Oral health status, behavior, and practices among hearing impaired children attending a specialized school in Jordan.

AIMS: To assess the oral health status and related factors among hearing impaired schoolchildren. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 115 hearing impaired schoolchildren enrolled at the School of the Deaf in Jordan. The World Health Organization (WHO) methodology and criteria were applied to collect data on caries, gingival bleeding. The WHO classification modified by Andreasen et al. was used to record traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). Sociodemographic data, oral health practices, and oral health related quality of life information were collected using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries among the study sample was 84.3%, the dominating component was untreated dental caries. Mean decayed, missing, filled primary teeth (dmft) was 8 in the primary dentition and 3.62 in the mixed dentition, mean Decayed, Missing, Filled permanent Teeth (DMFT) was 1.38 in the mixed dentition and 2.87 in the permanent. The overall mean of gingival bleeding percentage among the whole study sample was 70.38%. the prevalence of TDIs was of 11.3% and mostly caused by falls. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental caries and caries experience, rate of gingival bleeding and dental trauma in children with hearing impaired individuals are high compared to figures observed in studies conducted among Jordanian schoolchildren with normal hearing. Dental diseases impact the quality of life of these individuals.

Postoperative Morbidity of Dental Paediatric Patients Treated under General Anaesthesia at a University Hospital: An Observational Study.

Aims: To assess prevalence of postoperative morbidity signs and symptoms in children treated under GA, and to investigate the association between pre- and intra-operative factors with postoperative morbidity. Study design and. Methods: Prospective, observational study supported by pre-operative, intra-operative, and postoperative questionnaire conducted on paediatric patients treated for dental reasons under general anaesthesia at a university hospital. Results: Hundred and fifty patients were included with average age 5.5 years. The majority (92%) experienced at least one postoperative morbidity sign and symptom on the day of treatment under GA and the majority of symptoms subside by the third day. Dental pain (81.3%), sleepiness (70%), and poor appetite (46.7%) were the most frequently reported. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, type of treatment provided, use of LA, and duration of procedure were significantly associated with postoperative morbidity. Conclusions: Most patients experienced one or more morbidity sign/s or symptom/s during first postoperative day and the majority subsides by the third day. Dental pain and poor appetite were the most and long lasting reported. Factors that would predict the occurrence of postoperative morbidity were gender, patient's age, and duration of procedure.

Knowledge about oral manifestations of systemic diseases among medical and dental students from Jordan: An interdisciplinary educational gap.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of medical students to recognize oral manifestation of selected systemic diseases and compare their performance with dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 400 senior medical and dental students were approached to participate. The study protocol involved two parts; a self-administered survey and a direct interview involving clinical photographs for oral signs of systemic diseases. RESULTS: A total of 283 (70.8%) agreed to participate and completed the two- part study. The study population was made of 110 (38.9%) [82 females and 28 males] dental students, and 173(61.1%) [98 females and 75 males] medical students. The knowledge score regarding questions about the normal mouth and oral structures was 15.7 ± 6 out of 22. Dental students had a significantly higher knowledge score about normal mouth and oral structures (20.9 ± 4; range from 17 to 22) compared to medical students (10.6 ± 7; range from 4 to 21) (p = .029). The knowledge score regarding questions about oral manifestations of systemic diseases was 26.8 ± 6 out of 40. Dental students had a significantly higher knowledge score about oral manifestations of systemic diseases (30.8 ± 7; range from 15 to 37) compared to medical students (22.9 ± 4; range from 10 to 36) (p = .031). Only 24.3% (n = 42) medical students reported having adequate training to be able to distinguish between normal mouth and diseases. Nearly all medical students (91.3%; n = 158) felt that it is important to have more formal training in oral examination and disease diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Medical students lack adequate knowledge, diagnostic ability, and confidence with regard to diagnosis of oral signs of systemic diseases. To ensure that medical students have necessary skills in assessing oral diseases, curricula revisions and modifications are required, and specific oral health-related learning outcomes should be introduced and reinforced through clinical training.

Impact of Dental Caries on the Quality of Life of Preschool Children and Families in Amman, Jordan.

