A qualitative evaluation of the impact of a palliative care course on preregistration nursing students' practice in Cameroon

Background Current evidence suggests that palliative care education can improve preregistration nursing students’ competencies in palliative care. However, it is not known whether these competencies are translated into students’ practice in the care of patients who are approaching the end of life. This paper seeks to contribute to the palliative care evidence base by examining how nursing students in receipt of education report transfer of learning to practice, and what the barriers and facilitators may be, in a resource-poor country. Methods We utilised focus groups and individual critical incident interviews to explore nursing students’ palliative care learning transfer. Three focus groups, consisting of 23 participants and 10 individual critical incident interviews were conducted with preregistration nursing student who had attended a palliative care course in Cameroon and had experience caring for a patient approaching the end of life. Data was analysed thematically, using the framework approach. Results The results suggest that nursing students in receipt of palliative care education can transfer their learning to practice. Students reported recognizing patients with palliative care needs, providing patients with physical, psychosocial and spiritual support and communicating patient information to the wider care team. They did however perceive some barriers to this transfer which were either related to themselves, qualified nurses, the practice setting or family caregivers and patients. Conclusion The findings from this study suggest that nursing student in receipt of palliative care education can use their learning in practice to provide care to patients and their families approaching the end of life. Nevertheless, these findings need to be treated with some caution given the self-reported nature of the data. Demonstrating the link between preregistration palliative care education and patient care is vital to ensuring that newly acquired knowledge and skills are translated and embedded into clinical practice. This study also has implications for advocating for palliative care policies and adequately preparing clinical placement sites for students’ learning and transfer of learning

The effect of eugenol-containing temporary cement on the bond strength of two resin composite cement materials to dentin.

This study investigated the effect of eugenol-containing temporary cement on the bond strength of two resin composite cement materials (Panavia 21 and Mega Bond) to dentin. Dentin was exposed in three groups of extracted teeth (20 specimens each). In group one, dentin was covered with eugenol-containing temporary cement; the second group was covered with eugenol-free temporary cement; and the third group was left uncovered and served as a control. All specimens were stored for 1 week at 37οC and 100% humidity. The dentin surfaces were cleaned and treated using the scotchbond multi-purpose plus adhesive system, followed by placement of resin composite cement. Debonding of the cement materials was accomplished using the Accuforce Elite test system. No significant differences was found between the control group and the groups treated with eugenol and eugenol-free temporary cement.King Saud Universit

Marginal and Internal Adaptation of Commercially Pure Titanium and TitaniumAluminum-Vanadium Alloy Cast Restorations.

Aim: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the marginal accuracy and internal fit of complete cast crowns and three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) cast with commercially pure titanium (CPTi) and TitaniumAluminum-Vanadium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). Methods and Materials: CPTi and Ti-6Al-4V alloy were used to cast twelve single crowns and twelve three-unit FPDs. A traveling microscope was used to measure marginal gap and discrepancies in internal fit. Two and oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses were used to determine the effects of the marginal and internal fit discrepancies. Results: The Ti-6Al-4V alloy demonstrated a significantly smaller marginal gap than CPTi (P<0.0001). The recorded marginal discrepancies for both metals were within a clinically accepted range (<100 µm). The single crown fit discrepancy was significantly smaller than the three-unit FPD for both the CPTi and the Ti-6Al-4V alloy (P<0.0001). For the internal fit discrepancy, the occlusal surface showed the greatest gaps. Conclusions: The Ti-6Al-4V alloy demonstrated a better fit than CPTi. Single crowns showed an improved fit when compared with the three-unit FPD. Mid-occlusal internal gap demonstrated greater values than the axial internal gap. Clinical Implications: This in vitro study suggested marginal fit of complete crowns and three-unit FPDs cast by CPTi or Ti-6Al-4V alloy were within the range of what is clinically acceptable for longevity of restorations.King Saud Universit

The Effect of Eugenol-Containing Temporary Cement on the Bond Strength of Two Resin Composite Core Materials to Dentin

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of eugenol-containing temporary cement on the bond strength of two resin composite core materials (FluoroCore and Ti-Core) to dentin. Materials and Methods: Dentin was exposed in three groups of extracted teeth (20 specimens each]. In group one, dent in was covered with eugenol-containing temporary cement; the second group was covered with eugenol-free temporary cement; and the third group was left uncovered and served as a control group. All specimens were stored for 1 week at 37°C and 100% humidity. The dent in surfaces were cleaned and treated using the GLUMA adhesive system, followed by placement of composite core build-ups. Debonding of t he core material was accomplished using the Accuforce Elite test system. Results: There was a significant reduction in bond strength for the specimens covered with eugenol temporary cement (p < .0001), but no significant difference was found between the control group and the group treated with eugenol-free temporary cement. Bond strength of the Ti-Core material to dentin was significantly higher than that of FluoroCore (p <.0001). Conclusion: Pretreatment of the dentin with eugenol-based temporary cement adversely affects the bond strength of resin composite core material to dentin.King Saud Universit

Back & Neck Problems among Dentists and Dental Auxiliaries.

