Teaching repair versus replacement of direct composite resin restorations: a cross-sectional study across dental schools in Malaysia
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Published Version
Date
2025
Authors
Daood, Umer
Sidhu, Preena
Sultan, Omer Sheriff
Malik, Normaliza Ab
Seow, Liang Lin
Wilson, Nairn H F
Lynch, Christopher D.
Fatima, Sahar
Blum, Igor R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Published Version
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the teaching of repair versus the replacement of defective direct composite resin restorations in undergraduate curricula in Malaysian dental schools. Methods: A 24-item validated questionnaire, including closed and open questions regarding the teaching of repair versus the replacement of direct composite resin restorations (DCRs) was emailed to faculty members in all 13 dental schools in Malaysia. Responses were compiled in Excel and analysed. The questionnaire asked about the inclusion of DCR repair in the curriculum, the underlying reasons for its inclusion, the methods employed for teaching, the indications for repair, the operative techniques and materials used, the acceptability of repairs to patients, the anticipated longevity of repairs, and recall arrangements. Results: All 13 dental schools completed and returned the questionnaire, reporting that composite repairs were taught as an alternative to the replacement of defective DCRs. All schools imparted theoretical and practical knowledge of repair within a clinical context. Twelve dental schools (92 %) agreed that the primary objective of teaching repair is the preservation of tooth structure. The principal reasons for repair were marginal defects (84 %), followed by marginal discoloration and partial loss of restoration (61 %). All 13 schools reported a high level of patient acceptance, which they regarded as a strong indicator. Eleven dental schools (84 %) reported recall arrangements to review repairs of DCRs. Conclusion: All undergraduate dental students in Malaysia are taught the use of repairs as an alternative to the replacement of defective DCRs. The advantages of this approach are considered in Malaysian dental schools to include, minimum intervention and preservation of tooth structure, with opportunity for time and cost savings. Further research should include the development of consensus criteria for the repair rather than replacement of defective DCRs and long-term clinical trials to further investigate the benefits of repair over the replacement of defective DCRs. Clinical significance: With all undergraduate dental students being taught the use of DCR repairs, the percentage of defective DCRs in Malaysia managed by means of a repair may be anticipated to increase in years to come. The cumulative effects of this increase may contribute to the conservation of teeth, with opportunity for cost savings.
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Keywords
Curriculum , Direct composites , Repair , Replacement , Teaching
Citation
Daood, U., Sidhu, P., Sultan, O. S., Ab Malik, N., Seow, L. L., Wilson, N. H., Lynch, C. D., Fatima, S. and Blum, I. R. (2025) 'Teaching repair versus replacement of direct composite resin restorations: a cross-sectional study across dental schools in Malaysia', Journal of Dentistry, 157, 105765 (6pp). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105765