Aim. The study aimed to evaluate the root and canal system in maxillary 1st premolar teeth in our patients using cone-beam computed tomography in subpopulation of Pakistan in Lahore. Material & methods. This retrospective study in vivo assessed Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaginings of maxillary 1st premolars from February 2017 to January 2019. This study determined the number of roots, canals and root canal conformation as described by Vertucci’s classification. Results. 150 subjects aged 17-75 years were enrolled with 90 females and 60 males. From 200 1st maxillary pre-molars, 75% of the teeth had two roots. 21% had one root. 4% had three roots. 94% teeth had two canals. Three canals were detected in 4% teeth. One canal in 2% teeth. Regarding canal configuration, type I canal in 72% cases and type V canal in 13% of cases. Conclusion. The Cone-beam computed tomography system is par excellence diagnostic modality than radiographic diagnosis providing improved and exact knowledge of root and canal variations plus configuration. Keywords: CBCT, Maxillary premolars, Endodontic treatment, Vertucci’s classification, root canal.

The use of modern technology infrastructure is regarded as critical for the successful adoption of innovative teaching approaches. Objective: To determine the attitudes and concerns of medical and dental faculty about the use of E-learning as a medium of instruction during the Covid-19 outbreak. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 368 faculty members from Medical and Dental Colleges of Punjab province was conducted utilizing a questionnaire developed following a thorough literature review and analysis of questionnaires from previous studies. A 5-point Likert scale was used to record knowledge, attitude, and practice, and the questionnaires were graded. SPSS version 22 was used to enter the data. The mean and SD of quantitative variables such as age and total score for knowledge, attitude, and practice score was calculated. Gender, education level, knowledge, attitude, and practice were all represented as frequency (%). Results: Zoom was shown to be the most commonly utilized software (69.0%). E-learning was deemed a beneficial tool in medical education by 56% of the respondents. An equal percentage of individuals (35%) agreed and disapproved the use of E-learning approaches over traditional ones. Only 30% participants resisted the change from traditional educational methods. Technological infrastructure was considered crucial for successful implementation of E-learning by 46% of the participants. Conclusion: Faculty members are using the available infrastructure to implement E-learning teaching modalities to the best of their knowledge and abilities.

Background: Awareness of key issues associated with patient safety is vital for improving patient care in all fields of medical sciences including dentistry. This study was done to assess awareness among dental undergraduates towards patient safety in different dental   institutions of Lahore, Pakistan Methods: It was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted at Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College & Institute of Dentistry from 1st May to 30th November, 2020. Two hundred third and fourth year BDS students (149 females and 51males; mean age 21.91±1.08) of 4 dental institutions of Lahore, mostly from private institutions (79.5%) completed Awareness of Patient Safety Questionnaire (APSQIII) to assess awareness of patient safety in dental undergraduates. Data was analyzed through SPSS 21. Results: Teaching and learning about patient safety got the highest item scores while “Team functioning” got the highest 6.1 mean domain score. “Professional incompetence as an error cause” got the lowest 3.1 mean score followed by “Disclosure responsibility” (4.3). No significant difference was seen with respect to gender. Fourth year students were found to be more aware about error disclosure and error reporting confidence with statistically significant difference. All reverse coded items were scored in disagreed range by participants. Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes towards patient safety, lack of awareness was seen in key issues. Incorporation of patient safety in undergraduate curriculum may help in improving patient care and health services.