An Evaluation on Deep Caries Removal Method and Management Performed by Undergraduate Dental Students: A Malaysia Experience

Abstract

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.

A Contemporary Evaluation on Posterior Direct Restoration Teaching among Undergraduates in Dental Schools in Malaysia

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Development and preliminary validation of an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) for a partial pulpotomy procedure

“…In response to changes to recommendations, there is clearly a need to improve VPT teaching to encourage guideline adoption, and consequently a need to develop appropriate ways to assess student performance in VPT. This was confirmed by studies with clinical scenarios that highlighted that the vast majority of the students selected pulp capping rather than partial pulpotomy in cases of carious pulp exposure (Gasqui et al, 2021; Othman et al, 2021). Furthermore, in a qualitative study, undergraduate students reported that pulp capping is technically easier and less stressful to carry out than partial pulpotomy, with the main problem of partial pulpotomy stemming from uncertainty regarding the ideal volume of pulp tissue to remove (Chevalier et al, 2021).…”

Tunnel Restoration: A Minimally Invasive Dentistry Practice

“…These technologies enhance the micro-detailed visibility in the tiny operative field of dentistry. 66 , 67 Digital radiography has improved the quality of dental imaging and reduced radiation hazards. This may facilitate diagnosing proximal caries and close monitoring of post-treatment success.…”