Team-based learning versus Traditional lecture-based learning: An investigation of students' perceptions and academic achievements.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of TBL from students' perspective has been done extensively, but limited studies have analyzed the effect of TBL on students' academic performance. Objectives of the present study were to assess students' perceptions about team-based learning versus traditional lectures and then to compare with students' grades in both TBL and lecture-based assessments. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study which included 147 dentistry students was conducted between March and June, 2020 at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. A self-composed 10 item closed ended instrument was administered through electronic mail. One block from each academic year was selected randomly and organizers were requested to provide grades of students in both TBL and lecture-based exams. Grades from A to F were determined as achievement indicator and were compared statistically using Kruskal Wallis, Tuckey Posthoc and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: A total of 120 students (81.6%) responded to the survey, and mean perception score was (3.29±0.94). Perceptions of students, regarding TBL as a learning strategy were comparatively superior as compared to the lectures. Students scored significantly higher grades in TBL exams (p<0.05) as compared to lecture-based assessments. Gender-wise analysis indicated that female students secured significantly higher grades in the TBL. CONCLUSION: We conclude that dentistry students perceived TBL as superior teaching and learning strategy compared to traditional lectures. Their perception was verified by their significant higher academic achievements in the assessments for the coursework taught by utilizing team-based learning strategy.

Retrospective quality assurance audit of Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs at postgraduate teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our audit was to assess the quality of lateral cephalometric radiographs by investigating the percentage of lateral cephalometric radiographic images that satisfied the good quality standards. METHODS: The standard-based retrospective audit was conducted at Riphah International University, Pakistan, from April to September 2018. The sample size was 50 radiographs that were randomly selected from the radiographs taken over one year. The radiographs were graded according to the standards set by the National Radiation Protection Board by two evaluators after the necessary calibration. Moreover, the percentages of images that met the criteria set by the Royal College of Surgeons of England were identified. The data analysis was carried out by the SPSS software version 23. RESULTS: Out of the 50 radiographs, thirty-one were Grade-I, sixteen were Grade-II and three radiographs were Grade-III. Furthermore, out of the criteria set by Royal College, one criterion met the 100% standard that was correct head positioning. Less frequent errors were comprised of poor visibility of soft tissue structures (16%), teeth not properly occluded (14%), Incorrect positioning of labels (12%), Sella and Nasion not visible (8%). According to the results of the quality assurance audit, the radiographs fell short of the required standards. CONCLUSION: Quality assurance by periodic auditing is important to yield radiographs with maximum diagnostic value, minimal errors, and avoid unnecessary radiation exposure by repeat radiographs. Recommendations were made for the formulation and implementation of comprehensive radiation protection regulations, at all the Dental institutes of Pakistan.

Does the antioxidant treatment affect the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets after anti-oxidant treatment on previously bleached teeth.. METHODS: The experimental in-vitro study was conducted in Saudi Arabiaat Qassim University, Al-Qassim, and King Saud University, Riyadh, from December 2016 to March 2017, and comprised extracted maxillary and mandibular premolars which were divided randomly into three groups. In Group A, which was the control group, the teeth were etched and bonded, while those in Group B were bleached, etched and bonded. Group C was subjected to bleaching, followed by treatment with anti-oxidant 10% sodium ascorbate solution, then etched and bonded. All three groups were then tested and analysed for bond strength using the Instron, Universal testing machine. SPSS 23 was used for data analysis.. RESULTS: There were 60 teeth with 20(33.3%) in each of the three groups. Group C had the maximum mean shear bond strength of 12.231}2.1Mpa, followed by Group A with 10.948+/-2.1Mpa and Group B with 7.621}1.8Mpa. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-oxidant treatment had a positive effect on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets after tooth bleaching. Keywords: Anti-oxidant. Bleaching, Brackets, Extracted premolars, Shear bond strength.

Position of the Hyoid Bone in Anteroposterior Skeletal Patterns.

Introduction: Hyoid bone plays a vital role in the craniofacial dynamics. From the maintenance of pharyngeal airway to phonation, deglutition, and mandibular movements, it has multifactorial roles to fulfill. The hyoid bone has a spatial relationship with cranial base, mandible, and cervical vertebrae. This study was performed to determine the position of the hyoid bone in different anteroposterior growth patterns. Materials and Methods: 75 lateral cephalograms belonging to all three sagittal skeletal patterns were evaluated in the study. The angular and linear measurements using 10 variables were made to determine the relationship of the hyoid bone with different craniofacial structures. SPSS was used to calculate the descriptive statistics, mean, and standard deviation of all the linear and angular variables. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc test were used to compare the means of linear and angular measurement and multiple comparisons, respectively, at p < 0.05 significance level. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean angular measurements (NSH and MPH) between the 3 groups (p > 0.05). Also, the multiple comparisons showed no significant difference between the linear measurements (H-FH, H-MP, H-H', and H-N). However, there was a significant difference in three linear measurements: H-Rgn, RGN-C3, and C3-H. The values were more in class III subjects, compared to class I and class II. Conclusion: The linear millimetric distance between points H-RGN, RGN-C3, and C3-H which determine the relationship and spatial position of the hyoid bone with the mandible and third cervical vertebrae was statistically significant among groups. The values were more in class III subjects inferring the anterior position of the hyoid bone.

