Equity-diversity-inclusion (EDI)-related strategies used by dental schools during the admission/selection process: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Decades of evidence have demonstrated a lack of workforce diversity and sustaining disparities in academic dentistry and professional practice. Underrepresented minority students may face challenges and implicit bias during the dental schools' admission/selection process. This review collected papers from different countries to summarize the Equity-Diversity-Inclusion (EDI)-related strategies that dental schools worldwide have used in their admissions process to increase diversity. METHODS: A comprehensive search using MEDLINE (via PubMed), ERIC, Cochrane Reviews, Cochrane Trials, American Psychological Association Psyc Info (EBSCO) and Scopus was done between January and March-2023. All types of articles-designs were included, except comments and editorials, and all articles selected were in English. Two independent investigators screened the articles. Extracted data were general characteristics, study objectives, and EDI-related strategies. RESULTS: Sixteen publications were used to construct this manuscript. The year with the greatest number of publications was 2022. Type of studies were case studies/critical reviews (50%), cross-sectional (including survey and secondary data analysis) (n = 5, 31.25%), qualitative methods of analysis (n = 2, 12.5%), and retrospective/secondary data collection (n = 1, 6.25%). The strategies described in the articles were related to (1) considering the intersectionality of diversity, (2) using noncognitive indicators during the school admissions process to construct a holistic selection process, (3) diversifying, professionalizing, and providing training to admissions persons who had leadership roles with the support from the dental school and the university, and (4) allocating financial investments and analyzing current policies and procedures regarding EDI. CONCLUSIONS: This review aggregated interesting findings, such as: some schools are considering the intersectionality of diversity as a way to include underrepresented minorities and to diversify the students-body. The recent growth in publications on EDI during dental admission/selection process might indicate a positive movement in this field.

Filling Material Bond Strength to Dentin Is Positively Influenced by the Agitation of Endodontic Final Irrigating Solutions.

Introduction: The final step of irrigation has been considered to of increase the bonding strength of filling material to dentin. This study investigated the impact of three final-step irrigation methods on the endodontic sealer bond strength to dentin by using a micro push-out test. Materials and Methods: Palatal roots of human maxillary molars were cleaned and shaped and randomly divided in six groups (n=15) according to the final-step irrigation method and the type of root canal sealer used. The solutions used for the final-step irrigation were 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, which underwent three methods: 1) syringe-needle irrigation/conventional, 2) passive ultrasonic irrigation, and 3) XP-endo Finisher agitation. The root canal sealers used were: EndoSequence BC Sealer, and AH-Plus sealer. Roots were obturated with the single cone technique and then, cross-sectioned in 2-mm-thick slices (3 slices from each root). Push-out test was performed on the sliced specimens (cervical, middle, and apical thirds) with a universal testing machine. Bond strength values were recorded in megapascal (MPa). Subsequently, each specimen was longitudinally split to verify the type of failure. Data analysis was performed using Johnson transformation, three-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post-hoc tests, and the partial Eta squared test. Results: There were significant differences in bond strength between the sealers [AH: 4.46±2.24 and BC: 3.47±2.19 MPa (P<0.001)]; between final-step irrigation methods [passive ultrasonic irrigation: 4.52±2.25, XP-endo Finisher: 3.93±3.93 and syringe-needle irrigation/conventional: 3.37±2.51 MPa (P<0.001)], and between the root canal thirds represented by the sliced specimens [cervical: 5.45±2.39, middle: 4.14±1.99 and apical: 2.30±1.30 MPa (P<0.001)]. The interaction between the variables had no significance (P>0.05). Conclusion: Agitation of the final irrigating solution may improve the bonding of the sealer to canal walls. AH-Plus sealer had the highest bond strength. The bond strength reduced significantly towards the apical third.

