Dental Students' Perception and Self-Perceived Confidence Level in Key Dental Procedures for General Practice and the Impact of Competency Implementation on Their Confidence Level, Part I (Prosthodontics and Conservative Dentistry).

Background: Evaluating the level of dental students' competence is crucial for validating their preparedness for graduation. Confidence has a significant role in achieving competence. There are limited studies that assess the level of self-perceived confidence among final-year dental students regarding their ability to conduct key dental procedures. This study aims to assess the self-perceived confidence level of final-year dental students in performing essential dental procedures across various dental disciplines and to assess the effect of implementing competencies in the curriculum on the self-perceived confidence level of students by comparing two cohorts of final-year students in two different years 2016 (Traditional Cohort) and 2019 (Competencies Cohort). Materials and Methods: An questionnaire was answered by two cohorts of final-year dental students: one group in 2016 before the implementation of the competency-based assessment system (group 1, n = 153), and the other in 2019 after the implementation of this system (group 2, n = 199), the same questionnaire was used for both cohorts. The results from the two groups were compared regarding the degree of self-perceived confidence in conducting key dental procedures. The data were analysed using SPSS statistics and Levene's Test for Equality of Variances and t-test for Equality of Means calculated. Results: Group 1 showed a significantly higher means of self-perceived confidence levels than group 2 in the ability to conduct seven out of the 20 prosthodontics procedures studied: providing patients with Cobalt-Chromium (Co-Cr) removable partial dentures (RPD) (3.77 vs. 3.56), providing the patient with Acrylic RPD (3.70 vs. 3.23), treatment planning for partially edentulous patients (3.83 vs. 3.34), giving OHIs for denture patients (4.17 vs. 3.95), dealing with CD postinsertion complaints (3.97 vs. 3.76), giving postinsertion instructions for removable prostheses cases (4.12 vs. 3.82), and providing patients with immediate dentures (2.67 vs. 2.32). The same applies to 6 out of 16 conservative dentistry procedures: placing anterior composite (4.41 vs. 4.12), placing posterior composite (4.43 vs. 3.88), placing posterior amalgam (4.29 vs. 4.02), placing matrix band for Class II restorations (4.24 vs. 3.71), placing a prefabricated post (3.34 vs. 2.88), and placing fiber post (3.45 vs. 3.34). On the other hand, group 2 shows higher means of self-perceived confidence than group 1 in only two conservative dentistry procedures: onlay restorations (2.18 vs. 2.76) and inlay restorations (2.22 vs. 2.75). No significant differences in means of self-perceived confidence were found between the two groups in the remaining 21 procedures studied. Conclusions: This study has shown that final-year dental students have high self-perceived confidence levels in doing simple dental procedures yet less confidence in more complex ones. Although, students' self-perceived confidence decreases after the introduction of a competency-based assessment system. Competency implementation and execution criteria may differ between schools which may have an impact on final outcomes. Hence, there is a need for regular evaluation of competencies being assessed to maintain a curriculum that is up to date.

Sociodemographic Factors and Implant Consideration by Patients Attending Removable Prosthodontics Clinics.

Objective: This study is aimed at investigating the treatment options offered to and chosen by patients attending a student prosthodontics clinic and to investigate the effect of the sociodemographic background of participants on implant consideration. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 participants including their socioeconomic background, treatment options presented, treatment preferences, and implant consideration. Bivariate tests (unpaired t-test, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney test) and Spearman correlation were used for comparison of different socioeconomic groups according to treatment preferences (implant consideration versus conventional removable prosthesis). Results: Treatment options presented by dental students include 63.5% complete denture, 32% implants/removable dentures, and partial denture 4.5%. Conventional removable prostheses were mostly chosen due to low income. Implants were only considered by 26% of participants. Age and implant consideration had a significant negative correlation. No significant difference in gender and residency area on implant consideration was found. The chi-square test showed a significant difference between implant consideration and conventional removable prostheses in the various occupation groups. Conclusions: Low income is the main factor prohibiting patients from considering dental implants. Age and educational level may play a considerable role in considering dental implants. There should be more emphasis on dental students' treatment planning education to include and explain dental implants as a treatment option for their patients in the prosthodontics clinic.

