An assessment of the efficacy of clinical skills simulation using standardized patient in teaching behavior management and modification skills in Pediatric Dentistry to dental undergraduate students: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical skills simulation (CSS) is an important tool in teaching and learning. The literature review showed a scarcity of research data regarding the use of CSS,in teaching, especially in dentistry. The use of CSS in dental teaching was found restricted to the use of low fidelity typhodonts fitted to phantom heads used in teaching cavity preparation and crown cutting. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of CSS using standardized patient in teaching behavior management and modification skills to dental undergraduate students. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was undertaken among 3rd year dental undergraduate students, and the study was undertaken at the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty, 3rd year BDS students were randomly allotted to simulation and nonsimulation groups. Baseline data regarding their knowledge in the behavior management of child patients were assessed. Simulation group was further divided into group of six students and underwent CSS with standardized patient. Pretest and posttest knowledge regarding behavior management was assessed in the simulation group using questionnaires approved by an expert committee. The results were analyzed to see if there is any improvement in their knowledge after CSS. Students in simulation and nonsimulation groups were assessed for their behavior management skills during patient management, by an independent observer, using a checklist. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mean, standard deviation (SD), and unpaired student t-test were done to assess the baseline knowledge of students who participated in the study. Mean, SD, and paired t-test were used to compare the pretest and posttest score of students who underwent simulation. Mean, SD, and unpaired t-test were used to compare the behavior management skills of both groups of students. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of students in both groups before the study was comparable with no statistically significant differences. There was a statistically significant improvement in the knowledge of students who underwent CSS regarding behavior management of child patients. The unpaired Student's t-test showed a significant difference in the behavior management skill of dental undergraduate students when treating a child patient. The students who underwent CSS fared better compared to students who were taught behavior management methods by traditional methods only. Clinical skill simulation using standardized patient is an effective adjunct to be used along with traditional method of teaching while teaching behavior management and modification skills to dental undergraduate students.

A clinicoradiographic comparison of the effects of platelet-rich fibrin gel and platelet-rich fibrin membrane as scaffolds in the apexification treatment of young permanent teeth.

AIMS: This triple blinded clinical trial was undertaken to check whether Platelet rich firin in its membrane form is as reliable as when it is in the gel form. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Triple blinded randomized clinical trial. METHODS AND MATERIAL: 20 patients in PRF gel group and 20 patients in PRF membrane group selected after randomization and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken up for this study. The samples were clinically and radiographically evaluated for success. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Regenerative endodontics with PRF membrane is easier and less time consuming. They have similar clinical success.PRF gel gave a better radiographic success in 12 months period.

Efficacy of Various Intracanal Medicaments in Human Primary Teeth with Necrotic Pulp against Candida Biofilms: An in vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Candida has been associated with cases of secondary and persistent root canal infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of commonly used intracanal medicament against Candida biofilms found in root canals of human primary teeth with necrotic pulp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pulp canals of 45 single-rooted primary maxillary anterior teeth with pulp necrosis in 34 children were included in the study. They were divided into three groups of 15 samples each - group I: Ca(OH)2 (calcium hydroxide); group II: 1% chlorhexidine gel (CHX); and group III: 1% metronidazole gel. Bacterial count was obtained from each tooth at two different stages: (1) after instrumentation, and (2) after placement of the medication. Statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 10.0 software program (Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) with Wilcoxon signed rank test after grouping the samples was performed. RESULTS: Ca(OH)2, 1% CHX gel, and 1% metronidazole gel were ineffective in completely eliminating Candida biofilms from root canal of human primary teeth with necrotic pulp. CONCLUSION: None of the commonly used intracanal medicaments, i.e., Ca(OH)2, 1% CHX gel, and 1% metronidazole gel, was effective in completely eliminating Candida biofilm from root canal of human primary teeth with necrotic pulp. Ineffectiveness of these medicaments against Candida has opened new door of research regarding the use of suitable intracanal medicaments against single and multispecies biofilms. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Paikkatt JV, Sreedharan S, Philomina B, Kannan VP, Santhakumar M, Kumar TVA. Efficacy of Various Intracanal Medicaments in Human Primary Teeth with Necrotic Pulp against Candida Biofilms: An in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(1):45-48.