Efficacy of articaine anesthesia with needle-free/Comfort-in method and conventional needle injection in dental patients with irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the anesthetic efficacy of articaine with the needle-free/Comfort-in™ method compared to the conventional needle method. To assess pain during anesthesia application, onset of anesthesia and patient`s self-reported quality of life-related to oral health after the dental emergency appointment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This parallel, randomized clinical trial was conducted by a single operator/dentist in the state of Maranhao, northeast of Brazil. Included participants were adult dental patients with one molar (maxillary) or premolar (maxillary or mandibular) tooth diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The primary outcome was the anesthetic efficacy, measured using a combination of electrical and cold pulp tests (cold + EPT) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes were pain during anesthesia application, onset of anesthesia, and patient`s quality-of-life (measured with the OHIP-14). RESULTS: 62 patients were randomized in the anesthesia needle-free group and Comfort-in group (34.26 ± 10.786 × 33.29 ± 8.399 years old, respectively). The group of patients in the Comfort-in group had 71.0% success. Patients from the Comfort-in group reported statistically lower pain during the anesthesia application than patients from the conventional group (2.13 ± 2.172 × 6.03 ± 3.146 NRS scores, respectively) as well as immediately after the anesthetic procedure. Patients self-reported negative impact in quality of life was similar between groups before (p > 0.05) and after (p > 0.05) the dental emergency. CONCLUSIONS: Comfort-in™ had similar efficacy to the conventional needle method. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This trial showed that it is possible to anesthetize patients with tooth pulpits without using needles to provide comfort mainly to anxious patients.

Pulse oximetry as a dental pulp test: A scoping review to identify barriers hindering the use of oximeters in clinical practice.

Background and Objective: Although medical pulse oximeters are considered effective for endodontic diagnoses, the method remains uncommon in current dental practice. The aim of the present scoping review was to investigate clinical factors that exert a negative impact on the use of pulse oximeters in dental practice. Methods: This study followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the protocol was prospectively registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/3GQCE). A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was performed in December 2022 for articles published in English or Spanish. All types of clinical studies were included, except comments, letters to the editor, and abstracts. Two independent investigators analyzed 45 full-text articles. Data extraction included general characteristics, oxygen saturation levels, and limiting factors/barriers to the use of oximeters as pulp testers. Results: The search of the databases yielded 1,300 records and 38 were included (quantitative data extraction was performed for 35 and three articles were systematic reviews). Publications were highest in number between 2016 and 2017, with an evident reduction occurring after 2021. The oxygen saturation level for sound/vital maxillary anterior teeth was 84.99% (overall mean). The main limiting factors/barriers were i) the difficulty in maintaining the two light-emitting diodes parallel during pulp tests, ii) infrared light diffraction by enamel/dentin/gingiva, and iii) the diversity of patient ages in studies. Conclusion: This scoping review encountered noteworthy findings associated with the impracticability of using medical pulse oximeters as dental pulp testers. The recent decrease in the frequency of published studies compared to approximately seven years ago may imply a negative trend in the use of the method.

Apical Sealing and Bioactivity of an Experimental Gutta-Percha Containing Niobium Phosphate Bioglass.

This study evaluated the apical sealing ability and bioactivity of an experimental gutta-percha containing niobium phosphate bioglass. Thirty-six human premolars were endodontically prepared and divided into three groups: GPC-filling with conventional gutta-percha; GBC-filling with bioceramic gutta-percha (EndoSequence BC); GNB-filling with experimental gutta-percha containing niobophosphate. Teeth were stored in tubes containing 2 mL of simulated body fluid (SBF) solution in an oven for 30 days. Then, the samples were immersed in lanthanum nitrate solution and analyzed for apical nanoleakage (NI) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Gutta-percha specimens were immersed for 28 days (SBF) and analyzed in SEM/EDS and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to assess bioactivity. NI data originated from the SEM/EDS were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 5%). NI data originated from TEM and bioactivity were descriptively reported. Statistical analysis did not detect a significant difference between groups (p = 0.13) for NI. In the bioactivity analysis, an abundant layer of hydroxyapatite was identified only in the surface of the GNB group samples. The gutta-percha containing niobophosphate bioglass promoted an apical sealing similar to EndoSequence BC, in addition to demonstrating bioactivity through the deposition of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the material after immersion in SBF.

