The present study compared and evaluated the shear bond strength (SBS) of two types of glass ionomer cement (GIC), Riva Self Cure HVTM (SDI Ltd., Victoria, Australia) and GC Fuji IX GP EXTRATM (GC America Inc., Alsip, USA) with and without the use of Riva Bond LCTM (SDI Ltd., Victoria, Australia), a lighted cured resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) universal adhesive. Sixty extracted sound premolars with prepared exposure of the dentine on the occlusal surface were randomly assigned into four groups according to the tested restorative materials. Shear bond strength (SBS) tests were performed by using the Shimadzu Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute, and the values obtained were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The inter-group comparison showed statistically significant differences in the SBS values between all the test groups (p < 0.001). A stereomicroscope was used to assess the modes of failure. Adhesive failures were predominant in adhesive groups (>80%) compared to higher cohesive failures found in the non-adhesive groups (>86%). A Spearman's rho correlation test performed to determine the association between SBS values and mode of failures had indicated positive correlations between the adhesive failure and SBS values in the adhesive groups (rs=0.86, p<0.001; rs=0.85, p<0.001) and the cohesive failure and SBS values in the non-adhesive groups (rs=0.87, p<0.001). These findings support the improvement in adhesion of GICs to tooth structure with the use of RMGIC adhesive.
Glass Ionomer Cements

Tooth avulsion is a dental emergency that needs prompt treatment to minimise complications. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of avulsed tooth management among dental surgery assistants at the UKM Dental Polyclinic. This survey research design of a 19- item questionnaire was distributed to 59 dental surgery assistants (DSAs). The questionnaire consisted of demographic profile questions and questions regarding awareness and knowledge of tooth avulsion and its immediate management. The results showed that 78% of DSAs at the Institute know about first aid management of avulsed teeth, with the majority being taught during their training course. Moreover, 96.2% of the DSAs know what tooth avulsion is and recognise it as a dental emergency. Although 75% of the DSAs have never previously handled any avulsed tooth case, 50% are confident in advising the public on what to do with an avulsed tooth at the time of injury. As for the specific management questions of an avulsed tooth, the responses from the DSAs varied according to the questions, ranging from 50% to 85%. DSAs at the Institute have varying levels of awareness and knowledge regarding tooth avulsion. Therefore, regular education programmes on dental trauma and its management will help improve the DSAs’ current knowledge and ability to manage avulsion injuries better in emergencies.