Perspectives of Indian dental residents on novel online practical examination during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the graduating dental residents' perspectives on the online clinical examination format. METHODS: The questionnaire used to assess the perspectives was developed via a focus group discussion and was validated for face and content validity, readability testing, and pilot testing for the online version. This self-administered, online questionnaire integrated 15 Likert-scale-based multiple choice questions and one open-ended question. It was distributed to the residents across 16 dental schools after the clinical examination was completed. The perspectives regarding examination preparation, the ability to transition to online mode, and the performance in the examination were assessed. Descriptive statistical analysis (counts and percentages) was performed. RESULTS: A total of 256 subjects participated in the study by returning the online survey. In the preparation phase, 70.7% (n = 181) residents reported anxiety and 56.1% (n = 144) reported stress. During the examinations, only 13.6% (n = 35) of the participants reported difficulty with internet speed. The majority, 64.6% (n = 165) of the participants reported that the absence of an external examiner face-to-face reduced anxiety. The compiled answers to the open-ended question revealed that residents expressed inconvenience in digitizing the academic logbooks and clinical work. The poor quality of sound and images affected the display of skills. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a moderate level of acceptance for the novel online practical examination method. The residents reported stress before and during the examination due to the sudden transition to an online examination. The online practical examination with modifications might be a viable alternative to the in-person clinical examination.

A study of change in occlusal contacts and force dynamics after fixed prosthetic treatment and after equilibration - Using Tekscan III.

AIM: A study has been undertaken to evaluate the changes in occlusal force dynamics after conventional prosthetic rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Phase I, the preprosthetic phase, force distribution of 50% ± 10% on either sides of arch in maximum intercuspation and disclusion time (DT) <1 s during mandibular excursions was attained in all patients using Tekscan before starting prosthetic treatment. Conventional procedures to replace missing tooth by fixed dental prosthesis were carried out. Occlusal corrections were performed using articulating paper to the satisfaction of operator and patient. In Phase II, postprosthetic phase, 1 week after cementation of the fixed partial dentures, the occlusal force dynamics were rerecorded and evaluated using Tekscan. Any corrections required were done to restore the equilibrium. Occlusal perception of patient before and after equilibration was recorded by means of a standard questionnaire both in pre- and postprosthetic phase. Twenty patients requiring replacement of a single posterior missing tooth were selected. The obtained values were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test. RESULTS: Subsequent to rehabilitation, the right-left balance of occlusal load was lost and DT was significantly increased. However, the subjective evaluation revealed no significant decline in occlusal comfort. CONCLUSION: Null hypothesis was rejected. Operator's assessment of articulating paper marks and patient's occlusal perception is not reliable in restoring occlusal equilibrium.

Use of PowerPoint presentation as a teaching tool for undergraduate students in the subject of gerodontology.

AIM: Though different teaching learning media have been employed in the instruction of geriatric dentistry, their efficacy has not been adequately evaluated. This study was conducted with the aim to determine the efficacy of a PowerPoint presentation in teaching gerodontology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective follow-up study using a pre- and post-intervention assessment. A pilot study was conducted on the final year students to check the feasibility of the study. A convenience sampling procedure was used. All interns (n = 80) of the Modern Dental College and Research Centre, Indore, India were invited to participate. Interns completed a 24-item questionnaire documenting their current knowledge on gerodontology. One week after a 30 min PowerPoint presentation on gerodontology, the same interns completed the same questionnaire again, providing an indication of the efficacy of the learning tool. Paired t-test and McNemar test were employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in pre- and post-intervention scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that PowerPoint presentation can be used as an effective tool for improving the knowledge regarding gerodontology.

Changes in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly Edentulous Patients after Complete Denture Therapy and Possible Role of their Initial Expectation: A Follow-Up Study.

PURPOSE: An edentulous patient's psychosocial attributes that may have influence on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) are given little consideration in therapeutic care. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of complete denture therapy on overall OHRQoL in elderly edentulous patients. The possible role of the patient's initial expectation toward OHRQoL was also evaluated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: OHRQoL was assessed using the OHIP-EDENT psychometric instrument, and 56 patients participated in the study. The assessment was done at three time points including pretreatment, after 1 month, and after 6 months. Significant differences in the OHIP-EDENT scores between pretreatment to after 1 month and pretreatment to after 6 months were calculated using Wilcoxon Signed Rank test (p < 0.05). Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the association of patient expectations with OHIP-EDENT scores. RESULT: Statistically significant improvement in OHRQoL after complete denture therapy at both 1 and 6 months postinsertion was evident. Statistically significant difference in the mean scores between the genders was observed after 6 months. There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of dysfunction, discomfort, and disability associated with oral problems between moderate and high expectation group at any time point. CONCLUSION: Elderly edentulous patients had an improved overall OHRQoL after complete denture therapy, and female patients had appreciably better OHRQoL than their male counterparts. A patient's initial expectation did not have significant influence on overall OHRQoL.