Influence of rotary and reciprocating kinematics on the accuracy of an integrated apex locator.

We evaluated in vitro the influence of nickel-titanium instruments kinematics on the accuracy and variation of root canal working length measurements, performed with an integrated apex locator, at glide path and at the end of shaping. Forty-four mandibular incisors, included in an alginate model, were allocated at random to two groups: reciprocating and rotary. Working length was determined at glide path stage and at the end of shaping. Measurements given by the integrated apex locator were matched with visual measurements. The apex locator accuracy was based on inter-group comparison. The variation in working length was based on intra-group comparison. Kinematics influenced the accuracy of measurements only after shaping (p < 0.05), and not in the glide path (p > 0.05). Rotary had values closer to the visual measurements. Diminishing of measures occurred after shaping for reciprocating (p < 0.05); and at glide-path stage for rotary (p > 0.05). The integrated apex locator was more accurate with rotary kinematics.

Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Esthetic Properties of the Composite Resin Manipulated with Glove Powder and Adhesive as a Modeling Liquid.

Composite resins with low flowability are usually handled and manipulated before insertion into the tooth preparation with gloved hands and/or using an instrument covered with a little amount of adhesive to facilitate modeling. We investigated if the modeling techniques (combined or not) affected physicochemical and esthetic properties of a composite resin. Specimens were fabricated and divided into groups according to the handling/modeling technique: Gloved-hands (composite was hand-manipulated with powdered latex gloves); Adhesive (adhesive was used in between the composite layers); Gloved-hands + Adhesive; Control (no adhesive and no touch with gloved-hands). The highest values for flexural strength (MPa), modulus of elasticity (GPa), and fracture toughness (MPa.m0.5) were obtained for Adhesive and Gloved-hands + Adhesive (p < 0.05); the lowest values were obtained for Control and Gloved-hands (p < 0.05). The Control group had the highest sorption. The Gloved-hands (p < 0.05) group had the highest solubility. Adhesive and Gloved-hands + Adhesive had a similar solubility (p > 0.05). The Control group (p < 0.05) had the lowest solubility. There was no statistical interaction between translucency vs. handling/modeling techniques and color stability vs. handling/modeling techniques. Adhesive as a modeling liquid protected the composite against sorption and solubility (if powdered gloves were used) and improved its physical/mechanical properties. Translucency and color stability were not correlated with modeling techniques.

Postoperative Pain Following Root Canal Instrumentation Using ProTaper Next or Reciproc in Asymptomatic Molars: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

Aim: The development of postoperative pain following root canal instrumentation may impair patient's comfort and undermine their trust in the dentist. This study assessed the effect of root canal instrumentation techniques (rotary (PTN; ProTaper Next®) and reciprocating (R; Reciproc®)) on the postoperative pain intensity (primary outcome) and tenderness on biting (secondary outcome) of patients' asymptomatic molars. Methodology: This study protocol was registered with ReBec-WHO (U1111-1182-2800). From a pool of 112 patients evaluated for eligibility (healthy adults (≤18 years old)), with a single asymptomatic molar (maxillary or mandibular) indicated for root canal treatment, diagnosed with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis (including chronic hyperplastic pulpitis), 75 were randomly allocated in similar proportions to receive the intervention (two-appointment root canal therapy) in either the PTN or R group. The allocated procedures were performed using standardized protocols. Participants (blinded to the instrumentation technique) rated their pain intensity at 6, 12 and 24 h and from day 2 to day 7 following the root canal instrumentation appointment using a VAS and an NRS; the ibuprofen tablets taken and the presence of tenderness on biting were recorded. The instrumentation time was registered. Univariate and multivariate statistics measured the effect of independent variables on the outcomes. Results: From the 75 patients allocated, 8 patients (4 from each group) were lost; in total, 33 patients were analyzed in the PTN group and 34 in the R group. The frequencies of postoperative pain (p > 0.05) and tenderness on biting (p > 0.05) were similar between groups. The medication intake (mean of 1.31 tablets) and the time of instrumentation (approximately 11 min) were similar between groups. Conclusion: ProTaper Next and Reciproc® caused a slight risk of tenderness on biting and contributed to similar self-reported postoperative pain (low intensity) up to 7 days following root canal shaping.

