Aims:To evaluate the self-perceived preparedness of final-year dental undergraduate students in dental public universities in Malaysia. Methods:Final-year dental undergraduate students from six dental public universities in Malaysia were invited to participate in an online study using a validated DentalUndergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale DU-PAS. Results:In total, about 245 students responded to the online questionnaire yielding a response rate of 83.05%. The age range of the respondents was 23-29 years with a mean age of 24.36 (SD 0.797). The total score obtained by the respondents was ranged from 48 to 100 with a mean score of 79.56 (SD 13.495). Weaknesses were reported in several clinical skills, cognitive and behavioural attributes.

An untreated root canal infection usually stimulates the development of a radicular cyst. Nonsurgical root canal procedures and periapical surgery followed by placement of bone substitute will promote the healing process of the bony defect.

Introduction: Blended learning utilizes technology with reduced face-to-face time and promotes a student-centred learning environment that excites the learning process. However, studies on blended learning in fixed prosthodontics is still lacking.This study aimed to compare students' performance in easy and difficult level of fixed prosthodontic preclinical projects given by either blended learning or conventional teaching. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 72 s-year dental students, who attended preclinical fixed prosthodontic training. Participants were randomly segregated into conventional teaching (n = 36) and blended learning (n = 36). All participants were evaluated for learning preferences using Visual-Aural-Read/Write-Kinesthetic (VARK) questionnaire and performed a project as their baseline skill assessment. They performed another two preclinical projects (easy and difficult level) after the allocated teaching approach. Learning preferences were analysed using Fisher's exact test and performance in preclinical projects were analysed with an independent t test (significant at p < .05). Results:The highest prevalence of learning preferences was the quad-modal preferences (50.7%), which were visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinesthetic. There were no significant differences in baseline skills and learning preferences (p > .05) between groups. No significant differences found between both teaching approaches for easy (p = .319) and difficult projects (p = .339). In the blended learning group, no significant difference was found in both difficulty level of projects (p = .064). Conclusion:The participants performed equally on both teaching approaches. However, blended learning for preclinical fixed prosthodontics is anticipated as the new norm of learning, especially in the current pandemic with reduced face-to-face time.

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BACKGROUND Nowadays, the use of computer aided design / computer aided manufacturing (CAD / CAM) in fabricating indirect restoration such as onlay, crown and bridge has increased tremendously. However, there is lack of clinical information and evidence on current material and fabrication techniques of CAD / CAM post and core. This paper describes the classification of the post and core system and review current perspectives on recent development of CAD / CAM post and core. An electronic search of the literature was performed via PubMed and Scopus database, using the keyword (post and core) and (CAD / CAM) and (CAD / CAM post and core) as MeSH term. Articles eligible for inclusion in the present review were published in English, journal article and dated from January 2000 until November 2020. A total of 31 publications consisting of 18 in-vitro studies, 7 case reports, 4 finite element analysis and 2 clinical techniques were included in this review. Analysis parameters included are options of chairside CAD / CAM materials, CAD / CAM system and milling machine used, advantages and disadvantages and future direction of CAD / CAM post and core. CAD /CAM post and core can be alternative option as compared to the custom-made post and core and prefabricated post and core. KEY WORDS Computer - Aided Design, Computer - Aided Manufacturing, Dental Material, Indirect Restoration, Post and Core