PURPOSE: Early childhood caries (ECC) may have a harmful impact on quality of life (QoL) of young children and parents. No oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) studies had been carried out among preschool children in Jordan. The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence of ECC among preschool children and to evaluate its impact on the QoL of children and families. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among preschool children aged 4 and 5 years. A two-stage random sampling design was implemented. Parents answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) which was used to assess OHRQoL and a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data. Clinical examination included ECC, anterior malocclusion treats (AMT) and traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). The simultaneous influence of different independent variables including gender, AMT, TDI and socioeconomic indicators (SEI) on the overall QoL was also investigated. Analysis of variance test (ANOVA), the Fisher's least statistically significant difference criteria of post hoc and simple logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 2164 targeted preschool children, 1557 were included in the study. Prevalence of ECC was 72.5% and 77.2% among 4 and 5 year olds, respectively. Compared with caries-free children, ECC children (dmft 1-4 and dmft >4) had significantly higher mean scores of all the items of the ECOHIS (p <0.05, 0.01 and 0.001) as well as mean scores of overall ECOHIS (p <0.001). There was a significant increase in mean scores of items (p <0.05, 0.01) and overall ECOHIS mean scores (p <0.05) with increasing severity of dental caries. Only dental caries had a significant effect on ECOHIS (OR = 4, CI 3.179-5.972, p <0.001) while other confounders failed to demonstrate any impact. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries prevalence was high and the level of severity was associated with worse OHRQoL of preschool children and families.

Impact of treated and untreated traumatic dental injuries on oral health-related quality of life among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Amman.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) could have negative effects on the physical and psychosocial well-being of children. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of TDI and the impact of treated/untreated TDI on the quality of life of children among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Amman. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1652 schoolchildren aged 12 years enrolled in schools in Amman. OHRQol was assessed using the Arabic version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14 ). Diagnosis of traumatic dental injury was based on Andreasen's classification. Dental caries and malocclusion were also recorded and analyzed along with social class. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of TDI was 14.6%. There was a statistically significant impact of untreated TDI on all items of CPQ11-14 . When children with treated TDI were compared with those who had not suffered TDI, the only statistically significant impact was difficulty in chewing. Compared to children with treated TDI and those who had not suffered TDI, children with untreated TDI experienced significantly higher impacts related to the overall OHRQol, oral symptoms, the emotional and social well-being domains. Regarding functional limitation domain, children with untreated TDI experienced a significantly higher impact than children who had not suffered TDI, but children with treated TDI still had some limitations. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of TDI was 14.6%. Untreated TDI had a negative impact on OHRQol compared to absence of or treated TDI among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Amman.

Characterization of the biological effect of BiodentineTM on primary dental pulp stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Biodentine™ is relatively a new tricalcium silicate cement that has gained great attention of the researchers due to its biological potential in comparison with other materials. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimum concentrations of Biodentine in relation to its stimulatory or inhibitory effect on proliferation, migration and adhesion of stem cells of human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). The cell cultures of SHED were treated with Biodentine™ extract at four different concentrations; 20mg/ml, 2mg/ml, 0.2mg/ml and 0.02mg/ml. Cells cultured without Biodentine™ were kept as a blank control. The proliferation potential of SHED cells was evaluated by MTT viability analysis for 6 days. Migration potential was investigated by wound healing and transwell migration assays. The growth, survival and communication potential of these cells was determined by Adhesion assay. RESULTS: A significant increase was observed in the proliferation and migration of SHED at (2mg/ml, 0.2mg/ml and 0.02mg/ml) while higher concentration of Biodentine™ (20mg/ml) exhibited cytotoxic effect on the cells. However, three tested Biodentine™ concentrations were similar in effect (non-significant) to adhesion ability of cells when compared with blank control. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that lower concentrations of Biodentine™ can be considered as the optimum concentrations to enhance the stimulatory effect of Biodentine on SHED.