Drawings to explore faculties' and students' perceptions from different generations cohorts about dental education: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: We aimed at using drawings as a form of data collection to give voice to older and younger generations in regards to educational practices in undergraduate dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First year dental students (younger generations) and faculty members (older generations) produced drawings depicting their perceptions of the current dental education learning environment. Qualitative analysis was conducted independently by two researchers using the drawings to produce codes, categories and themes. RESULTS: 15 drawings were produced: 9/34 (26.4%) made by students and 6/20 (30%) made by faculty members. The generated themes indicated that students and faculties found that dental education is going through a challenging time, because of the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and that they were aware about the evident division between basic/preclinical and applied/clinical courses. Faculties showed hopeful signs that the situation may get better. Students' drawings evoked the following topics: digital connectedness, diversity, time goes by, and future aspirations in Dentistry. DISCUSSION: This study reinforced the validity of visual methods as an approach in research and showed different graphical features (features that might be intentionally or unintentionally represented in the drawings) that gave voice to participants. These voices could have been invisible in more traditional qualitative approaches, such as interviews or questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Although the two groups of participants came from different generation cohorts, they had aligned perceptions regarding challenges in dental education, and mentioned the separation between preclinic and clinic. Drawings were unique, innovative, and an interesting tool to express perceptions regarding today's learning environment. These insights can consequently help educators to personalize teaching approaches to better meet the needs of the students.

Experimental pastes containing niobophosphate and 45S5 bioactive glasses for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: dentin permeability and tubule obliteration.

OBJECTIVES: This study tested the ability of bioactive pastes containing niobophosphate and 45S5 glasses to reduce dentin permeability and to obliterate dentinal tubules, as a mean of reducing human dentin hypersensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental pastes with concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 wt% of two bioactive glasses (45S5 or niobophosphate [NbG]) were formulated. A paste without bioactive glass (placebo) and a commercial paste (Nano P, FGM) were used as controls. Forty dentin disc specimens were obtained from caries-free extracted third human molars and divided in 8 groups (n = 5). Percentage of permeability (%Lp) was assessed in a dental permeability machine considering hydraulic conductance, immediately after pastes application and at day 7, day 14, and day 21. The precipitates formed on the surface of the dentin discs (and dentinal tubules) were analyzed by SEM/EDS and micro-Raman spectra. Data of dentin permeability (%) 2-way repeated-measures (ANOVA) and Holm-Sidak post-tests (α = 0.05). Dentinal tubule obliteration was visually (and elemental) evaluated and descriptively reported. RESULTS: The experimental bioactive glass pastes containing NbG and 45S5, regardless of the concentration, reduced dentin permeability in comparison with pastes without bioactive glasses (P < 0.05). The formulated placebo and commercial paste did not reduce permeability over time (P < 0.05). SEM/EDS and micro-Raman analyses showed that both type of bioactive pastes (NbG or 45S5-based) presented mineral precipitates obliterating the dentinal tubules at day 21. NbG seems to offer a better initial effect than 45S5, while at 21 days there is no difference between both glasses. CONCLUSION: Experimental bioactive pastes containing NbG and 45S5 (at concentrations of 10%, 20%, or 30%) have potential to reduce dentin permeability (over time) in comparison with pastes without bioactive glasses; and this occurs on behalf of obliteration of dentinal tubules by microparticle and precipitate formation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bioactive pastes containing NbG and 45S5 may benefit patients presenting dentin hypersensitivity, because these pastes can start acting fast after application and maintain their action up to 21 days.

Effect of an enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) on the microhardness and chemical composition of human root dentin: an in vitro study.

