Professional attitudes and behaviors acquired during undergraduate education in the college of dentistry, King Saud University

The purpose of the study was to investigate and evaluate the professional attitudes and behaviors acquired by students and recently graduated dentists during undergraduate education at King Saud University. This cross-sectional survey used a 27-item questionnaire covering four cumulative theoretical dimensions of professionalism. Questionnaires were distributed to fifth-year students, interns, and demonstrators in the College of Dentistry during the academic year 2010-2011, and 203 completed questionnaires were used in analyses. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses. Crosstab and chi-squared tests were used, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. The response rate was 79.3% [43.6% of males, 94% of females]. Eighty-seven questionnaires were collected from fifth-year students, 92 from interns, and 24 from demonstrators. Many [59%] participants demonstrated high levels of professional attitudes and behaviors, whereas 40% did not comply with the elements of professionalism. Analyses revealed highly significant differences in certain responses with regard to gender, academic level, and grade point average. Although some participants did not possess all professional qualities, all participants possessed at least some elements of professionalism measured in this study. We thus recommend a strategic effort to develop targeted plans emphasizing professionalism at all levels of the dental school curriculum. High-profile role modeling, lectures, seminars, and academic ceremonies are ways of achieving professional development among dental students in parallel with their acquisition of basic scientific knowledge and clinical skills. This approach will formally and informally communicate that professionalism is a core value

Use of a chemically activated resin-modified glass ionomer as a retrograde filling material: an in-vitro study

A comparison was made between the apical microleakage of retrograde fillings with amalgam and with a chemically activated resin-modified glass ionomer cement using a dye penetration technique. Forty instrumented and obturated human teeth were divided into four groups of 10 teeth each. Each root was apically resected. Nail polish was applied to the tooth surfaces of the first 3 groups, and then standardized apical cavity preparations were performed. The retropreparations were filled either with zinc free amalgam [group I], chemically activated resin-glass ionomer [group II], or only covered with nail polish [group III]. In group IV, no retrofillings were made and no nail polish was applied. The specimens were suspended in 2% methylene blue dye for 7 days. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally and the depth of linear dye penetration was measured. The results demonstrated that group II significantly had the least microleakage of all [P < 0.05]. It was concluded that chemically activated resin-glass ionomer should be considered as an alternative retrofilling material

Continuing professional education: attitudes and needs of Saudi dentists

The Importance of Continuing Professional Education [CPE] has been repeatedly asserted and advocated In the literature as a most effective and efficient way to ensure competency. The purpose of this survey was to report Saudi dentists' attitudes, behavior and perceived needs toward continuing education. The survey was conducted in 1998 among dentists from different areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Eight hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed among active and nonactive members of the Saudi Dental Society. The response rate was 53.7%. The result indicated that in the absence of mandatory CPE courses In Saudi Arabia, dentists currently participate voluntarily In these courses and as when available. it was also found that there was an apparent lack of commitment of dentists to continuing education, indeed, most of the respondents supported the Idea of mandatory CPE and the Implementation of Saudi dental license regulations