Self-reported confidence levels of dental graduates in performing clinical procedures

This survey was conducted to study the levels of confidence in performing basic dental procedures, reported by graduates of three different dental colleges of Lahore. A Sample of 180 students was surveyed through specially designed proformas, using five points Likert's Scale. A total response rate of 90.5% was achieved. The null hypothesis was that graduates from different institutions have equal levels of confidence. Analysis of variance was used to assess difference of scores among institutions. P value pf 0.05 was considered to be significant. Statistically significant differences among institutions were noted[p=2.44]. Students were most confident in simpler procedures in which they had had most clinical experience. They were least confident in more complex procedures in which they had the least clinical experience during third and final year of BDS. Increased clinical time in complex procedures may help in increasing graduating students' confidence procedures highlighted in this study

Number and pattern of root canals in mandibular incisors

This descriptive study was conducted to study the variation in number and pattern of root canals in mandibular incisors in a sample of Pakistani population. A Sample of 100 teeth extracted due to periodontal or carious destruction was surveyed through labio-lingual and lateral periapical radiographs. Roots were then sectioned at 1, 2 and 3mm from apex at 20 degree angulation along the long axis of roots. Sections were observed under stereomicroscope and number and shapes of root canals were recorded. Both observations were combined to classify the root canal patterns according to Vertucci's Classification. Ninety one [91] roots canals were classified at Vertucci's type I. Eight teeth showed double root canals. Two roots had Type V and six had Type III canal configuration. Labio-lingual periapical radiographs were unable to detect the second root canals in any of the teeth with double canals. The need for conducting more research with advanced imaging techniques and larger sample size was highlighted in this study. The limitation of periapical radiographs in locating lingual canals in mandibular incisors was also observed

Association of missing third molars with various skeletal patterns

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of third molar agenesis and its association with skeletal features. Pre-treatment records of 270 patients, aged between 12 and 35 years with no previous orthodontic treatment or third molar extraction were taken into study. Panoramic radio-graphs and lateral cephalograms were used to determine number of missing third molars and associated skeletal pattern of the patients. The Pearson chi-square test was performed to determine potential differences between sagittal and vertical pattern of patients with missing third molars. The frequency of third-molar agenesis was 31.85%in total and was 10.30% in skeletal class I, 14.80% in skeletal class II and 6.60% in skeletal class III. The frequency of vertical pattern of individuals with missing third molars was 11.8%normal angle, 10.3% low angle and 9.6% high angle. No statistically significant correlation was established between third molar agenesis and various skeletal sagittal and vertical patterns in this study group of Lahore medical and dental college