Ex-Vivo Evaluation of X-Ray Horizontal Angle for Separating the Canals of Four-Canal First Mandibular Molars

INTRODUCTION: A variety of mesial and distal projections have been suggested for separating the canals in a multi-canaled root. But there is no general agreement on the best angulation for each tooth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the X-ray horizontal angle for separating the canals of four-canal first mandibular molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty four-canaled mandibular molars were selected. After preparation of coronal access cavities, files were inserted into the root canals and the specimens were radiographed at 10, 15, 20, 25 degrees mesial and distal horizontal angulations. Apices and canals were evaluated. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Although 10° and 15° mesial and distal angulations were best for the most obvious apices manifestation (P<0.001), it was found that 20° mesial angulation is significantly better than the other cone angulations (P<0.001) for separating the root canals. CONCLUSION: 20° mesial angulation improved detection of both the canals and canal terminus visibility

Improving critical thinking of students: A great challenge in clinical nursing education.

Introduction: With regards to the importance and role of critical thinking in nursing , especially in clinical setting, achieving this goal(improving critical thinking) is very important. So nursing teachers encounter with the challenge of how asisting their students for promoting the critical thinking skills especially in clinical setting. The aim of this study is investigating the ways of improving critical thinking in students and suggesting implications in this field. Methods: This study is a review article has done by searching the books, Databases such as IranmedexIrandoc-Magiran-SID-Ovid-PubMed,... using key words such as ‘critical thinking “,Students”,”clinical education”and “nursing”. Conclusion: Nurses in goal- directed education need to critical thinking. For improving it, providing especial contexts is necessary. Achieving this goal necessitate knowledge , attitude, ability , preparedness and exercise. After the presence of this elements there is need skill to improving critical thinking. These skills include general critical thinking skills such as using scientific approach ,hypothesizing, problem solving ,decision making and especial critical thinking skills in clinical settings. Results: Improving cognitive and affective domains ,motivating, developing imbalance and situations for interactions and balance between challenge and support , writing assignments such as short summary(approaching methodology , summarizing materials , is the way for critical thinking education)writing short analytical articles, problem solving exercises, using mass media research proposals and simulation are some ways, that in different situations by modifying and changing, can use for improving the students critical thinking

Are Panoramic Radiographies Requested by General Dentists in Kerman Based on FDA Recommendations?

Background: Panoramic radiography is a simple and valuable diagnostic tool in dentistry. The aim of the present study was detecting factors influencing panoramic radiography requests by general dentists in Kerman and their compatibility with FDA recommendation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on general dentists in Kerman. Data were collected by a questionnaire including demographic variables as well as factors influencing the selection of panoramic radiography and the diagnostic value of panoramic as compared to intra oral radiography. Data were analyzed through SPSS 19 and using t- test and linear regression test. P<0.05 was considered as the statistical significant level. Results: In the present study, 67.9% were men with mean age of 35.3±8.71 years and mean time since graduation was 6.23±5.18 years. Mean score of factors influencing panoramic radiography request was 88.80±4.78 and mean score of the diagnostic value of panoramic as compared to intra oral radiography was 13.80±11.28. There was a significant relationship between responding to the questions related to the diagnostic value of panoramic radiography and participating in continued education programs. Conclusion: Request of panoramic radiography among the general dentists in Kerman is in some cases not according to FDA guidelines and more supervision is recommended

Evaluation of X-ray protective shielding used in dental offices in Kerman, Iran, in 2014

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Protective equipment, such as lead aprons and thyroid shields, is effective in reducing patient radiation. This study was conducted for evaluation the use of thyroid shields and lead aprons in dental offices, in Kerman, Iran, in June 2014. METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical study, 106 dental offices with active X-ray machines were evaluated in Kerman. The information was recorded on a data sheet consisting of eight questions in three fields of the rate of the use of lead aprons, thyroid shields and taking part in radiation protection courses. Data were evaluated using frequency distribution and chi-squared test. RESULTS: In this study, 12.3% of clinics were equipped with lead aprons but only 5.7% used them for all the patients. Only 10.4% of Kerman Dental Clinics had thyroid shields. Approximately, 9.7% of Kerman dentists had participated in continuous retraining courses on radiation protection. There was a significant relationship between clinics equipped with lead aprons with more job experience. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the rate of the use of lead aprons and thyroid shields in dental clinics equipped with X-ray machines in Kerman is not sufficient and is far from the international standards. Therefore, it is suggested that radiation protection equipment be promoted and oral and dental radiologists be responsible for the use of such equipment in their clinics. KEYWORDS: Patient Protection; Radiation; Dentist