In the practice of dentistry, stress, tension, and postural practices can contribute to back and neck problems. Two hundred and four dentists and dental auxiliary (87 males and 117 females) in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia were surveyed to determine the prevalence of postural problems. The candidates were interviewed and observed during practice. The data obtained showed that 111 (54.4%) of the subjects complained of neck pain and 150 (73.5%) complained of back pain. Only 37% of those complaining of back pain sought medical help. Within the limitations of this study, it might be concluded that neck and back pain among dental personnel are not of a severe nature.King Saud Universit

Temporomandibular Joint Status, Occlusal Attrition, Cervical Erosion and Facial Pain among Substance Abusers.

Statement of the problem: Drug addiction or substance abuse is an endemic habit globally. At present there is no data available regarding the temporomandibular joint status, Occlusal and cervical tooth wear and facial pain among substance abusers from the Saudi Arabia. Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the temporomandibular joint status, occlusal and cervical tooth wear and facial pain among the drug abusers from narcotics control prison, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: One hundred subjects were included in the study as a convenience sample. Male comprised of 56 and female 44. An interview and clinical examination were performed. Results: The age ranged from 20–65 years with mean (31.4 ± 8.9). Smoking, drinking and chewing habits were most common modes of drug used. 98.0% were smokers, 61.0% alcohol drinkers and 41.0% were cannabis user. The duration of drug abuse was more than 5 years among most of the candidates. TMJ status revealed that clicking was reported by 40.0%, tenderness by 9% and reduced jaw mobility 0.0%. Occlusal enamel wear (attrition) was reported by 16.1% of male and 18.1% of female. However, the occlusal dentine exposure was among female only (18.1%). Cervical erosion abrasion was common among 16.1% male and 54.5% female. Facial pain was experienced by 6.0% and facial numbness by only 1.0% of the subjects. Conclusion: Smoking, alcohol and cannabis were common among the studied population. Only 9.0% of the subjects had tenderness in TMJ, occlusal enamel wear was among 17.0% of subjects. Only female subjects had dentinal exposure. Facial pain was common among up to only 6.0% of the studied population. From public health point of view, smoking cessation programs and oral health education should be introduced to adolescents to prevent unhealthy illicit substance abusing habits in future. Further studies are needed to assess the oral mucosal changes, dietary pattern, oral hygiene behavior, quality of life and level of satisfaction among the substance abusers from Saudi Arabia.Department of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry, College of Dentistry, New York, US

Tooth loss pattern and edentulousness among 1,400 Saudi patients

The purpose of the present study was to assess the pattern of tooth loss and edentulousness among 1400 Saudi dental patients. The patients were examined clinically and radiographs were taken when needed. Third molars were excluded. The findings in relation to age, sex, tooth loss and distribution of missing teeth between upper and lower jaws were recorded and studied. Results showed that the mean number of missing teeth was 10.1 ± 7.6 per individual. A total of 112 (15%) male and 77 (12%) female patients were edentulous. All patients older than seventy years of age were edentulous. First molars were the most commonly missing teeth; maxillary (20%) and mandibular (21%). The least frequently missing teeth in both maxilla and mandible were the canines (9%). Findings of this study could help in future planning of dental care policies in the region, especially in relation to prosthodontic need and dental preventive programs.King Saud Universit

Selective Laser Melting Technique of Co-Cr Dental Alloys: A Review of Structure and Properties and Comparative Analysis with Other Available Techniques

Purpose: The aim of this study was to review the effect of selective laser melting (SLM) procedure on the properties of dental structures made of Co-Cr alloys and to evaluate its quality and compare it to those produced by conventional casting and milling fabrication techniques. Materials and Methods: A computerized database search using PubMed and Scopus was conducted for peer-reviewed scientific research studies regarding the use of SLM in Co-Cr dental alloys with no restrictions for publication years. The search engines provided hundreds of results, and only 48 scientific research papers, case studies, or literature reviews were considered relevant for this review. Results: The innovative manufacturing concept of SLM offers many advantages compared with casting and milling fabrication techniques. SLM provides different microstructure from casting and milling with minimal internal porosity and internal fitting, marginal adaptation, and comparable bond strength to porcelain. Mechanical and electrochemical properties of SLM structures are enhanced compared to cast, while clinical longevity of single-metal ceramic crowns is comparable to Au-Pt dental alloy. Conclusion: The SLM technique provides dental prosthetic restorations more quickly and less expensively without compromising their quality compared with restorations prepared by casting and milling techniques. Clinical significance: The current SLM devices provide metallic restorations made of Co-Cr alloys for removable and fixed partial dentures without compromising the alloy or restoration properties at a fraction of the time and cost, showing great potential to replace the aforementioned fabrication techniques in the long term; however, further clinical studies are essential to increase the acceptance of this technology by the worldwide dental community. © 2015 by the American College of Prosthodontists