Comparison of root canal treatment quality performed by house surgeons and postgraduate students

Endodontics is a challenging discipline, and includes technically demanding procedures in general dental practice. The objective of this study was to compare the quality of root canal treatment performed by house surgeons and postgraduate students, Comparative cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Operative Dentistry, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore [LMDC]. The duration of study was from 13th march 2008 to 12th September 2008. One hundred [100] single rooted teeth of patients reported to the Department of Operative dentistry of LMDC. Patients were randomly allotted and divided in to two groups. Root canal treatment of group A patients was performed by postgraduate students and that of group B by house surgeons. Quality of root canal treatment of both groups was assessed radiographically. A predetermined criterion for assessing quality used in earlier studies was employed. All quality assessment variables for evaluation of root canal which were lateral root seal, adequate length, transportation of apex and instrument fracture showed statistically significant difference between the two groups. The quality of root canal treatment performed by postgraduates was much better than the house surgeons

Knowledge, perception and choice of dental implants as a treatment option for patients visiting the university college of dentistry, Lahore - Pakistan

This study was done to assess the awareness about dental implant treatment to patients visiting the University College of dentistry, Lahore. Pakistan. It was a survey which employed a pre-existing questionnaire. The pre-existing questionnaire was in English but each question was translated into Urdu by the surveyors. It included 6 questions regarding patient knowledge about dental implants treatment, source of information, evaluation of satisfaction, willingness to get treatment and the need for insurance. All patients aged 16 years and above [random sampling] visiting University College of dentistry, Lahore were approached and invited to participate in the study. 181 participated in the survey, 69 were male and 112 females. Only 72[39.8%] of the respondents had heard of the method whereas 109 [60.2%] had never heard of the treatment method. Dentists were the major source of information about dental implants [65.2%]. Over 90% of the respondents thought dental implant treatment was very good or good. When given an option for treatment with dental implants willingness to get treatment 80[44.1%] were definite to get dental implant treatment, 66[36.4%] thought they would most likely get dental implant treatment. 93% of the respondents were of the opinion that insurance coverage should be provided. Awareness about dental implants in this sample population was very poor. Awareness programs should be employed in this regard so that more and more individuals may enjoy the benefits of this treatment option