Simplified versus conventional complete dentures: A randomized crossover clinical trial.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A simplified approach to complete denture treatment, omitting the border molding and definitive impression appointment, was suggested as an alternative to the conventional approach. However, comparison clinical trials are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized crossover clinical trial was to assess the satisfaction of edentulous patients and their oral health impact profile when provided with complete dentures fabricated through the simplified or the conventional approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty completely edentulous patients seeking complete dentures were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=20). Each group received 2 sets of dentures. The first group received conventionally fabricated complete dentures, and the second group received complete dentures fabricated through the simplified approach. After 2 months, participants rated their overall satisfaction and their satisfaction regarding comfort, retention, stability, and efficiency of mastication and speech on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Participants also filled out the oral health impact profile for edentulous patients (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire. Each group was then given the alternate set of dentures and reviewed again after 2 months. The results were analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon-signed rank tests (α=.05). RESULTS: The simplified complete dentures had significantly higher VAS scores for general satisfaction with maxillary dentures (P=.036), satisfaction with retention of maxillary dentures (P=.002), satisfaction with stability of maxillary dentures (P=.003), and satisfaction with speaking (P=.002). No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups regarding the other VAS items or OHIP-EDENT scores (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: The simplified denture fabrication approach required fewer appointments and resulted in higher patient satisfaction and similar OHIP-EDENT scores compared with the conventional approach. The simplified approach can be recommended over the conventional approach.

Do upper third molars provide more accurate age estimation in the adult based on the pulp-to-tooth ratio than lower third molars? A cone-beam CT study.

INTRODUCTION: Age-at-death estimation is an essential part of the identification process of individuals in many forensic dentistry cases where identity of the individual cannot be resolved by visual recognition or other means. Dental age estimation in adults is more of a challenge as most teeth complete their development by the age of 18 years. AIM: This study aims at using the mesio-distal (MD) pulp-to-tooth ratio taken at the cervix of upper third molars (UM3) to estimate age at the time of radiographic imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A set of 135 Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs of UM3s for a random sample of 135 Jordanian adults (65 females, 70 males; age range = 18-63 years, mean age = 34.4 years, SD = 11.2 years) were used. Both pulp and tooth MD diameters were measured at the cervix. MD pulp-to-tooth ratios for UM3s were correlated with age. RESULTS: Statistically significant negative moderate correlation was found between the age of the individual and the cervix MD pulp/tooth ratio (r = -0.516). This indicates that only 26.6% of the variation in age can be explained by the cervix MD pulp-to-tooth ratio. CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that cervix MD pulp-to-tooth ratio of UM3s, although apparently stronger than that of lower M3s (r = -0.361), is not a sufficiently reliable estimator of age in adults, and this is perhaps attributed to the greater variability in the time line of third molars development.

Comparison of oral health indicators between two places of endemic dental fluorosis in Jordan.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development causes dental fluorosis. AIM: This study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis in association with fluoride concentrations in drinking water, (2) explore the effects of altitude on the severity of fluorosis in two towns with high fluoride levels in the drinking water, and (3) assess decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and oral hygiene practices among participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 100 and 141 schoolchildren, aged 15.3 ± 1.4 and 16.1 ± 1.3 years, living in Ruwaished and Kuraymah, respectively. Oral examinations were carried out, and dental fluorosis was assessed using the Dean's index. The DMFT index was also used for assessment. Samples of drinking water were analyzed using a fluoride-ion selective electrode. SPSS was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Two-thirds (68.8%) of adults from Kuraymah had moderate to severe fluorosis, with only 7% being unaffected. In Ruwaished, 50% of the sample had severe fluorosis, 22% showed moderate fluorosis, and none were unaffected. The average DMFT scores were 3.18 ± 1.81 and 3.81 ± 1.41 for Kuraymah and Ruwaished, respectively. In both towns, males had significantly higher caries scores than females. Oral hygiene was poor, as 64% and 57% of the participants from Kuraymah and Ruwaished, respectively, did not brush their teeth. A significant correlation was found between poor oral hygiene and increased DMFT scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that higher fluorosis incidence and severity were present in the higher-altitude location (Ruwaished). Moreover, this study also indicated that fluorosed teeth are not immune to caries, and the preventive management of dental fluorosis should be directed to de-fluoridation of drinking water in endemic areas.

Denture Stomatitis Revisited: A Summary of Systematic Reviews in the Past Decade and Two Case Reports of Papillary Hyperplasia of Unusual Locations.

OBJECTIVES: Denture stomatitis is a mucosal condition associated with complete and partial removable dentures. This paper presents a short review of the literature on this topic with more emphasis on the treatment protocols of denture stomatitis as studied in recent systematic reviews. METHODS: A general review of the literature was carried out in the first part of this paper, and then the most recent systematic reviews on the treatment protocols of denture stomatitis were summarized. RESULTS: Fifteen systematic reviews were collected and classified into six main treatment protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Dentist knowledge of up-to-date treatment options of denture stomatitis will assist comprehensive treatment planning. However, the newer methods of denture disinfection need further studies before recommendation.

