Dentistry Journal

12 pages, 2393 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperCase Report

The Rigid-Shield Technique: A New Contour and Clot Stabilizing Method for Ridge Preservation

by Alessandro Mattiola, Dieter Bosshardt and Patrick R. Schmidlin

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020021 - 17 Jun 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 39048

Tooth extraction causes vertical and horizontal alveolar bone loss and consequent remodeling. Several methods have been introduced in terms of so-called “ridge preservation” techniques, which mostly resemble guided bone regenerative (GBR) procedures using filler materials and membranes in order to stabilize the respective [...] Read more.

Tooth extraction causes vertical and horizontal alveolar bone loss and consequent remodeling. Several methods have been introduced in terms of so-called “ridge preservation” techniques, which mostly resemble guided bone regenerative (GBR) procedures using filler materials and membranes in order to stabilize the respective sites. This conceptual case report describes a novel approach using a degradable polylactic acid membrane covered with a collagen matrix, which aims to reshape the resorbed alveolar wall and thereby to stabilize the soft tissues during matrix formation and socket mineralization. Clinical re-entry, radiographic (CBCT) and histologic evaluation proved adequate for osteoneogenesis despite an unfavorable initial situation: An implant could be ideally placed, which was circumferentially covered by bone. This minimally invasive method could offer a new method to approach socket preservation without using filler materials and coverage of the socket entrance. However, more controlled research on this topic is needed. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bacterial Colonization and Tissue Compatibility of Denture Base Resins

by Constanze Olms, Maryam Yahiaoui-Doktor, Torsten W. Remmerbach and Catalina Suzana Stingu

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020020 - 15 Jun 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3865

Abstract

Currently, there is minimal clinical data regarding biofilm composition on the surface of denture bases and the clinical tissue compatibility. Therefore, the aim of this experimental study was to compare the bacterial colonization and the tissue compatibility of a hypoallergenic polyamide with a [...] Read more.

Currently, there is minimal clinical data regarding biofilm composition on the surface of denture bases and the clinical tissue compatibility. Therefore, the aim of this experimental study was to compare the bacterial colonization and the tissue compatibility of a hypoallergenic polyamide with a frequently used PMMA resin tested intraorally in a randomized split-mouth design. Test specimens made of polyamide (n = 10) and PMMA (n = 10) were attached over a molar band appliance in oral cavity of 10 subjects. A cytological smear test was done from palatal mucosa at baseline and after four weeks. The monolayers were inspected for micronuclei. After four weeks in situ, the appliance was removed. The test specimens were immediately cultivated on non-selective and selective nutrient media. All growing colonies were identified using VITEK-MS. The anonymized results were analyzed descriptively. A total of 110 different bacterial species could be isolated, including putative pathogens. An average of 17.8 different bacterial species grew on the PMMA specimens, and 17.3 on the polyamide specimens. The highest number of different bacterial species was n = 24, found on a PMMA specimen. On the two specimens, a similar bacterial distribution was observed. Micronuclei, as a marker for genotoxic potential of dental materials, were not detected. This study indicates that the composition of bacterial biofilm developed on these resins after four weeks is not influenced by the type of resin itself. The two materials showed no cytological differences. This investigation suggests that polyamide and PMMA are suitable for clinical use as denture base material. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of NonSurgical Periodontal Therapy on Plasma Levels of IL-17 in Chronic Periodontitis Patients with Well Controlled Type-II Diabetes Mellitus—A Clinical Study

by Vishnu Jayakumar Sunandhakumari, Arun Sadasivan, Elizabeth Koshi, Aswathy Krishna, Aneesh Alim and Aneesh Sebastian

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020019 - 13 Jun 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5226

Abstract

For years the pathogenesis of periodontitis was under an immunological Th1/Th2 paradigm. Th1 cells are considered to afford protection against the intracellular pathogens. These cells produce the interferons (IFN) that are involved in macrophage activation, which, in turn, plays an important role in [...] Read more.