Sanjad-Sakati Syndrome: Oral Health Care.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this report is to describe the orofacial manifestations and dental management of a girl with Sanjad-Sakati syndrome. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: The facial features included microcephaly, thin lips, beaked nose, low set ears, and a retrognathic mandible. An oral examination revealed oligodontia/hypodontia, small dental arches, a high arched palate, and a deep overbite and increased overjet. Oral rehabilitation involved full coverage prosthetic crowns on the upper central incisors, stainless steel crowns on the lower molars, and removable partial prostheses to replace missing teeth. CONCLUSION: Recognition of orofacial features might help in the diagnosis of Sanjad-Sakati syndrome. Dental management of affected patients might be complicated by intellectual, neurological, and endocrine abnormalities.

A longitudinal study of psychological stress among undergraduate dental students at the University of Jordan.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify whether psychological stress increased as undergraduate dental students progressed through their studies from first to fifth year. Another objective was to determine if the perceived sources of stress have changed along the years. METHODS: To achieve these aims, a cohort of students at the University of Jordan were followed from first to fifth year of dental school. Fifth year students completed both the General Health Questionnaire 'GHQ-12' which was used to assess psychological stress and the Dental Environment Stress questionnaire 'DES' which was used to examine the perceived sources of stress. The same cohort of students had completed similar questionnaires during their first year of study. Chi-square analysis and independent t-test analysis were performed to compare GHQ-12 and DES scores between first and fifth year. RESULTS: Results showed that psychological stress increased from first to fifth year of study. Eighty- nine percent of fifth year students scored over the cut-off point of three in the GHQ-12 compared to 58 % in the first year. The difference between the years was statistically significant at p = 0.05. Mean score for DES also increased between first and fifth year of study and the difference was statistically significant at p = 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study demonstrated that stress in dental students at the University of Jordan increased along the years. Fifth year students showed a high level of psychological stress and methods to reduce that stress should be further investigated and utilized.

Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries and associated factors among preschool children in Amman, Jordan.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dental trauma is a major public health problem. However, baseline data regarding traumatic injuries to primary teeth in Jordan are lacking. The study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries to primary anterior teeth among preschool children in Amman (Jordan), investigating the relationship between dental trauma and associated factors, and assessing the treatment provided and treatment need. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval and parental consent, a cross-sectional population-based study examined a total of 1198 children attending 39 preschools randomly selected from different areas of Amman. Chi-square test and stepwise logistic regression modeling were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 26.4%. The upper incisors were more likely to sustain dental trauma (91.7%). No statistically significant association was established between dental trauma and any of the socio-demographic variables. The most common type of dental trauma was enamel fracture (43.1%) followed by pulp injury (39.7%). The odds ratio suggested that the risk of dental trauma was 1.89 times greater if the overjet was >3 mm, 1.93 times greater if the child had an anterior open bite, and 2.56 times greater if the child had inadequate lip coverage. Only 25.3% of children diagnosed with a TDI visited a dentist following their trauma. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental trauma among preschool children in Amman (Jordan) was high; therefore, it is highly recommended to plan campaigns targeting parents, children, and medical/dental care providers that stress the importance of preventing dental trauma and treating it promptly.

Traumatic dental injuries among 12-year-old Jordanian schoolchildren: an investigation on obesity and other risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic dental injury (TDI) is an important public dental health problem among schoolchildren. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between TDIs, obesity, and other possible associated factors like gender, overjet, lip coverage, parents' education level and family income among 12-year old Jordanian schoolchildren. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based study examined a total of 1015 schoolchildren attending 34 schools randomly selected from urban and rural areas of Amman-the capital city of Jordan. The epidemiological classification adopted by WHO and modified by Andreasen et al. was used to classify TDIs. Obesity was defined according to the international cut-off points of body mass index for boys and girls between 2 and 20 years old. RESULTS: The prevalence of TDIs was 16.3%. Enamel fracture was the most common type of TDIs (65%). Neither parents' education level nor family income had a significant effect on TDI occurrence (P > 0.05). Results of multiple logistic regression showed that TDIs were significantly more prevalent among males (OR = 1.42, CI; 1.01-2.01, P < 0.05), and children with inadequate lip coverage (OR = 1.95, CI; 1.35-2.81, P < 0.05). The relationship between TDIs and obesity was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Being a male with inadequate lip coverage was associated with higher probability of having a TDI. Obesity had no significant effect on the occurrence of TDIs.