Incorporation of antimicrobial macromolecules in acrylic denture base resins: a research composition and update.

Contemporary research in acrylic denture base materials focuses on the development of a novel poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin with antimicrobial properties. Although PMMA resin has fulfilled all the requirements of an ideal denture base material, its susceptibility to microbial colonization in the oral environment is a formidable concern to clinicians. Many mechanisms including the absence of ionic charge in the methyl methacrylate resins, hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, and mechanical attachment have been found to contribute to the formation of biofilm. The present article outlines the basic categories of potential antimicrobial polymer (polymeric biocides) formulations (modified PMMA resins) and considers their applicability, biological status, and usage potential over the coming years.

Evaluation of effectiveness of microwave irradiation for disinfection of silicone elastomeric impression material.

Use of domestic microwave oven has been suggested as a method of disinfecting a number of dental materials used in dental practice. This study was done to analyse the effect of microwave irradiation on vinyl polysiloxane putty impression material (3M ESPE, Express™ STD) contaminated with test organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans. 180 square shaped specimens of addition silicon putty material were prepared and divided into 3 groups for three test organisms. The 3 groups were subdivided into 4 subgroups (n = 15) for different exposure parameters (control group 5, 6 and 7 min exposure at 650 W. The specimens were contaminated using standard inoculums of test organism and then were irradiated using domestic microwaves. Broth cultures of the control and test group specimens were plated on selective media culture plates. Colonies formed were counted. Data analyses included Kruskal-Walli's ANOVA and Mann-Whitney's tests. Nil values shows complete elimination of C. albicans and P. aeruginosa after 5, 6 and 7 min exposure. Staphylococcus aureus showed colonies with the mean value of 7.6 × 10(3) ± 2.3 × 10(3), 4.6 × 10(3) ± 2.6 × 10(3) after 5 and 6 min respectively and nil values after 7 min exposure. 5 min exposure caused complete elimination of C. albicans and P. aeruginosa strains, while 7 min exposure eliminated S. aureus completely.

Failures in implants.

The burning problem that all the implantologists are confronted today is the complications and failures occurring with the treatment of osseointegrated implants. To further optimize the treatment outcome, etiologies and factors associated with implant failures should be elucidated. Conceivably such knowledge is needed for developing adequate treatment and prevention strategies. Hence, this paper is intended to provide an insight regarding various aspects of failures that affect dental implants.

A comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of porcelain and composite using different bonding agents - An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present in vitro study is to compare and evaluate the shear bond strength of porcelain and composite using different bonding agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three porcelain pellets were prepared and were divided into 9 groups. Three surface treatment and two bonding agents were evaluated. The surface treatment were: 1) sandblasting; 2) etching with 35% phosphoric acid; and 3) etching with 8% hydrofluoric acid. Applying bonding agents Scotch bond adhesive and clearfil liner bond 2V and combination of these treatments. Composite resin was condensed and light cured for 60 seconds on the porcelain specimens which were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours before mechanical testing. RESULTS: The bond strength were significantly different according to ANOVA F-test (F = 6.28, p < 0.01) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Eight percent hydrofluoric acid showed higher bond strength when compared to 35% phosphoric acid etching and sandblasting by 50 micron aluminum oxide. Highest bond strength was observed with hydrofluoric acid + clearfil. CONCLUSION: Etching with 8% hydrofluoric acid + clearfil liner bond showed higher bond strength when compared to hydrofluoric acid alone. This is indicative that effect of silane and etching can be use to improve mechanico chemical bonding. Among bonding agents used clearfil liner showed higher bond strength when compared to scotch bond adhesive.

Fabrication of fixed partial dentures using functionally generated path technique and double casting.

Harmonious occlusion is a critical requirement for successful oral rehabilitation. Conventional techniques of construction have been unsuccessful in producing a prosthesis that can be inserted without intraoral occlusal adjustment. This article discusses the use of functionally generated path technique with double casting to fabricate fixed partial dentures. The merits of this approach and the technique involved are discussed in detail.