the utilization of 3D VR. 3D VR enables precise and high-resolution representations of organ structure, vascular formation, and nerve distribution. It enriches anatomical, clinical, and radiological learning and familiarizes individuals with the anatomical and radiological features of real patients. Furthermore, 3D VR ensures the continuity of anatomical and surgical training through online platforms, making the strategic deployment of these devices especially pertinent during quarantine. Therefore, dental education and clinical applications using 3D VR, augmented reality, and haptic technology are expected to become an unstoppable trend.

Impact of COVID-19 on theoretical knowledge and clinical practice in dentistry of Piracicaba Dental School students

Aim: To assess the opinion of the students on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on theoretical knowledge and clinical practice in dentistry at the Piracicaba Dental School – FOP/UNICAMP. Methods: A questionnaire was applied using the Google Forms platform, containing 20 questions related to the impacts of the pandemic on knowledge, mental health, and clinical and laboratory practice of dentistry. The satisfaction of the students with teaching was also evaluated. A total of 120 questionnaires were analyzed using R software, through tables and graphs of absolute and relative frequencies distribution. Results: COVID-19 affected the lives of 99% students who participated in the study. Due to distance learning resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, 50% of the students considered locking or dropping out of college. Operative dentistry was the curricular component most affected by distance and lack of clinical practice. Although most students agreed that the workload of practical disciplines was or would be replaced, 95% felt some kind of deficit in clinical and laboratory practice even with the replacement of the workload. In addition, 93.3% of the students were afraid of not becoming a qualified professional due to the deficiencies on theoretical knowledge and clinical practice caused by the pandemic. Conclusions: Students showed dissatisfaction with the deficiency of clinical and laboratory practice resulting from the pandemic in operative dentistry curricular component. They reported fear and insecurity with their future professional lives. The indication of remote classes for dentistry should only be carried out in emergencies because this is an essentially practical course that suffers losses in learning.

Environmental sustainability: the attitudes and experiences of UK students in the oral health care profession.

Objective This study aims to provide insight into the attitudes and perspectives of undergraduate dental students from UK dental schools regarding environmental sustainability in dentistry (ESD) and the manner and extent in which ESD is included in the current undergraduate oral health care curricula.Methods This study is a multi-centre, nationally representive study involving a cross-sectional online survey of undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery and dental hygiene and therapy students in UK-based dental schools. Data analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.Results In total, 263 students from 13 UK schools completed the survey, resulting in a national school response rate of 68.4%. Key findings are: 97.3% of students believe that the dental profession should be more actively engaged in environmental sustainability but students currently have very little exposure to ESD at an undergraduate level; and 76.8% of students expressed that they are concerned about the impact that oral health care provision has on the environment, but only 23% of students have independently researched ESD.Conclusions Students identify that oral health care professionals should become more engaged in efforts to mitigate the negative impacts from our activities on the environment, principally via education at all levels. The data from this study provide insight into the current level of awareness and concerns for the environmental impacts of oral health care provision, and are a powerful driver for the inclusion of ESD into the undergraduate curriculum in UK based dental schools.

Dewey's Modification for Angle's Class I Malocclusion: Revisited.

Introduction Classification is a crucial communication tool between dental school professors and students, between practitioners, and between practitioners and insurance companies or government bureaucracies.The management of patients is significantly impacted by classification. Once a patient has been categorized, the practitioner will frequently use treatment strategies corresponding to that classification. The classification used by orthodontists most frequently is Dewey's version of Angle's categorization. To date, the shortcomings of Dewey's modification were not mentioned in the literature. Various other malocclusions are still not included in this classification system that was modified by Dewey. Aim The aim of this study wasto re-evaluate and re-establish Dewey's modification for class I malocclusion for the various other types of malocclusions that are not included in the classification system. Material and method An observational study was carried out on atotal of 600 patients in the Department of Orthodontics. The study duration was eight months. The photographic method was used for the evaluation of the malocclusion. Photographs were taken and clinical evaluation was done of the selected cases. The type of malocclusion was observed and recorded. Result The results showed that other types of malocclusions other than that of Dewey's modification are observed in the population. A total of 4% of the population was affected with single tooth crossbite and 5% were affected in more than one tooth. A total of 1% of the population was affected with single-tooth scissor bites, and in 2%, more than one tooth was involved. In 9% of the population, single-tooth rotations were present, whereas in 6%, more than one tooth was involved. A total of 35% of the population showed other types of malocclusions. Conclusion To conclude, various other malocclusions are present in the population suggesting a lacuna in Dewey's modification. Hence, there was a need to revisit.

