Introduction: A few studies investigated the numerous potential endodontic uses of CBCT, including the examination of root canal morphology and presumed that CBCT was effective for the initial identification of such morphology; moreover CBCT is a reliable method for the detection of the MB2 canal when compared with the gold standard of physical sectioning of the specimen. The aim of this study was to identify the root and canal morphology of the maxillary first molars among Malaysians analysed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: Maxillary first (n = 421) molars from Malaysian patients (n = 241) of Malay, Chinese and Indians inceptions were examined by two Endodontists using in vivo CBCT methods. The number and configuration of roots, the number of root canals, and the canal configuration according to Vertucci’s classification were determined. Results: Single roots were not found in maxillary first molars. The incidence of fused roots was 1.995% in the first molars between mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots. In (421) 3-rooted maxillary first molars, additional canals were found in 45.6% of the mesiobuccal (MB) roots and 0% of the distobuccal (DB) roots. Bilateral symmetry of the MB roots was found in 82.36% of the first molar. Only one tooth was found to have pulp stone inside the pulp chamber. Conclusions: The root and canal configuration of a Malaysian population showed different features from those of other populations. CBCT scans can enhance the understanding of root canal anatomy, with the potential of improving the outcome of endodontic treatment.

One of the roles expected of dental personnel is to promote dental seeking behaviour to the public. It is to ensure that adults maintain an optimum number of teeth for overall health and quality of life by enabling them to eat, speak and socialise without pain, discomfort or embarrassment. The objective of this study was to determine the reasons for seeking dental care and the factors that influence this decision among adult patients. This was a retrospective study of clinical records among patients of 18 years old and above who attended Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Dental Polyclinic, an academic dental centre, for the first time from January 2015 to December 2016. Socio-demographic data on age, gender and occupation as well as the reason for the visit were retrieved from the clinical records. Analysis of data was conducted using SPSS software version 21.0 and the pvalue was set at p<0.05. A total of 344 patient clinical records were retrieved. The most common reasons for the visit was dental check-up (18.6%), followed by scaling (15.7%) and toothache (14.2%). The reasons for the visit was further categorised into curative (63%) and preventive dental care (37%). A significant association was found between the reason of seeking dental care with age (p<0.001) and gender (p=0.030). This study indicated a tendency for young adults and female patients seeking preventive dental care. The findings of this study would provide the input in designing the preventive oral health programmes and activities.

ABSTRACT Educational landscape has changed drastically over the past decades with the integration of technology to support the role of educators. The objectives of this study were to examine the use of social media application among dental students and to investigate significant demographic variables with regard to social media use for academic purposes. All dental students across all academic years were invited to participate in a self-administered questionnaire (content validated, pre-tested) survey conducted online via Google Forms. Overall response rate was 67.8%. Of the 244 respondents, 99.1% owned smartphones, with a majority of them were iPhone and Android users. Notably, 91.4% of the respondents had access to internet data via a third generation (3G) mobile carrier and WiFi connection. A majority of the respondents (97.1%) used social media to communicate or connect with friends whereas 5.7% of them used it for business purposes. There was no significant association between gender, year of study and type of internet access with the mean of social media usage for academic purposes (p > 0.05). Most of the respondents preferred YouTube (74.6%) and Google (73.7%) for seeking information in their study. In conclusion, we found that majority of respondents had acknowledged the importance of social media in education. Our findings suggest the potential value of integrating social media in teaching and learning activities to enhance students’ learning experience.
Education, Dental ; Education, Distance

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the World Health Organization issued provisional guidelines to address considerations for essential oral health services in the pandemic situation. Compliance with the guidelines is essential to curb the potential spread of infection within a dental practice. This study aimed to assess the perception of Malaysian dental practitioners towards exercising the provisional COVID-19 dental practice guideline during the early phase of the pandemic. A self-administered questionnaire of a structured type consisting of demographic information and dentist perceptions of the provisional guidelines of dental care during the COVID-19 outbreak was distributed online from May 2021 until August 2021 through various social networking platforms among dental practitioners working at different healthcare sectors in all states in Malaysia. A total of 468 dental practitioners responded to this study. More than threequarters of the respondents were working in public dental care facilities (76.3%, n=357). The majority of respondents adhered to the provisional guidelines issued during the pandemic outbreak and exhibited a change in standard clinical practice (p<0.001). Dental practitioners working in public sectors perceive that swab tests prior to dental appointments should be mandatory, the reopening of dental clinics increases the risk of spread and the provisional guidelines of COVID-19 in dental practice will be changed in the future compared to private dental practitioners (p<0.001). The majority of dental practitioners in Malaysia have complied with the provisional guidelines imposed by the health bodies. As the COVID-19 virus will persist and become endemic in our communities, it is important to balance the safety issue and patient oral health needs.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of dental plaque removal and to determine factors that could influence its efficacy when using the non-dominant hand. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed on a group of dental students. Dominant hands were determined using Edinburg Handedness Inventory questionnaire, and the dental plaque scores were examined using Quigley-Hein (Turesky) index. All of the participants were examined twice for dental plaque index scores. Data obtained was analyzed using a paired t-test and an independent t-test. Factors which influenced the dental plaque removal were listed and categorized accordingly. Results: A total of 62 dental undergraduates participated in the study. A high percentage of them, (71%, n = 44) were found to be right-handed. There was a significant increase in the dental plaque score for the left-handed participants, from baseline (use of the dominant hand) to follow-up appointment (after brushing their teeth with non-dominant hands) (p< 0.01). A significant change was found between the right- and left-handed participants in the first quadrant of the buccal side (p<0.05). Factors identified to be beneficial in dental plaque control were; using a mirror while brushing, extending brushing time, increasing brushing frequency, using additional tooth aids and powered toothbrushes. Conclusions: This study revealed that left-handed participants have less ability to remove dental plaque with their non-dominant hands. The right-handed participants, showed better controls in plaque removal with their non-dominant hands, compared to their left-handed peers on the buccal side of the first quadrant.