A critical evaluation of the material properties and clinical suitability of in-house printed and commercial tooth replicas for endodontic training.

AIM: To assess the suitability of several 3D-printed resins for the manufacturing of tooth replicas for endodontic training in comparison with commercially available replicas by analysing the properties of the materials and comparing them with real teeth during endodontic training. METHODOLOGY: Tooth replicas were 3D-printed using four resins (NextDent Model, NextDent C&B, V-Print ee and Vero White Plus) and compared with two commercially available products (VDW and Smile Factory) as well as extracted human teeth. Martens hardness, indentation modulus and radiopacity were investigated on these tooth replicas. Experienced dentists evaluated the suitability of the replicas for endodontic training by comparing them with real teeth in terms of appearance, anatomy, radiopacity, similarity to dentine during access opening, canal gauging and canal instrumentation. Data were analysed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The greatest hardness values were recorded for human dentine (P < 0.001), followed by V-Print ee and the commercial tooth replica of Smile Factory. The greatest radiopacity was associated with VOC and dentine (P < 0.001) in comparison with the other materials tested. The appearance of the in-house printed tooth replicas was subjectively evaluated by the dentists as being more realistic than the commercially available products. No differences between the replicas was detected during mechanical instrumentation of root canals. CONCLUSION: None of the tooth replicas were able to simulate human dentine from the perspectives evaluated. V-Print ee had radiopacity comparable with dentine, but its hardness was not comparable with dentine.

European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology-ENTOG Exchange 2017: an experience report from Slovenia outlining the different trainee situations around Europe.

PURPOSE: The European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ENTOG) is a non-profit, independent organisation that represents young trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology around Europe. At present, ENTOG has 32 member countries. The organisation was founded in 1997 and shall assure the exchange of experiences between young physicians all over Europe. The aim is to improve the quality of traineeship in all participating countries and consequently enhance the standards for women's healthcare. METHODS: This article reports about the experiences of trainees during the ENTOG Exchange 2017 in Slovenia and gives an overview of the trainee situations in different ENTOG member countries. RESULTS: The ENTOG exchange in Slovenia was a unique opportunity to get insights to the Slovenian medical system. Reflecting about their training situations, the participants found considerable differences in the training of young gynaecologists throughout Europe. CONCLUSIONS: Working on the ENTOG goal of raising the quality of training is still highly relevant. The ENTOG exchange is an excellent way to build a network among trainees and stimulate their commitment to improve women's healthcare in their home countries and beyond.