Chemical exchange between glass-ionomer restorations and residual carious dentine in permanent molars: an in vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the remineralization of carious dentine following the restoration of an extensive lesion in a permanent molar with a high strength glass-ionomer cement (GIC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen first permanent molars, which were scheduled for extraction because of the presence of extensive caries lesions, were selected for this study. They were first restored, according to the ART technique, using encapsulated Fuji IX(GP), which contains a strontium glass rather than the traditional calcium glass. The cavities were prepared with a clean enamel margin and minimal removal of the carious dentine around the walls. After a period of 1-3 months they were harvested and subsequently sectioned and examined using an electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: EPMA demonstrated that both fluorine and strontium ions had penetrated deep into the underlying demineralized dentine. The only possible source of these ions was the GIC restoration. CONCLUSION: The pattern of penetration of the fluorine and strontium ions into the dentine was consistent with a remineralization process.

The sequential modular curriculum for oral health personnel: an evaluation of the Fijian experience after five years.

In 1993 a new sequential modular curriculum was introduced for the training and education of oral health personnel in Pacific Island countries. The five-year model provided a multi-stage course with the opportunity to exist at the level of dental hygienist after two years, dental therapist or dental technologist after three years and dental surgeon after five years. After five years' experience the principles involved in the introduction of such a curriculum have been confirmed as educationally sound. The model may also be useful for introduction in other countries providing its structure and the details of individual modules are tailored to local social, cultural and demographic needs.

A new approach to the training and education of oral health personnel.

An innovative curriculum has been designed for the Fiji School of Medicine to enable dental personnel to proceed through a sequence of educational modules on a career path leading from a dental assistant through other auxiliary grades to a dentist with a BDS degree. The courses for each grade are formulated to be relevant to the pattern of oral diseases in Fiji and the Pacific Islands; be designed in accordance with specified job-descriptions; have a strong community orientation, with emphasis on prevention and the promotion of oral health; permit exit and re-entry at each level; incorporate, where appropriate, the principle of problem-based learning; and incorporate procedures to ensure early establishment of clinical skills. Details of the first year and an outline of the structure of the course for the subsequent years are presented.