Perception of Remote Learning by Fixed Prosthodontic Students at a Romanian Faculty of Dentistry

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the transfer of traditional on-site educational activities to the online environment. This study aimed to evaluate the perception and acceptance of remote learning among fixed prosthodontic students attending the Faculty of Dental Medicine of “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, Romania, and to analyze the feedback regarding their experience with the new online methods, the perceived quality thereof and suggestions for improvement. An observational cross-sectional, online study based on 22 questions was conducted with 259 students. The general opinion of online education was good or very good (40.15%); regarding its efficiency, 28.57% found it efficient while 34.36% found it inefficient or very inefficient; regarding the pleasure of learning online, 45.95% of students enjoyed online learning, while 36.64% did not enjoy it. The problem that was most cited by respondents was that of keeping all students motivated and involved (65.6%). Sixty-two percent of the respondents believe that online dental education should not exist, or just to a small extent, a result justified by the practical nature of the profession. The general opinion was that health risks should be managed and mitigated by using a hybrid system that would allow students to do on-site clinical training with direct contact with patients

Study Of Tensions And Strains Of The Partial Removable Dentures Retained By Cast Clasps

The practical work in the field of dentistry offers a clear picture of the increased frequency of therapeutic solutions on the partially edentulous, aiming through it a high degree of biological recovery, a particularly important role being for knowledge of the spreading tensions on the remaining prosthetic field elements and for the induced strains distribution in the removable prosthetics substitutes. The analysis of biomechanical behavior of the removable partial dentures, as well as the body’s response to the induced action of it, are an important parts of the current studies with results of particular importance in choosing the final therapeutic solution

INTRODUCTION OF STUDY OF PARTIALLY OR FULLY PROGRAMMABLE SIMULATORS

Partially or fully programmable simulators are designed to reproduce – in part or in full – the anatomical peculiarities of anterior and posterior determinants. In what regards the normal joints and the accurate reproduction of the determinants of occlusion, simulators allow prosthetic restorations that require minimal intraoral adjustments and can be quickly integrated by the stomatognathic system. Next, we shall review the correlations established between the anterior and posterior determinants of mandibular dynamics and occlusal morphology, by referring also to articulator programming. On principle, the more the assessed teeth are closer to one of the determinants, the more the latter influences their morphology. Errors occurring in the shaping of the morphology of prosthetic restorations may range from inessential, by usage of entirely programmable simulators, to major ones, by using partial occluders (small, undersized hinge axis). Assuming a patient’s actual intercondylar distance is 90 mm and the used occluder has a 40 mm intercondylar distance, we observe that, on the new restoration, the grooves will be positioned towards the distal (for the maxillary) and towards the mesial (for the mandible)

STATISTICAL STUDY ON THE USE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN DENTAL OFFICES

Future scenarios on the relational and therapeutical treatment of patients of various ages are inevitably restricted by the available material and logistic possibilities. The aim of the study was to establsh the logistic capacity of the private dental offices of Ia[i and the receptivity of their owners to the software products available on the market, as well as the extent of use of modern means of data investigation and storage, for a subsequent monitorization of odontal pathologies. Materials and method. Out of the 130 applied questionnaires, 88 were not filled in by the respondents (participation ratio = 67.69%). Results and discussion: A large number of dentists considered in the present study do have and use computers in their offices, first as they considerably simplify communication (e-mail, internet) and, to a much more reduced extent, for administrative (files recording, book keeping, accounts, schedule records) or clinical aspects. Access to Internet has been frequent, in most cases at higher rate. Conclusions: The main reasons which explain the absence of Internet access in dental offices should be related to the lack of interest from the part of their owners

