Background The Dental Materials (DM) course was introduced as a stand‐alone course in 2013, at the University. Prior to that, DM was integrated into clinical courses. Objective To determine the perceptions of the Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS2 to BDS5) students on a stand‐alone DM course following curricular amendment. Methods This was a cross‐sectional study, in which a simple random sampling strategy was used, with forty‐six students participating. The study was conducted in 2017. A self‐administered, structured, validated questionnaire was used to collect data. The obtained data were summarised and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (one‐way ANOVA). Results The study was conducted on Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS2 to BDS5) students. A response rate of 49% from the administered questionnaires was achieved. The overall perception, total mean percentage score of 71.4% was obtained showing a generally positive view on the relevance of the course by students. A total mean percentage score of 74.1% showed the students’ view that the DM course was well managed whilst a total mean score of 56.7% expressed the overall view on the reintegration of DM into clinical courses. Conclusion The students felt that DM was relevant and it could continue as a stand‐alone course. They perceived that the course was run effectively and managed well, but they had conflicting views on reintegration of the course into clinical modules. Studies with larger sample sizes at other Dental Schools are recommended to determine similarity of results.

The articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cannot be seen on plain x-ray examination but an accurate assessment of the space between the glenoid fossa and the head of the condyle may provide the clinician with a clue to a possible pathological problem. Measurements of the TMJ space seen on panoramic radiographs (PAN) and on cone beam computerised tomographic scans (CBCT) were carried out on films taken of of left and right TMJs of forty-six patients. On each image a vertical line was drawn digitally from the highest point of the condylar head to the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone. The lengths of the lines were recorded on Galileo software and compared using the Bland-Altman statistical test (total sample size 92 joints). Bias was achieved at mean differences of 1.03mm with a p-value of <0.001 which was statistically significant. Left and right TMJ mean values showed a 0.09 mm difference. Age was insignificant at p=0.40. The Levels of Agreement indicated workable concord between the methods although a wide range was evident.

Go to the SADA website www.sada.co.za. 2 Log into the 'member only' section with your unique SADA username and password. 3 Select the CPD navigation tab. 4 Select the questionnaire that you wish to complete.