The advantage of using an Enamel matrix derivative EMD Emdogain as an intracanal medication could be a manner to strength the tooth structure, improving the physical and chemical properties of dentin. We tested, in vitro, the effect of Emdogain on the surface microhardness and chemical composition of root dentin. Ten human teeth were used to produce dentin specimens originated from the canal walls (n = 30) that remained in contact to Emdogain gel for 90 days. Baseline and 90-days after Emdogain treatment measurements were performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and Knoop indenters. The use of EMD (Emdogain) for 90 days in contact with human root canal dentin specimens did not alter the microhardness and morphology of dentin. The elemental structure of dentin was altered because there was a reduction in carbonate content.

XP Endo Finisher-R and PUI as supplementary methods to remove root filling materials from curved canals.

This study assessed the ability of XP-endo Finisher R (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) to remove filling remnants from curved mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars, using the passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) technique as a comparison. Twenty-four curved main mesiobuccal canals (MB1) of maxillary molars were instrumented with Wave One (#25/07) and filled with gutta-percha points and AH Plus Sealer. Samples were then re-treated with a standardized protocol with Wave One (#35/06) as the master apical file. Micro-CT scans measured baseline volume of remaining filling material (in mm3). Samples were divided into two groups (n = 12) according to the supplementary cleaning approach: (PUI) or XP-endo Finisher R. Statistics compared baseline and final volume of filling material (within-group); and the percentage of filling material reduction (between-group). Mean baseline volumes, final volumes, and percentages of reduction (%) of filling material for XP-endo Finisher R and PUI were respectively: 0.060 mm3, 0.042 mm3, and 31.28%; and 0.064 mm3, 0.054 mm3, and 16.57%. Both tested protocols reduced the amount of filling material (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R had higher percentage of reduction as compared to PUI (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R and PUI used as supplementary cleaning protocols during re-treatment improved the removal of root filling material in curved canals; but XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient. The complete filling material removal during re-treatment procedures is still a challenge. Supplementary cleaning protocols may help to remove the remaining material after the complete mechanical preparation of curved canals. XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient than PUI.

Impact of Immersion Media on Physical Properties and Bioactivity of Epoxy Resin-Based and Bioceramic Endodontic Sealers.

This study assessed the effects of immersion media [distilled water (dw), phosphate buffered saline (pbs) and simulated body fluid (sbf)] in the physical properties [fluid uptake/sorption/solubility and alkalinization activity (pH)] and bioactivity of a bioceramic sealer: the BioRoot RCS (BioRoot) (Septodont). The epoxy-resin sealer AH Plus (Dentsply) was used as comparison. Sealers were immersed in dw, pbs and sbf to evaluate the fluid uptake/sorption/solubility and pH's media. Bioactivity was assessed with SEM/EDS, FTIR-ATR and XRD. BioRoot solubility was as follows: sbf > pbs = dw. BioRoot had alkaline pH, and AH Plus had neutral pH, regardless of the medium. BioRoot presented mineral precipitates and peaks indicating hydroxyapatite-precursors in pbs and sbf. AH Plus physical properties were not affected by immersion media and it had no bioactivity. pbs and sbf should be preferred to investigate bioceramic sealers over distilled water, because they were able to highlight the sealer properties. BioRoot maintained the alkaline environment and favored hard tissue deposition.

Brazilian advanced specialty programs in endodontics: characteristicsand distribution / Cursos de especialização em endodontia no Brasil: características e distribuição