For years the pathogenesis of periodontitis was under an immunological Th1/Th2 paradigm. Th1 cells are considered to afford protection against the intracellular pathogens. These cells produce the interferons (IFN) that are involved in macrophage activation, which, in turn, plays an important role in phagocytosis, complement fixation, and opsonization. Th2 cells are thought to have evolved as a form of protection against parasitic helminthes. Th17 subset of CD4Not Necessary+ T cells was identified in the year 2005, which added greater complexity to Th function and are pro inflammatory in nature. Interleukins (ILs) have the ability to alter immunological changes and they also possess the ability to regulate lymphocyte differentiation and haemopoietic stem cells, cell proliferation, and motility, which are classified as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. There are numerous studies that reported IL-17 levels associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) development. Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a risk factor for the development of periodontal diseases because the incidence, progression, and severity of periodontal diseases are more common with Type II DM than without DM. This study was aimed at evaluating whether non-surgical periodontal therapy had any effect on plasma concentrations of Interleukin-17 in systemically healthy chronic periodontitis patients and in chronic periodontitis patients with well controlled Type II Diabetes mellitus. Patients were divided into the two groups including the chronic periodontitis group (20 subjects) and the chronic periodontitis with well-controlled Type II Diabetes mellitus group (20 subjects). The Gingival Index and Plaque Index as well as the clinical Attachment Level (CAL) were taken from all the patients of two groups after evaluating fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar, and the Glycated Hemoglobin Level (HbA1c). Then 5 mL blood samples were collected from each patient and plasma was separated and the IL-17 level is evaluated using the ELISA method. Then, as part of phase I periodontal therapy, scaling and root planning was performed. Patients were recalled after one month and clinical and biochemical parameters were reevaluated. Non-surgical periodontal therapy resulted in a reduction of plasma levels of IL-17 in chronic periodontitis patients with and without well controlled Type II Diabetes mellitus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Hygiene and Epidemiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 2114 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pit and Fissure Sealants—A Comprehensive Review

by Barbara Cvikl, Andreas Moritz and Katrin Bekes

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020018 - 12 Jun 2018

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 25598

Abstract

Even in the 21st century, dental caries is considered a global burden, severely upsetting the health and quality of life of those affected. Apart from the usage of fluoride and regular oral hygiene, one of the most important prophylactic approaches against the occurrence [...] Read more.

Even in the 21st century, dental caries is considered a global burden, severely upsetting the health and quality of life of those affected. Apart from the usage of fluoride and regular oral hygiene, one of the most important prophylactic approaches against the occurrence of caries is the sealing of pits and fissures. However, the rapid progress of new materials and applications for sealing pits and fissures also raises new questions about their correct application. Recent literature on pit and fissure sealing, caries prevention, as well as caries risk assessment for both children and adults was reviewed. This report provides a general overview of pit and fissure sealing, the materials used for sealing occlusal surfaces, as well as indications and possible side effects. The conclusions are that sealing pit and fissures of primary and permanent teeth is an effective method for preventing and arresting caries. However, regular checkups must be conducted to avoid advanced tooth decay attributable to leakages in the sealing. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Household Income and Children’s Unmet Dental Care Need; Blacks’ Diminished Return

by Shervin Assari and Neda Hani

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020017 - 4 Jun 2018

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 6997

Abstract

Background: Minorities’ Diminished Return theory is defined as the relative disadvantage of minority populations compared to Whites regarding health gains that follow socioeconomic status (SES). To test whether Minorities’ Diminished Return theory holds for unmet dental care needs (DCN), we investigated Black-White differences [...] Read more.

Background: Minorities’ Diminished Return theory is defined as the relative disadvantage of minority populations compared to Whites regarding health gains that follow socioeconomic status (SES). To test whether Minorities’ Diminished Return theory holds for unmet dental care needs (DCN), we investigated Black-White differences in the effects of family income on unmet DCN among children. Methods: Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health were used. Participants were either White or Black children age 1 to 18. Family income-to-needs ratio was the independent variable. Unmet DCN was the dependent variable. Covariates included age, gender, and parental educational attainment. Race was the focal moderator. We ran logistic regression for data analysis. Results: Higher income-to-needs ratio was associated with lower risk of unmet DCN in the pooled sample. We found an interaction between race and family income-to-needs ratio on unmet DCN, suggesting a stronger protective effect for Whites than Blacks. Conclusion: Minorities’ Diminished Return also holds for the effects of family income-to-needs ratio on unmet DCN. The relative disadvantage of Blacks compared to Whites in gaining oral health from their SES may reflect structural racism that systemically hinders Black families. There is a need for additional research on specific societal barriers that bound Blacks’ oral health gain from their SES resources such as income. Policies and programs should also help Black families to leverage their SES resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health Disparities Due to Race, Ethnicity, and Class)

