An evaluation of the relationship between clinical requirements and tests of competence in a competency-based curriculum in dentistry.

Background: The development of competencies in dentistry is a complicated process that calls for the development of not just cognitive and psychomotor abilities but also behaviors and attitudes that change as technical proficiency increases and meaningful patient encounters occur. This study examined the relationship between the number of clinical requirements completed by dental students and subsequent performance on tests of competence. The null hypothesis stated there would be no significant linear relationship different from zero between absolute clinical requirements and grades attained in various tests of clinical competence.

Taper of full-veneer crown preparations by dental students at the University of the West Indies.

Purpose: The ideal taper recommended for a full-veneer crown is 4° to 14°, but this is very difficult to achieve clinically, and studies on taper achieved by dental students have found mean taper measurements ranging from 11° to 27°. The objective of this study was to examine and compare the taper of teeth prepared for full-veneer crowns by dental students on typodonts in the laboratory and on patients, and also to compare the results with those of other dental schools.

Materials And Methods: Preparations were scanned by specialized metrology equipment that gave the taper of the preparation in a buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) plane.

Cusp fracture resistance of maxillary premolars restored with the bonded amalgam technique using various luting agents.

Objective. This in vitro study uses measurements of fracture resistance to compare maxillary premolars restored with the bonded amalgam technique using a new resin luting cement, glass ionomer, and resin-modified glass ionomer as the bonding agents. Materials.

Percutaneous injuries of dental personnel at the University of the West Indies, School of Dentistry.

Aim: To report the results of a survey of all percutaneous injuries occurring in 2003-2004 to staff and students at the dental school in Trinidad.

Method: Data were collected via 163 questionnaires administered to all dental surgery assistants, the current clinical students (years 3, 4 & 5), the interns, part-time and full-time academic staff.

Results: A 71% response rate was obtained.