Screening of atrial fibrillation in dental practices: a qualitative feasibility study.

Objectives: To increase the detection of unknown atrial fibrillation (AF), general practitioners have started screening their patients using small hand-held devices. It is thought that dental settings could be utilized for screening as they have regular access to patients. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of dental staff of screening for AF using a hand-held electronic device in primary dental care.

Dental student readiness to treat special care patients upon graduation.

Introduction: There has been a global increase in patients with special needs. Undergraduate dental curricula need to adjust to meet the needs of these patients. This study aimed to identify how confident final year dental students felt about treating patients with special needs upon graduation and evaluate the influence that the curriculum had on their preparedness based on competencies outlined by the International Association for Disability and Oral Health (iADH).

Can borderline regression method be used to standard set OSCEs in small cohorts?

Introduction: Absolute methods of standard setting (SS) are more suitable for OSCEs. However, previous studies have theorised that borderline regression method (BRM) is not reliable for small sample sizes.

Materials And Methods: OSCE results for the 2017-2019 cohorts were analysed to compare BRM versus Modified Angoff.

Clonal evolution of and at oral niche level in health and disease.

species have long been recognised as aetiological agents of opportunistic infections of the oral mucosa, and more recently, as players of polymicrobial interactions driving caries, periodontitis and oral carcinogenesis. We studied the clonal structure of spp. at oral niche resolution in patients (n = 20) with a range of oral health profiles over 22 months.

Embedding environmental sustainability within the modern dental curriculum- Exploring current practice and developing a shared understanding.

Introduction: Evidence concerning the interactions between human health and planetary health has grown extensively in recent years. In turn, the perceived importance of environmental sustainability within higher education is growing at a rapid rate. This paper provides a summary of key elements as they apply to dentistry, and provides an introduction to the reader of an early consensus of how sustainability could be included as part of the dental curriculum.

Evaluation of a new e-learning resource for calibrating OSCE examiners on the use of rating scales.

Introduction: Rating scales have been described as better at assessing behaviours such as professionalism during Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). However, there is an increased need to train and calibrate staff on their use prior to student assessment.

Material And Methods: An online e-learning package was developed and made available to all examiners at the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Aberdeen.

Comparison between amine fluoride and chlorhexidine with institutionalized elders: a pilot study.

Objective: Compare the efficacy of amine fluoride toothpaste and gel with chlorhexidine spray in an institutionalised population.

Background: People who live in nursing homes have poorer oral hygiene because of their dependency for the basic activities of daily living as they rely on caregivers.

Methods: Twenty-six people over 65 years old who had at least four teeth and living in a nursing home.