AimTo evaluate and compare the feedback of final year undergraduate dental students in eight Malaysian dental schools on the application of a new system for classifying root canal morphology in teaching and clinical practice.MethodsOne PowerPoint presentation describing two classification systems for root canal morphology (Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology, 1974 38, 456 and its supplemental configurations, International Endodontic Journal 2017, 50, 761) was delivered to final year undergraduate dental students in eight dental schools in Malaysia by two presenters (each presented to four schools). To examine students’ feedback on the utility of each system, printed questionnaires consisting of six questions (five multiple choice questions and one open‐ended question) were distributed and collected after the lecture. The questionnaire was designed to compare the classification systems in terms of accuracy, practicability, understanding of root canal morphology and recommendation for use in pre‐clinical and clinical courses. The exact test was used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at 0.05 (P = 0.05).ResultsA total of 382 (out of 447) students participated giving a response rate of 86%. More than 90% of students reported that the new system was more accurate and more practical compared with the Vertucci system (P < 0.001). Overall, 97% of students reported the new system helped their understanding of root and canal morphology compared with the Vertucci classification (P < 0.001). Over 97% of students recommended the use of the new system in teaching, pre‐clinical courses and clinical practice (P < 0.001). Except for two schools, no significant difference was detected between the responses of students for all questions at the different schools (P > 0.05). The students’ responses for all questions were almost similar for both presenters (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe new system of International Endodontic Journal 2017, 50, 761 for classifying root and canal morphology was favoured by final year undergraduate dental students in Malaysia. The new system has the potential to be included in the undergraduate endodontic curriculum for teaching courses related to root and canal morphology.

Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the current knowledge and attitude of deep caries removal method among dental students in Malaysia. Materials and Methods A total of 303 students (n = 303) responded to the online questionnaire. The first part of questionnaire was to evaluate the demographic data of the respondents and focused on the technique and management approach used for deep caries lesion. The second part investigated the preferred treatment used for deep caries based on the designated clinical case, while the third part assessed the factors that affected the decision on deep caries management. Statistical Analysis Independent t-test was used to compare difference between the two groups. Results Seventy four percent of the students have the knowledge of the different methods of caries removal, while 25.8% were only familiar with complete caries removal. The preferred method for deep caries removal in permanent teeth was partial caries removal (53%). For primary dentition, 45.6% of the students prefer to perform pulpotomy as compared with other techniques. There was no significant difference in caries removal method for permanent teeth between undergraduate year of study (p > 0.05), which was partial caries removal at 52.7 and 53.5%, respectively. For primary dentition, the preferred caries removal method was pulpotomy for year 4 (39.8%) and year 5 (52%) students. The popular material to restore deep caries was resin composite (42%) followed by glass ionomer cement (23.3%). Conclusions This study showed that partial caries removal was the preferred method despite partial understanding on the identification of the clinical indicators of the technique.

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a procedure to eliminate pulpal diseases with the aim to promote healing of the periradicular tissue. The RCT conducted must be of high technical standard and achieve a good quality endodontic work (GQEW) to ensure successful outcome and prolonged retention of the teeth in oral cavity. Previous studies reported poor outcome of RCT conducted by the undergraduate dental students. There is limited report documented on the quality of RCT performed by the dental students in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to identify the technical standards of the RCT and types of post-endodontic restoration placed by USIM undergraduate dental students. The radiographic obturation quality from 274 root filled teeth were evaluated against several indices. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Post treatment radiographs indicated that 84.62% of the RCT have adequate density indicating good apical seal. Meanwhile, for obturation level, the root canal filling that ends 0-2mm (optimal), >2mm away (inadequate), and beyond apex (extrusion) were 84.59%, 5%, and 10.77%, respectively. Teeth with GQEW, having both adequate root filling length and complete obturation were found in 194 (74.6%) teeth. McNemar’s test revealed significant reduction in post-treatment periapical index (p<0.001) indicating good periapical healing. Permanent restoration was only placed in 48% of the teeth. In conclusion, the RCT conducted by USIM undergraduate dental students have a good technical standard. Placements of post-endodontic permanent restoration need to be emphasized in the curricular to ensure long-term success of the endodontically treated teeth.

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Introduction: Tooth restoration is a common, routine procedure among dentists but still has its own difficulties especially for posterior teeth. As it is a straightforward procedure, some dentists are not aware of the difficulties that may contribute in reducing the longevity of the filling. The aim of the study is to determine the difficulties encountered during and after placement of restorative materials in deep cavities. Materials and methods: Standardized questionnaires were divided randomly among general private dental practitioners in Kuala Lumpur. Chi-square test was used to determine any significant factors associated with difficulties of material placement. Results: This study showed that the most frequent difficulties encountered among practitioners were to obtain good moisture control (39.0%). No significant association was found between obtaining good moisture control and year of clinical experience (p= 0.286) and also place of graduation with the manipulation of the materials (p= 0.542). Conclusion: Dental practitioners claimed that it was difficult to obtain good moisture control in placement of posterior restoration. Thus, it is an obligation of dental practitioners to practice proper isolation and good manipulation of materials on posterior restoration.