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The objective of the paper is to present a mini review of training pathways in the specialty of Endodontics-Operative Dentistry or Conservative Dentistry across the globe and draw the attention of the readers towards the two models of training that exist in this specialty in Pakistan. KEYWORDS: dental education; Operative Dentistry; Endodontics

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acid-soluble Arsenic, Lead, and Chromium contents in the two varieties of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. METHODOLOGY: Analysis of Arsenic, Lead, and Chromium in the two products of MTS [MProRoot MTA and MTA Angelus] were done using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry employing 2.4 mol/L of hydrochloric acid for digestion of materials. The test materials were subjected to incubate in water and simulated body fluid (SBF) so that the leach out metal ions from the material can also be quantified. Descriptive statistics reported along with ANOVA for comparison of quantitative analysis of Arsenic, Lead, and Chromium in the extracts of the two MTA products. One way ANOVA was applied to compare the leach out of metals over 15 days. Level of significance was kept at 0.05. RESULTS: Both varieties of MTA [ProRoot MTA and MTA Angelus] leached out extracts into water and SBF showing lower values of Arsenic and Lead contents in accordance to the limit set by ISO 9917-1 (2007). However, extracts of both the products had comparatively higher amount of Chromium ions. CONCLUSIONS: The total amount of Arsenic, Chromium, and Lead released from the two cements were found to be far below than what is considered as clinically harmful. KEYWORDS: Chromium; Arsenic; Lead, heavy metals; Mineral trioxide aggregate HOW TO CITE: Khan TN, Khan FR. Determination of lead, arsenic and chromium contents in two types of mineral trioxide aggregate using atomic absorption spectrometry. J Pak Dent Assoc 2020;29(4):223-227.

In Pakistan, whether to enforce a 4-year BDS course versus a 5-year course, is a matter of debate that warrants multiple deliberations. In USA and Canada, dentistry is 4-year long course but students can apply for admission into dental school only when they have already done 16 years of schooling (i.e. a 4-years of graduate university education is the pre-requisite). On the other hand, In UK & Ireland, students can apply for admission into dental colleges with 12-years of high school education. However, they follow a 5-years BDS programme. Similarly, there is much difference on the emphasis on various subjects taught in the dental programmes. This paper critically appraises the PMDC and HEC advised BDS curricula in Pakistan and suggests an alternative curriculum that is more balanced in terms of subject distribution, assessment and above all contemporary to cater the evolving needs of the dynamic discipline of dentistry. KEYWORDS: Dental; education; curriculum; Pakistan HOW TO CITE: Khan FR. A Proposed curriculum for 5-years BDS Programme in Pakistan and its comparison with the curricula suggested by PMDC and HEC. J Pak Dent Assoc 2020;29(4):169-171.

The term ‘fellowship’ is fairly common among medical and dental graduates especially those aspiring to become subject specialists. However, there are so many meanings and construct of this term that not only patients but even students get confused. The following description explains what fellowship is all about and what its types are. Actually, fellowship has eight different meanings. KEYWORDS: Fellowship; award; examination; diploma

The intervention at public health level is aimed at prevention rather than actual treatment. Moreover, to be successful, a public health intervention has to be cost effective and simple. One of such example is hypertonic saline. Dentist should carry out studies to explore its efficacy in Covid-19 patients.