Continuing professional development of dentists through distant learning: An Indira Gandhi National Open University-Dental Council of India experiment a report.

To keep themselves updated with all the advancements in the field of dentistry, dentists should involve themselves in some kind of professional development. Distance learning is the most appropriate way to serve the growing demand due to technological advancements. Indira Gandhi National Open University in collaboration with Dental Council of India (DCI) developed and launched two continuing professional development programs in Endodontics (postgraduate certificate in endodontics) and postgraduate certificate in oral implantology and has trained over 400 and 280 BDS dentists respectively till date. The program package consists of self‑instructional material, assignments, videos and practical training. The training is conducted in premiere dental colleges and institutions recognized by DCI. The certificate is awarded after a term end examination, both in theory and practical. The pass percentages of the theory courses ranged from around 63% to 98%, and 90% of the candidates cleared the practical exam.

A comparative evaluation of endodontic practice trends in India: "The Mumbai study.

Introduction: Multiple treatment protocols are available to the Indian endodontist. Hence a survey is required to recognize the common trends in endodontics and set a basic standard of treatment. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this article is to present practice trends among Indian endodontists and compare the same with established practice trends internationally through various surveys that have been conducted respectively. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to 1085 endodontists in dental schools and private practice in India. A response rate of 42% was observed. The data was analyzed and compared with other studies. Results: Most of the endodontists in India follow the basic protocols and techniques in their practices. 40% of the Endodontists preferred digital radiography technique. 2.5% NaOCl is the most preferred irrigant of choice for primary root canal treatment and 2% chlorhexidine in retreatment cases. Calcium hydroxide was the most preferred intracanal medicament in all clinical situations. Lateral compaction (70.8%) was the most widely used method. AH Plus was the most preferred root canal sealer (46.6%). Conclusion: Indian endodontists are following the basic protocol but when compared to other studies there were concepts like, the use of rubber dam and microscope which need to be improved and raised to a level that ensures international standards in clinical practice.