Teaching Of Posterior Composites Research Articles

Teaching of posterior composites in dental schools in Japan – 30 years and beyond

ObjectivesThe teaching of posterior composites has been a major part of the curriculum in Japanese dental education for several decades. The aim of this paper was to investigate the current trends in the teaching of posterior composites to undergraduate dental students in Japan by comparing the results of surveys conducted for over 30 years. MethodsIn late 2016-early 2017, a questionnaire seeking information on the teaching of posterior composites was distributed via e-mail to the persons responsible for teaching operative dentistry in 29 dental schools having undergraduate dental degree programs in Japan. The results obtained were compared to those from surveys conducted in 1986, 1997, and 2007. ResultsAll 29 schools that were sent the questionnaire completed the responses (response rate = 100%). All 29 schools reported teaching the placement of composite in occlusal and two-surface occluso-proximal cavities in both premolars and molars. Four schools reported not teaching the placement of three-surface occluso-proximal composites in premolars and five schools reported not teaching it for molars. Twenty-seven (93%) schools taught composite first as a part of the preclinical curriculum, whereas 15 (65%) schools did so in the survey of 2007. Variations were noted between schools in the teaching of, cavity design. In contrast, greater consistency was observed in the teaching of techniques for protecting exposed dentin and light-curing technologies. ConclusionsIt is hoped that measures intended to increase the clinical experience of restoring teeth with direct composite-resin for dental students in Japan will be effective, providing opportunity to bring dental education in Japan more into line with international norms.

Teaching of direct posterior resin composite restorations in UK dental therapy training programmes

With the numbers of dental therapists involved in the delivery of dental care within the UK on the increase, and the trend towards the use of direct resin composites (composites) for the restoration of posterior teeth, this study was undertaken to describe the teaching of posterior composites in dental therapy training programmes in the UK. A secondary aim was to identify differences in techniques for posterior composites taught within these dental therapy training programmes. In 2008/9, a questionnaire seeking information on the teaching of posterior composites was distributed by email to 13 centres with dental therapy training programmes in the UK. This questionnaire sought information relating to the teaching of direct posterior composites to dental therapy students, including the amounts of preclinical and clinical teaching in respect of deciduous and permanent teeth, numbers of restorations placed, contraindications to placement, and details in respect of operative techniques. Ten completed responses were received (response rate = 77%). In ten programmes, student dental therapists received clinical training in the placement of composite restorations in the occlusal surfaces of premolar and permanent molar teeth, and nine programmes included such training for two and three surface occlusoproximal restorations. The mean proportions of posterior restorations placed clinically by the trainee dental therapists in permanent teeth using dental amalgam and composite were 52% and 46% respectively (range: amalgam = 20-95%; composite = 5-70%). With the exception of one programme, the teaching of posterior composites is a well established element of dental therapy training. Some variations were noted in the teaching of clinical techniques between respondent training centres. It is suggested that to ensure harmony in approaches to treatments provided by graduated therapists that training centres look to relevant consensus documents, such as those of the British Association for the Teaching of Conservative Dentistry. The findings of our study are important for the future provision of oral healthcare, given the growing evidence base in favour of minimally invasive dentistry.

Medico-legal aspects of the use of posterior composites

Although there has been a significant rise in litigation involving dental treatment and an increase in the number of disciplinary actions being taken against dental surgeons, the Medical Defence Union has no evidence of a higher incidence of complaints when treatment has included the use of posterior composite restorations. The medico-legal implications in respect of posterior composites are no different from those for any other aspect of dental treatment when provided as part of treatment not carried out under National Health Service (General Dental Service) Regulations, however, the medico-legal implications of providing posterior composites as part of treatment carried out under National Health Service Regulations is much more complicated and the present situation is problematical for both the dentist and the patient. A full realisation of regulatory problems in respect of posterior composites is essential for those involved in the teaching of posterior composites.

The teaching of posterior composites: views of recent UK graduates

The views of recent UK graduates have been surveyed to determine the extent and adequacy of the teaching they received as undergraduates in respect of posterior composites. It is concluded that most recent graduates believe that they acquired sufficient knowledge of posterior composites at dental school, but that they would benefit from attendance at hands-on postgraduate courses on these materials.