Copy denture technique is a classic technique for construction of a new denture, based on the existing denture using a replica. This technique helps elderly population in terms of adaptation to a new denture. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of copy denture technique among dentists and dental technologists in Malaysia. Two sets of a pre-tested questionnaire was distributed to participants who attended copy denture workshop. The participants were instructed to answer the questionnaires before and after the seminar. A total of 97 responses were collected and only 77 (79.4%) have given a valid feedbacks. The results showed that eventhough 54.5% (n=42) participants had more than 5 years of clinical experiences, 42.9% (n=33) claimed to have limited knowledge in this technique prior to the seminar and 55.9% (n=43) presented with positive attitude towards copy denture. Majority of the participants (74.1%) were uncertain and did not have the skills to perform the copy denture technique. However, following workshop, their attitude towards copy denture increased (+15.6%) and the mean score value was statistically significance (p < 0.005). In conclusion, awareness and practice on copy denture technique should be encouraged to ensure patient’s benefits when replacement denture are required.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the first endodontic case experiences, self-confidence levels, and perceptions toward endodontic learning of final-year undergraduate students. Methods: An online questionnaire was emailed to 270 final-year dental students at 10 Malaysian dental schools. The questionnaire consists of 29 questions on students’ experience, self-confidence, and perception toward endodontic learning. Results: The response rate was 74.4%. The most frequently treated case was tooth diagnosed as nonvital associated with periapical periodontitis. Most of the students perceived working length determination as the most difficult stage and reported having low confidence in locating canal orifices in multirooted teeth and achieving satisfactory obturation. Overall, the students were satisfied with the endodontic knowledge taught by their respective faculties. Conclusion: Endodontic teaching in Malaysian dental schools was perceived as satisfactory by most dental students. Although endodontic treatment is perceived as difficult, students demonstrated high confidence in carrying out this treatment. However, they had limited ability in treating the complex root canal system.

Aim Online survey was conducted to investigate the state of undergraduate endodontic clinical training in Malaysian dental schools. Methods An online questionnaire and a cover letter were emailed to the deans of 13 Malaysian dental schools. The questionnaire covers various aspects of endodontic clinical training including teaching methods, endodontic clinical procedures, minimum requirements, clinical sessions and teaching staff. Results The response rate was 69%. Similarities in teaching methods were observed in all responding schools. All schools taught contemporary root canal treatment procedures, including the utilisation of radiograph and electronic apex locator for working length determination, the crown-down approach for canal preparation and the cold lateral compaction for obturation. Sodium hypochlorite solution and non-setting calcium hydroxide medicament were used in most dental schools. Variations were observed in terms of the number of clinical requirements, supervisor: student ratio, and availability of endodontic specialists. The use of engine-driven instruments was observed mainly in government-funded dental schools. Conclusions The majority of dental schools in Malaysia are adopting the European Society Endodontology recommendation for undergraduate endodontic training, particularly in relation to the surveyed aspects. Most of the government-funded dental schools have progressed towards engaging contemporary endodontics with their increasing application of engine-driven Ni-Ti instruments and 3D imaging techniques. Appointments of full-time endodontic specialists would further enhance the quality of endodontic teaching and permit the utilisation of contemporary endodontic materials.