The existing classification systems like canine-guided and group function are insufficient to classify all clinical conditions and chances of subjective variations are always there, as there is no standardization in examination method. Hence a study was planned to find out the frequency of tooth contacts in different lateral positions and to assess whether existing occlusal schemes like canine protection and group function can classify all occlusal guidance in the natural dentition. 100 systematically healthy undergraduate students between the age group of 18 to 25 years were selected. Occlusal contacts were examined with shim stock in lateral positions, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mm from the maximum intercuspation. Frequency of tooth contacts in different lateral positions was examined. The SPSS version 15.0 statistical software and Chi- Square test were used for statistical analysis. Out of all the four lateral positions, 0.5 mm position showed maximum contacts which progressively decreases for further positions. Out of all teeth, canine showed consistent contact frequency throughout all four positions. Most contact patterns belonged to group function, and a few to canine protection. Majority of the contact patterns were those other than canine protection and group function and were unclassifiable. On the basis of the results of this study, it does not seem appropriate to describe and classify the patterns of occlusal contact using only existing classification system. A clear description regarding the position of mandible should be included in definition for research as well as clinical situations. Here an attempt is made to classify eccentric occlusal contact at different lateral positions so as to get consistent result for future studies.

No abstract

Aim: The aim of present study was intended to assess the dental teaching faculty of various dental colleges across India were how much aware and know about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)in Dentistry. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using a pre-designed questionnaire through various social media. Place and Duration of Study: Through e-mails, and Whats App, the Questionnaire was sent to the participants of various dental colleges across India from 6th February 2023 to 31st March 2023. Methodology: Validated and pre-tested questionnaire was used and sent to dental teaching faculty of various dental institutions across India. A total of 407 responses were received. The received data was entered in Microsoft Excel sheet. Descriptive Statistical Analysis was done by using IBM SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 407 faculty members participated. Associate Professors/Readers stood in first place (149) and the least participation from Assistant Professors/Senior Lecturers (43). Gender wise males are dominated (217) than females (190). 42.4% of Professors were aware about the applications of AI already using in Dentistry and 93.9% of the participants of the opinion that in the future, AI is threat for the dentists. Conclusion: Almost all the participants expressed their opinion on AI based treatment which will be accepted by the patients and all the teaching faculty members knows about the latest advances of AI in dentistry.

Aims: Past many decades the traditional way of examining the students includes both short and long cases as well viva-voce examination. In the conventional assessment method, there are some voids found such as communication skills. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using a pre-designed questionnaire through Google forms. Place and Duration of Study: Questionnaire distributed to the participants of various dental colleges across India through e-mails, and through Whats App, from 16th Feb 2022 to 30th March. Methodology: The questionnaire was pre-tested, and validation was performed. A total of 501 responses were received from the participants. The received data was entered in Microsoft Excel sheet. Descriptive Statistical Analysis was done by using IBM SPSS version 26. Results:  A total of 501 faculty members participated. Senior Lectures stood in first place (153) and the least interest shown by the Readers (100). While gender wise designations follow as in Senior Lecturer designation dominated by the female faculty. 82.4% of faculty were aware about the OSCE and 77.8% claimed they knew about OSPE. More than half of the participated faculty revealed that they have not undergone any training programme to conduct OSCE/OSPE. Conclusion:  Very few of the Dental Institutions conduct the OSCE/OSPE programmes. Though there are many ways to test the student’s knowledge, no single method is superior to other methods. It is advisable to use a combination of methods for better results.