Dental hygiene and dental students’ motivations for future work: a cross-sectional study of first-year students at a dental hygiene school and a dental school in Japan

BackgroundIt is important to understand the career motivations and perceptions of students who intend to become dental health professionals. Both dental and dental hygiene students may have different opinions about the profession and future work prospects. To our knowledge, no study has compared the career motivations and career perceptions of Japanese dental and dental hygiene students after admission to dental or dental hygiene school. This cross-sectional study examined the motivations of dental and dental hygiene students for their future career perceptions. MethodsFirst-year students of dental and dental hygiene schools in the academic years 2021 and 2022 participated in the study. Group 1 comprised 104 female dental hygiene students, Group 2−1 comprised 55 female dental students, and Group 2–2 comprised 61 male dental students. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted on opinions of the work and prospects of future work with four-point Likert scales ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree,” according to the items.ResultsDental hygiene students consider that they would like to work as professionals and would also like to earn efficiently. Specifically, female dental students prioritized contributing to society by working long-term in a fulfilling environment rather than earning an income, whereas male dental students would like to work as a professional while also effectively earning income.ConclusionsSmall but significant differences were found in opinions of the dental hygienist/dentist profession in terms of attractiveness and credibility. Small but significant differences were found for income and working hours when considering future job prospects. The results of this study revealed differences in the first year students between dental and dental hygiene school in their attitudes toward career motivation and prospects for future work.

An assessment of oral cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices among undergraduate students in Malaysian dental schools

BackgroundOral cancer is a significant public health concern worldwide. Early detection and prevention are crucial in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates associated with this disease. As future dental professionals, dental undergraduates play a vital role in promoting oral health and identifying potential oral cancer cases.MethodsThis study aimed to evaluate the level of oral cancer awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among dental undergraduates in Malaysia. A total of 595 students from years 3, 4, and 5 in both public and private universities participated.ResultsThe results showed that a higher percentage of dental undergraduates from private universities were aware of oral cancer and had satisfactory knowledge compared to those from public universities (p < 0.05). Moreover, 59.4% of respondents felt less confident in diagnosing oral cancer during routine dental practice, and 96.1% agreed on the need to increase public awareness of oral health. Interestingly, students from private universities exhibited higher levels of awareness and knowledge regarding oral cancer than those from public universities.ConclusionsTo enhance oral cancer detection and prevention, it is essential to reinforce the current curriculum and provide training to improve diagnostic skills for every dental undergraduate. This will ensure that they are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and competence to detect and prevent oral cancer effectively.

Knowledge, Practices, and Nasal Carriage Rate of MRSA Amongst Dental Professionals

Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) against common antibiotics has been increasing given the rampant use of antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is particularly important because it has been reported to present in hospital-acquired as well as community-acquired infections. Our aim was to study the types and subtypes of MRSA isolated from nasal swabs taken from volunteering dental school students and to assess and analyse the knowledge of dental health care workers (DHCWs) on MRSA and prevention of its infection. A total of 100 participants, which included staff, students, and dental auxiliaries, from the School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Deemed to Be University, Karad, India, were included in the study which was conducted from June 2020 to 1 June 2021. All the participants completed a survey and underwent collection of nasal swabs. The samples were cultured and underwent microbiological and molecular analysis for MRSA. The questionnaire was sent out electronically via SurveyMonkey. Sixty-three percent of the participants were female. The majority were undergraduate students (66%) and younger than 25 years (77%). The prevalence of MRSA in the sample was the MRSA type SCCmec type V (54.8%). The survey reports a lack of knowledge amongst dental students on MRSA and prevention of its infection. The majority (69%) of participants had not heard of MRSA infection and had inadequate knowledge of MRSA infection. Only 29% of the participants think that a healthy person may have MRSA without feeling ill. Eighty-five percent of the participants reported that they have written polices and guidelines to control MRSA. Eighty-five percent of the participants indicated that they are less confident in their knowledge on MRSA infection control protocols, and 94% mentioned that the dental clinics have written guidelines for hand hygiene. DHCWs have limited knowledge of MRSA infection, emphasising the need for appropriate clinical training. Academic institutions should promote effective infection control training to protect students, faculty, and other employees.