Frequency of recurrent caries in bitewing radiographies in patients who attended Kerman dental radiology centers, Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recurrent caries is defined as caries in the marginal edges of filled teeth and is the most common reason for restoration replacement. The aim of this study was to evaluation of recurrent caries in amalgam, resin-based restorations and crowns in bitewing radiographies in patients who attended Kerman dental radiology centers, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study conducted on 3000 bitewing radiographies. Data were gathered by a checklist consist of sex, age, age of restorations (patients reported), and evaluation of radiographies consist of type of restorations, teeth number, existence recurrent caries. Radiographies examination was done by a last year dental student who was trained. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using chi-square and t-tests. P < 0.050 was considered significant. RESULTS: The rate of the recurrent caries was 8.4%. The rate of recurrent caries in amalgam and resin-based composite was 3.1 and 42.5%, respectively. Resin-based composite material had higher recurrent caries with significant difference (P = 0.001). There was also significant differences between age of restorations and recurrent caries (P = 0.030). Multisurfaces restorations had more recurrent caries (P = 0.020). There was no significant correlation between sex, number of teeth, mandible or maxilla, and recurrent caries. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, resin-based composite, older and complex restorations had a higher rate of recurrent caries. KEYWORDS: Recurrent Caries; Bitewing; Radiography; Restoratio

Reviewing the Dental Students’ Skills and Habits in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Background & Objective: Adequate time and an organized plan to study have an efficient role in improvement educational performance. This study was performed to determine the dental students’ skills and habits in Kerman dental students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on Kerman dental students in 2013. Data were collected by questionnaire in 2 parts, demographic characteristics and study skill and habits consist of 24 questions in 6 domains. Higher scores indicated more appropriate study skills and habits. Results: 48.1% were males and 51.9% were females, with mean age of 23.46 ± 6.09 years. The mean score was 71.32 ± 10.65 out of 120. There was a significant correlation between the students’ total mean score (P = 0.049), mean of study hours (P = 0.033) and studying before class (P = 0.050) with the mean score of questionnaire. 7.7%, 85.9%, and 6.4% had good study skills, moderate and poor study skills and habits, respectively. 51.9% had 2-4 hours daily study, and 46.8% had 6-8 hours daily in exams interval. Conclusion: Study skills and habits in this study were moderate. Teaching study skills can help dental students in better learning and understanding. Keywords Studying skills Studying habits Dental student

Preferred Materials and Methods Employed for Endodontic Treatment by Iranian General Practitioners

Introduction: The aim of this study was to gather information on the materials and methods employed in root canal treatment (RCT) by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Iran. Methods and Materials: A questionnaire was distributed among 450 dentists who attended the 53th Iranian Dental Association congress. Participants were asked to consider demographic variables and answer the questions regarding the materials and methods commonly used in RCT. Descriptive statistics were given as absolute frequencies and valid percentages. The chi-square test was used to investigate the influence of gender and the years of professional activity for the employed materials and techniques. Results: The response rate was 84.88%. The results showed that 61.5% of the participants did not perform pulp sensitivity tests prior to RCT. Less than half of the general dental practitioners (47.4%) said that they would trace a sinus tract before starting the treatment. Nearly 16% of practitioners preferred the rubber dam isolation method. Over 36% of the practitioners reported using formocresol for pulpotomy. The combined approach of working length (WL) radiographs and electronic apex locators was used by 35.2% of the practitioners. Most of the respondents used K-file hand instruments for canal preparation and the technique of choice was step-back (43.5%), while 40.1% of respondents used NiTi rotary files, mostly ProTaper and RaCe. The most widely used irrigant was normal saline (61.8%). Calcium hydroxide was the most commonly used inter appointment medicament (84.6%). The most popular obturation technique was cold lateral condensation (81.7%) with 51% using zinc oxide eugenol-based sealers. Conclusions: The majority of Iranian GDPs who participated in the present survey do not comply with quality guidelines of endodontic treatment