13 pages, 2253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Female Facial Attractiveness Assessed from Three-Dimensional Contour Lines by University Students

by Jinwara Jirathamopas, Yu Fang Liao, Ellen Wen-Ching Ko, Yu-Ray Chen and Chiung Shing Huang

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020016 - 22 May 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4791

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) images could provide more accurate evaluation for facial attractiveness than two-dimensional (2D) images. The 3D facial image could be simplified into gray scale 3D contour lines. Whether female facial attractiveness could be perceived in these simplified 3D facial contour lines [...] Read more.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) images could provide more accurate evaluation for facial attractiveness than two-dimensional (2D) images. The 3D facial image could be simplified into gray scale 3D contour lines. Whether female facial attractiveness could be perceived in these simplified 3D facial contour lines should be determined. Methods: A series of 100 2D photographs (one frontal and two lateral views) and 3D contour lines extracted from 3D facial images of females were projected onto a screen. Each image presentation lasted 5 s, and the evaluators marked their impression of each image’s facial attractiveness on a five-point Likert scale within 3 s of its presentation. The evaluation of the 3D contour lines was performed twice, 2 weeks apart. The evaluators were university students. Results: High consistency (r = 0.92) was found for the first and second evaluation of 3D facial contour lines for female facial attractiveness. The judgments of unattractive face were more consistent than the judgments of attractive face. Male students tended to give lower scores than female students in the evaluation of female facial attractiveness. Conclusions: Female facial attractiveness could be evaluated by 3D facial contour lines. 3D facial contour lines should be one of the key factors of facial attractiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral and Dental Health Status among Adolescents with Limited Access to Dental Care Services in Jeddah

by Salma A. Bahannan, Somaya M. Eltelety, Mona H. Hassan, Suzan S. Ibrahim, Hala A. Amer, Omar A. El Meligy, Khalid A. Al-Johani, Rayyan A. Kayal, Abeer A. Mokeem, Akram F. Qutob and Abdulghani I. Mira

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020015 - 17 May 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5081

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries and periodontal diseases among 14–19-year-old schoolchildren with limited access to dental care services. A cross sectional study design was conducted during field visits to seven governmental schools [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries and periodontal diseases among 14–19-year-old schoolchildren with limited access to dental care services. A cross sectional study design was conducted during field visits to seven governmental schools in Al-Khomrah district, South Jeddah, over the period from September 2015 to May 2016. Clinical examinations and administered questionnaires were carried out in mobile dental clinics. The dentists carried out oral examinations using the dental caries index (DMFT), the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), and the community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20. A total of 734 schoolchildren were examined. The prevalence of decayed teeth was 79.7% and was significantly higher among boys (88.9%) than girls (69.0%). About 11% of students had missing teeth, with a significantly higher figure among females than males (15.9% versus 7.3%); 19.8% of students had filled teeth. Moreover, a DMFT of seven or more was significantly more prevalent among males (43.3%) than females (26.8%), while the percentage of females with sound teeth was significantly higher than for males (20.4% and 9.6% respectively). The CPITN revealed 0, 1 and 2 scores among 14.6%, 78.2%, and 41.6% respectively. Males had a significantly higher percentage of healthy periodontal condition (23.8%) than females (3.8%). Dental caries prevalence was moderate to high, calculus and gingival bleeding were widespread among schoolchildren, and were more prevalent among students with low socioeconomic status. Full article

1 pages, 122 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Endodontic Microbiology—A Special Issue of Dentistry Journal

by Prasanna Neelakantan

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020014 - 17 May 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4101

Abstract

Understanding microbiology, specifically biofilm biology is an essential component of creating targeted therapeutic modalities that are effective and efficient.[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endodontic Microbiology)

6 pages, 1133 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Treating Mucocele in Pediatric Patients Using a Diode Laser: Three Case Reports

by Sara M. Bagher, Ayman M. Sulimany, Martin Kaplan and Cheen Y. Loo

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020013 - 9 May 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 22097

Abstract

A mucocele is the most common minor salivary gland disease and among the most common biopsied oral lesions in pediatric patients. Clinically, a mucocele appears as a round well-circumscribed painless swelling ranging from deep blue to mucosa alike in color. Mucoceles rarely resolve [...] Read more.

