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Ho JCY, Chai HH, Lo ECM, Huang MZ, Chu CH. Strategies for Effective Dentist-Patient Communication: A Literature Review. Patient Prefer Adherence 2024; 18:1385-1394. [PMID: 38974679 PMCID: PMC11225999 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s465221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of high-quality dental care predominantly lies on the communication between dentist and patient. However, little literature has reported the importance of these "soft skills" in dental practice. The aim of this literature review is to explore strategies for effective dentist-patient communication. Dentist-patient communication is a bidirectional process involving the exchange of ideas that should be clear (easy to understand), correct (accurate), concise (to the point), complete (with essential information), and cohesive (well-organized). Effective communication empowers patients with the knowledge required to make an informed decision about their own oral health. It not only improves the dentist's efficiency and boosts patient confidence, but also alleviates patients' dental anxiety and fear, addresses patients' needs and preferences, increases patients' adherence, and enhances patient satisfaction. To enhance dentist-patient communication, dentists should take the patient-centered approach as a premise. The approach comprises understanding patients' illnesses, shared decision-making, and mindful intervention at the patient's own pace. In addition, dentists should use simple, succinct language, proper body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact when interacting with patients. Dentists should show empathy, encourage questions and feedback, employ visual aids, and give ample time to patients. Nowadays, dentists and their patients use messaging applications in their communication. This form of telecommunication is not only a convenient way of communication but also reduces the costs associated with a dentist visit. In conclusion, effective dentist-patient communication is vital for the success of dental practice. Dentists who prioritize communication and build positive relationships with their patients are more likely to achieve positive outcomes and foster the expansion of their dental practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Cheuk Ying Ho
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hollis Haotian Chai
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Edward Chin Man Lo
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Michelle Zeping Huang
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of English, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun Hung Chu
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
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Desai JP, Young LB, McQuistan MR. Dental students' perceptions of standardized patient experiences using Zoom: Dyadic factors. J Dent Educ 2024; 88:840-847. [PMID: 38362954 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic required a rapid transition to online education, including simulations. The current study identified students' perceptions of communicating with standardized patients in a virtual setting. METHODS This qualitative study thematically analyzed 485 reflections submitted by 248 students between Spring 2020 and Spring 2022. Statements describing both the virtual medium and dyadic interactions between students and patients were coded for emergent themes and also coded as positive (facilitative) or negative (critical). RESULTS Four themes emerged from the data related to the virtual medium: impact on nonverbal communication, patient engagement/rapport, presentation aids, and listening. Within these broad themes, 13 subthemes were identified, nine of which were negative/critical. Technology problems were specifically identified as compromising both engagement and listening. Even when technology worked well, students noted that it reduced the number of message cues received from the patient and complicated the process of sending cues (e.g., by requiring students to look away from a patient's face to make "eye contact" through a camera). CONCLUSIONS Overall, students were critical of Zoom's impact on dyadic factors with standardized patients. However, they did acknowledge some positive aspects regarding the technology. These findings provide a foundation to consider when teaching students how to communicate effectively via teledentistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhanvi P Desai
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Lance Brendan Young
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Michelle R McQuistan
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Nordin NS, Taib H. A Dive into Delivery of Oral Hygiene Advice Based on the Personalized Oral Hygiene Advice Model. Cureus 2024; 16:e56606. [PMID: 38646217 PMCID: PMC11031625 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral health's impact on overall well-being highlights the importance of preventive measures through effective oral hygiene practices. Currently, there is growing recognition of the need for customized oral hygiene advice depending on the patient's unique needs and circumstances. This narrative review addresses the gap in understanding the significance of personalized guidance through the proposal of the Personalized Oral Hygiene Advice Model (POHAM) as a comprehensive guide for oral health professionals. This model was developed to adapt to evolving patient demographics and diverse challenges, promoting a patient-centric and effective oral health approach. The POHAM comprises a flow chart of strategies from establishing a good rapport with patients, conducting comprehensive assessment through history-taking, psychosocial and technology proficiency evaluation, tailored education modules, and customized oral care product recommendations until the reassessment. These strategies aim to enhance patient engagement and adherence, as well as act as a guide for oral health professionals to use in the clinical setting before and during the course of oral treatment. Nevertheless, continued research, education, and technological advancements are needed to realize the full potential of personalized oral hygiene strategies, ensuring a transformative and sustainable oral healthcare landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusaibah S Nordin
