This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the long term clinical effect of free gingival grafts on the periodontal condition. Forty grafts, performed on 34 patients 1 to 8 years ago, were selected. Plaque and gingival indices were determined in the grafted areas. Direct clinical measurements from the cementoenamel junction to: a) margin of the gingiva, b) bottom of the gingival sulcus and c) mucogingival junction were also recorded. Similar examination of contralateral or adjacent 40 nongrafted areas for each patient was also conducted to serve as a control. Tissue mobility of the grafted and control areas was then recorded to the nearest 0.001 inch, using a specially developed device, which exerted a standardized tension of 50 gm perpendicular to the surface of the gingiva. Data was subjected to statistical evaluation to determine the significance of changes in variables between grafted and nongrafted sites. The following conclusions were drawn: 1) The zone of keratinized and attached gingiva, though more apically positioned, is significantly wider in the grafted sites. 2) There are no significant differences between grafted and nongrafted sites with regard to plaque index, gingival index and pocket depth. 3) In both grafted and nongrafted sites, a wider zone of attached gingiva corresponds to a shallower pocket depth. 4) There is a significant positive correlation between mobility of the graft and pocket depth. The present investigation, therefore, indicates that, while the free gingival graft is an effective means to widen the zone of the attached and keratinized gingiva, there is no indication that this increase bears direct influence upon periodontal health.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic presented unprecedented challenges and interruptions to education at all levels. As many across the world were required to stay at home, virtual educational resources were developed and relied upon to provide all levels and subjects of instruction. Introduction to Dental Medicine, a massive open online course in dentistry, experienced an increase in enrollment during the start of the pandemic and learners displayed a positive reception to the information provided. Introduction to Dental Medicine was particularly well positioned as a resource during the pandemic given its availability, established nature, and the wide accessibility of course material. As disruptions to normal activities continue, this and other virtual educational methods may continue to play a central role in education and exposure to dentistry.
ObjectivesThis study aims to: (1) assess learner demographics of Introduction to Dental Medicine (IDM), an early Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) developed for the Coursera platform and (2) analyze course enrollment to determine worldwide interest in accessible, high‐quality dental education.MethodsThe authors review the development and organization of IDM and present learner statistics to critically evaluate learner traits and course engagement for IDM.ResultsIDM has been available since June 15, 2015, and as of March 1, 2020, gained 90,374 visitors, of whom 16,739 have enrolled and demonstrate continued monthly and daily engagement. Learners represent all age groups and genders and include participants of all educational and employment backgrounds, reflecting broad interest in dental knowledge. They originate from 6 continents with the largest percentages of learners from countries including the United States, Egypt, India, and the United Kingdom. IDM learners have provided positive feedback, rating the course 4.8/5 stars and often providing individual accounts of the benefit of their experiences.ConclusionsIDM presented an opportunity to learn general dental concepts. The course served to increase familiarity in the field for all learners, including health professionals, patients, and anyone with an interest in the subject. It also served as preparation for or to expand education in dental, medical, and allied health professions. High learner engagement with wide global distribution demonstrated interest in dental education worldwide.
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