A mucocele is the most common minor salivary gland disease and among the most common biopsied oral lesions in pediatric patients. Clinically, a mucocele appears as a round well-circumscribed painless swelling ranging from deep blue to mucosa alike in color. Mucoceles rarely resolve on their own and surgical removal under local anesthesia is required in most cases. Different treatment options are described in the literature, including cryosurgery, intra-lesion injection of corticosteroid, micro-marsupialization and conventional surgical removal using a scalpel, and laser ablation. Therefore, the goal of this paper was to report three cases of mucocele removal in pediatric patients using a diode laser with a one-month follow-up. Mucoceles were removed by a pediatric dentist using a diode laser with a wavelength of 930 nm in continuous mode and a power setting of 1.8 Watts. In all cases, no bleeding occurred during or after the procedure and there was no need for suturing. On clinical examination during the one-month follow-up, in all three cases there was minimal or no scarring, minimal post-operative discomfort or pain, and no recurrence. Diode lasers provide an effective, rapid, simple, bloodless and well accepted procedure for treating mucocele in pediatric patients. Minimal post-operative discomfort and scarring was reported by all the three patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Dentistry 2018)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 2182 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

RETRACTED: The Use of Tooth Particles as a Biomaterial in Post-Extraction Sockets. Experimental Study in Dogs

by José Luis Calvo-Guirado, José Eduardo Maté-Sánchez de Val, María Luisa Ramos-Oltra, Carlos Pérez-Albacete Martínez, María Piedad Ramírez-Fernández, Manuel Maiquez-Gosálvez, Sergio A Gehrke, Manuel Fernández-Domínguez, Georgios E. Romanos and Rafael Arcesio Delgado-Ruiz

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020012 - 6 May 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7169 | Retraction

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate new bone formation derived from freshly crushed extracted teeth, grafted immediately in post-extraction sites in an animal model, compared with sites without graft filling, evaluated at 30 and 90 days. Material and Methods [...] Read more.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate new bone formation derived from freshly crushed extracted teeth, grafted immediately in post-extraction sites in an animal model, compared with sites without graft filling, evaluated at 30 and 90 days. Material and Methods: The bilateral premolars P2, P3, P4 and the first mandibular molar were extracted atraumatically from six Beagle dogs. The clean, dry teeth were ground immediately using the Smart Dentin Grinder. The tooth particles obtained were subsequently sieved through a special sorting filter into two compartments; the upper container isolating particles over 1200 μm, the lower container isolated particles over 300 μm. The crushed teeth were grafted into the post-extraction sockets at P3, P4 and M1 (test group) (larger and smaller post-extraction alveoli), while P2 sites were left unfilled and acted as a control group. Tissue healing and bone formation were evaluated by histological and histomorphometric analysis after 30 and 90 days. Results: At 30 days, test site bone formation was greater in the test group than the control group (p < 0.05); less immature bone was observed in the test group (25.71%) than the control group (55.98%). At 90 days, significant differences in bone formation were found with more in the test group than the control group. No significant differences were found in new bone formation when comparing the small and large alveoli post-extraction sites. Conclusions: Tooth particles extracted from dog’s teeth, grafted immediately after extractions can be considered a suitable biomaterial for socket preservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soft and Hard Tissue Regeneration)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Socioeconomic Status and Self-Rated Oral Health; Diminished Return among Hispanic Whites

by Shervin Assari

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020011 - 24 Apr 2018

Cited by 76 | Viewed by 7132

Abstract

Background. An extensive body of knowledge has documented weaker health effects of socio-economic status (SES) for Blacks compared to Whites, a phenomenon also known as Blacks’ diminished return. It is, however, unknown whether the same diminished return also holds for other ethnic minorities [...] Read more.