- Unit of Periodontics, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, MYS
| | - Haslina Taib
- Unit of Periodontics, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, MYS
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Ab Ghani SM, Mohd Khairuddin PNA, Lim TW, Md Sabri BA, Abdul Hamid NF, Baharuddin IH, Schonwetter D. Evaluation of dental students' clinical communication skills from three perspective approaches: A cross-sectional study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2024; 28:106-113. [PMID: 37253116 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The communication skills of clinicians are very crucial in providing better health outcomes for patients. Therefore, this study aimed to assess undergraduate dental students' communication skills in relation to their demographics and clinical setting using a three-perspective approach; the student, the patient and the clinical instructor perspective. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated modified-communication tools; Patient Communication Assessment Instruments (PCAI), Student Communication Assessment Instruments (SCAI) and Clinical Communication Assessment Instruments (CCAI) which included four communication domains. One hundred and seventy-six undergraduate clinical year students were recruited in this study whereby each of them was assessed by a clinical instructor and a randomly selected patient in two settings: Dental Health Education (DHE) and Comprehensive Care (CC) clinic. RESULTS Comparing the three perspectives, PCAI yielded the highest scores across all domains, followed by SCAI and CCAI (p < .001). SCAI exhibited a better score in Year 5 compared to Year 3 and Year 4 (p = .027). The male students perceived they performed better than females in all domains (p < .05). Patients rated the students higher in the DHE clinic as compared to the CC clinic for the team interaction domain. CONCLUSION There was an upward pattern of the communication skills score rated from the clinical instructor perspective to the student and patient perspectives. The use of PCAI, SCAI and CCAI collectively gave a complementary view of students' communication performance in all the domains assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Mariam Ab Ghani
- Centre of Restorative Dentistry Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Puteri Nurul Adila Mohd Khairuddin
- Centre of Restorative Dentistry Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Tong Wah Lim
- Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Budi Aslinie Md Sabri
- Center of Population Oral Health and Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Nor Faharina Abdul Hamid
- Centre of Restorative Dentistry Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Izyan Hazwani Baharuddin
- Center of Population Oral Health and Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Dieter Schonwetter
- Director of Student Affairs and Academic Services, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Leggett H, Vinall-Collier K, Csikar J, Veronica Ann Douglas G. Barriers to prevention in oral health care for english NHS dental patients: a qualitative study of views from key stakeholders. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:332. [PMID: 37245009 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03030-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant progress in the control of oral diseases since the discovery of fluoride in the 1940s, dental caries and periodontal diseases continue to affect a significant proportion of the population, particularly socially disadvantaged and lower socioeconomic groups. The National Health Service in England provides preventive advice and treatments as part of an oral health assessment, and evidence-based guidance recommends the use of fissure sealants and topical fluorides in addition to dietary and oral hygiene advice. Although oral health promotion and education have become expected parts of dental care, the need for restorative treatments remains relatively high. We aimed to explore how barriers to preventive advice and treatment for NHS patients may be hindering the provision of prevention in oral health to patients from the perspectives of multiple key stakeholders. METHODS Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were undertaken between March 2016-February 2017 with four groups of stakeholders: dentists, insurers, policy makers and patient participants. The interviews were analysed using deductive, reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Thirty-two stakeholders participated: 6 dentists, 5 insurers, 10 policy makers, and 11 patient participants. Four themes were developed: Perspectives on the clarity of oral health messaging and patient's knowledge, The variability of prioritising prevention, Influences of the dentist-patient relationship on effective communication and Motivation to enact positive oral health behaviours. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this research indicate that patients' knowledge of and priority placed on prevention is variable. Participants believed that more targeted education could be valuable in enhancing these. A patient's relationship with their dentist could also influence their level of knowledge through the information shared with them, their receptivity to the preventive messages and the value they place on it. However, even with knowledge, prioritising prevention and a good patient-dentist relationship, without motivation to engage in preventive behaviour the impact of these is reduced. Our findings are discussed in relation to the COM-B model of behaviour change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Leggett
- The School of Dentistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | | | - Julia Csikar
- The School of Dentistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Making an IMPACTT: A framework for developing a dentist's ability to provide comprehensive dental care. BDJ IN PRACTICE 2022. [PMCID: PMC9442550 DOI: 10.1038/s41404-022-1709-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This article highlights the benefits of comprehensive dental care for both practitioners and patients, and the ways in which dentists and their teams through upskilling, collaboration, and thoughtful patient communication can provide care across every stage of the treatment process. More specifically, it outlines a framework for the importance of clinical education that focuses on the mindset of patient-centred care and taking a comprehensive approach to treatment using evidence-based dentistry.
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Stonehouse-Smith D, Pandis N, Bister D, Seehra J. Clinical communication in orthodontics: Any questions? J Orthod 2022; 49:448-456. [PMID: 35302417 DOI: 10.1177/14653125221084314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure patient-perceived standards of clinician communication and identify elements of deficient performance. Good communication can improve the quality of care, patient satisfaction and compliance with treatment. DESIGN Cross-sectional questionnaire service evaluation. SETTING Two university dental hospital orthodontic departments. PARTICIPANTS Any patients aged 10 years and over attending the orthodontic department for treatment or consultation were eligible for inclusion. Patients who required third-party translation services were excluded. METHODS Clinicians provided the modified 15-item Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) to up to five patients in a clinical session. A front sheet for clinician characteristics was used and anonymised with a unique identifier. Univariable logistic GEE models examined associations among responses and clinician characteristics. RESULTS There were 55 clinicians with 204 patient responses. The overall percentage of '5=excellent' ratings was 88% (SD 0.16). The lowest scoring item was 'encouraged me to ask questions' (55.8%). Based on clinician characteristics, there were lower odds of an excellent response for certain CAT items. There were higher odds of an excellent response if English was not the clinician's first language (1.05; 95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.09; P=0.03). CONCLUSION There is a high standard of patient-clinician communication in the hospital orthodontic setting. Key areas of communication that require attention include encouraging patients to ask questions, talking in terms they can understand, recognising their main concerns and involving them in the decision-making process. The results of this study can be used to inform communication skills training and be replicated in similar dental settings (primary and secondary care) as part of quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stonehouse-Smith
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nikolaos Pandis
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dental School/Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Bister
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jadbinder Seehra
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Safari-Moradabadi A, Rakhshanderou S, Ramezankhani A, Ghaffari M. Explaining the concept of oral health literacy: Findings from an exploratory study. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2021; 50:106-114. [PMID: 33760244 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Identifying those with inadequate oral health literacy is difficult because little is known about its various multiple dimensions. Accordingly, the present research investigated dimensions of the concept using a qualitative approach. METHOD Participants (n = 15) who met inclusion criteria (Including having expertise in the fields of general dental, social dental, and health education and health promotion and having at least 5 years of relevant working experience) were recruited by purposive sampling via the public health and dentistry faculty in Tehran between December 2018 and October 2019. Thematic analysis was used to assess the data. RESULTS A total of 15 specialists (ranging in age from 28 to 61, mean 44) were included in the study. Their working experience averaged 15.5 years (SD = 7.7, Min = 6, Max = 30). Independent analysis of qualitative data by three researchers led to identification of seven themes and 18 sub-categories, including need perception (feeling the need and paying attention to meeting the need), emotional literacy (valuation of oral health, formation of personality and taking care of oral health), planning literacy (planning and goal-orientation), communicative literacy (choice in decision-making, interpersonal communication skill and claiming), behavioural literacy (self-care), cognitive literacy (knowledge, information comprehension, information use, and information analysis) and media literacy (the ability to use up-to-date technologies, the ability to search for and acquire the information, and judgment). CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide insights into the dimensions of oral health literacy. It is hoped that these findings can be used to guide the development of interventions on OHL and that aspects of the concept can help to enhance levels of OHL and help to promote health at societal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Safari-Moradabadi
- Department of public health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Rakhshanderou
- Department of public health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ramezankhani
- Department of public health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohtasham Ghaffari
- Department of public health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
Respiratory protection in the dental setting has become more important to protect healthcare professionals, their household members and their patients. As dental practices become increasingly independent in managing their respiratory protection requirements, the need for an in-depth understanding of the principles of respiratory protection is warranted. This article aims to enhance the awareness of dental professionals about the principles of respiratory protection and equipment, including designs, classification and levels of protection afforded to wearers. Determining the adequacy and suitability of respiratory protection, along with ensuring safe selection of appropriate equipment for protection of both wearer and patient, is described. Moreover, a detailed review of fit testing principles, procedures and governance are described. This comprehensive review should ensure that dental professionals are ideally placed to understand the implications of respiratory protection and safely apply it in their workplaces. Describes the principles of respiratory protection in the dental workplace. Details the characteristics of different respiratory protective equipment, including the appropriateness of each in dental settings. Explains the fundamental principles of fit testing.
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Foundation dentists collaborating with community pharmacies. Br Dent J 2021. [PMCID: PMC7877502 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-021-2686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Letchumanan D, Mohamad Norpi N, Yusof ZYM, Razak IA, Abu Kasim NH, Abdullah NA, Ramalingam SR, Yacob H, Abduludin DMA, Azmi LL, Abas NA, Lian YS, Shamdol Z, Ishak FA, Ismail NA, Abd Muttalib K. Caregivers' perceptions towards oral healthcare services for elders living in Malaysian nursing homes-A qualitative study. Gerodontology 2020; 37:332-341. [PMID: 32115787 DOI: 10.1111/ger.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the perceptions of caregivers towards oral healthcare services received by elders in Malaysian nursing homes and to identify challenges and suggestions for improvement. BACKGROUND Caregivers play an important role in the oral health care of elders in nursing homes. METHODS This study employed a qualitative approach using the nominal group technique (NGT) to obtain caregivers' feedback in nursing homes in Malaysia. Data were manually transcribed, summarised into keywords/key phrases, and ranked using weighted scores. RESULTS In total, 36 caregivers (21 from government and 15 from private nursing homes) participated in the NGT sessions. Overall, caregivers were satisfied with the low treatment cost, the quality of treatment, and the availability of dental visits to nursing homes. Caregivers were dissatisfied with the frequency of dental visits, long waiting times at government dental clinics, and inadequate denture hygiene education for elders in nursing homes. The challenges faced by caregivers were elders' poor oral health knowledge and attitude and lack of elders' trust of caregivers to look after their oral health. Suggestions for improvement were to increase the frequency of dental visits to nursing homes, provide oral health education to elders and caregivers, and give treatment priority to elders at dental clinics. CONCLUSION Despite being satisfied with the basic oral healthcare services received by elders in Malaysian nursing homes, caregivers raised some issues that required further attention. Suggestions for improvement include policy changes in nursing home dental visits and treatment priority for elders at government dental clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devanthiran Letchumanan
- Health & Well-Being Research Cluster, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture Research, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Zamros Yuzadi Mohd Yusof
- Department of Community Oral Health and Clinical Prevention, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Community Oral Health Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ishak Abdul Razak
- Department of Community Oral Health and Clinical Prevention, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noor Hayaty Abu Kasim
- Health & Well-Being Research Cluster, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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