Featuring dental education research: Applying the principles of action research to improve the teaching of dental prosthetics

This article focuses on educational research conducted at the newly merged UWC faculty of dentistry. The research emphasises the change in teaching methods employed to address the concerns experienced in teaching the new large classes as observed in the prosthetic techniques module. These educational interventions were conducted over 5 years and the study design included the principles of action research. Students were assisted in learning the theory of the practical procedures and the subsequent completion of these procedures with the accurate application of the theoretical concepts. Changes in the teaching methods enhanced students learning and successful translation of the theory into practical work. The active learning exercises incorporated into the teaching further motivated and assisted students with deep learning. The debates indicated that students know and accept the value of the module as part of their training

Effect of active learning techniques on students’ choice of approach to learning in Dentistry: a South African case study

The purpose of this article is to report on empirical work, related to a techniques module, undertaken with the dental students of the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. I will relate how a range of different active learning techniques (tutorials; question papers and mock tests) assisted students to adopt a deep approach to learning in this large diverse group of students. They then completed an adapted version of the revised study process questionnaire which focussed on the effects of these active learning techniques and how these learning techniques assisted with a change in approach to learning adopted by them. Results indicated that the active learning techniques led to a better understanding of the concepts covered within the module. It also showed how the new exercises guided them to adopt a deep approach to learning. It can be concluded that with this type of educational research, students’ learning difficulties are not just emphasized and highlighted but that these problems are also understood. This research also guided the educator to search for practical solutions to these observed difficultiesDHE

The use of light-cured acrylic resin for custom trays by undergraduate dental students: A survey

Presented at IADR 2005 – Kuwait (1st African Middle-Eastern IADR Conference)This study aims to evaluate the acceptance of light-cured acrylic resin for custom trays by dental students. A questionnaire addressing the use and handling properties of both light-cured (Megatray, Megadent, Germany) and chemically-cured (Excel, Wright Health Group, UK) custom tray materials was distributed amongst undergraduate dental students of the University of the Western Cape. Of a total of 196 dental students, 38 were absent on the day of the survey. Of the 158 questionnaires that were distributed and returned, 18 did not meet the inclusion criteria and 1 person chose not to participate. Of the 139 participating students, 98 were in 4th year, 41 in 5th year. With regards to the light-cured acrylic custom tray material, 77% used it most often, 64% said it saved time and 62 % said that it was easier to handle. Fifty two percent indicated that both types of materials should be taught in undergraduate training, 26% preferred the light-cured acrylic resin custom tray material, 20% suggested that only the light-cured resin be used and no one suggested the chemically-cured resin exclusively. The study concluded that most undergraduate students positively accepted the light-cured resin, but training in the use of both materials was recommended

Aesthetic clasp design for removable partial dentures: A literature review

Removable partial dentures (RPD) are an effective and affordable treatment option for partial edentulism. If the main reason for seeking treatment is the need for improved aesthetics, treatment should be geared towards achieving this goal. This article is the result of a literature study on aesthetic clasp design for the conventional RPD. In this context, the position of the clasp on the tooth, clasp types, clasp material and alternative methods of retention are reviewed. Although published in reputable journals, the authors report that many articles published on this subject are of a descriptive nature and lack scientific evidence. Therefore, clinicians are encouraged to be critical in their interpretation of literature and the application of published information in their clinical practices

Oral health practices and self-reported adverse effects of E-cigarette use among dental students in 11 countries: An online survey

Objectives E-cigarette use has become popular, particularly among the youth. Its use is associated with harmful general and oral health consequences. This survey aimed to assess self-reported oral hygiene practices, oral and general health events, and changes in physiological functions (including physical status, smell, taste, breathing, appetite, etc.) due to E-cigarette use among dental students. Methods This online, multicounty survey involved undergraduate dental students from 20 dental schools across 11 different countries. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, E-cigarette practices, self-reported complaints, and associated physiological changes due to E-cigarette smoking. Data were descriptively presented as frequencies and percentages. A Chi-square test was used to assess the potential associations between the study group and sub-groups with the different factors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS at P < 0.05. Results Most respondents reported regular brushing of their teeth, whereas only 70% used additional oral hygiene aids. Reported frequencies of complaints ranged from as low as 3.3% for tongue inflammation to as high as 53.3% for headache, with significant differences between E-cigarette users and non-users. Compared to non-smokers, E-cigarette users reported significantly higher prevalence of dry mouth (33.1% vs. 23.4%; P < 0.001), black tongue (5.9% vs. 2.8%; P = 0.002), and heart palpitation (26.3%% vs. 22.8%; P = 0.001). Although two-thirds of the sample reported no change in their physiological functions, E-cigarette users reported significant improvement in their physiological functions compared to never smokers or tobacco users. Conclusion Dental students showed good oral hygiene practices, but E-cigarette users showed a higher prevalence of health complications

Evaluation of the quality of systematic reviews critiqued by clinical assistants in-training

Conduct an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) reviewed by clinical assistants (CAs) in-training. SRs relating to clinical procedures and theoretical concepts, critiqued by CAs were included. Review authors independently screened the results of the requested SRs and evaluated these using the AMSTAR-1 checklist and AMSTAR-2 tool. Differences regarding study outcomes were resolved by consultation. Articles (N=37) submitted to the researcher included 35 reviews published in accredited journals. Of the reviews, only 18 were SRs as stated in their titles and these were of mixed designs and quality; and 17 were either non-structured and biased literature or critical reviews. SR topics reviewed in-training varied; and included temporo-mandibular disorders, implants and implant-supported prosthesis. AMSTAR-1 scores were favourable; scores were low for most SRs using AMSTAR-2, including those with randomized controlled trials only, with the exception of one review that had no randomized controlled trials but fulfilled the critical domain criteria. Students’ misconceptions regarding what constitutes good SRs which are translatable into clinical practice are emphasized, impacting their learning. CAs lack of appraisal skills related to SRs which may influence clinical practices are highlighted

