Minimal intervention dentistry: conceptual integration in the dental curriculum in cariology

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practices of minimal intervention den-tistry [MID] in the teaching hospitals of Lahore. The target population for this cross-sectional study consisted of fresh graduates, house surgeons and demonstrators of Restorative Dentistry in the dental schools of Lahore. The questionnaire was prepared to assess the teaching and concepts of minimal intervention dentistry being taught at the undergraduate level. The results showed that 83% of the respondents believed that MID should replace the age old principles of GV Black. The respondents [90-95%] had sound knowledge about the caries risk assessment. However their concepts about clinical management using these techniques of MID were inadequate. In light of this study it is impervious that, a comprehensive practical training guided by the current principles of MID should be designed and implemented to improve present caries management educational program

Perception of ethical issues, encountered in under graduate medical and dental education

Bioethics has recently gained importance in the developing world. It's teaching in Medical Schools needs careful attention. The aim of this study was to assess the conceptual knowledge for adequacy of the current system of bioethics education and to identify the learning needs of Pakistani medical and dental students. The present study included 114, third year medical students, who had been provided introductory course on bioethics in 1[st] and 2[nd] years. A questionnaire containing 20 clinical situations was answered and assessed against standards. Thirty six percent of participants had forgotten the term bioethics. Patient's opinion and life saving research was recognized as most important where as performing surgery and informing patients about doctor's mistakes was considered as not worthy of obtaining consent. A wide range of gap in knowledge and attitude was identified in bioethics

Dental phobia in patients seeking dental treatment

Phobia against dental procedures is recognized as an important factor in inhibiting patients from seeking dental treatment. To study the types and levels of dental phobia in patients seeking dental treatment. Fatima Memorial Dental College Hospital, Lahore from August, 2008 to January, 2009. All adult patients coming for dental scaling, extraction, filling and root canal treatment who consented to participate in the study were included, while those with impaction, extensive periodontal treatment and edentulous were excluded. All patients were interviewed regarding their fears about dental procedures using structured questionnaire. The information was classified into 3 scales as strongly negative [phobic] moderately negative and neutral. A total of 76 patients were selected for the study. Dental phobia presenting as lack of confidence to ask questions from the dentist was observed in 30% patients while 96% had some previous bad experience at a dental clinic. Varying levels of phobia were noted for all other types of services as well as for the dentist's attitude towards the patients. Dentists should recognize the existence of dental phobia in patients coming for treatment and need to develop skills in minimizing phobia. To reduce fear and phobia dentists need to communicate more with the patients before undertaking any treatment