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Biomedical subjects

Adrian Shortall

Publications and source records attributed to Adrian Shortall.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of two different teaching concepts in dentistry using computer technology.

The common teaching goal of two different phantom head courses was to enable the students to provide an all-ceramic restoration by the means of computer technology. The aim of this study was to compare these two courses with regard to the different educational methods using identical computer software. Undergraduate dental students from a single year were randomly assigned to two different courses. One course was a conventional teacher-centred course [TRAD]. The other course contained problem-based learning (PBL) oriented structured modules [HYBRID]. The students completed an evaluation based on a 25 item seven-point Likert scale. Two independent evaluators assessed the practical work. Differences between TRAD and HYBRID were tested for significance using the Mann-Whitney U-test (at p < or = 0.05). Both courses were rated as demanding. The HYBRID group rated those items significantly better, which focused on course atmosphere and student-teacher relationship. The TRAD group felt that their course was more satisfying. Practical results of the two groups did not differ significantly. Within the limits of the study it was revealed, that the HYBRID group was less satisfied with the own success although the learning conditions were rated better. This could be interpreted in two ways: (1) the PBL oriented course lead the students to more self skepticism to their own work or (2) due to increased intellectual demands and the lack of detailed guidelines the course was felt as more burdening.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Clinical performance of large, all-ceramic CAD/CAM-generated restorations after three years: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Adhesively luted all-ceramic restorations preserve and stabilize weakened tooth structure, but there is little published information about the clinical performance of large, all-ceramic restorations. METHODS: In this pilot study, the authors placed 58 large, single-tooth, all-ceramic restorations in 26 patients using a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing, or CAD/CAM, system (CEREC 2, Sirona Dental Systems GmbH, Bensheim, Germany). They documented the maximum height of the restoration and remaining cementoenamel junction, or CEJ. In 21 cases, rubber dam isolation was not possible during adhesive luting. They re-evaluated the restorations after three years according to the U.S. Public Health Service criteria. RESULTS: After three years, the authors rated 56 (97 percent) of the 58 restorations as Bravo or better in regard to marginal integrity, secondary caries (four could not be rated), discoloration and anatomical form. One restoration was rated as Charlie because of poor marginal integrity, and one restoration had to be replaced owing to a bulk fracture. The authors rated the adequacy of proximal contact and occlusal relationships as acceptable-to-good for all restorations. Neither the extent of the remaining enamel at the cavity margin nor application of a rubber dam had any statistically significant influence (chi2 test, P > .05) on the clinical performance of the restorations after three years. CONCLUSIONS: At the three-year recall appointment, the authors found that the adhesively luted all-ceramic restorations had successfully repaired large coronal defects, irrespective of the cavity margin location (that is, coronal or apical to the CEJ). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Tooth-colored, all-ceramic CAD/CAM-generated restorations are an alternative to conventional restorations if large coronal defects need to be treated.

Adolescent↗

Fibre-reinforced composites in restorative dentistry.

Restorative dentistry is constantly evolving as a result of innovative treatment solutions based on new materials, treatment techniques and technologies, with composite materials being a prime example. The advent of fibre reinforcement has further increased the potential uses of composites within restorative dentistry. This paper discusses fibre types, structure and the physical properties of fibre-reinforced composites, in addition to outlining some of the potential clinical applications of this exciting group of materials, thus updating the reader on the new treatment possibilities offered by these developments.

Adolescent↗