Short-term aging and the dentin bond strength of adhesive systems.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2 aging methods on the dentin bond strength of different adhesive systems, including a universal adhesive. Seventy-two third molars were sectioned to create flat midcoronal dentin surfaces, which were randomly assigned to 12 groups (n = 6 each) according to the aging method (conventional aging, defined as 6 months of water storage; accelerated aging by means of a pH-cycling method; or negative control [immediate bond strength]) and adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2, Clearfil SE Bond, Prime & Bond 2.1, or Scotchbond Universal). Composite resin blocks were constructed on the flattened dentin surfaces after application of the appropriate adhesive, and the specimens were stored in water for 24 hours. Specimens from the control group were immediately sectioned into resin-dentin sticks (0.8 mm2) and subjected to a microtensile bond strength test. Specimens from the experimental groups were sectioned and tested after undergoing the assigned aging method. Data were analyzed with 2-way analysis of variance and a Tukey test (α = 0.05). The study findings showed that neither aging method significantly affected the dentin bond strength (P = 0.917). Of the 4 adhesives, Adper Single Bond 2 had the highest bond strength value after aging (P < 0.001). Scotchbond Universal adhesive demonstrated statistically significantly higher bond strength values than Clearfil SE Bond and Prime & Bond 2.1, which had statistically similar values. Adhesive failures at the resin-dentin interface or adhesive failures mixed with cohesive failure of the adjacent substrate predominated in all groups. The 2 aging processes did not result in degradation of the adhesive interface or jeopardize the dentin bond strength of any of the adhesives tested.

Impact of a Tutored Theoretical-Practical Training to Develop Undergraduate Students' Skills for the Detection of Caries Lesions: Study Protocol for a Multicenter Controlled Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Tutored laboratorial activities could be a manner of improving the competency development of students. However, its impact over conventional theoretical classes has not yet been tested. Additionally, different university contexts could influence this issue and should be explored. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a tutored theoretical-practical training for teaching undergraduate students to detect caries lesions as compared with theoretical teaching activities. The impact of these teaching/learning activities will be assessed in terms of efficacy, cost/benefit, retention of knowledge/acquired competences, and student acceptability. METHODS: Sixteen centers (7 centers from Brazil and 9 centers from other countries throughout the world) are involved in the inclusion of subjects for this protocol. A randomized controlled study with parallel groups will be conducted. One group (control) will be exposed to a 60- to 90-minute conventional theoretical class and the other group (test) will be exposed to the same theoretical class and also a 90-minute laboratory class, including exercises and discussions based on the evaluation of a pool of images and extracted teeth. The mentioned outcomes will be evaluated immediately after the teaching activities and also in medium- and long-term analyses. To compare the long-term outcomes, students who enrolled in the university before the participating students will be interviewed for data collection and these data will be used as a control and compared with the trained group. This stage will be a nonrandomized phase of this study, nested in the main study. Appropriate statistical analysis will be performed according to the aims of this study. Variables related to the centers will also be analyzed and used to model adjustment as possible sources of variability among results. RESULTS: This ongoing study is funded by a Brazilian national funding agency (CNPq- 400736/2014-4). We expect that the tutored theoretical-practical training will improve the undergraduate students' performance in the detection of caries lesions and subsequent treatment decisions, mainly in terms of long-term retention of knowledge. Our hypothesis is that tutored theoretical-practical training is a more cost-effective option for teaching undergraduate students to detect caries lesions. CONCLUSIONS: If our hypothesis is confirmed, the use of laboratory training in conjunction with theoretical classes could be used as an educational strategy in Cariology to improve the development of undergraduate students' skills in the detection of caries lesions and clinical decision-making.

Effect of prolonged air drying on the bond strength of adhesive systems to dentin.

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of air-drying time on degree of solvent evaporation (DE), dentin microtensile bond strength (µTBS), and degree of conversion (DC) of 5 adhesive systems: Adper Single Bond 2, XP Bond, Prime & Bond 2.1, OptiBond Solo, and Adper Easy One. For DE testing, 20 µL of each material was submitted to measurements in a digital balance after an air stream of 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds; the weight loss was computed and converted to a percentage (DE). For µTBS testing, 50 sound human molars were divided into groups (n = 5). The 5 adhesive systems were applied either in accordance with manufacturers' instructions for solvent drying time (control) or with a prolonged drying time (20-30 seconds). After composite resin was built up on the hybridized surfaces, the teeth were stored for 24 hours and then sectioned to obtain beams that were loaded until fracture. For DC testing, specimens of each adhesive and air-drying condition (n = 3) were evaluated by means of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Data were submitted to 2-way analysis of variance, t test, and Spearman test for correlation analysis. Prolonged air drying resulted in significantly greater DE than did the time suggested by the manufacturers. The adhesives XP Bond and Adper Easy One showed significantly greater µTBS with prolonged air drying. The DC was not affected by air-drying time. No statistically significant correlation was found between DC and µTBS values. Depending on the material, bond strength can be improved by prolonged air-drying times.

