Acceptance of Light-Curing Acrylic Resin Tray Material by Dental Students

Objective: To evaluate the acceptance of light-curing acrylic resin for custom-made trays by undergraduate dental students. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst the 4^th and 5^th year dental students of the University of the Western Cape. Those who had clinical and laboratory experience with both the light-curing (Megatray) and the chemically-curing (Excel) acrylic resin tray material were included in the survey. A questionnaire assessing the use and several handling properties of these materials was distributed to all the students. The study analyzed (a) the acceptance of the light-curing acrylic resin (the more recently introduced material) for custom-made trays, compared to the chemically-curing acrylic resin (the norm in undergraduate training) and (b) the opinions of the 4^th year compared to those of the 5^th year students. Results: There were 196 4^th and 5^th year students in total, 38 were absent on the day of the survey. Of the 158 questionnaires that were distributed and returned, 18 did not meet the inclusion criteria and 1 person refused to participate. Of the 139 participating students, 98 were in 4^th year, 41 in 5^th year. With regards to the light-curing resin, 77% used it most often, 64% said it saved time and 62% said it was easier to handle. 54% indicated that both materials should be used in undergraduate training, 24% preferred the light-curing, 18% the light-curing exclusively, and no one suggested the use of chemically-curing resin exclusively. There was a tendency towards preference of the light-curing resin in both classes, although 48% of the 4^th and 68% of the 5^th year class recommended that the use of both materials be taught. Conclusions: Most undergraduate students positively accepted the light-curing material, but training in the use of both materials was still suggested.