Intraoral Radiographs to Determine the Skills and Ways to Overcome Those Errors Detected by Dental Students

Background & Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate student’s skill in identification of intraoral radiographs faults and the way correcting them. Methods: Seven intraoral radiographs included 6 periapical radiographs and 1 bitewing with common errors selected. The slides were showed to each student in standard and same condition. Each student must have passed the relative radiologic courses. The radiographs included 7 technical errors and 4 processing errors. Each student was asked to assess each film for the presence/absence of film fault(s) and to detail how to correct the faults. Descriptive analytical test and t-test were used to assess the data. Results: The minimum and maximum scores were 9 and 19, respectively out the total score 22. The mean score of the identification film faults was 7.7 and the mean score of troubleshooting the faults was 5.8 of 11. The t-test showed no statistically significant difference between the male and female student (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The skill of student in identification the film faults is superior to troubleshooting the errors. There was no statistically significant difference between the male and female student. Keywords Radiology Radiographic errors Dental educatio

Assessment of the Opinion of Kerman Dentistry Students, Iran, about Training Method and Equipment in the Dental Radiology Department

Background & Objective: Clinical training is of great importance in dentistry, and has a direct impact on health of the society and treatment of patients. The present study was conducted with the aim to obtain students’ point of views about facilities, physical environment, and training methods in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on dental students, who had had passed at least 1 unit of radiology course. The participants were selected through census sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting of 28 items in 5 scales and a section on demographic information. The 5 scales consisted of evaluation of equipment, quality of education in terms of diagnosis skills, quality of education in terms of clinical skills, practical education on patients, and miscellaneous questions. The questionnaire was designed by the researchers and its validity and reliability were evaluated. Data were analyzed in SPSS software using t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). All P-values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Of the 146 respondents, 43.2% were men and 56.8% were women. The mean score of the questionnaire was 76.24 ± 14.42 from a total of 140. Overall students’ satisfaction was at a moderate level. Students’ satisfaction level with practical training in different techniques, and bone and dental fractures diagnosis using radiography was low. In the students’ view the quantity and quality of radiography devices was inadequate. There was no statistically significant association between different inputs in terms of satisfaction and the students’ gender. Conclusion: The students in the present study were relatively satisfied with radiology courses. However, in their opinion, the quantity and quality of radiology devices were low. Thus, the repairing and updating of the radiography devices is recommended. Key Words: Opinion, Training, Radiology, Dental student, Kerman, Ira

Denture-related oral mucosal lesions among removable denture wearers referred to clinics of Kerman, Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Since increasing the proportion of elderly in the world, so oral lesions related to removable denture-wearing are an important issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of denture-related oral mucosal lesions (DMLs) in removable denture wearers referred to clinics of Kerman, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 removable denture wearer, with mean age 58.52 ± 10.78 years old, that had been selected by multistage clustering sample from individuals who referred to Kerman clinics. The data were obtained by a checklist consist of demographic characteristics (sex, age, and educational level) self-reported daily denture hygiene frequency, age of prosthesis and clinical examination. Data were analyzed in SPSS using chi-square and t-tests. P value was considered at 5% significant level. RESULTS: The results showed 71.8% of the denture wearers had denture related mucosal lesions. The most common lesion was denture stomatitis 36.6% followed by traumatic ulcer 26.5% and angular cheilitis 8.7%. There were significant differences between night wearing denture and age of prosthesis and denture-related mucosal lesions (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The finding of this study showed the prevalence of denture-related mucosal lesions is common. Dentists should be instruct the patients for removing the denture at night and routine follow-up visits. KEYWORDS: Removable Denture; Oral; Denture-related Lesion; Stomatitis; Traumatic Ulcer; Angular Cheiliti