Oral health status among 6- and 12-year-old Jordanian schoolchildren.

PURPOSE: No nationwide oral health survey has previously been carried out in Jordan. The aims of the study were to assess the burden of dental caries and gingival health among children aged 6 and 12 years in relation to sociodemographic factors and to ascertain the trend over time in the occurrence of caries and the need for dental care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out which included 2496 children aged 6 years and 2560 children aged 12 years selected by stratified cluster sampling. Children were examined in schools and data comprised information about caries and gingival health status. WHO methodology and criteria were applied. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information about oral hygiene, dental visits, consumption of sugars and parents' level of education. RESULTS: The caries prevalence rates were 76.4% in 6-year-olds and 45.5% in 12-year-olds, and caries experience was 3.3 dmft and 1.1 DMFT, respectively. The prevalence of caries varied significantly by sex and geographical region. In both age groups, children of the social low and middle groups had significantly higher levels of caries experience, more untreated decayed teeth and fewer filled teeth than did children of the upper socioeconomic group. Multivariate regression analysis showed that social class was the most important independent variable for caries. The results from 2005 were compared with similar data collected in the capital, Amman, in 1993. For all social classes, the mean caries experience and the amount of untreated dental caries increased over time. Moreover, 17.7% of 6-year-old children and 49.1% of the 12-year-olds had gingival bleeding. Significant differences in gingival health were found by sex, location, geographical areas and socioeconomic group. CONCLUSION: Oral disease is a significant public health problem in Jordan. Strengthening of the school oral health programme is needed for effective prevention and control of caries and promoting gingival health. A systematic school oral health programme including oral health promotion should be established.

Traumatic dental injuries among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Jordan: prevalence, risk factors and treatment need.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence and related factors of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) among 12-year-old Jordanian schoolchildren. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this cross-sectional study among schoolchildren, a sample of 2560 schoolchildren (1209 boys, 1351 girls) aged 12 years were randomly selected. The epidemiological classification adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and modified by Andreasen et al was used to record TDI on incisors. RESULTS: Of the children examined, 5.5% showed TDI. The difference in prevalence between boys and girls was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Maxillary central incisors were the most affected and the most common type of crown injury was enamel/dentin fracture. The relationship between dental injuries and geographic location, area, and socioeconomic indicators was not statistically significant. Most of the TDI occurred at home, followed by school; the most frequent cause was falls. No statistically significant association was found between TDI and dental caries experience (P > 0.05). There was a tendency for boys (P < 0.01), children with an incisal overjet > 3 mm (P < 0.01) and incompetent lip closure (P < 0.001) to have experienced dental injuries. Treatment need due to dental injuries was very high. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of traumatic injuries to permanent incisors in 12-year-old Jordanian schoolchildren was relatively low. TDI was associated with gender, overjet and lip competence, but was not influenced by dental caries experience. There was a great unmet treatment need.

Psychological stress among dental students at the University of Jordan.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of psychological stress as well as the perceived sources of stress among undergraduate dental students at the University of Jordan. The top perceived stressors were compared with those of a previous study that examined the perceived sources of stress among undergraduate dental students at the University of Jordan in the year 2000. Psychological stress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Perceived sources of stress were evaluated using the Dental Environment Stress questionnaire. In the study, 520 students completed the questionnaires, for a response rate of 74 percent. These students showed a high level of psychological stress, with 70 percent at the cutoff point of a score of more than 3 for the GHQ-12. Women had a higher level of stress than men: 73 percent scored more than 3 on the GHQ-12 vs. 63 percent for men, which was statistically significant at p=0.05. The top perceived sources of stress from the year 2000 were mostly unaltered in our study, despite a substantial increase in the number of students as well as changes in the curriculum. Further research is needed into methods to minimize stress on dental students.

The Arabic version of the modified dental anxiety scale. Psychometrics and normative data for 15-16 year olds.