Impact of fully guided implant planning software training on the knowledge acquisition and satisfaction of dental undergraduate students

ABSTRACT Background A majority of dental school students do not undergo hands-on clinical training in implantology in the undergraduate curriculum. Training is usually restricted to pre-implant evaluation and post-implant prostheses. Virtual implant planning software (VIPS) provides an alternative opportunity for undergraduate students to experience implant planning much before gaining hands-on experience. However, not many studies have the contribution of VIPS to the knowledge acquisition of students. We conducted a preliminary study to evaluate the knowledge acquisition of the students when exposed to a hands-on session of VIPS. We also evaluated students’ satisfaction levels, when exposed to hands-on training in fully guided implant planning software. Methods A two-part theory lecture on fully guided implant planning was delivered to 90, 5th (final)-year dental undergraduate students by the oral radiology faculty. The students were then randomly divided into three groups. Group A was exposed to didactic lectures only. Group B was shown a video for fully guided implant planning in addition to the didactic lecture. Group C was shown a video for fully guided implant planning in addition to a didactic lecture and then performed a hands-on session of virtual implant planning under faculty guidance. Students from all groups were given an MCQ-based test. After the completion of the test students from group A and B also received VIPS hands-on training. Students from all three groups answered and a feedback questionnaire regarding their satisfaction levels with VIPS. Results The overall test score of students in Group C was higher than their colleagues in both Groups A and B and the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.01). More than 85% of the students were satisfied with the teaching approach. Conclusions The utilization of VIPS in the training of dental undergraduate students improves their performance confirming better knowledge acquisition and content mastery.

Perception and Knowledge of Oral and Facial Piercings among Dental Students: Web-based Survey.

The aim of this web-based questionnaire was to survey dental students to obtain their perception and knowledge of oral and facial piercings. The participants comprised 240 students enrolled in the dental school who were asked to complete 20 close-ended, yes/no, yes/no/do not know, and multiple responses questions. The questionnaire covers general information concerning oral/facial piercing, triggers why youths and early adults get it, probable complications, their appreciation of the possibility of related health conditions, and their knowledge and perception. The survey was distributed to the students by email. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Dental first year (D1) and dental second year (D2) were substantially more likely to indicate that orofacial piercings as unacceptable and are less expected to have an orofacial piercing compared to D3 and D4 (p < 0.01). About 16.8% of the students reported previous orofacial piercings. There was a definite correlation between previous orofacial piercings and thinking that is appropriate in society (p < 0.05). Males were significantly more likely to have an orofacial piercing (p < 0.01). The Internet was reported as the most common source of information. The most popular cause for piercings is to be unique and different. Orofacial piercings are relatively frequently used by students in dental school and few students intend on getting one in the future. Knowledge of the hazards of orofacial piercing correlated with the requirement for parental approval. The majority of students think piercings are appropriate in society and know their complications and risks. Orofacial piercing has been gaining popularity but its risks/complications may not be known by practitioners. There is a need for research to assist dental/medical practitioners in advising, educating, and safeguarding patients by evaluating of the perception and knowledge of students about orofacial piercings.

Role of Dentistry in Humanitarian Projects: Knowledge and Perspective of Future Professionals on the World of Volunteering in Spain

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in dentistry seek to promote the improvement on oral health in the most disadvantaged regions. The objective of this study is to identify the level of knowledge, expectations, and motivations that dental school students have about volunteering in dentistry, as well as to evaluate possible differences in these variables depending on their level of dental training. During the month of September 2022, a voluntary and anonymous online survey was carried out among all the students at the Dentistry School of Oviedo University. There were 5 questions to judge knowledge about global oral health course. 12 additional questions were included to assess the willingness to volunteer in international setting, the volunteer profile, as well as the most effective means to improve oral health in host communities. None of the students from our center had participated as a volunteer in dental NGOs, but up to 64.4% of them had considered their collaboration. The level of knowledge about global oral health obtained was low, with the percentage of correct answers ranging between 14.4% (in the question about the ideal patient/dentist ratio) and 57.8% (in the question about the fluoride concentration in drinking water). Majority of dental students (98.9%) were not aware that basic package of oral care was created by WHO. Significantly, the students of the clinical courses showed a greater motivation to volunteer.