The existence of several Endodontics specialty programs in Brazil is known. However, there was no precise information regarding their geographic distribution, duration, workloadandthe profiles of the program's directors. There was also no meanstodetermineif the requirements defined by the country's legal bodies were fulfilled by the institutions.The present cross-sectionalstudy was conductedto bring together characteristics and peculiarities of all Brazilian endodontics advanced specialty programs, searching for information on the regulatory-agencies webpages and other venues. We searched the Ministry of Education'swebsite to locateinformation such as geographical location, duration (months), number of hours, and program director professional degreeprofile.Program's homepages were searched to collect additional information­frequency, periodicity, costs, number of faculties. The searcheswere made between August 2019 and October 2019,identifying 505 registered programs and 117specific program's websites. It was observed that 39% of the programsare in the Southeast regionand 61.2% have a duration of 24 months. Additionally, a majority of the program's directorswere male, accounting for 69.1% of the sample. The most common highest qualification held by themwas a Masters' degree(45.1%).Regarding the 117programs that had specific websites,they presented insufficient information, for instance:the frequency was only reported in 81 programs/websites, the number of teachersonlyin 51,andtotal feesonlyin 65. It wasconcluded that there arevarious Endodontic specialization programs in Brazil, benefiting the different students' profiles. Also, there is alack of clear information on some programs (AU).

Sabe-se da existência de diversos cursos de especialização em Endodontia no Brasil. Porém, não havia informações precisas acerca da distribuição geográfica, duração, carga horária e perfil dos diretores dos cursos. Também não havia formas de determinar se as exigências definidas pelos órgãos legais do país estavam sendo cumpridas. O presente estudo transversal foi conduzido para reunir características e peculiaridades de todos os cursos de especialização em Endodontia no Brasil, buscando informações nos sitesdas agências reguladoras e em outras fontes. Buscou-se o site do Ministério de Educação para encontrar informações quanto à localização geográfica, duração (em meses), número de horas e perfil profissional do(a) coordenador(a) do curso. Os sites dos cursos foram pesquisados para coleta de informações adicionais ­frequência, periodicidade, custos, número de professores. As buscas ocorreram entre agosto e outubro de 2019, identificando 505 cursos registrados e 117 sitesespecíficos desses cursos. Observou-se que 39% dos cursos localizam-se na região Sudeste e 61,2% têm uma duração de 24 meses. Ainda, a maioria dos coordenadores são do sexo masculino, somando 69,1% da amostra. A maior qualificação entre eles foi o título de Mestre (45,1%). Em relação aos 117 cursos que possuíam sitesespecíficos, as informações apresentadas foram insuficientes: a frequência foi informada apenas em 81 programas/sites, o número de professores apenas em 51 e o total de mensalidades apenas em 65. Conclui-se que há uma grande quantidade de cursos de Endodontia no Brasil, beneficiando os diferentes perfis dos estudantes. Ainda, há uma falta de informação clara sobre alguns cursos (AU).

Synthesis and characterization of experimental endodontic sealers containing bioactive glasses particles of NbG or 45S5.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of adding bioactive glasses particles [Niobophosphate (NbG) or bioglass (45S5)] into endodontic cements in relation to physical, chemical and biological properties. METHODS: The following commercial cements were used as comparison: AH Plus (Dentsply), Endofill (Dentsply), MTA Fillapex (Angelus) and EndoSequence (BC Sealer, Brasseler). Setting time, radiopacity, flow rate, weight loss/variation, alkaline capacity (pH) at different time-intervals (24h/48h/7d/14d/28d), bioactivity (assessed under SEM/EDS, FTIR/ATR and XDR) and cell viability were measured. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA/Holm-Sidak post-test (α = 5%) (normal distribution) and Kruskal-Wallis/Students-Newman-Keuls post-test (α = 5%) (non-normal distribution). RESULTS: Bioactive endodontic experimental cements (containing NbG or 45S5) had high alkalinization capacity. The experimental cements presented high weight loss/variation (p < 0.001). 45S5 experimental cement did not present radiopacity (p < 0.001). AH Plus had the lowest cell cytotoxicity when compared to the other tested cements (p < 0.001). Regarding bioactivity, SEM/EDS analyses showed precipitates with high concentrations of Ca/P for 45S5 and NbG, as well as for MTA Fillapex and BC Sealer. AH plus and Endofill did not present bioactive precipitates. FTIR/ATR and XDR analyses found hydroxyapatite precursors for NbG, 45S5, MTA Fillapex and BC Sealer. SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of bioactive particles (NbG or 45S5) into endodontic cements had potential to neutralize acidic environments and induced formation of hydroxyapatite precursors. Clinically, these would produce a cement that is bactericidal and have the potential to improve tissue healing. The improved radiopacity and flowability would facilitate the visualization of the material in the radiograph and the filling of anatomical complexities during root canal obturation. As drawbacks, the excessive weight loss and post-setting cytotoxicity could result in clinical degradation of the cement and adjacent tissue irritation for the patient.

