Evaluation of Dental Interns' Perception and Self-Confidence Levels Regarding Endodontic Treatment"- A Questionnaire Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the perception and self-confidence of Dental interns regarding endodontic treatment performed on patients. Material and Methods: A total of 111 dental interns from 5 different educational institutes of a state in South India participated in a questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire consisted of 12 questions related to root canal procedures performed on patients. Analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. Results: Sixty-five interns (59%) performed less than 10 root canal treatments on patients during the course of the internship. Twenty-eight interns (25% of the intern population) took up more than 10 root canal treatment cases, whereas only 18 interns (16%) did not perform the treatment on patients and answered the questionnaire based on their experience with extracted teeth model work. Only five interns out of 111 were 'Very confident' and 22 were 'Confident' in performing the root canal treatment. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the self-perceived confidence level among dental interns can affect their clinical performance. It also recommends additional hands-on workshops, problem-based learning and clinical guidance for the dental interns to become more confident with the root canal procedure.

Comparative Evaluation of Fluoride Release From Two Different Glass Ionomer Cement and a Novel Alkasite Restorative Material - An in Vitro Study

Abstract Objective: To compare the fluoride release from Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC), Resin Modified GIC (RMGIC), and Cention N Alkasite Material. Material and Methods: Forty- five disc-shaped specimens of three different restorative materials (Conventional GIC, RMGIC, and Alkasite material) were made and divided into 3 groups (n=15). Fluoride release was evaluated at the end of Day 1, 7, 14, and Day 28 using fluoride ion-selective electrode. Intergroup and Intra-group analysis was done using One-way ANOVA with a Post-hoc test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cention showed more fluoride release (in parts per million) than GIC and RMGIC at increased time duration. However, at the end of day 1, there was lesser fluoride release with Cention, as compared with the other groups. Conclusion: The new Alkasite restorative material showed promising results in terms of fluoride release and is better than GIC and RMGIC at increased time duration.

Effect of Thermocycling on the Colour Stability of Aesthetic Restorative Materials: An in-vitro Spectrophotometric Analysis

Abstract Objective: To compare the color stability of Cention N, Fuji IX GP Extra, and Fuji IX GP after thermocycling. Material and Methods: Ten discs of each material of dimension 10 x 1 mm were prepared using a split mold. The preparations of the specimens were done according to the powder/liquid ratio as recommended by the manufacturers [4.6:1, 3.4:1 and 3.6:1 for the groups I, II, and III, respectively]. After setting, the samples were retrieved, and the thickness of each specimen was measured using a micrometer at five different locations. The specimens with variations in thickness, porosity or cracks were discarded and thus not included in the study. The selected specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 hours prior to testing. The prepared specimens were thermocycled at 5°C and 55°C, with a dwell time of 15 seconds for 250 or 500 cycles. Subsequently, the color parameters of the discs were measured using a spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed using two way ANOVA test, and a p-value <0.001 was considered. Results: Thermocycling resulted in changes in the color of both Glass Ionomer cement and Cention N (p<0.001). Among the materials tested, Cention N showed superior color stability. Conclusion: Cention N exhibited better color stability compared to Glass ionomer cements.