This study aims to compare flexural strength and flexural modulus of different resin-based composites (RBCs) and to determine the impact of dietary solvents on flexural properties. Forty specimens (12x2x2mm) for each of two conventional (Aura Easy [AE]; Harmonize [HN]) and one bulk fill (Sonic Fill 2 [SF2]) were fabricated using customised plastic moulds. Specimens were light-cured, measured and randomly divided into four groups. The groups (n=10) were conditioned for 7 days at 37°C: in one of media: air (control), artificial saliva (SAGF), 0.02N citric acid and 50% ethanol–water solution. After conditioning, the specimens subjected to flexural testing. Two-way ANOVA and one-way ANOVA (post hoc: Tukey’s or Dunnett T3 tests) were used at =0.05. Significant differences in flexural properties were observed between materials and conditioning media. Flexural strength and modulus values ranged from 124.85MPa to 51.25MPa; and 6.76GPa to 4.03GPa, respectively. The highest flexural properties were obtained with conditioning in air. Exposure to aqueous solutions generally reduced flexural properties. In conclusion, the effect of dietary solvents on flexural properties were material and medium dependent. For functional longevity of restorations, patients’ alcohol intake should be considered during material selection. Dietary advice (reduce alcohol consumption) should be given to patients post operatively.

This study compared the surface roughness of selected tooth coloured restorative materials that were polished according to manufacturers’ instructions and Sof-Lex. It also assessed the surface roughness of polished materials after thermocycling. Filtek Z350XT, Beautifil-Bulk Restorative and Cention N, were used in this study. A stainless steel mould (10mm diameter x 2mm height) was used to fabricate 75 cylindrical specimens: 15 Filtek Z350XT (FZ), 30 Beautifil-Bulk Restorative (BB) and 30 Cention N (CN). All 15 FZ specimens were polished with Sof-Lex. Fifteen BB and CN specimens were polished according to manufacturers’ instructions. The remaining fifteen BB and CN specimens were polished using Sof-Lex. All the specimens were subjected to thermocycling (1000 cycles). Surface roughness was assessed quantitatively with profilometry after specimen preparation (Mylar stage), polishing and thermocycling. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0 at α=0.05. When polished according to manufacturers’ instructions, BB had the lowest mean surface roughness (Ra) values (0.13±0.01μm) followed sequentially by CN (0.14±0.03μm) and FZ (0.15±0.02μm). The differences were not statistically significant. When polished with Sof-Lex, BB exhibited the smoothest surface (0.116±0.03μm) followed sequentially by and FZ (0.150±0.02μm) and CN (0.157±0.02μm). Thermocycling caused an increase in the Ra. The differences were statistically significant. All materials tested had Ra values below the threshold value of 0.2 µm at Mylar stage and after polishing with their recommended polishing system and Sof-Lex. Thermocycling produced rougher surfaces that did not exceed the threshold Ra value. Polishability was material dependent.

ABSTRACT Education worldwide has been conducted in the traditional face-to-face classroom teaching style for ages, and this includes the education in dentistry. Since the introduction of online education and distance learning, teaching institutions have gradually made e-learning an integral part of teaching and learning activities. With the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic and closure of teaching institutions worldwide, the faculty of dentistry is amongst the many that were forced to leap onto the online education field abruptly. There is a sudden need for educators to resort to online teaching and e-learning becomes an essential tool to be developed as an alternative to traditional education methods. This article serves as a review to explore and discuss the common concerns and institutional readiness in delivering e-learning and review the methods currently utilised during this time of crisis.
Education, Dental ; Education, Distance ; COVID-19