XP Endo Finisher-R and PUI as supplementary methods to remove root filling materials from curved canals

Abstract: This study assessed the ability of XP-endo Finisher R (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) to remove filling remnants from curved mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars, using the passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) technique as a comparison. Twenty-four curved main mesiobuccal canals (MB1) of maxillary molars were instrumented with Wave One (#25/07) and filled with gutta-percha points and AH Plus Sealer. Samples were then re-treated with a standardized protocol with Wave One (#35/06) as the master apical file. Micro-CT scans measured baseline volume of remaining filling material (in mm3). Samples were divided into two groups (n = 12) according to the supplementary cleaning approach: (PUI) or XP-endo Finisher R. Statistics compared baseline and final volume of filling material (within-group); and the percentage of filling material reduction (between-group). Mean baseline volumes, final volumes, and percentages of reduction (%) of filling material for XP-endo Finisher R and PUI were respectively: 0.060 mm3, 0.042 mm3, and 31.28%; and 0.064 mm3, 0.054 mm3, and 16.57%. Both tested protocols reduced the amount of filling material (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R had higher percentage of reduction as compared to PUI (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R and PUI used as supplementary cleaning protocols during re-treatment improved the removal of root filling material in curved canals; but XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient. The complete filling material removal during re-treatment procedures is still a challenge. Supplementary cleaning protocols may help to remove the remaining material after the complete mechanical preparation of curved canals. XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient than PUI.

Report of an experience: self-study to foster self-regulated learning for International DentalDegree Program (IDDP) students in Canada / Relato de experiência: estudo autônomo para encorajar o aprendizado autorregulado dos estudantes do Programa de Graduação Internacional de Odontologia (IDDP) no Canadá

This article aimed tobrieflyreport a self-study methodology experience performed in the International Dental Degree Program (IDDP) ina University in Canada. This approach fostered students` self-regulated learning.Due to Covid-19 pandemic theon-sitedentistry school classes were discontinued. Students from the IDDP were allowed to go to on-siteonly to perform pre-clinical activities (supervised by one faculty member at a time). As the 2020 class of the IDDP program was small (2 students), the director of the IDDP Program and faculty members considered that self-study would be an appropriate idea.We noticed that students were successful in self-regulating their learning. Some of the examples for that were: students used note-taking sheets, monitored their comprehension of class lecture material, asked questions etc.The experience with IDDP students showed that the self-study opportunity was a favorable learning environment for the teaching of pre-clinical disciplines (AU).

Este artigo objetivou descrever brevemente uma experiência com a metodologia de estudo autônomo realizada no Programa de Graduação Internacional de Odontologia (IDDP) em uma Universidade no Canadá. Esta abordagem encorajou o aprendizado autorregulado dos estudantes.Devido à pandemia COVID-19 as aulas "on-site" da faculdade de odontologia foram descontinuadas. Os estudantes do programa IDDP eram permitidos frequentar o prédio da faculdade somente para realizar as atividades pré-clínicas (e eram supervisionados por apenas um professor de cada vez). Como a turma de 2020 do programa IDDP era pequena (2 alunos), o diretor do programa e os professores consideraram que o estudo autônomo seria uma ideia apropriada. Percebeu-se que os estudantes tiveram sucesso em autorregular o aprendizado. Como por exemplo: usaram suas anotações, monitoraram a compreensão do material teórico disponibilizado, fizeram perguntas etc.A experiência com os estudantes do programa IDDP mostrouque a oportunidade de estudo autônomo se caracterizou como um ambiente favorável para os professores usarem nas disciplinas pré-clínicas (AU).