OBJECTIVE: To prepare an Arabic version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and provide normative information including evidence to support the validity of the measure. METHODS: The MDAS was translated into Arabic and back-translated into English. Data collection took place in Amman, Jordan from March 2009 to March 2010. One thousand and six hundred two 10th grade students took part in the study (15-16 years of age) sampled from 32 schools. Questionnaire consisted not only of the MDAS, but also (i) a single global question on dental anxiety to test concurrent validity, (ii) a question on helplessness in the dental surgery to test construct validity and (iii) demographic profile. RESULTS: The level of missing data was minimal for the translated scale. The internal consistency for this sample using the Arabic MDAS was 0.87 (95% confidence interval was 0.86-0.88). The measure was a one-dimensional scale. The proportion of the sample that was highly dentally anxious was 22% (>/= 19 cut-off score). Expected differences between gender and self-reported dental attendance were observed. There were clear significant relationships as predicted between the Arabic MDAS and (i) a single item measure of dental anxiety and (ii) feeling helpless in the dental chair on a previous occasion. CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of the MDAS can be employed for brief assessment of dental anxiety.

Effect of gender on performance of undergraduate dental students at the University of Jordan, Amman.

The purpose of this study was to see if gender-based differences exist in the performance of dental students at the University of Jordan (UJ), Amman. The retrospective analysis included data from two groups of students: 413 fourth-year dental students (178 males and 275 females) from four consecutive years (2005 through 2008) and 357 fifth-year students (128 males and 229 females) who graduated in the years 2005 to 2008. The influence of gender on the results of the fourth-year students in six theoretical and six clinical courses and the cumulative GPAs of the fifth-year students were studied. In both theoretical and clinical fourth-year courses, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed significant main differences in raw scores between the two gender groups. Female students were significantly better in five theoretical courses. In clinical courses, female students outscored male students in pediatric dentistry and prosthodontics, male students outperformed female students in conservative dentistry and orthodontics, and no significant gender differences were seen in oral surgery and fixed prosthodontics. The cumulative GPAs of the female graduated students were significantly higher than those of the male students. The results showed a significant relationship between gender and academic performance of dental students for these classes. The reasons for these findings should be further investigated.

Frequency estimates and risk factors for postoperative morbidity after third molar removal: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of postoperative complications after mandibular third molar (M3) surgery and identify the risk indicators. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of a sample of subjects having at least 1 mandibular M3 surgically extracted at a teaching hospital in Jordan. The predictor variables were categorized as patient, anatomic, and operative specific. The outcome variables were postoperative complications recorded as present or absent. Bivariate analyses were computed, then a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors for the common postoperative complications. RESULTS: The study sample was comprised of 149 patients who had 245 extractions. The mean age was 21.6 +/- 3.32 years; 64.9% were females. In the multivariate logistic regression model, age (P = .033, odds ratio [OR] = 1.178), M3 side in relation to the handedness of the operator (P = .048, OR = 4.078), and lingual retraction (P = .001, OR = 11.293) were the variables found as independent predictors for alveolar osteitis. The level of impaction had a significant association with trismus, and operation time acted as an independent predictor for pain (P < .001, OR = 1.085). CONCLUSION: Postoperative morbidity increases with older age, deeper impaction, M3 side differing from the handedness of the operator, and longer procedures.

Subtarsal approach for orbital floor repair: a long-term follow-up of 12 cases in a Jordanian teaching hospital.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term functional and esthetic outcomes of using the subtarsal approach for orbital trauma patients in a group of Jordonian patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients treated using the subtarsal approach for orbital floor fractures in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery unit at the Jordan University Hospital were involved. Aspects evaluated included: the distance between scar and lower lid lash margin, scar length, esthetic appearances of the scar, lid edema, scleral show, ectropion, lagophthalmous, epiphora, subconjunctival injections, and keratoconjunctivitis. RESULTS: Half the cases were the result of road traffic accidents. Follow-up time ranged from 10 to 73 months (mean +/- SD, 37.25 +/- 23.7 months). The postoperative outcome was favorable; 1 scar was noticeable, but was not hypertrophic. One patient suffered from scleral show that was associated with subconjunctival injections. One patient suffered from mild lid edema and 1 had keratoconjunctivitis. No other complications were recorded and patients were satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The subtarsal approach is a safe and simple to perform procedure for treating orbital floor fractures. It results in a good surgical outcome functionally and esthetically.