Hacettepe Health Cohort (HU-CoVaCS): Study Design, Baseline Characteristics and the First 3-Month-Follow Up of COVID-19 Vaccinated Students

Objective: This study included participants from Hacettepe University 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students of Medical School and 4th and 5th-grade students of Dental School; and aimed to evaluate the general health status, COVID-19 history, vaccination status, and SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels of the participants to support their physical and social health, during the pandemic period. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with an integrated, matched, nested case-control study. Sociodemographic characteristics, life habits, COVID-19 history, vaccination status, compliance with mask-distance-hygiene rules, and risks (if any) for COVID-19 were inquired via online questionnaires. Physical examinations, complete blood count, biochemistry tests, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike antibody tests were conducted for all consenting participants. All analyses were established using depersonalized data. Results: Of the 778 participants completing the baseline visit in June-July 2021, the percentages of those vaccinated with at least one, two, and three/more doses of COVID-19 vaccine were 99.1%, 98.0%, and 11.7%, respectively; one had four doses. The median (minimum-maximum) time since the last vaccination was 134 (34-166) days for those vaccinated with two doses [CoronaVac (Sinovac Life Sciences, Beijing, China)] and 25 (14-56) days for those vaccinated with three doses [two doses of CoronaVac and a last dose of Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine (Comirnaty®). The third dose was applied at a median of 164 (151-202) days after the second dose, and all were heterologous in type. The median (minimum-maximum) antibody level for the overall group was 53.55(0-5680) BAU/mL: 47.19 BAU/mL in those who received two doses, with a more than 100 times increase after a third dose (4943.64 BAU/mL). Of the 522 participants followed up to October 1, 2021, 6 PCR-positive symptomatic participants were diagnosed with COVID-19: the incidence rate was 4/1000 person-months. Conclusion: A 100-fold neutralizing antibody level following the third dose demonstrated the importance of a booster dose. Given the time lag between doses, antibody measurements of BioNTech recipients should be repeated in the upcoming months. Booster selection should involve antibody level, variant sensitivity of the vaccine, and individual characteristics of the recipient.

Impact of resilience and environmental stress on burnout of students in public and private dental schools in Western Saudi Arabia.

Dental students' burnout has been repeatedly reported in the literature; however, there is little information about the contributing factors in different contexts and settings. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between burnout among undergraduate dental students and sociodemographic (specifically gender), psychological (resilience), and structural factors (dental environment stress). An online cross-sectional survey questionnaire was distributed among a convenience sample of 500 undergraduate Saudi dental students. The survey included questions about sociodemographic factors (gender, level of education, academic achievement, type of school [public or private], and living arrangements). The study also included items that allowed assessment of students' burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and assessment of student environmental stress and resilience using the Dental Environment Stress Scale (DESS) and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Descriptive statistics, univariate, and linear regression analyses were performed. The response rate was 67% (male = 119, female = 216). Univariable analysis showed that gender, level of education, and DESS and BRS scores correlated significantly (P <.05) with MBI scores. Adjusted multiple linear regression lends further support to that the MBI scores negatively correlated with the BRS score but positively correlated with the DESS score (β = -0.29, P <.001; β = 0.44, P <.001, respectively). Within the limitations of this study, the findings demonstrated that increases in resilience correlated significantly with decreases in burnout and increases in environmental stress correlated significantly with increases in burnout among dental students. However, gender had no influence on burnout.

Perceptions of dental students, dental faculty, practicing dentists and industry dental professionals on the acquisition of dental competencies and clinical skills in the Dominican Republic.

This study gathered perceptions from four stakeholder groups in the Dominican Republic (DR) regarding acquiring professional dental competencies and clinical skills. Researcher-created surveys covering core dental competencies and clinical skills were distributed to stakeholder groups associated with nine different DR dental programs. Respondents included 153 undergraduate dental students, 153 dental faculty members, 108 practicing dentists (who had graduated in the past 5 years) and 42 industry professionals (who hire and supervise dentists). Data were examined using descriptive statistics, univariate ANOVA and multiple linear regressions. Dental school students and recent graduates now practicing dentists in the DR reflected moderate to solid confidence that they had learned most of the dental skills and competencies covered in the survey. Industry professionals were a bit less confident overall, while dental faculty offered the lowest scores, although those were often still in the moderately confident range. ANOVAs revealed significant differences when broken down by individual university dental programs. Regressions also revealed that individual university dental programs significantly predict confidence that dental skills and competencies were achieved. Data show that DR's dental stakeholder groups generally felt optimistic about the learning occurring. However, the lower mean scores and higher standard deviations from faculty responses raise concern, as do the significant differences between individual dental programs and the dental program itself a significant predictor. Further review of programs is needed, and a national set of dental competencies should be considered in this country.

