Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent posterior teeth.

Background: Traditionally, amalgam has been used for filling cavities in posterior teeth, and it continues to be the restorative material of choice in some low- and middle-income countries due to its effectiveness and relatively low cost. However, there are concerns over the use of amalgam restorations (fillings) with regard to mercury release in the body and the environmental impact of mercury disposal. Dental composite resin materials are an aesthetic alternative to amalgam, and their mechanical properties have developed sufficiently to make them suitable for restoring posterior teeth.

Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent or adult posterior teeth.

Background: Amalgam has been the traditional material for filling cavities in posterior teeth for the last 150 years and, due to its effectiveness and cost, amalgam is still the restorative material of choice in certain parts of the world. In recent times, however, there have been concerns over the use of amalgam restorations (fillings), relating to the mercury release in the body and the environmental impact following its disposal. Resin composites have become an esthetic alternative to amalgam restorations and there has been a remarkable improvement of its mechanical properties to restore posterior teeth.

Development of an interdisciplinary course in information resources and evidence-based dentistry.

The capacity to locate, access, and appraise information is an important skill required for success in dental school and beyond. An interdisciplinary course was implemented to teach first-year dental students at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch about evidence-based dentistry, search strategies, critical appraisal of the literature, and dental informatics. Students learned to develop a clinical question, conduct a search to find answers to that question, and critically appraise one of the retrieved resources.