Undergraduate Dental School Research Articles

Moodle and WhatsApp as Pedagogical Adjuncts for Oral Pathology Training in Undergraduate Dental School: A Comparative Randomized Crossover Study

Moodle and WhatsApp as Pedagogical Adjuncts for Oral Pathology Training in Undergraduate Dental School: A Comparative Randomized Crossover Study

Effectiveness of blended pedagogy for radiographic interpretation skills in operative dentistry - a comparison of test scores and student experiences at an undergraduate dental school in Pakistan

BackgroundUtilizing Blended pedagogy (BP) in radiographic skills may prove to be an effective teaching strategy. However, studies on the use of BP in dentistry are quite limited in Pakistan, where teaching has mostly been via traditional Didactic Lectures (DL); and radiographic interpretation skills of undergraduate dental students are suboptimal. Therefore, this study aims to assess whether utilizing BP to teach radiographic interpretation skills is an effective teaching methodology in Pakistan.MethodsThis mixed-method study was conducted on final year dental students at Jinnah Medical and Dental College (JMDC). Two groups of students were utilized for this study, one taught by traditional DL and the other taught by BP for the same module. BP was conducted over six weeks. A post-module test was conducted in both groups. Additionally, the BP group completed a modified Community of Inquiry (CoI) survey tool and volunteered to discuss their experiences through a focused group discussion (FGD). Descriptive statistics were computed and independent sample t-test was used to analyse the difference between the scores of the two groups. Thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data.ResultsThe mean post-test scores were found to be significantly higher in the BP group (61.0 ± 10.2) compared to the DL group (44.4 ± 12.3) (p = < 0.001, CI = 95%, Cronbach Alpha > 0.8). The mean scores for the modified CoI instrument were 4.0 ± 0.29 for the whole instrument; 4.25 ± 0.22 for Teaching Presence, 3.71 ± 0.23 for Social Presence and 3.97 ± 0.16 Cognitive Presence, with all three having a Cronbach’s alpha > 0.75. Thematic analysis revealed that BP students mutually agreed that BP method was beneficial with the appreciation of strong support from the facilitator. However, challenges like interrupted power supply and increased effort requirement from students were pointed out.ConclusionStudents taught radiographic interpretation skills with BP in comparison to DL had higher test scores and expressed a positive experience demonstrated via a modified CoI survey and FGD. Considering the encouraging results found, dental schools should incorporate BP in their teaching methodology and follow-up studies are needed to further support the use of BP as an effective teaching methodology in Dentistry.

Promoting Awareness Among New Generations of Dental Instructors about Essential Knowledge and Expertise for Recognizing and Managing Dental Patients with Somatic Symptom Disorder in Undergraduate Dental Clinics - A Review

Dental instructors are equipped with the fundamental dental knowledge and expertise to efficiently supervise dental students for managing their patients in the undergraduate dental school clinics. However, they do not have the basic knowledge for identifying and managing patients with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) at chairside prior to initiating the dental treatment. Lack of such knowledge is a major reason for problems in diagnosis and management of these dental patients which could result in repeated, ineffective dental treatments, such as dental filling, root canal, or even extraction. The aim of this review is to promote awareness among new generations of dental instructors of the need to acquire the basic knowledge about SSD. Several recommendations are made to assist dental instructors in gaining the essential knowledge for assisting dental students at chairside in identifying and managing dental patients with such psychiatric disorder.

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.

Diet and Nutrition Risk Factors in Adults Seen in a Dental School Clinic

Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence of patient-reported diet and nutrition risk factors related to oral health of adults who attended an undergraduate dental school clinic. Associations between risk factors were also explored. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of data from adult patients 18–89 years of age (N = 1071) who received care at an urban northeast undergraduate dental school clinic between 2016 and 2021 for whom a Diet and Nutrition Risk Evaluation form was completed as part of routine comprehensive care. Demographic and clinical characteristics, and frequency of diet and nutrition risk factors, were obtained from the electronic health record. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to determine associations between risk factors. Results Among those with available demographic data, 55.9% were female (n = 599), 55.4% were White (n = 222), and 61.6% were non-Latino (n = 236). The median age and BMI were 55.0 years and 27.5 kg/m2 respectively. The six most prevalent diet and nutrition risk factors in the total sample, in descending order were: overweight/obesity (n = 723, 69.1%); dietary supplement use (n = 571, 54.4%); &amp;lt; 3 servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese daily (n = 534, 51.0%); dental caries (n = 525, 50.9%); intake of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB), gum or candy between meals (n = 353, 33.1%); and periodontal disease that interferes with eating (n = 203, 19.3%). Those with dental caries were significantly more likely to consume SSB, gum, or candy between meals and more than 4 times a day than those without dental caries (38.5% vs 27.3%; P &amp;lt; 0.001 and 18.6% vs 12.2%; P = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions In this sample, the prevalence of overweight/obesity and dental caries were high; consumption of SSB, gum, or candy was strongly associated with dental caries. Identification of diet and nutrition risk factors relative to oral health can be used to design education and interprofessional collaborative endeavors and referrals to enhance patient-centered care. Funding Sources None.

