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.

One-year clinical evaluation of bulk-fill composite resin restorations plasticized by preheating and ultrasonics: A randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Bulk-fill composite restorations displayed substantial annual failure related to imperfect marginal adaptation. Although preheated composites improved, marginal adaptation demonstrated early loss of plasticity. A new technique of ultrasonics plasticization was used for fabricating restorations. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical behavior of bulk-fill composite resin restorations plasticized by preheating and ultrasonics. Methodology: Randomized split-mouth double-blinded clinical trial was designed. Bulk-fill composite resin (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill Ivoclar Vivadent products, Delhi) was used to fill 56 cavities. In 28 restorations, composite resin was plasticized by preheating in composite warmer (Delta Co., India) and remaining were plasticized with modified ultrasonic-retreatment tip-RT No 2 (Cricdental, India). Clinical follow-up assessments were done at 6 and 12 months using Ryge's criteria. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical analysis with P < 0.05 and effect size of 0.61. Results: Hundred percent clinical success with ultrasonic plasticized group and 95.2% success with preheated composite resin group were observed without statistical significance. Conclusion: The ultrasonics plasticization of composite resin demonstrated comparable results with that of preheated composite resin after 6- and 12-month recall. Use of vibration energy utilizing the thixotropic effect might have resulted in better clinical performance.

An In Vitro Evaluation of the Remineralizing Efficacy of Two concentrations of Silica Doped Nanohydroxyapatite on Bleached Enamel

@#Introduction: Vital bleaching of teeth is associated with mineral loss and surface roughness leading to hypersensitivity. Aesthetic restorations are recommended after one week. Search is on for a suitable remineralizing material, which helps in instant adhesive bonding. Hence objective of the study is to evaluate the remineralizing efficacy of two concentrations of Silica doped Nanohydroxyapatite on bleached enamel. Methods: Enamel surfaces of 30 extracted human central incisors were divided into Part A: Unbleached enamel, Part B: Bleached enamel, Part C: Remineralized enamel. The samples were randomly divided into, Group 1: MI Paste Plus (Recaldent, USA), Group 2 and 3 for application of Dentin bonding agents (Tetric- n-bond, Ivoclar, Vivadent) mixed 0.2% and 0.8% Silica doped Nanohydroxyapatite (Sigma Aldrich, Bangalore, India). Post bleaching remineralizing agents were applied on part C. Surface roughness was evaluated with contact stylus profilometer and mineral content was evaluated with Energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy for three parts. Data were analysed using ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey test with p ≤ 0.05. Results: Surface roughness values (Ra) were increased, and mineral loss (Ca:P) was observed after bleaching. After application of remineralizing agents, surface roughness was decreased with no significant value (p > 0.05) and a significant increase in mineral content of all three groups with a p < 0.05 was observed. Conclusion: Application of dentin bonding agent mixed with Silica doped Nanohydroxyapatite decreased surface roughness and improved remineralization of bleached enamel.