Relationship between the sense of coherence, self-directed learning readiness, and academic performance in Malaysian undergraduate dental students.

BACKGROUND: Stress and low psychological well-being among students in higher education impact their academic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between SOC, SDLR, and academic performance in year 3, 4, and 5 undergraduate dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and ten students completed a validated questionnaire on SOC and SDLR. The percentage of marks obtained by these students in their year-end examination was used as their academic performance. The SOC scores were further divided into three hierarchical clusters using cluster analysis. The data were analyzed to determine the difference in the SDLR scores and academic performance among the three clusters. Furthermore, the relationship between SOC scores, SDLR scores, and academic performance was assessed. RESULTS: The SDLR scores significantly increased from the low SOC cluster to the high SOC cluster (P = 0.026). However, there was no significant change in academic performance. A positive relationship was found between the SOC and the academic performance (R = +0.025; P > 0.05). The SDLR had a significant positive relationship with both SOC and academic performance (R = +0.27; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although SOC may not have a direct influence on academic performance, SDLR can play an intermediary role. Early identification and timely intervention in students with a weak SOC and low SDLR can have a beneficial influence on their academic life.

Antimicrobial Effect of an Experimental Glass lonomer Cement against Pathogens associated with Deep Carious Lesions.

AIM: To study the antimicrobial effect of chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX-D)-modified type II glass ionomer cement (GIC) against the two predominant deep caries microorganisms, namely Lactobacillus casei and Actinomyces viscosus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental GIC (ex-GIC) was prepared by mixing CHX-D powder with the powder of type II GIC to obtain 1% (w/w) concentration of CHX-D in the GIC. Antibacterial activity of this ex-GIC was tested against L. casei and A. viscosus using the agar diffusion method. The ex-GIC specimens were tested in their unset and set forms for each bacterium. For the unset group, specimens were placed in each agar plate immediately after manipulation and for the set group, specimens were placed in each agar plate, 1 hour after manipulation. The inhibition zones on the agar plate were recorded in millimeters immediately on placement of the specimen in the agar plate and after 48 hours. The reading was recorded and statistically analyzed for significant difference. RESULTS: Mann-Whitney U test showed statistically significant difference in the inhibition zones produced by ex-GIC against L. casei and A. viscosus when both were compared in unset (p-value = 0.002) and set (p-value = 0.031) groups. For both the groups, the zone of inhibition against L. casei was greater. Though the unset group recorded wider zone of inhibition, the difference was not significant when compared with the respective set group. This was true for both the bacterial groups. CONCLUSION: The 1% CHX-D-modified type II GIC showed antibacterial property against L. casei and A. viscosus and significantly higher activity against L. casei. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Addition of 1% CHX-D to type II GIC showed evidence of antibacterial activity against organisms found in deep carious lesion and therefore may exhibit superior antimicrobial efficiency when used as an intermediate therapeutic restoration in deep cavities.

Sealing Ability of Nano-ionomer in Primary Teeth: An ex vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: Microleakage is an important consideration in primary dentition because the floor of the cavity preparation may be close to the pulp. The added insult to the pulp caused by seepage of irritants around the restoration and through the thin dentin may produce irreversible pulp damage. AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the sealing ability of three light cured (LC) resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (RMGICs) in primary anterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class V cavity was prepared on the labial surface of extracted primary anterior teeth which were then grouped and restored with Ketac N100, Fuji II LC, or Vitremer. Dye penetration test with methylene blue stain was used to record the microleakage. Depth of dye penetration was recorded in millimeters at the incisal and gingival margin using computer software. RESULTS: The depth of dye penetration at the incisal margin in the three groups was comparable, but at the gingival margin, Vitremer showed the least dye penetration, followed by Fuji II LC, and Ketac N100. The depth of dye penetration at the gingival margin was higher than the incisal margins in all the three groups. CONCLUSION: Among the three RMGICs, Vitremer can be considered as the material of choice for restoring class V cavities in primary anterior teeth. Periodic recall and recare is necessary when any of the three materials are used in clinical practice. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Siddiqui F, Karkare S. Sealing Ability of Nano-ionomer in Primary Teeth: An ex vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(3):209-213.