Special care dentistry perception among dentists in Jakarta: An online survey study.

Special Care Dentistry (SCD) or Special Needs Dentistry is a branch of dentistry concerned with the oral health of people with a variety of medical conditions or limitations that require more than routine delivery of care. There were reports on oral status of special care patients and special interest group for SCD dentists in Indonesia has existed. However, there was not perception report on SCD amongst dentists in Jakarta. This paper will describe the perception of dentists in Jakarta towards SCD. A cross-sectional questionnaire, translated and cross adapted to Indonesian, was distributed online through Whatsapp to dentists registered in Jakarta late 2019. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical software for proportion and correlation using Chi-Square test. The questionnaire explored dentists' perception towards SCD. A total of 250 dentists participated in this study, of them 173 general practitioners and 77 specialist dentists. Most respondents reported that they did not have SCD component during undergraduate dental school and did not provide treatment to patients with special needs in their clinical practice. Most respondents have poor perception of SCD, however, most of the respondents showed motivation and interest towards SCD training. Dentists in Jakarta involved in this study had poor perception of SCD. More efforts should be performed to improve SCD education and awareness.

Coronal restoration of the root filled tooth - a qualitative analysis of the dentists' decision-making process.

AimTo describe the decision‐making process of the general dental practitioner (GDP) underlying the choice of coronal restoration of a root filled tooth.MethodologyGDPs were strategically selected with respect to gender, age, undergraduate dental school, service affiliation and duration of professional experience. Semistructured in‐depth interviews were conducted, focusing on the informant’s personal experience of the process which leads to a decision as to how to restore a root filled tooth. The informants were invited to describe in their own words the latest two cases involving decisions of direct or full crown restorations respectively. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews from 14 informants, aged 27–64 (mean age 46 years), were included and analysed according to Qualitative Content Analysis.ResultsA theme (latent content) was identified: Clinical factors were considered important but were overruled by context and patient opinions, if in conflict. Three main categories, including seven subcategories (manifest content), were identified. The categories were clinical factors, contextual factors and patient's views. Clinical factors underlying the GDPs' decision included the current dental status and the estimated longevity of the intended restoration. In certain cases, contextual factors were also of importance, either supporting the GDPs' decision or modifying it. However, the patient's views played a decisive role in the final choice of coronal restoration, leading to either mutual acceptance or a compromise, taking into account the patient's economic status and opinions.ConclusionsWith respect to coronal restoration of a root filled tooth, the GDPs’ decision‐making process was based not only on clinical factors, but also on decisive contextual factors and consideration of the patients’ views.

Quality Assurance Audit of Digital Intraoral Periapical Radiographs at the Undergraduate Dental Clinics.

To assess the quality of digital intraoral periapical radiographs by investigating the percentage of radiographic images that satisfied the good quality standards. An audit. Undergraduate Dental Clinics, Qassim University College of Dentistry, Saudi Arabia, from April to September 2018. This standard-based audit was conducted at the clinics of undergraduate dental school. A total of 506 intraoral periapical radiographs taken by dental students were graded, according to the standards set by Health Protection Agency, by two evaluators after the necessary calibration to reduce the inter-evaluator differences.In addition to the grading of radiographs, the documentation of errors like coning off, foreshortening/elongation, contact overlap, poor contrast, and image blurring was done. The data analysis was carried out with Microsoft excel software by utilising simple descriptive statistics. Out of the 506 digital periapical radiographs, 231 (45.7%) radiographs were categorised as Grade 1, 190 (37.6%) radiographs were categorised as Grade 2, and 85 (16.7%) radiographs were categorised as Grade 3, requiring a repeat radiograph; and were diagnostically unacceptable. Considering the aforementioned results, the findings of the first cycle fell short of the required standards. According to the results of the quality assurance audit, the radiographs were below the standards set by the Health Protection Agency. Recommendations were made for improvement measures in the radiology department, and re-audit was planned after one year. Key Words: Quality assurance, ALARA, Radiation protection, Audit, Digital dental radiography.