Problem-based Learning and Team-based Learning as a Novel Package Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the insights of dentistry students towards a new 3/1 problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based learning (TBL) blended package approach. STUDY DESIGN: Mixed method triangulation design, using validating quantitative data model. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: College of Dentistry, Qassim University, KSA, from March to July 2020. METHODOLOGY: Modified TBL within an existing PBL hybrid curriculum, by strategically designing three modified PBL sessions followed by one modified TBL session was evaluated. There were 241 students enrolled over five academic years of session 2019-2020, and all were included in the study. Feedback of the students regarding novel approach was collected at the culmination of the academic year through an e-questionnaire, utilising closed- and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse data. RESULTS: In total, 124 (51.5%) students filled a questionnaire regarding use of PBL and TBL in the new blended approach. The median perception score of TBL was 3.9 (3.2-4.3) and PBL was 3.9 (3.3-4.3). Thematic analysis of the qualitative data supported the quantitative results. Students reported positive aspects of TBL experience as more engaging format, collaborative learning, teamwork, and group competition. They stated that PBL has improved their research, presentation, and clinical reasoning skills. CONCLUSION: Students valued the novel PBL-TBL package as an optimum learning approach. They predominantly voted in favour of TBL. Students further identified the sequence and format of the current approach conducive to learning, feedback and assessment. Key Words: Hybrid curriculum, Team-based learning, Problem-based learning, Blended learning, Innovative instructional strategy.

Shear Bond Strength and Bonding Properties of Orthodontic and nano Adhesives: A Comparative In-Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Nano restorative composites have been successfully used in restorative dentistry and have high strength and wear resistance. Conventional orthodontic adhesives also possess optimal strength to withstand occlusal forces. This study was done to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic bracket after bonding with nanorestorative composite and orthodontic adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in-vitro experimental study used sixty extracted teeth (divided into two groups). In Group A (n = 30), the brackets were bonded with Filtek Z350 (3M/Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA), a nano ceramic restorative composite, and in Group B (n = 30), the brackets were bonded with Transbond XT (3M/Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA), a conventional orthodontic adhesive. The SBS of the orthodontic brackets was measured using a universal testing machine. The modified 0-5-scale adhesive remnant index (ARI) was used to assess the amount of adhesive on enamel and bracket surfaces. The surface topography was observed to evaluate enamel damage. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) SBS of 11.07 (1.96) Mega Pascal (MPa) was observed with Filtek Z350, whereas the group bonded with Transbond XT showed the mean (SD) SBS of 12.18 (1.69) MPa. The results showed that Transbond light curing adhesive produced higher SBS than Filtek, but the difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.088). The comparison of ARI score between the two groups also showed statistically insignificant difference (χ2 = 4.764, df = 5, P = 0.445), and most of the teeth in both groups exhibited score 3 (63%), showing the least damaging mode of bond failure to the enamel bracket interface. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the mean SBS of Filtek Z and Transbond XT adhesives. Both materials showed optimum bond strength to withstand occlusal forces.

Three-Dimensional Assessment of the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Therapy.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Discomfort associated with the use of fixed orthodontic appliances may have a negative influence on the patient's oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). In general, OHRQoL assessments have the potential to provide information on the need to improve the overall quality of care. This study aims to assess the impact of fixed orthodontic appliances on OHRQoL of Saudi population and to explore the impact of the patient's gender and age on perceived treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a generic measure of OHRQoL the Arabic version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), which is a responsive measure to changes in oral health conditions. Data were collected using self-completed e-questionnaire which was distributed through social media and were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. RESULTS: A total of 149 subjects, 110 (73.8%) were females and 39 (26.2%) were males. Adolescents between 13 and 20 years were 63 (42.3%) and adults between 21 and 30 years were 86 (75.7%). A response rate of 100% was obtained. The prevalence of oral health impacts according to OHP-14 was 22.5%. OHIP-14 consists of 14 items covering seven domains. A three-dimensional structure was used to test the existence of separate dimensions: functional limitation, pain discomfort, and psychosocial impact. A significant difference was found between males and females in the first dimension (P = 0.038) and the third dimension (P = 0.022). In addition, a significant difference was also found between the two age groups included in the study within the third dimension (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Fixed orthodontic appliances had an evident impact on OHRQoL. However, males had significantly altered functional limitations while females had a higher psychological impact. Furthermore, adults had a significantly higher psychological impact than adolescents.

Epithelial Cells in Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances.

The aim of this study was to assess the morphological changes of oral mucosa epithelial cells in contact with fixed orthodontic appliances using exfoliated cytology. This study was conducted on 100 individuals that were divided into two groups (50 each). Buccal cytological smears were collected from the control group and case group at 3 to 6 months after the application of orthodontic appliances. Slides were stained with papanicolaou stain and analysed using a light microscope. In the case group, 43 out of 50 patients (86%) exhibited morphological changes which included variable degrees of atrophy in epithelial cells; nuclear fragments and inflammatory cells infiltrate. Epithelial cells showed some morphological changes in patients with orthodontic appliances, which represent an adaptive response.