Performance of Restorations Performed by Undergraduate Students on Primary Molars

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the performance of Class I and II restorations performed by undergraduate dental students on primary molars.
Methods: Patients who had their teeth restored with class I and II restorations by dental students under the supervision of a dental instructor/staff member according to a standard protocol were called for a recall follow-up visit. Class I and II were evaluated clinically and radiographically according to the United States Public Health Service criteria. The evaluation were carried out by 2 investigators who were calibrated until acceptable inter- and intra-examiner reliability were achieved.
Results: Clinical exam showed that restorations matched adjacent tooth structure in color and translucency in 55.6% while 7.4% showed gross color mismatch. Restorations were closely adapted to the tooth with no crevice visible in 59.3%. Restorations were continuous with existing anatomic form in 85.2% while 7.4% showed partial or complete restorative loss. Smooth surface was seen in 74.1% while 25.9% showed slightly rough or pitted surface, but can be refinished. No staining along cavosurface margin was seen in 85.2% and 14.8% showed <50% of cavosurface affected by stain. Occlusal contacts were normal in 92.6% and absent in 3.7% of the restorations. Recurrent caries was present in 33.3%. Proximal contact was excellent in 25.9%. Radiographically, gingival margin extension was below and above contact area in 11.1% and 14.8% of the restorations respectively. Proper proximal contact was seen in 25.9% and open gingival margin in 25.9%. Proper or improper proximal contour was seen in 22.2% and 3.7% respectively. Overhang restorations were seen in 3.7% and recurrent caries in 7.4% of the restorations.
Conclusions: Dental students are able to place restorations in primary molars with satisfactory performances and good follow up clinical parameters. Recurrent caries was present in one-third of the restorations.