COVID-19 Era: Challenges and Solutions in Dental Education.

Coronavirus infecious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought a myriad of challenges to the dental education. Amidst the quarantine and lockdown measures, face-to-face education is disrupted around the globe. Dental educators have come up with innovative solutions to resume dental education remotely. Different online platforms are being utilised for didactic teaching and learning as well as for students 2019; assessment and examination. Clinical learning has also shifted to virtual learning. Manikins and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR)-based simulation devices along with haptic technology can be very helpful for skills training. However, some sorts of blended learning and virtual curriculum may be incorporated in dental education in the future. For this narrative review, a thorough in-depth review of the available literature, relevant to our field, was carried out. In this article, impact of COVID-19 on dental education has been discussed along with some solutions to these challenges. Key Words: COVID-19, Dental education, E-learning, Virtual/augmented reality.

Comparative Fluoride Release and Antimicrobial Analysis of Commercial and Experimental Bioactive Glass/Nano-Oxide-Based Dentifrices.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to measure fluoride release and assess the antimicrobial behavior of fluoride-doped nano bioactive glass (F-nBG) and nano zinc oxide (ZnO)-enriched novel dentifrices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental dentifrices were synthesized by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles and F-nBG (1.5 wt% and 4 wt%) as active ingredients. The fluoride release behavior of suspensions and elutes of samples were analyzed by ion selective electrode. Antimicrobial activity and minimum bactericidal concentration against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei were evaluated. Microbial stability against contamination was also assessed by a challenge test. RESULTS: The fluoride release behavior of experimental dentifrices was higher than that of commercial dentifrices and was dependent on filler loading. The fluoride release was more from suspensions than elutes. Zones of inhibition (ZOIs) and minimum bactericidal concentration values for novel dentifrices showed direct proportionality with filler loading, and effectiveness was exhibited against both strains. Experimental dentifrices exhibited effective antibacterial potential, which could possibly be due to release of sufficient fluoride and zinc ions in aqueous media from F-nBG and ZnO present in their formulations. CONCLUSION: Combination of F-nBG and ZnO may provide a multi-benefit approach for simultaneously treating early white spot lesions, reducing bacterial growth, and providing core plaque control.

Clinical Evaluation of Proximal Contact Points in Fixed Prostheses.

This cross-sectional study clinically assesses the tightness of proximal contact points of fixed dental prosthesis with natural teeth. Sixty nine (69) patients visiting the Department of Prosthodontics, Armed Forces Institute of Dentists (AFID), Rawalpindi, were included. The crowns, as a single unit or terminal abutment of bridge, prepared and fabricated at the same institute were included. A total of 142 Proximal Contact Points (PCPs) were assessed with the dental floss and categorized as acceptable, loose and tight. Among these, 83 (58.4%) were acceptable, 41 (28.8%) loose and 18 (12.6%) were tight. Out of 142 PCPs, 104 (73.2%) were Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) and 38 (26.7%), all metal. Out of 104 PFM crown/FPD PCPs 59 (56.7%) were acceptable, 32 (30.7%) were loose and 13 (12.5%) tight. Out of 38 all metal crown/FPD PCPs 24 (63%) acceptable, 9 (23%) were loose and 5 (13%) were tight. PCPs must be checked for acceptability before cementation. The PCPs of adjacent natural dentition in same patient may serve as guide for assessment.

Comparison of distance between maxillary central incisors and incisive papilla in dentate individuals with different arch forms.

BACKGROUND: After loss of natural teeth, provision of prosthodontic services almost becomes necessity in the present day living. To provide effective mastication teeth have peculiar forms. To make it more efficient both functionally and biologically, they are arranged in particular geometric manner referred to as dental arch. The objective of this study was to compare the distance between mesial edge of the maxillary central incisors and posterior border of the incisive papilla in dentate individuals with different arch forms. METHODS: After sample selection, impressions were made for upper and lower arches and the resultant casts were standardised. Arch forms were assessed by their morphological description. Measurements on cast were recorded for incisive papilla (IP) and maxillary central incisor (CI) distance after securing it on cast surveyor. RESULTS: Ovoid arch form was the most frequently observed arch form both in males (57%) and females (68%) while their combination (Ovoid Square and Ovoid tapered) were the least commonly observed arch forms (4% and 5% each). Gender seems to be important in about 1/4th of the dentate individuals, regarding both the type of the arches and CI-IP distance. CONCLUSION: Ovoid type of arches was the commonest arch form seen in either sex. There is no significant difference between males and females in 3/4th of dentate individuals, regarding the type of dental arch as well as CI-IP distance.