Scientific evidence validating the beneficial effect of loupes in preventing musculoskeletal disorders is very scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of dental loupes on dental students' posture during a preclinical restorative dentistry course. Using a randomized crossover design, this study was conducted at the School of Dentistry, University of Nantes, France, in 2017. Forty students in their second year of dental study were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each: group A used loupes, whereas group B did not. The week after, students reversed configurations (each subject served as his or her own treatment and control group). Students were video‐recorded during cavity preparation. Trunk, head and neck, and upper arm positions were analyzed using continuous scores based on the modified Posture Assessment Instrument. Additionally, cavities were rated, and students completed a questionnaire on their perceptions of the loupes. On a scale on which lower scores indicated better posture, the results showed significantly higher posture ergonomic scores per minute for students without loupes (146.3±6.64 points/min) than with loupes (123.2±6.77 points/min; p<0.05). The majority of the students (32/39, 82%) showed improvements in ergonomic postures with the use of loupes. Trunk, head, and neck were positively impacted by the use of loupes, but not the upper arms. Cavity preparations were not improved by the use of loupes. The questionnaire revealed negative aspects (pain and difficulty adapting) but underlined the perceived positive impact on posture. This study documented the ergonomic advantages and challenges of introducing magnification near the beginning of the dental training program.

IntroductionThe concept of escape games dedicated to dental students is a new learning experience that has not yet been extensively explored. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the impact and perceived value of an endodontic‐themed escape game as assessed by fourth‐year dental students.MethodsThis study was conducted at the University of Nantes, Faculty of Dental Surgery using a cross‐sectional pre‐ and post‐test research design to assess students' changes in performance. Students in the fourth year of dental surgery study (n = 18) were divided in four groups for this study. The answers to the pre‐test/post‐test were 50 true/false questions. Moreover, a 20‐question perception survey was given to all the participants after completion of the escape game. The study data were collected in May 2019. An unpaired t test analysed the mean differences between the groups.ResultsThe results showed a statistically significant increase in post‐test results (75.33% ± 10.17% of correct answers) compared to the pre‐test results (67.33% ± 5.94% of correct answers) P < .05. Analysis of variance revealed that this change in score was not significantly different between the four groups. The students perceived the endodontic‐themed escape game to be relevant. A one‐sample t test indicated that students' mean (SD) perception 4.4 (0.7) was statistically significantly higher than the mean value of the evaluation scale P < .001. The students found this educational game to be a useful experience that helped them recall/apply knowledge whilst promoting teamwork.ConclusionTherefore, this type of game can enhance students' learning and motivation.

Human dental pulp is a highly dynamic tissue equipped with a network of resident immunocompetent cells that play a major role in the defense against pathogens and during tissue injury. Animal studies are mandatory and complementary to in vitro experiments when studying the physiopathology of dental pulp, new diagnostic tools, or innovative therapeutic strategies. This animal approach makes it possible to define a benefit-risk ratio necessary to be subsequently tested in humans. Among the animal kingdom, rodents, rabbits, ferrets, swine, dogs, and non-human primates have been used to model human pulpitis. The diversity of animals found in studies indicate the difficulty of choosing the correct and most efficient model. Each animal model has its own characteristics that may be advantageous or limiting, according to the studied parameters. These elements have to be considered in preclinical studies. This article aims to provide a thorough understanding of the different animal models used to study pulp inflammation. This may help to find the most pertinent or appropriate animal model depending on the hypothesis investigated and the expected results.