Dental extraction for patients presenting at oral surgery student clinic.

The aim of this study was to examine the reasons for dental extraction and to determine the pattern of tooth loss in patients seeking care at the oral surgery teaching clinics in the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, over a 3-year period. Data pertaining to the dental extractions of 2435 patients were analyzed. The results showed that 63.8% of the teeth included in this study were extracted because of dental caries, 22.9% because of periodontal disease, and 11.0% for prosthetic reasons. Pericoronitis, orthodontic treatment, trauma, and eruption problems accounted for 2.4% of the reported extractions. The upper premolars were the teeth most commonly extracted, and the lower first and second molars were the teeth most commonly extracted because of dental caries. The logistic regression test revealed that extraction because of dental caries occurred mostly in the group aged 21 to 30 years (P < .001). Periodontal disease was not likely the cause of extraction in patients younger than 40 years. Mandibular incisors were the teeth least likely extracted because of dental caries (P < .001), but they were the teeth most commonly extracted because of periodontal disease (P < .001). Extraction for orthodontic reasons mostly involved the premolars (P < .05) and occurred in patients 20 years of age or younger (P < .001). Men were less likely to lose teeth because of caries and periodontal disease (P < .05 and P < .001, respectively) and were more likely to lose teeth for prosthetic reasons and trauma. The information gained from this study is useful to shift oral health planning toward emphasizing the importance of maintaining natural dentition and preventing dental disease.

Use of information and communication technology among dental students at the University of Jordan.

The aim of this study was to investigate the current knowledge, skills, and opinions of undergraduate dental students at the University of Jordan with respect to information communication technology (ICT). Dental students from the second, third, fourth, and fifth years were asked to complete a questionnaire presented in a lecture at the end of the second semester in the 2002-03 academic year. The response rate was 81 percent. Besides free and unlimited access to computers at the school of dentistry, 74 percent of the students had access to computers at home. However, 44 percent did not use a computer regularly. Male students were more regular and longer users of computers than females (p<0.001). A significant number of students (70 percent) judged themselves competent in information technology (IT) skills. More males felt competent in basic IT skills than did females (p<0.05). More than two-thirds acquired their computer skills through sources other than at the university. The main educational use of computers was accessing the Internet, word processing, multimedia, presentations, Medline search, and data management. More clinical students felt competent in word-processing skills (p<0.05) and many more used word processing for their studies (p<0.001) than did preclinical students. More males used word processing for their studies than females (p<0.001). Students used computers for personal activities more frequently than for academic reasons. More males used computers for both academic (p<0.01) and personal activities (p<0.001) than did females. All students had access to the Internet at the university, and 54 percent had access at home. A high percentage of students (94 percent) indicated they were comfortable using the Internet, 75 percent said they were confident in the accuracy, and 80 percent said they were confident in the relevance of information obtained from the Internet. Most students (90 percent) used email. Most students (83 percent) supported the idea of placing lectures on the web, and 61.2 percent indicated that this would not influence lecture attendance. Students used the Internet more for personal reasons than for the study of dentistry. More clinical students used the Internet for dentistry than preclinical students (p<0.001). More males than females used the Internet for dentistry (p<0.01) as well as for pleasure (p<0.01). Time and availability were the main obstacles to Internet use. Dental students at the University of Jordan have access to substantial IT resources and demonstrated attitudes toward the computer and Internet technology and use that were similar to other students in other nations. However, the educational use of ICT among Jordanian students remains low.

Regional odontodysplasia: a review of the literature and report of a case.

We present a rare case of a developmental anomaly called regional odontodysplasia or 'ghost teeth' in an 8.5-year-old Jordanian girl. The anomaly affected both the mandibular primary and permanent incisors, and the canines bilaterally. The maxillary teeth were unaffected. This is the first case of the anomaly to be reported in Jordan. The clinical, radiographic and histological features are reviewed. The management of affected patients is discussed.