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
