Methods and preliminary findings of a cost‐effectiveness study of glass‐ionomer‐based and composite resin sealant materials after 2 yr

The cost‐effectiveness of glass‐carbomer, conventional high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cement (HVGIC) [without or with heat (light‐emitting diode (LED) thermocuring) application], and composite resin sealants were compared after 2 yr in function. Estimated net costs per sealant were obtained from data on personnel time (measured with activity sampling), transportation, materials, instruments and equipment, and restoration costs for replacing failed sealants from a community trial involving 7‐ to 9‐yr‐old Chinese children. Cost data were standardized to reflect the placement of 1,000 sealants per group. Outcomes were the differences in the number of dentine caries lesions that developed between groups. The average sealant application time ranged from 5.40 min (for composite resin) to 8.09 min (for LED thermocured HVGIC), and the average cost per sealant for 1,000 performed per group (simulation sample) ranged from $US3.73 (for composite resin) to $US7.50 (for glass‐carbomer). The incremental cost‐effectiveness of LED thermocured HVGIC to prevent one additional caries lesion per 1,000 sealants performed was $US1,106 compared with composite resin. Sensitivity analyses showed that differences in the cost of materials across groups had minimal impact on the overall cost. Cost and effectiveness data enhance policymakers’ ability to address issues of availability, access, and compliance associated with poor oral‐health outcomes, particularly when large numbers of children are excluded from care, in economies where oral health services are still developing.     

Influence of surface wetness on bonding effectiveness of universal adhesives in etch‐and‐rinse mode

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether surface wetness would influence the bonding effectiveness of universal adhesives in etch‐and‐rinse mode. All‐Bond Universal (AB), G‐Premio Bond (GP), Prime & Bond Active (PB), and Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SU) were evaluated. Initial bond strengths and bond‐fatigue strengths of universal adhesives to both wet and dry enamel and dentin in etch‐and‐rinse mode were determined. Scanning electron microscopy observations of the adhesive interfaces were also conducted. The bond‐fatigue durability of universal adhesive to enamel in etch‐and‐rinse mode was influenced by the surface wetness, unlike that to dentin. The bond fatigue durability of AB and GP to dentin in etch‐and‐rinse mode was different depending on the surface wetness, unlike that of PB and SU. The thicknesses of the adhesive or hybrid layer of resin–dentin interfaces were not influenced by the surface wetness, but the length of resin tags in the wet group was longer than in the dry group. Some universal adhesives with the addition of specific components and optimization of water content can achieve stable bonds regardless of surface wetness, but the surface wetness of dentin is still a significant factor for universal adhesive bonding in etch‐and rinse mode, unlike that of enamel.     

A novel finding of oligodontia and ankyloglossia in a 14‐year‐old with Floating‐Harbor syndrome

Floating‐Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by distinct facial features, short stature and delayed skeletal development. Here we present case of a 14‐year‐old boy with short stature, typical facial features, impaired voice quality, clinodactyly, cryptorchidism and unilateral agenesis of kidney. In addition he had oligodontia and ankyloglossia with features suggestive of FHS. Treatment rendered was restoration of caries, application of pit and fissure sealants followed by frenectomy. The purpose of this report is to highlight the oral developmental anomalies and the management of a patient with FHS and to add to the current knowledge of the literature on this syndrome.     

Dentists reflect on their problem‐based education and professional satisfaction

Aim: To determine the way in which Malmö University dental graduates perceive their problem‐based dental education and evaluate their professional satisfaction. Method: The first five cohorts (graduating in years 1995–1999) of the problem‐based curriculum were invited to participate. Of 166 graduates, 77% responded to a questionnaire comprising 20 questions on aspects of their dental education, professional situations and interest in postgraduate education. They were asked to rank their perception of their dental education and satisfaction with their professional situation on a visual analogue scale (VAS) with endpoints ranging from ‘Not at all’ (1) to ‘Very well’ (10). For other statements, the markings were made on a Likert scale from 1 (not important/not satisfied) to 5 (very important/very satisfied). There were also open‐ended questions. Results: Most respondents perceived their education to prepare them well for a career in dentistry (median score VAS 8), and 90% rated above six on a VAS for their professional satisfaction as dentists. Importance and satisfaction were highly correlated with principles of the curriculum: holistic view, oral health, lifelong learning, integration between theory and clinic, and clinical competence. Forty‐five per cent of the graduates noted the problem‐based learning approach as the most valuable asset of their education, and 19% cited training in oral surgery as a deficit. Of the respondents, 77% expressed interest in specialist training and 55% in research education. Conclusion: Problem‐based education was perceived to prepare graduates well for their profession, and their professional satisfaction was high.