The influence of acidogenic challenge on enamel microhardness around restorations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of acidogenic challenge on microhardness of enamel adjacent to adhesive restorations in primary and permanent teeth. METHODS: Occlusal cavities were prepared and immediately restored with two adhesive systems and a composite resin. The specimens were divided into eight groups, according to the type of tooth (primary or permanent), adhesive system (etch-and-rinse or self-etching), and treatment (control or acidogenic challenge). The cariogenic challenge groups were submitted to pH cycling for 10 days. The teeth were prepared for a cross-section microhardness test. Analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used to analyze the data (α=5 percent). RESULTS: The adhesive systems did not influence the enamel microhardness (P<.27). Primary teeth were more susceptible to acidogenic challenge (P=.004). The microhardness values for control groups were statistically similar at different indentation depths (P>.05); however, in the acidogenic challenge groups, lower microhardness values were observed in superficial measurements (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acidogenic challenge negatively influenced the microhardness of the enamel surface adjacent to adhesive restorations. Mineral loss was higher in primary teeth and on the enamel surface.

Perfil dos cirurgiões-dentistas integrantes do Programa Saúde da Família em um município do sul do Brasil / Profile of the dentists members of the Family Health Program in a City South of Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o perfil dos cirurgiões-dentistas integrantes do Programa Saúde da Família de um município no sul do Brasil. Para a realização da pesquisa, utilizou-se uma abordagem metodológica quantitativa e qualitativa, através da aplicação de um questionário aos cirurgiões-dentistas integrantes do Programa Saúde da Família na cidade de Santa Maria-RS, no mês de agosto de 2008. O questionário continha questões fechadas, abertas e semiabertas. Os dados obtidos foram analisados pela estatística descritiva e percentual. A maioria dos entrevistados são mulheres e a faixa etária está compreendida entre 28 e 45 anos. O período de formação dos profissionais variou entre 3 e 24 anos. Oitenta por cento dos profissionais já desenvolveram atividades em PSFs de outras cidades, durante um período que variou de 1 a 3 anos. Os cirurgiões-dentistas ingressaram no PSF através de contrato temporário, desempenham uma jornada de trabalho de 40 horas semanais e recebem de 8 a 10 salários mínimos mensalmente. Todos os entrevistados são especialistas em Saúde Coletiva, trabalham em equipe e estão satisfeitos com o trabalho realizado no PSF. Acreditam que a formação acadêmica não forneceu a base necessária para atuar no Programa Saúde da Família. Atividades preventivas/educativas e clínicas são desempenhadas pelos entrevistados. A avaliação do perfil dos cirurgiões-dentistas que integram o Programa Saúde da Família é importante para a elaboração de estratégias no sentido de melhorar a qualificação dos profissionais e assegurar a concretização das políticas de saúde bucal integradas ao Programa Saúde da Família.

The objective of this study was to assess the profile of the dentists members of the Family Health Program in a city south of Brazil. To conduct the study using a quantitative and qualitative methodological approach, by applying a questionnaire to dentists members of the Family HealthProgram in the city of Santa Maria-RS, in the month of August 2008. The questionnaire contained closed, open and semi-open questions. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics andpercentages. Most interviewed are female and age is between 28 and 45 years. The period of formation of dentists ranged between 3 and 24 years. Eighty percent of professionals have already developed activities in PSFs from other cities for a period ranging from 1 to 3 years. The dentistsjoined the PSF with temporary contract, play a day of work 40 hours weekly and receive 8 to 10 minimum wages monthly. All interviewees are specialists in Public Health, working in teams andare satisfied with the work done in the PSF. Believe that academic training did not provide the necessary basis to act in the Family Health Program. Preventive activities / education and clinics areperformed by the interviewees. The evaluation of the profile of the dentists members of the Family Health Program is important for developing strategies to improve the skills of professionals andensure the implementation of integrated policies for oral health to the Family Health Program.

Manchas extrínsecas negras: diagnóstico e conduta clínica em odontopediatria / Black extrnsic stains: diagnosis and clinical procedure in pediatric dentistry

Manchas são descolorações dentais causadas por bactérias, comida, tabaco, drogas, excesso de flúor e defeito no desenvolvimento do esmalte. Este trabalho tem como objetivo fazer uma breve revisão da literatura de manchas extrínsecas negras e descrever uma situação clínica de um bebê cujo dentes apresentavam pontilhados de pigmentação negra. Para remoção, foi realizada profilaxia profissional e raspagem das manchas com curetas periodontais.

Stains are discolorations on the tooth surface caused by bacteria, foods, tabaco, drugs, fluorosis and imperfect tooth development. The aim of this study is to report case of black dental extrinsic stain in an infant and verify it prevalence, etiology and the clinic aspects. The stains were removed by dental polishing and dental scaling.