Oral health-related quality of life among Syrian refugees in Jordan: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Reports examining the impact of oral health on the quality of life of refugees are lacking. The aim of this study was to examine factors influencing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Syrian refugees in Jordan. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a convenience sample of Syrian refugees, who attended dental clinics held at Azraq camp. The survey assessed the refugees' oral hygiene practices, and measured their OHRQoL using the Arabic version of the United-Kingdom Oral Health-Related Quality of life measure. RESULTS: In total, 102 refugees [36 male and 66 female; mean age 34 (SD = 10) years] participated. Overall, 12.7% did not brush their teeth and 86.3% did not use adjunctive dental cleaning methods. OHRQoL mean score was 56.55 (range 32-80). Comparison of the physical, social and psychological domains identified a statistically significant difference between the physical and the psychological domain mean scores (ANOVA; P = 0.044, Tukey's test; P = 0.46). The factors which revealed association with OHRQoL scores in the univariable analyses, and remained significant in the multivariable linear regression analysis, were: age (P = 0.048), toothbrushing frequency (P = 0.001) and attending a dental clinic in the last year (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The physical aspect of quality of life was more negatively impacted than the psychological aspect. Toothbrushing frequency and attending a dental clinic at least once in the last year were associated with more positive OHRQoL scores. Older refugees seemed to be more vulnerable to the impact of poor oral health on OHRQoL.

Assessment of occupational noise-related hearing impairment among dental health personnel.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine hearing thresholds among dental personnel. The secondary aim was to evaluate sound levels among dental equipment that dental personnel are exposed to. METHODS: Two hundred forty-four dentists, dental technicians, dental assistants, and dental students participated. Sixty-two participated as a control group. Audiological thresholds for the test groups were compared to the control group. All participants were from Jordan University Hospital. Participants completed a questionnaire in addition to their audiometric testing. Otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure tone audiometry were included in their assessment. Three-factor ANOVA and t tests were utilized to assess the statistical differences of hearing thresholds among the groups and between the two ears. Pearson correlation test was used to assess the effect of age, experience, and duration of exposure on the degree of hearing loss in the test groups for both ears. RESULTS: The authors reported statistically significant differences among hearing thresholds between the control group and others. Left hearing thresholds were noted to be significantly poorer in the left versus right ear at 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz in dental assistants. The authors also reported a significant relationship between the degree of hearing impairment among dental assistants and the daily duration of exposure to dental occupational noise, followed by age. CONCLUSION: Hearing impairment was higher among dental professionals than the control group and especially among dental assistants and technicians. The authors recommended screening guidelines and adapting hearing protection methods for dental professionals and particularly for dental assistants and technicians.

Age prediction in the adult based on the pulp-to-tooth ratio in lower third molars: a cone-beam CT study / Predicción de edad en el adulto basada en la proporción pulpa-a-diente en terceros molares inferiores: un estudio por TC de haz de cono

Estimation of age-at-death is an integral part of the identification process of individuals in many forensic odontology cases where their identity cannot be determined by visualization or other ways. Dental age estimation in the adult is more challenging as most of the dentition is completely developed by 18 years of age. This study employs a mesio-distal (MD) pulp-to-tooth ratio taken at the neck of lower third molars (LM3) to provide an estimation of age at the time of radiographic imaging based on the well-known fact that pulp volume tends to decrease with advancing age due to continued apposition of secondary dentine throughout adulthood. A total of 155 Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs of LM3s for a random sample of 155 Jordanian Arabs (80 females, 75 males; age range= 18-58 years, mean age= 28.2 years, SD =10.0 years) were used. Both pulp and tooth MD diameters were measured at the neck. MD pulp-to-tooth ratios for LM3s were linearly regressed against age. Statistically significant negative association was found between an individual's age at the time of imaging and the MD pulp-to-tooth ratio taken at the neck. Specifically, the strength of the association is r= -0.361, which means only 13.0 % of the variation in age can be explained by the MD pulp-to-tooth ratio taken at the neck. Therefore, it was concluded that MD pulp-to-tooth ratio taken at the neck of LM3s is not a reliable predictor of chronological age in adults, possibly due to the large variation in the timing of LM3 development.

La estimación de la edad es una parte integral del proceso de identificación de los individuos, en muchos casos en odontología forense donde la identidad no puede ser determinada por visualización u otras formas. La estimación de la edad dental en el adulto es aún más difícil ya que la mayor parte de la dentición se desarrolla completamente a los 18 años de edad. Este estudio emplea una relación mesio-distal (MD) de pulpa a diente tomada a nivel del cuello de los terceros molares inferiores (LM3) para proporcionar una estimación de la edad en el momento de la imagen radiográfica basada en que el volumen de pulpa tiende a disminuir con el avance de la edad debido a la continua posición de la dentina secundaria a lo largo de la edad adulta. Se examinaron un total de 155 radiografías de LM3 en una muestra aleatoria de 155 árabes jordanos (80 mujeres, 75 varones), rango de edad = 18-58 años, edad media = 28,2 años, DE = 10,0 años. Específicamente, la fuerza de la asociación es r=0,361, lo que significa que sólo el 13,0 % de la variación en la edad puede explicarse por la proporción pulpa-a-diente.