Effect on undergraduate student self-confidence in using 3D printed primary molars for root canal treatment simulation training.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a root canal treatment (RCT) practical simulation-based session using 3D printed primary molars on the self-confidence of fourth-year undergraduate dental students. Our study was also designed to explore student experiences with both manual and rotary RCT procedures and to investigate the association between the self-confidence in undertaking an RCT and the quality of the RCT. METHODS: Student global self-confidence in undertaking an RCT on a healthy, cooperative child aged 4-5 years was evaluated 2 h before, 1 month after, and 11 months after the simulation training session. Once each instrumental procedure had been completed, the students were also asked to score the level of confidence (specific self-confidence) they felt regarding the use of RP and MP. After each training session, the quality of the RCT was radiographically evaluated by two trained, independent investigators. RESULTS: Overall, student global self-confidence in undertaking an RCT increased significantly immediately after the practical session and remained stable for the ensuing eleven months. The students declared a clear preference for RP and were more self-confident in undertaking an RCT after RP than after MP. The proportion of RCTs considered of good quality was the same for the manual (31.5%) and rotary (30.3%) procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation training is a good way to train dental students who are confident in undertaking RCTs. However, confidence is not directly related to competence. Teachers should be encouraged to develop a comprehensive simulation training program, including feedback, debriefing, and repetitions.

Which procedures and materials could be applied for full pulpotomy in permanent mature teeth? A systematic review.

Objective: Coronal pulpotomies were recently re-investigated as an alternative to root canal treatment in vital permanent teeth. General dentists may be interested in knowing how to perform full pulpotomy, in particular in face of difficult endodontic cases of vital teeth. Material and methods: A systematic review was undertaken on the PubMed and Cochrane databases in order to determine which procedure should be applied for pulp capping and coronal restoration in routine dental practice. Fifty-three publications were included and allocated to one of two methodological categories: histological and clinical studies. Results and conclusions: There is no evidence to recommend one single procedure for full pulpotomy in vital permanent teeth that can be indicated for different pulpal diagnoses which differ greatly in terms of the inflammation process from healthy teeth to irreversible pulpitis. For each clinical case, all actions aiming to prevent pre-operative contamination, to control per-operative infection and to achieve a complete seal above the radicular pulp sections are unavoidable steps that should be complied with. Reproducing procedures adopted in high quality trials could insure high success rates.