Background The quarantine associated with the COVID-19 pandemic forced dental schools to suspend their clinical training and to shift to distant learning methods. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of quarantine on the self-perceived preparedness of dental graduates and to explore the efficacy of online education from students’ perspectives. Methods The questionnaire distributed to dental students comprised of two main sections. The first part covered the online education experience, and the second part measured the level of self-perceived preparedness for a range of cognitive, communication and professional skills. Results The survey yielded a response rate of 72%. The majority of students (77%) agreed that they missed educational experiences as a result of the lockdown. More than half of them felt less motivated to follow-up with distant e-learning and believed that online assessment is not a good method for evaluation. A high percentage of the students (66%) thought that online group discussions had a positive value while 67% preferred online lectures compared to theatre lectures. Majority of students particularly 5th year (78.7%) (p < 0.001) stated that the quarantine increased their collaboration with their colleagues. According to 87% of students, the experience most negatively affected was their clinical training. In general, students showed satisfactory self-perceived preparedness related to a range of attributes and professional skills. Conclusions The data showed that students partially appreciated the online system, whereas they did not consider it a substitute for face to face clinical practice. The overall self-perceived preparedness level was promising; however students had reservations regarding independent practice following graduation.

Objectives To assess and compare the 5‐year success rate of resin‐bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) fabricated from different materials. Methods An electronic search on 3 databases from January 1965 to March of 2017 was done for human randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and prospective and retrospective cohort studies. The key words used in the search were: Bridge OR bridges OR fixed partial OR fixed dental AND resin bonded OR Maryland OR ceramic bonded. Quality assessment was done using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Success was defined as the RBFPDs remaining in situ and not having experienced debonding, biological failures, or mechanical failures at the examination visit. Results Meta analyses of the included studies showed an estimated 5‐year success rate of 88.18% for the metal framework RBFPDs and 84.41% for the nonmetal framework RBFPDs. The estimated 5‐year success rate for each nonmetal material category was 92.07% for zirconia, 94.26% for In‐Ceram alumina, and 84.83% for fiber‐reinforced composite. The failure rate was not statistically significant among the single, double, and multiple retainers RBFPDs (P > .05). Technical complications were the main reason for failures. Conclusion The 5‐year clinical performance of RBFPDs is similar to the performance of conventional fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and implant‐supported crowns. Clinical Significance Clinicians should consider using RBFPDs more often because their clinical performance is similar to the performance of conventional FPDs and implant‐supported crowns.

Objective This article is aimed at providing an overview of the topic of erosive tooth wear (ETW), highlighting the clinical signs, diagnosis, and management of dental erosion. Overview With the increased prevalence of ETW, it is important that oral health professionals are able to recognize the early signs. Early clinical signs of dental erosion are characterized by loss of enamel texture, a silky glossy appearance, and sometimes a dulling of the surface gloss, referred to as the “whipped clay effect, cupping, and restorations ‘standing proud’.” The progression of ETW should be monitored by means of diagnostic models or clinical photographs. ETW can be as a result of acid attack of extrinsic or intrinsic origin. Conclusion There is an increase of ETW that is being recognized by the profession. The first step in diagnosing and management is to recognize as early as possible that the process is occurring. At that point a determination of whether the primary etiology is either intrinsic or extrinsic should be made. If these findings are confirmed, appropriate prevention, and management strategies can be adopted followed by appropriate restorative therapy. Clinical Significance The prevalence of ETW continues to increase. It is therefore important that oral health care providers have a better understanding of the etiology, pathophysiology, and management of this condition. This review aims to provide the guidelines for diagnosis and management of dental erosion.

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