No abstract

The evaluation of pre-clinical technical achievement in fixed prosthodontics cannot be objective when using visual examination of dental preparations. This is, however, still the main method used in dental schools. The present study introduces a new method, based on a mathematical formula, to reduce the problem. The idea emerged when using the Kavo PrepAssistant system (software version 1.05). This system is a 3D-scanner with software that can quantify geometrical differences between an instructor and student dental preparation in model teeth. Therefore, a mathematical formula was created, integrating selected clinically relevant geometric characteristics of dental preparations measured by the system. In this new formula, 70% of the evaluation parameters were computer analysed, whilst 30% were visually evaluated. This new method was compared with the traditional visual evaluation system during a pre-clinical practical examination, with the participation of 25 students. Using both methods to evaluate the 25 preparations, results showed similar grading for both methods (K-S test = 0.16; P < 0.05). Although this method does not provide overall clinical evaluation of student performance these results suggest that it can be helpful accessing technical achievement. In this method, the student has the guarantee that 70% of his/her grade results from an objective computer evaluation, with the possibility to visualise the mistakes with the software. It also reduces problems related to the calibration between different examiners. The Kavo PrepAssistant is a powerful tool in pre-clinical teaching, but has some drawbacks. It has to be developed towards the actual needs of pre-clinical departments, in order to achieve its full potential, as described in this study.

TMR, female sex, and older age were risk factors independently associated with TMD. The results also suggest that patients' awareness of potential risk factors for TMD should be taken into account on an individual basis.

The Portuguese translation of the OBC exhibits cross-cultural equivalence for use in Portugal, and the instrument performs with acceptable psychometric properties. The validity of the parafunction construct requires additional research in both Portuguese and other languages.

Background Many different types of oral overuse behaviours occur frequently in adult populations with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Less is known regarding these behaviours and their associations with TMDs in university students. Objectives Test the association between frequency of different oral overuse behaviours evaluated by the Oral Behaviour Checklist (OBC) and the severity of painful TMDs. Methods In this cross‐sectional study, 1381 students from 19 universities in the Oporto District, Portugal, completed the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) Personal History Questionnaire and the OBC, and they received an RDC/TMD clinical examination. The OBC sum score (ranging from 0 to 84 points) was classified as normal (0 ≤ 16 points), low overuse (17 ≤ 24) or high overuse (≥25). Painful TMD subtypes (myalgia, arthralgia or combined) were identified. Associations were tested using multivariable binary logistic regression models (α = .05), adjusted for age and sex, and referencing the normal parafunction group. Results University students with high overuse were more likely to have a painful TMD: myalgia (OR = 1.9, 95% CL: 1.3–3.0); arthralgia (OR = 2.2; 95% CL: 1.4–3.4), combined (OR = 5.0; 95% CL: 3.1–8.1). Students with low overuse were more likely to have only the combined painful TMD (OR = 2.4; 95% CL: 1.4–4.0) but not the individual painful disorders. Of the 21 different behaviours, 13 were reported at least 50% of the time. Conclusions In this university student sample, oral overuse behaviours are widespread, and their overall extent exhibited a dose‐response relationship with respect to severity of painful TMDs based on pain and chronicity. Only some behaviours were independently associated with painful TMDs, suggesting the value of further OBC instrument development.