Background. An extensive body of knowledge has documented weaker health effects of socio-economic status (SES) for Blacks compared to Whites, a phenomenon also known as Blacks’ diminished return. It is, however, unknown whether the same diminished return also holds for other ethnic minorities such as Hispanics or not. Aim. Using a nationally representative sample, the current study aimed to compare Non-Hispanic and Hispanic Whites for the effects of SES on self-rated oral health. Methods. For the current cross-sectional study, we used data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES), 2001–2003. With a nationally representative sampling, CPES included 11,207 adults who were either non-Hispanic Whites (n = 7587) or Hispanic Whites (n = 3620. The dependent variable was self-rated oral health, treated as dichotomous measure. Independent variables were education, income, employment, and marital status. Ethnicity was the focal moderator. Age and gender were covariates. Logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Results. Education, income, employment, and marital status were associated with oral health in the pooled sample. Although education, income, employment, and marital status were associated with oral health in non-Hispanic Whites, none of these associations were found for Hispanic Whites. Conclusion. In a similar pattern to Blacks’ diminished return, differential gain of SES indicators exists between Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites, with a disadvantage for Hispanic Whites. Diminished return of SES should be regarded as a systemically neglected contributing mechanism behind ethnic oral health disparities in the United States. Replication of Blacks’ diminished return for Hispanics suggests that these processes are not specific to ethnic minority groups, and non-White groups gain less because they are not enjoying the privilege and advantage of Whites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health Disparities Due to Race, Ethnicity, and Class)

14 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessReview

Oral Dysbiotic Communities and Their Implications in Systemic Diseases

by Preethi Sudhakara, Abishek Gupta, Anshumouli Bhardwaj and Aruni Wilson

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020010 - 16 Apr 2018

Cited by 105 | Viewed by 9622

Abstract

The human body supports the growth of a wide array of microbial communities in various niches such as the oral cavity, gastro-intestinal and urogenital tracts, and on the surface of the skin. These host associated microbial communities include yet-un-cultivable bacteria and are influenced [...] Read more.

The human body supports the growth of a wide array of microbial communities in various niches such as the oral cavity, gastro-intestinal and urogenital tracts, and on the surface of the skin. These host associated microbial communities include yet-un-cultivable bacteria and are influenced by various factors. Together, these communities of bacteria are referred to as the human microbiome. Human oral microbiome consists of both symbionts and pathobionts. Deviation from symbiosis among the bacterial community leads to “dysbiosis”, a state of community disturbance. Dysbiosis occurs due to many confounding factors that predispose a shift in the composition and relative abundance of microbial communities. Dysbiotic communities have been a major cause for many microbiome related systemic infections. Such dysbiosis is directed by certain important pathogens called the “keystone pathogens”, which can modulate community microbiome variations. One such persistent infection is oral infection, mainly periodontitis, where a wide array of causal organisms have been implied to systemic infections such as cardio vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The keystone pathogens co-occur with many yet-cultivable bacteria and their interactions lead to dysbiosis. This has been the focus of recent research. While immune evasion is one of the major modes that leads to dysbiosis, new processes and new virulence factors of bacteria have been shown to be involved in this important process that determines a disease or health state. This review focuses on such dysbiotic communities, their interactions, and their virulence factors that predispose the host to other systemic implications. Full article

1 pages, 175 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Strange Case of Peri-Implantology

by Patrick R. Schmidlin

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020009 - 9 Apr 2018

Viewed by 2776

Abstract

n/a Full article

8 pages, 5674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laboratory Investigation Comparing Plaque Removal Efficacy of Two Novel-Design Toothbrushes with Different Brushing Techniques

by Wansiri Jansiriwattana and Thitiwan Teparat-Burana

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020008 - 7 Apr 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8430

Abstract

Manufacturers of manual toothbrushes have improved novel brush head designs aimed at achieving good plaque removal even with inadequate brushing technique. This study tested the plaque removal efficacy of two novel designs compared with a flat trimmed toothbrush with different brushing techniques. Two [...] Read more.