CENTRIC RELATION BETWEEN CHIMERA AND REALITY- A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: The multitude of definitions for the centric relation (CR) has sparked extensive scientific debates, marking significant milestones in the evolution of concepts in these fields. The discourse surrounding CR has remained contentious for over a century, and there is still a persistent divergence of perspectives. Aim: This narrative review aims to unravel the evolutionary trajectory of CR definitions, seeking to untangle the existing confusion prevalent within specialized literature. Moreover, it endeavors to provide guiding principles within this contentious domain, offering valuable insights to practitioners, students, educators, and researchers. Discussion: Dentistry has not arrived at a consensus definition and concept of CR. Even in the era of evidence-based dentistry, CR still leaves room for controversy. Conclusion: The evolution of the CR concept and its definition, progressing from the exact specification of the maxillomandibular relationship, temporomandibular joint elements, and hinge axis and to its partial “abandonment” due to the individuality and particularities of the patients, should be contextualized within the functional and adaptable nature of the stomatognathic system

Knowledge Level on Infection Control among Romanian Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Students

Background and Objectives: Infection control practices in dentistry should be continuously evaluated. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge of dental students from Iași, Romania about infection control in the dental office. Materials and Methods: Dental students and resident dentists attending the “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iași were randomly selected in accordance with ethical guidelines, and a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based online study was conducted. The questionnaire included 21 items about infection control in dentistry. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the chi-square test was used for data comparison, with a cutoff point of 0.05 for statistical significance. Results: The study sample included 150 subjects (75.3% female and 24.7% male) with a mean age of 25.71 ± 4.54 years. Mode of infection transmission was known by 74% of the subjects, and 76% were aware of standard precautions, with significant differences by the year of study (p = 0.012, r = 0.002). A percentage of 20% of subjects knew the means of transmission of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) (p = 0.032, r = 0.166). Most of the subjects were not vaccinated against HBV (p = 0.002, r = −0.274). Notions of high-level disinfection and sterilization were confused by 19.5% of the subjects. Only 22% of the subjects knew the correct processing of handpieces (p = 0.048, r = −0.071). The sources of information were diverse for 64.66% of the respondents, while 31.33% of them used courses and seminars only. Conclusions: There is a need for improvement in the level of knowledge on infection control for both dental students and residents

STATISTICAL STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF DENTAL LESIONS OF THE ANTERIOR SEGMENT OF THE DENTAL ARCHES AND THE CALL FOR TREATMENT FOR THESE LESIONS –PART 1

The work performed within Clinical Base of the Gr. T. Popa U.M.P., Faculty of Dental Medicine Iași, has a number of objectives the materialization of which brings forth a new trend of dental medicine, towards a properly coordinated prophylaxis focused on the real needs of the population.The purpose of the study commencement consists in: evaluation of population’s oral health, on categories and age groups; determination of the local factor impact on health; assessment of dental care usage level in Moldova region; provision of statistical data regarding the oral health of the population in Romania; implementation of evaluation systems and of the data processing standard, in order to achieve oral health programs. A clinical record to contain data regarding the following section was created: environmental factors, anthropology, general condition of the body, prophylaxis, dental medicine. The study was conducted on a batch consisting of 646 patients from various social backgrounds and age categories, of which, a batch with age between 18-50 was selected. We deem the presentation of distribution according to age and sex of the whole batch, interesting. For a clearer vision, we considered a 5 to 10 year range. Our purpose, in this study, was to emphasize the extent of damage in the investigated population comprising patients aged between 18 and 50, the batch size and study scale allowing us to conclude that there are well defined clinical entities in the sphere of oral pathology. The clinical circumstance represented by lesions and existing treatments is dominant in the upper front group by the existing fillings and fixed prosthetics

Curcumin as a Natural Approach of Periodontal Adjunctive Treatment and Its Immunological Implications: A Narrative Review

Scaling and root planing represent the gold standard in the treatment of periodontal disease, but these therapeutic methods cannot eliminate the remaining periodontopathogenic bacteria in cement, tubules, and periodontal soft tissue. Thus, a number of additional therapeutic means have been adopted, including local and systemic antibiotic therapy, as well as the use of photodynamic therapy techniques. Recently, special attention has been paid to potential phytotherapeutic means in the treatment of periodontal disease. In this review, we aim to present the effects generated by the extract of Curcuma longa, the various forms of application of turmeric as an additional therapeutic means, as well as the aspects related to its biotolerance