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Introduction The aims of this study were to evaluate the correlation between the results of the objective structured clinical examination ( OSCE) and clinical assessment and to test the reliability of OSCE test stations. Material and methods All 4th year undergraduate dental students ( n = 47, 100%) attended the OSCE in April 2010. The students were divided into two groups (morning group, group 1; afternoon group, group 2). Groups 1 and 2 were also divided into two subgroups that attended the stations in two concurrent sessions (A and B). The OSCE included 12 10-min test stations. Clinical assessment was based on long-term observation during the semesters. The disciplines assessed were cross-infection control, endodontics, paediatric dentistry, periodontology, prosthodontics and restorative dentistry. Results Statistical analysis using Cronbach's alpha indicated good reliability of the OSCE. The correlation between the results of the OSCE and clinical assessment in the 4th year was statistically significant in cross-infection control (ρ = 0.340, P = 0.022), endodontics (ρ = 0.298, P = 0.047), prosthodontics (ρ = 0.296, P = 0.048) and restorative dentistry (ρ = 0.376, P = 0.011). Clinical assessment in the 5th year correlated with the OSCE results statistically significant in restorative dentistry (ρ = 0.522, P = 0.001). Conclusion Both the OSCE and constant longitudinal assessment are needed in clinical assessment, as they both play an important role in the overall assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the University of Oulu, the competencies of fourth-year dental students have traditionally been assessed with a written examination before they go to work for the first time as dentists outside the Institute of Dentistry. In 2009, the objective structural clinical examination (OSCE) modified with multiple-choice questions was introduced as a tool for assessing clinical competencies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the validity of the modified OSCE (m-OSCE) by measuring the attitude of examiners (teachers) and dental students towards the m-OSCE and to evaluate whether the OSCE is preferred to the written examination in the assessment of knowledge and clinical skills. Additionally, the aim was to evaluate the reliability of the multiple-choice examination. Altogether 30 students (86%) and 11/12 examiners (92%) responded to the questionnaire. Most of the students considered the multiple-choice questions easy, but complained about the complex formulation of the questions. The test stations were easy for 87% of the students, but the time allocated was too short. Most of the students (73%) and examiners (91%) preferred the m-OSCE to the written examination. All students and examiners found the immediate assessment of the tasks good. Based on the evaluations of m-OSCE, it could be concluded that both students and examiners preferred the m-OSCE to the pure written examination in assessment, which indicate that m-OSCE had good face validity. Combining multiple methods in assessment of knowledge and clinical skills whilst simultaneously taking into account the feasibility and available resources provides more valid results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even if implant therapy is very common nowadays, treatment with conventional fixed bridge prosthesis still has indications and cannot be forgotten. Because of improved dental health more teeth can be preserved and more fixed prostheses are prepared also for the elderly. The aim of this study was to discuss the future of treatment need in fixed metal ceramic bridge prostheses based on the analysis of distribution of pontics in dentition in four different age groups during the years 1984–1996. Data were collected from the patient files. The numbers of upper lateral incisors, upper first premolars and lower first molars were analysed in years 1984–1987, 1988–1992 and 1993–1996 between and within age groups of under 34, 35–49, 50–64 years and over 65 years. As a conclusion, in the future the treatment need for fixed bridge prostheses will be highest among patients over 50 years and their most replaced teeth are, besides lower first molars, the upper first premolars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Porcelain fused to metal provides better aesthetics in fixed partial dentures than veneers with gold‐resin that were used formerly. The aim of our study was to evaluate complications and primary failures of fixed metal ceramic bridge prostheses made by dental students. We studied 61 patients (32 women, 29 men, mean age 49 years, range 28–73 years) treated during years 1990–1993. Data were collected from the patient files. Altogether 82 bridges were made (mean 4·1 units, range 2–6), 221 abutments (mean 2·7, range 2–6) and 136 pontics (mean 1·6, range 1–4). Forty‐seven cast cores were used in 29 bridges (mean 0·4 cores, range 1–3) and semiprecious attachments as an extra attachment in two bridges. Seven teeth were extracted due to complication and/or failure during endodontic treatment and root canal perforation during preparation. In two cases the abutment tooth was fractured by removing the old crown. Four unsuccessful bridges were remade and in seven cases the firing of porcelain was renewed. The study concludes that most common failures of fixed metal ceramic bridges made by dental students occur during root canal preparation of abutment teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]