Search

To evaluate student perception of integrating biomedical and clinical sciences based on survey of dental students on the concurrent teaching of a didactic systems-based course and a case-based course.First-year to fourth-year students (DS1-DS4) students were surveyed for their experiences in concurrent teaching. Student response rate for the survey was 55% (229/420). Pearson's Chi-squared tests and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum tests were used to assess statistical significance (p 0.05).Of the students surveyed, 83% strongly agreed or agreed that concurrent teaching of the didactic and case-based courses helped them better understand the biomedical science background and the clinical ramifications (p 0.001). On average, 75% percent strongly agreed or agreed that concurrent teaching kept them engaged, motivated, think critically, apply the course content and prepare for clinical practice (p 0.001). Of the students surveyed, 69% support expanding concurrent teaching to all four years (p 0.001). Mean responses from DS1 and DS4 students differed for questions relating to understanding of biomedical sciences, critical thinking and application to clinic (p 0.01). Qualitative data showed that students enjoyed the reinforcement of concepts and application to clinical scenarios.Concurrent teaching of didactic and case-based learning courses, thus showing clinical relevance of biomedical sciences in the first year of dental curriculum, is perceived by students as an effective method of educating dental students. Such integrative learning process with horizontal and vertical integration and concurrent curriculum is even more relevant with the implementation of the integrated national board dental examination. more...

Objectives To identify schematic relationships between root canal axis, the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), and the contour of the clinical crown’s facial surface in maxillary central incisors. Materials and Methods 72 radiographic images of extracted maxillary central incisors with previous root canal treatment were collected. Angles (tangent angle) between the root canal axis and lines tangent to fiducial points on the facial surface 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, and 5.5 mm cervical to the incisal edge were measured using ImageJ software. Facial-palatal CEJ widths were measured and divided into facial and palatal CEJ by the root canal axis. Generalized linear models were used to assess any relationship between CEJ widths and the constructed tangent angles. The Paired Difference T-test was performed to determine the ratio of palatal CEJ to facial CEJ widths. Results The correlation between CEJ width and angle measurements was statistically significant except at 3.5 mm (P < .05). The tangent angle values decreased from the most incisal point (22.8°) to the most cervical point (18.4°). The average value of total CEJ widths was 7.44 mm. Palatal CEJ was on average 0.22 mm greater than facial CEJ widths (P = 1.61e-6). Conclusions Using CEJ width and tangent angle of fiducial point, the root canal axis of the maxillary central incisor can be predicted. Clinical relevance Crown morphology can be applied to design a standardized endodontic access stent to aid in root canal therapy in maxillary central incisors when the canal is difficult to identify. more...

Objective Both temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and sleep bruxism (SB) are known to be destructive to the masticatory system. However, the association between the 2 conditions is poorly understood. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between TMD and SB through the signs and symptoms in 2 patient groups: TMD only and TMD with SB. Study Design A retrospective chart review was conducted from November 1, 2015, to April 1, 2018, on patients with completed International Network for Orofacial Pain and Related Disorders Methodology history questionnaires and Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder clinical examinations. Fifty-two patients, including 12 with TMD only and 40 with TMD with SB, met the study criteria. Subjective descriptions and objective measurements of patient symptoms were investigated. The χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results The TMD with SB group exhibited increased oral behaviors compared with the TMD-only group (P = .0004). The TMD with SB group also experienced more headaches compared with the TMD-only group (P = .045). Conclusions Our results revealed that patients with jaw pain who self-report increased oral behaviors and/or exhibit temporal headaches should be evaluated for sleep bruxism. more...