Manufacturers of manual toothbrushes have improved novel brush head designs aimed at achieving good plaque removal even with inadequate brushing technique. This study tested the plaque removal efficacy of two novel designs compared with a flat trimmed toothbrush with different brushing techniques. Two novel-design toothbrushes (Colgate^® 360° Surround and Oral-B^® Pro-Health™ Clinical Pro-Flex) were tested. The control toothbrush was Butler^® GUM 311. Artificial plaque was applied on artificial teeth. Brushing with the modified Bass and horizontal scrub technique was then performed independently. After brushing, the remaining plaque index and Proximal Marginal Index (PMI) were evaluated. With the same brushing technique, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean of the whole mouth plaque scores or PMI among the three different toothbrush designs with neither brushing techniques (p > 0.05). When a comparison was made between the mean PMI of the two brushing techniques in each toothbrush design, Colgate^® showed no statistically significant difference with either brushing technique (p > 0.05), but Butler^® and Oral-B^® showed statistically significantly less PMI with modified Bass technique than with horizontal scrub technique (p < 0.05). No difference in the whole mouth plaque removal efficacy was found among the three different toothbrush designs with either brushing technique. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Hygiene and Epidemiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 14037 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

The Use of Picture Cards to Elicit Postgraduate Dental Student Feedback

by Peter Fine, Albert Leung, John Francis and Chris Louca

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020007 - 30 Mar 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3990

Abstract

The aim of this study was to elicit information about the use of picture cards to stimulate student feedback following a postgraduate dental course. Twenty-nine general dental practitioners (GDPs) volunteered for the study. Following an explanation of how this style of feedback worked, [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to elicit information about the use of picture cards to stimulate student feedback following a postgraduate dental course. Twenty-nine general dental practitioners (GDPs) volunteered for the study. Following an explanation of how this style of feedback worked, students were asked to choose a picture card from those available and use that image to stimulate their feedback. An independent interviewer introduced the topic and gathered comments in the form of qualitative data, generated by pre-formed questions. 93% (n = 26) questionnaires were completed and returned. 77% (n = 20) GDPs reported enjoying giving their feedback by ‘picture card’ technique; 83% (n = 20) reported this form of feedback stimulated their thoughts. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Some GDPs felt the picture cards helped them formulate their feedback, others felt being able to give feedback to a third party they did not know was beneficial and giving feedback as a group was helpful. This novel approach of using picture cards to stimulate feedback was well received by these GDPs. A mixed result as to the value of this style of feedback was evident. A group feedback session facilitated by a stranger was considered to be a valuable approach to take. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 6524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Violet-Blue Light on Streptococcus mutans-Induced Enamel Demineralization

by Grace Gomez Felix Gomez, Frank Lippert, Masatoshi Ando, Andrea Ferreira Zandona, George J. Eckert and Richard L. Gregory

Dent. J. 2018, 6(2), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6020006 - 21 Mar 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4544

Abstract

Background: This in vitro study determined the effectiveness of violet-blue light (405 nm) on inhibiting Streptococcus mutans-induced enamel demineralization. Materials and Methods: S. mutans UA159 biofilm was grown on human enamel specimens for 13 h in 5% CO₂ at 37 °C [...] Read more.

Background: This in vitro study determined the effectiveness of violet-blue light (405 nm) on inhibiting Streptococcus mutans-induced enamel demineralization. Materials and Methods: S. mutans UA159 biofilm was grown on human enamel specimens for 13 h in 5% CO₂ at 37 °C with/without 1% sucrose. Wet biofilm was treated twice daily with violet-blue light for five minutes over five days. A six-hour reincubation was included daily between treatments excluding the final day. Biofilms were harvested and colony forming units (CFU) were quantitated. Lesion depth (L) and mineral loss (∆Z) were quantified using transverse microradiography (TMR). Quantitative light-induced fluorescence Biluminator (QLF-D) was used to determine mean fluorescence loss. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare differences in means. Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in CFUs between treated and non-treated groups grown with/without 1% sucrose. ∆Z was significantly reduced for specimens exposed to biofilms grown without sucrose with violet-blue light. There was only a trend on reduction of ∆Z with sucrose and with L on both groups. There were no differences in fluorescence-derived parameters between the groups. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, the results indicate that violet-blue light can serve as an adjunct prophylactic treatment for reducing S. mutans biofilm formation and enamel mineral loss. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Dent. J., Volume 6, Issue 2 (June 2018) – 16 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI