Self-perceived preparedness of final year dental students in a developing country-A multi-institution study.

AIMS: To evaluate the self-perceived preparedness to practice of final year dental undergraduate students in three dental institutions. METHODS: Dental undergraduate students in their final year from three dental institutions in Pakistan were invited to participate in an online study to assess self-perceived preparedness using a validated preparedness assessment scale. RESULTS: In total, 134 students responded to the questionnaire yielding a response rate of 72%. Students felt adequately prepared to carry out several clinical procedures including clinical assessment, fillings, tooth extractions and communication skills. However, perceived preparedness was low in the students' ability to undertake intraoral radiographs, treatment planning, crowns, multirooted endodontics, research skills, referral for suspected oral cancer and raising concerns regarding inappropriate behaviour of colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which investigates the self-perceived preparedness of final year undergraduate dental students in Pakistan. The results show that the self-perceived preparedness of final year students was satisfactory for a range of clinical and affective skills. However, several areas of weaknesses were identified which underscore the need for additional training and consolidation.

Implant placement in extraction sockets: a short review of the literature and presentation of a series of three cases.

Successful placement of dental implants in extraction sockets has been reported in the literature. There are numerous practical considerations in relation to immediate implant placement that make the procedure more complex as compared with placement in healed extraction sites. A short review of the literature is presented to understand the scientific principles and controversies related to immediate implants. This is followed by a presentation of 3 completed cases of immediate implants. Some of the important practical considerations in relation to immediate implant placement are also highlighted.

Management of retrograde peri-implantitis: a clinical case report.

The term retrograde peri-implantitis has been commonly used to describe lesions in the periapical region of dental implants. There are very few reports on this condition, and the exact etiology and pathogenesis are subject to speculation. Management of retrograde peri-implantitis is even more scarcely discussed in the literature. The current article briefly reviews the literature on this subject and presents a case report of retrograde peri-implantitis. Special emphasis is placed on the management of the condition, and different strategies are critically evaluated. If the fixture is stable despite bone loss in the periapical region, it is suggested that surgical debridement be carried out with the use of a surface antiseptic like chlorhexidine. Also all possible efforts should be made to prevent damage to the implant surface. Bone loss due to this condition may be regenerated on the basis of the principle of guided bone regeneration.

Periodontal disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the periodontal status in well controlled and poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients compared with normal healthy individuals. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Diabetes Management Centre, Services Hospital, Lahore, from November 2009 to January 2010. METHODOLOGY: Forty well controlled and forty poorly controlled type 2 diabetic subjects having good oral hygiene (scored according to simplified oral hygiene index) were compared with a control group of forty normal healthy individuals. Probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and attachment loss (AL) were recorded to obtain the periodontal status of each tooth, using a Michigan probe "0" with Williams marking. Glycemic control was evaluated by glycated Hb value. Using ANOVA and independent sample t-test, mean probing depth and attachment loss in each tooth type (incisors, canines, premolars and molars) were compared. RESULTS: Mean age of diabetic subjects was 58.86 ± 6.21 years and that of control group was 56.92 ± 6.91 years; 60% were females. Probing depth was greater in patients with poorly controlled diabetes compared to well controlled diabetic patients and non-diabetic controls (4.21 mm vs. 3.72 mm and 2.93 mm respectively, p < 0.001). Attachment loss also increased in poorly controlled diabetes (p < 0.001) compared to the control group and well controlled diabetes, however, the difference was not statistically significant when comparing well controlled to the control group (p > 0.05). Number of sites and mean percentage of sites with attachment loss of ³ 4 and ³ 6 mm was also significantly higher in poorly controlled diabetes compared to the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Periodontal status as estimated by probing depth and degree of attachment loss deteriorates significantly with poor glycemic control in diabetes.