Influence of technical quality and coronal restoration on periapical health of root canal treatment performed by Malaysian undergraduate students

Introduction: Root canal treatment (RCT) and its coronal restoration should be regularly assessed to ensure a successful treatment outcome. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the relationship between the obturation technical quality and coronal restoration in the clinical and radiographic outcome of RCT provided by Malaysian undergraduate students. Materials and Methods: A total of 143 root-treated teeth from 136 patients were evaluated through clinical examinations and periapical radiographs with a mean follow-up period of 2.4 (standard deviation = 1.59) years. The quality of the coronal restoration was classified according to modified United States Public Health Service criteria and the technical quality of the obturation was assessed based on two variables: length and density. Periapical status was evaluated according to periapical index scores. Results: About 64% of the teeth were classified as healthy with a significant reduction of apical periodontitis from 70.3% preoperatively to 36% at reassessment (P &lt; 0.001). About 92.1% of obturation was of acceptable length, whereas 5% underfilled and 2.9% overfilled. Teeth with acceptable obturation length were five times less likely associated with apical periodontitis than the inadequately filled ones. 90% of canals had adequate obturation density with no significant association to apical periodontitis. Teeth restored with intracoronal restorations had 50% more chance of developing apical periodontitis. Inadequately restored teeth and teeth with poor obturation quality were associated with three times more likely apical periodontitis occurrence. The quality of endodontic treatment and the coronal restoration significantly influenced the periapical status (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The radiographic obturation quality and coronal restorations of the RCTs performed by the undergraduate students in a Malaysian public dental school were acceptable in 63.8% of cases with a 64% favorable outcome.

Perceived esthetics and value of clear aligner therapy systems: A survey among dental school instructors and undergraduate students.

To investigate the attractiveness, acceptability, visibility and willingness-to-pay for clear aligner therapy (CAT) systems in first-year and final-year dental students and instructors. A questionnaire designed to collect information regarding esthetic preferences and intentions related to seven CAT systems was handed out to 120 undergraduate students and instructors at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA). Proportional odds models and population average generalized estimating equation models were used to examine potential association between participant characteristics, esthetic perceptions and CAT systems. Overall, the examined CAT systems received favorable esthetic ratings. Expertise status was significantly associated with willingness-to-pay additionally for CAT, compared to fixed orthodontic appliances. There was no association between sex, previous orthodontic treatment history, satisfaction with own dental appearance and potential interest in treatment and aligner visibility and willingness-to-pay. CAT system was significantly associated with the perceived aligner visibility, acceptability and attractiveness by students and instructors. CAT systems were considered to a great extent attractive and acceptable for future treatment by dental school instructors and students. Willingness-to-pay for CAT systems was significantly associated with expertise status, with instructors appearing more reluctant to pay for CAT.

臨床見学実習前後における歯科衛生士学校学生の不安傾向と睡眠調査（1）

Introduction: Previously, we reported that there was a relationship between the anxiety tendency （STAI） and oral wetness of dental hygienist school students in clinical observation practice. However, although there have been reports on the relationship between the STAI and sleep survey （PSQI）, it has not been fully clarified. Therefore, we conducted this research to obtain findings. Method: 105 students, average age 20.1 years old （18–45 years old）, female, and healthy were targeted. Each test was administered before and after the practice for STAI and before the practice for PSQI. The reference values were set at 48.6 points for trait anxiety, 45.9 points for state anxiety, and 6 points for PSQI. The value above the standard value was set as the high value. Results: The percentage of students with high trait anxiety was 51.4%, and the percentage of students with high PSQI scores was 61.0%. The correlation between trait anxiety and PSQI scores was r = 0.43 （p < 0.01）. Discussion: Trait anxiety was associated with insomnia in students. From the above, it is considered necessary to understand and improve PSQI for the group with high trait anxiety before the practice.

Anterior Upper Teeth Golden Proportion Analysis with Millimetric Templates: An Invention Developed at Londrina State University.

In order to achieve aesthetic and harmonious smile results, the use of anterior upper teeth golden proportion concepts represents reliable and scientific based guidelines. However, measuring, recording and analysing teeth and smiles biometric values proves to be a clinical and laboratory routine chalenge, once it is time consuming and demands additional especific math calculus or formulas. The aim of this paper is present an invention, "anterior upper teeth golden proportion millimetric templates," a set of instruments fabricated in order to achieve precise and fast millimetric measures, once they present predefined geometrical drawings and diagrams. Currently, when planning aesthetic tooth size modifications treatments, tools are used as pachymeters, dry edge compass, or some softwares. Most of times this strategy relies on professional expertise and intuiton, which shows to be limitating factors with the need of trial-and-error training and an accurate critical and artistic sense. Unfortunately, this is not inherent to all professionals, especially undergraduate dental school students. Thus, the templates bring differentials and advantages, being versatile and convenient, allowing countless clinical and laboratory uses, even over a cellphone or a computer screen. An excellent diagnostic aid providing ideal teeth proportions and positioning, increasing the chances of success in dental treatment planning.