Misconceptions amongst dental students: How can they be identified?

AIM: To compare the frequency of misconceptions amongst dental students resulting from assessments in different subject areas using different types of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). We wanted to know whether misconceptions, or strongly held incorrect beliefs, differed by subject area or question type. METHODS: A total of 104 students completed two assessments that included 20 MCQs on endodontics and 20 MCQs on dental implants. On each examination, 10 questions were scenario-type questions requiring interpretation or analysis and 10 questions were factual-based, knowledge questions. Incorrect responses and confidence levels by student and subject were recorded for a comparison of average misconceptions by question type and for correlations between scenario and knowledge question types for misconceptions on both assessments. RESULTS: Students were overly confident on their incorrect responses and misconceptions for both assessments. On the endodontic examination, students held a statistically significant higher number of mean misconceptions on scenario questions than for knowledge questions, but the difference was not statistically significant for the dental implant examination. There was a moderately weak relationship between scenario and knowledge questions for misconceptions on the endodontic (r=.31) and dental implant (r=.20) assessments, suggesting students who have misconceptions on knowledge questions are somewhat more likely to have misconceptions on scenario questions. CONCLUSION: Students had a consistent rate of overconfidence (75%) in their incorrect responses regardless of question type or dental subject. Questions that prompted a higher per cent of incorrect responses were more likely to detect misconceptions, as students were highly confident in their mistakes, for both assessments.

Effect of bismuth oxide on white mineral trioxide aggregate: chemical characterization and physical properties.

AIM: To assess the effect of bismuth oxide (Bi2 O3 ) on the chemical characterization and physical properties of White mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus. METHODOLOGY: Commercially available White MTA Angelus and White MTA Angelus without Bi2 O3 provided by the manufacturer especially for this study were subjected to the following tests: Rietveld X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), compressive strength, Vickers microhardness test and setting time. Chemical analysis data were reported descriptively, and physical properties were expressed as means and standard deviations. Data were analysed using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test (P = 0.05). RESULTS: Calcium silicate peaks were reduced in the diffractograms of both hydrated materials. Bismuth particles were found on the surface of White MTA Angelus, and a greater amount of particles characterized as calcium hydroxide was observed by visual examination on White MTA without Bi2 O3 . The material without Bi2 O3 had the shortest final setting time (38.33 min, P = 0.002), the highest Vickers microhardness mean value (72.35 MPa, P = 0.000) and similar compressive strength results (P = 0.329) when compared with the commercially available White MTA Angelus containing Bi2 O3 . CONCLUSION: The lack of Bi2 O3 was associated with an increase in Vickers microhardness, a reduction in final setting time, absence of Bi2 O3 peaks in diffractograms, as well as a large amount of calcium and a morphology characteristic of calcium hydroxide in EDX/SEM analysis.

Perceptions about Aging and Ageism from 14 Cross-sectional Cohorts of Undergraduate Dental Students.

BACKGROUND: Although positive and negative views of aging and older adults exist, how undergraduate dental students imagine their lives to be as they grow older remains to be fully explored. This study aimed at determining the self-perceived views of being 65, 75, or 85 y of age, as expressed by undergraduate dental students at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. METHODS: A 14-y cross-sectional study design was utilized involving third-year undergraduate dental students at UBC's Faculty of Dentistry. Brief individual essays (150 words) encompassing students' self-perceived views were gathered as part of a dental geriatric course from 2009 to 2022; however, essays were not mandatory. Saldaña's inductive coding and thematic analysis of textual data were used. Themes and categories of information were identified and matched with their excerpts while aiming for data saturation. RESULTS: Over the 14-y period, 657 students were enrolled in UBC's undergraduate dental geriatric course, and 561 essays were collected. Inductive coding and thematic analysis identified 5 main themes and 11 categories. While themes included "oral health, general health, and the mind" and "me, myself, and familial relationships," the categories focused on "(un)able bodies" and "general health." Positive views about the aging process were shared, while less optimistic ideas-and even ageism-were apparent when students saw themselves as not employable or living in isolation. Positive and negative views were not bound by the students' academic year but might have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Although the number of older adults already surpasses the number of children in many countries, ageism appears to have permeated through students' views of 3 older ages. More positive yet realistic views of growing older were also shared. Follow-up studies are needed to explore the impact of dental education on decreasing ageism. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: As the proportion of older adults in the global population steadily grows, it is important to educate heath care providers about normal and pathologic aging to avoid ageism-stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination against older adults. This cross-sectional study involved 14 cohorts of undergraduate dental students exploring their self-perceived views of growing older. Although positive and negative views of aging were shared, dental education must focus on decreasing ageism.