Self-perceived competence of dental students regarding the management of orofacial pain: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on Pakistani dental students perceived competence in managing orofacial pain (OFP). This study aims to evaluate dental students self-perceived competence regarding the management of orofacial pain. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi at randomly selected two public and four private dental schools. This survey was conducted online from November 2020 to December 2020 in six dental schools. A questionnaire link was sent to the 475 students. A chi-square test and independent-sample t-test were conducted to assess the frequency distribution and compare mean scores of knowledge, diagnosis, and management parameters. RESULTS: Of the 475 students, 280 students filled the online survey leaving a response rate of 59%. A significant number of fourth-year students, 65 (51%, p = 0.005), feels knowledgeable regarding neuropathic pain compared to third-year students. The majority of the fourth-year students, 100 (78%, p = 0.010), feel comfortable managing intraoral pain. Almost all the students reported thinking that they need more knowledge related to five types of OFP. The fourth-year students had high mean scores related to knowledge, comfort in diagnosing and managing OFP categories. CONCLUSION: This study found that dental students perceived competence regarding orofacial pain management varies in relation to specific categories, being lowest for psychogenic pain.

Replacement of resin-based composite restorations in permanent teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reasons for replacement of composite resin restorations and evaluate the association between the reasons for replacement of restorations with gender, duration of failure and different class of cavities. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Operative Department of Fatima Jinnah Dental Hospital, Karachi, from January to May 2009. METHODOLOGY: Patients were selected randomly who had presented with post restoration complaint after composite filling. Specially designed proformas were used to get the information such as the name of the patient, age, gender, teeth in need for replacement of restorations, age of the replaced restorations, and the reasons for replacement. The criteria for replacement of composite restorations were secondary caries, discoloration, improper proximal contact, fractured restoration and gingival irritation due to overhang. The significance of results was obtained by applying chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 413 patients ranging in age from 17 to 63 years were examined; 263 were males while 150 were females. Secondary caries (52.3%) was the most frequent reason for replacement of restorations in permanent teeth followed by discoloration (16.9%) and fracture of fillings (12.6%). Chi-square test shows significant relationship between gender and reasons for replacement (p < 0.001). Highly significant difference was found between different class of cavities and reasons for replacement of composite fillings (p < 0.001). The median longevity of the replaced composite restorations was about 3 years. CONCLUSION: Secondary caries was the most common reason for replacement of composite fillings. The median longevity in this sample was calculated to be 3.0 years.