Dental Faculty’s Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Covid 19 Disease in Qassim University, Saudi Arabia

Background: Present study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude of dental faculty at QassimUniversity, regarding novel COVID 19 disease.Method: The cross-sectional survey was conducted on the faculty at undergraduate dental school. The selfdesigned e-survey was administered to 78 faculty members to assess their knowledge and attitudes towardsthe COVID-19 disease. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics werereported as frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was utilized to identify the correlation between theindependent and dependent variables. The inferential statistics (Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney Utest) were utilized for assessing the significance between study variables. The association between knowledgeand attitude was evaluated by using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.Results: A total of 55 faculty members (70.5%) responded. Mean knowledge score was 10± 2.71. 37 (67.3%)respondents showed positive attitude towards COVID-19 while 18(32.7%) displayed negative attitude. Themean attitude score was 4.08±0.50. Significant difference was found in knowledge (p-value=0.04) andattitude (p-value=0.015) of dental faculty based on designation.Conclusions: Qassim University dentists were mindful of the COVID-19 symptoms, means of transmission,Cross-infection control and operative protocols practiced within dental clinics. However, dentists exhibitedinadequate knowledge about the specific dental procedures that safeguard the dental staff and patients fromCOVID-19 in context of current outbreak.

Oncogenes and their Role in Oral Oncogenesis - A Survey

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma [OSCC] is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity. The etiological agents for OSCC are tobacco, betel quid, smoking, and alcohol. Oral cancer also has a genetic basis that is mediated by oncogenes. &#x0D; Aim: The aim of the survey was to evaluate the knowledge about the role of oncogenes in oral oncogenesis among undergraduate dental students. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was a questionnaire-based survey and the respondents were to fourth year or interns of an undergraduate dental school. The sample size of the study was 100 and simple random sampling was used for choosing the sample population. The collected data was validated, tabulated, and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows, version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and results were obtained.&#x0D; Results and Conclusion: 25% of the respondents were fourth-year students and 75% were interns. About 98% of respondents were aware of the genetic basis of oral cancer. However, their knowledge about the role of oncogenes in oral cancer was very limited. A statistically significant association [P&lt;0.05] was seen between the year of study and knowledge about oncogenes. Hence, measures have to be taken to impart knowledge about oncogenes for better diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Smoking awareness and habits among dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia... what can we do to help?

Background and Objectives: Tobacco epidemic is affecting the whole world. By 2025 the numbers of smokers are expected to increase from 1.1 billion adults to 1.6 billion. Students are a vulnerable and an important target for tobacco industry, despite the fact that Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation is a competence in their curriculum they must master before graduating. Material and methods: 500 questionnaires were distributed to students attending undergraduate dental school at King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD). Response rate was 77.2%. Questionnaire consisted of five parts: general information; questions related to cigarette smoking; questions related to hooka/waterpipe smoking; questions related to shisha smoking and questions for non-smokers. The data was analyzed using the SPSS-PC package. Analysis included simple descriptive statistics in the form of percentages, frequency distributions and bar graphs; a p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: 368 dental students who answered the questionnaire, 19.2% students were smokers and 80.8% (31.1% males and 68.9% females) were non-smokers. According to year of study, the highest percentage of students who smoked were in their senior years (5th: 24.3%). Peer pressure was the most likely reason to start smoking, as well as pressure from the school. There is a clear need for the school to implement more ways to help students cope with the stress of academic load, as well as more awareness of the addictive nature of tobacco use, to empower the students to fight the pressures both within and outside their school life.

The Predictive Validity of a Text-Based Situational Judgment Test in Undergraduate Medical and Dental School Admissions.

Situational judgment tests (SJTs) can be used to assess the nonacademic attributes necessary for medical and dental trainees to become successful practitioners. Evidence for SJTs' predictive validity, however, relates predominantly to selection in postgraduate settings or using video-based SJTs at the undergraduate level; it may not be directly transferable to text-based SJTs in undergraduate medical and dental school selection. This preliminary study aimed to address these gaps by assessing the validity of the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) text-based SJT. Study participants were 218 first-year medical and dental students from four UK undergraduate schools who completed the first UKCAT text-based SJT in 2013. Outcome measures were educational supervisor ratings of in-role performance in problem-based learning tutorial sessions-mean rating across the three domains measured by the SJT (integrity, perspective taking, and team involvement) and an overall judgment of performance-collected in 2015. There were significant correlations between SJT scores and both mean supervisor ratings (uncorrected r = 0.24, P < .001; corrected r = 0.34) and overall judgments (uncorrected rs = 0.16, P < .05; corrected rs = 0.20). SJT scores predicted 6% of variance in mean supervisor ratings across the three nonacademic domains. The results provide evidence that a well-designed text-based SJT can be appropriately integrated, and add value to, the selection process for undergraduate medical and dental school. More evidence is needed regarding the longitudinal predictive validity of SJTs throughout medical and dental training pathways, with appropriate outcome criteria.

Seropositivity for Hepatitis B Virus, Vaccination Status and Response to Vaccine in a Cohort of Dental Students

Background: The development of a vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been a major achievement in terms of prevention of HBV infection. To evaluate the immunological status against HBV of dental-profession students, we analysed the long-term immunogenicity and effectiveness of HBV vaccination in Italian dental students with different work seniorities, determining the influence of epidemiological variables on the immune response. Methods: This study, carried out from January 2014 to April 2016, involved 361 under- and post-graduate dental students attending the Second University of Naples. HBV serum markers were determined and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the level of long-term immunogenicity. Results: Of the 361 subjects evaluated, 15 (4.2%) declared no history of vaccination. All vaccinated subjects were HBsAg/anti-HBc negative, with 86 (24.9%) having an anti-HBs titre <10 IU/L. The latter were younger, more likely to be attending undergraduate dental school, and more likely to have been vaccinated in infancy. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that assessment of HBV serum markers in workers potentially exposed to hospital infections is useful to identify small numbers of unvaccinated subjects or vaccinated subjects with low antibody titre, all of whom should be referred for a booster series of vaccinations.

Cephalometric landmark identification consistency between undergraduate dental students and orthodontic residents in 3-dimensional rendered cone-beam computed tomography images: A preliminary study.

The aim of this study was to compare 3-dimensional landmark consistency and precision in skeletal structures in groups with different levels of experience with 2-dimensional cephalometrics. Sixteen observers, all undergraduate or graduate students, were divided into 4 groups with different levels of experience in 2-dimensional landmarking and no previous experience in 3 dimensions. Group 1 consisted of 4 third-year dental students with no experience in cephalometric landmarking. Groups 2, 3, and 4 consisted of first-, second-, and third-year graduate students, with increasing levels of experience. The participants located 18 landmarks in 12 surface models of cone-beam computed tomography scans of patients on 3 separate occasions. The average of all examiners locating each landmark was defined as the centroid. The mean of the distances of each located point to the centroid of that landmark was used as the mean consistency (MC), and the standard deviation (SD) was used as the precision. Analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey comparisons between groups were done. The MC andSD values across landmarks, patients, and examiners were 1.03±1.14mm. The MC and SD were 0.89±0.83mm for group 1 with no experience, 1.02±0.95mm for group 2, 1.17±1.60mm for group 3, and 1.05±1.00mm for group 4. Significant differences were found among the groups. Comparing the observer groups studied, the undergraduate dental school students without previous experience in bidimensional cephalometrics obtained the best values in volumetric landmark location. Graduate students with increasing amounts of experience did not perform as well. These results and conclusions should be interpreted with caution because the number of subjects in each group was small.

Ethics, research and HIV: lessons learned- a workshop report.

Assessing risk for transmission of a blood-borne pathogen requires the use of the hazard and risk model. Infection control is a system that uses a number of individual processes to eliminate or reduce the probability of a hazard occurring. Strategies employed to reduce risk should be rehearsed, used routinely, audited, reviewed, and the results shared. Continuing dental education has improved dental healthcare worker willingness to treat people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and has decreased negative attitudes and staff fears. Providing care for PLWHA during undergraduate dental school or dental hygiene programme is also associated with a greater willingness to treat. Whether by identifying suspect oral lesions or offering rapid screening tests in the dental setting for HIV, the dental team can play an important role in linkage to confirmatory diagnosis and care with the goal of reducing to zero the number of undiagnosed cases.

Dependence rate of smokers in undergraduate dental school

Introduction: The habit of smoking, can cause dependence for smokers and also it can cause various diseases and health problems, both physical health and oral health. Smoking habits are also occured in the health students which they should show good example to the community to live a healthy lifestyle, including a role as well as to reduce their smoking habits, and also providing information to the effects of smoking. The purpose of this study was to determine the dependence rate of smoking in undergraduate Dental School Faculty of Dentistry, Padjadjaran University. Methods: This study was a descriptive type using the survey technique. Sampling was conducted with a snowball technique. The sample of 39 smokers comprising 24 men and 15 women. Respondents filled in questionnaires and the responses to questionnaires have different points to determine the level of smoking dependence. Results: The results shows that about 76.9% of the total sample included in the category of dependence rate of smoking are very low, 20.5% with a lower category, and 2.6% with the medium category. Conclusion: Smoker students in undergraduate Dental School has a very low level of dependence.

Relationship of selection criteria to subsequent academic performance in an Australian undergraduate dental school

In 1998, in addition to previous academic achievement, an aptitude test (UMAT) and a structured interview were introduced into selection for the Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), the undergraduate dental course at the University of Western Australia. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the combination of school-leaver dental students' entry scores, some demographic characteristics and subsequent student performance in the undergraduate course. Three hundred and ninety-eight school-leavers who enrolled in the BDSc from 1999 through 2011 were studied. Regression models were constructed comprising entry scores, gender and age as predictors in relation to subsequent academic performance. The main outcome measure was the weighted average mark (WAM) for each of five academic year levels as well as results in specific units, defined as either 'knowledge' based or 'clinically' based. Of the variables studied, previous academic performance and female gender had the strongest relationship with yearly WAM for Years 1 through 4 and for both 'knowledge' based and 'clinically' based units. The interview score showed a strong relationship in the major clinical years and in a range of 'clinically' based units. UMAT scores were less consistent in relationship to WAM. These results support assessment through a highly structured interview together with prior academic achievement as an evidence-based approach to selection of students for this undergraduate dental course.

Avaliação dos níveis de mercúrio sistêmico após exposição ocupacional ao amálgama dentário. Parte II: avaliação longitudinal

This study was a longitudinal evaluation of the systemic mercury exposure levels. Thirty urine samples were collected from ten male and female undergraduate dental school students, distributed into three dependent groups: G1 (n = 10) - students before their first contact with silver amalgam; G2 (n = 10) the same group of students within 48 hours after their first occupational contact with silver amalgam; G3 (n = 10) the same group of students at the end of the course, three and a half years later. In this study, the cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAAS) was used for urine analysis. There was a significant statistical difference to ANOVA test between dependent groups GR1 x GR2 (p = 0,001218) and GR2 x GR3 (p = 0,012423). Handling dental amalgam offers a potential risk to increase mercury levels.

The Mentee's Perspective: My Experiences

Clinician, educator and scientist, the core missions of an academic surgeon, are increasingly difficult to successfully achieve. Many surgeons have made a career focusing on just one of the core academic duties. To succeed at all three is increasingly unusual due to various personal and professional factors. Mentorship is essential to help guide young faculty to become a successful long-term academician. My career in research was nurtured during my undergraduate dental school training at the University of Pittsburgh. I had an interest in science, but it was my mentor Dr Suda Agarwal who encouraged me to pursue this as part of my career. Beyond teaching the fundamentals of science, she made sure I was presenting at AADR/IADR. This led to my introduction to Dr Mark Herzberg, who subsequently became my PhD advisor as I was accepted into the University of Minnesota's Dental Scientist Program. While I had strong academic mentorship during my PhD program, my interest in surgery was developed less formally. The surgeons I encountered who impacted me the most led by example. Dr Michael J. Buckley not only was a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon but also performed basic science research. He encouraged my pursuit in an academic career of both surgery and science. Dr James Q. Swift honed my surgical skills and has provided me with invaluable guidance during my early years as an academic surgeon. As I further develop in my career I understand the challenges and rewards of being a mentor to the next generation of academic surgeons.

Clinical undergraduate teaching

At the present time, most endodontists who teach in the undergraduate dental school clinics do not receive formal training. Dental schools have traditionally assumed that the expert knowledge and technical skills that these endodontists could contribute would be sufficient to allow them to teach successfully. Today, we know that this is not always the case. To improve the instructional function of the dental clinics, instructors should recognize and assume their responsibilities as tone-setters, facilitators, and role models. They should define their goals and objectives clearly, and strive to create an open and trusting learning environment for their students. Instructors must also recognize the significance of their impact on the development of their students. Formal pedagogical training would assist instructors in fulfilling these responsibilities.