Determining the Dimensional Stability, Fracture Toughness and Flexural Strength of Light-cured Acrylic Resin Custom Tray Material

N/ALight-cured acrylic resin custom tray material is used in commercial dental laboratories but little evidence- based scientific information on its physical properties is available. Objectives: This study investigates the dimensional stability of light-cured acrylic resin custom tray material and compares its fracture toughness and flexural strength to a chemically-cured acrylic material. Method: For dimensional stability, 20 light-cured specimens were fabricated and measured 3 times at regular time intervals over 48 hours. Mean shrinkage was calculated for each time interval and the mean values were compared to the standard using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. For fracture toughness, 2 groups of 20 light-cured and chemically-cured acrylic materials with a single-edge notch were subjected to a compressive load using the 3-point bending technique. For flexural strength, 1 group (n=20) of each material was subjected to a compressive load using 3-point bending. The highest load before failure was used to calculate the fracture toughness and flexural strength. Differences in fracture toughness and flexural strength values between the 2 groups were compared using ANOVA testing. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. The chemically-cured group was accepted as the control group. Results: Compared to the standard, shrinkage was significant for all time intervals (p<0.05). The difference in shrinkage among time intervals was not significant (p>0.05). The fracture toughness and flexural strength were significantly higher for the light-cured material. Conclusions: Trays made from light-cured acrylic resin can be used immediately following polymerization. The light-cured material is more resistant to bending and crack propagation than the chemically-cured type.Megadent for donating materials

From classroom teaching to clinical practice: experiences of senior dental students regarding the shortened dental arch concept

This study explored the barriers to a meaningful translation of didactic classroom instruction to clinical practice, using the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept as a case study. A combination of survey and individual and group interviews (a mixed- methods approach) was used to collect data related to the SDA. The cohort consisted of senior dental students and their clinical teachers at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. The response rates were 100 percent for the students (n=73) and 78 percent for the clinical teachers (n=16). Triangulation was employed to eliminate bias and strengthen the reliability of the re- search. In the quantitative analysis, most students (81 percent) reported having heard about the SDA concept at the university, but their responses revealed an absence of clinical implementation. The students agreed that patients can function adequately with an SDA and agreed with presenting it as a treatment option to patients. In the qualitative analysis, a “change in the clinical require- ments,” “being empowered by exposing them to SDA literature,” and “change in health policies” were recommended measures to increase implementation of the SDA approach clinically. The students were positive about the SDA as a treatment option, but the lack of adequate knowledge and encouragement in clinical implementation was a hindrance to its use.Web of Scienc

Perceptions regarding the shortened dental arch among dental practitioners in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

AIMS and OBJECTIVES: This survey was conducted to de-termine the knowledge of and opinions related to the short-ened dental arch (SDA), among dentists in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS: The study sample included two consecutive groups, drawn by a process of randomisation from the reg-istered dentist population that included general dentists, specialists, those who had emigrated and retired dentists. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed, e-mailed and/or faxed to those selected. Reminders were either e-mailed or made by telephone over a period of six months. RESULTS: A final sample of 84 respondents with a mean age of 43 years (SD=11.9) was obtained. This represented a response rate of 23% (n= 84) from the final working sample (n=368), derived from the target group (n=618) originally con-tacted. All participants completed an informed consent form in which confidentiality was assured. Several respondents (40%) said they had heard about the SDA while at university, which would be in line with the age range of respondents in relation to introduction of the concept into dental curri-cula. As many as 62% had never read any research articles related to the concept which could partly account for the low response rate. The majority (86%) felt that patients can function with a SDA and that they would recommend ac-ceptance to their patients. CONCLUSION: Respondents know of the potential benefit that the SDA may have for their patients and see it as a viable alternative treatment option for the partially dentate patient, even though their level of current knowledge of the subject must be considered questionable.Department of HE and Training approved lis

COVID-19 in dentistry- Ethical considerations

The reach of Coronavirus Disease - 2019 (COVID-19) has even reached the ethical guidelines for good practice from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).The health care worker should carefully consider the guidance outlined in several of the booklets as patient treatment has multiple dimensions where COVID-19 had impacted on clinical practice. Due to the nature of dentistry and aerosol generation, special care must be taken when treating healthy patients and patients that are carriers but do not realise that they are COVID-19 positive.COVID-19 transmission and aerosol dissemination may expose the practice team to hazards of infection. The risk is elevated when implementing aerosol generating procedures without any protective equipment. The oral health care worker (OHCW) and staff thus require the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as suggested by country-specific guidelines, for example, The South African Dental Association (SADA).To this extent, practicing dentistry in the 21st century is complex&nbsp;and amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic the OHCW is presented with more pitfalls. As the pandemic is showing no sign of abating in SA, this has presented the OHCW with a range of additional ethical considerations.These dilemmas may be resolved in a variety of ways following an understanding of the basic knowledge of core ethical values and standards for good practice outlined by the HPCSA guidelines