Browsing by Author "Behardien, Nashreen"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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    Diagnostic accuracy of maxillary periapical pathology perforating the sinus floor: a comparison of pantomograph and CBCT images
    (University of Western Cape, 2020) Walters, Jaco; Shaik, Shoayeb; Behardien, Nashreen
    Periapical lesions are fairly common pathology associated with the apex of a non-vital tooth. Some chronic lesions develop without an acute phase with no recollection of previous symptoms. It is known that maxillary odontogenic infections can breach the sinus floor with succeeding complications. Pantomography, a widespread conventional radiographic technique, provides a generalized view of the maxillofacial region. Advanced modalities like CBCT may facilitate in navigating complex anatomy, which would otherwise be obscured.
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    The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) on Healing Following Surgical Removal of Third Molar Teeth
    (University of the Western Cape, 2021) Pedro-Beech, Kim; Behardien, Nashreen
    Aim: A clinical trial to determine the post-operative outcomes of a PRF-treated socket versus a conventionally treated socket following surgical removal of third molar teeth. Introduction: Third molar surgery is a procedure many have to endure and which often results in prolonged healing time with consequential absence from work and school. This has motivated clinicians to seek methods to enhance the healing process and in effect, reduce the healing time. Research on the use of PRF in enhancing wound healing in maxillofacial and oral surgery have shown varying results. Therefore, this study was conceived to ascertain the effect PRF has on the post-operative sequelae of third molar teeth. Materials and Methods: This was a split mouth, prospective, single blinded, randomized control trial. The study sample was made up of 26 patients (N=26) who met the inclusion criteria. Four of the patients experienced neurosensory fallout of an associated nerve and were subsequently excluded from the sample. This resulted in the total sample size of twenty-two patients (n=22). Symmetrically impacted maxillary and mandibular third molars were removed under general anaesthesia. Patients were treated in a within subject design: when one side of a patient was treated with PRF, the other side was conventionally treated and acted as a control. The allocation of the side treated with PRF was 'random'. Patients were followed-up on Day 2 and Day 7, respectively. Pain scores were recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) using 0 to 10 pain score. Swelling, wound dehiscence, development of alveolar osteitis, wound infection and post-operative bleeding were compared between the intervention and control side. Results: Twenty-two patients (females = 13 and males = nine) b
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    Exodontia block course evaluation: a review of the learning outcomes, content, and assessment practices at a dental faculty in South Africa
    (John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Behardien, Nashreen; Brijlal, Priscilla; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa
    Introduction: Regular curriculum renewal ensures relevant and responsive curricula. Skills development courses, such as for dental extraction procedures, require the same rigorous review, as this skill demands both technical proficiencies and a high level of cognition. In South Africa, the high burden of dental disease, in particular pain and sepsis, relies on competent graduate exodontia (tooth extraction) abilities. However, research on evidence-based instruction in this field is limited. This action research study emanated from the goal of enhancing the Exodontia Block Course by integrating a teaching and learning strategy proven to develop psychomotor skills. The first step in the broader research study involved evaluating the traditional course. This study thus aimed to evaluate a traditional exodontia block course, gaining insight into its curricular components prior to redesigning it. Materials and Methods: An interpretive qualitative study employed appreciative inquiry for data collection. A purposive sampling strategy was employed. Six focus group discussions were conducted with homogeneous groups of undergraduate dental students (n = 13), clinical teachers (n = 10), and dentist practitioners (n = 7). Audio recordings were transcribed, and data underwent coding and thematic analysis. Results: This paper presents the findings pertaining to three curricular elements, namely the objectives, content, and assessment. The larger study identified four main themes: integration of skills and knowledge, block course structure, challenges, and recommendations for improvement. The study found that overall the students were satisfied with the content presented in the course. Recommendations to improve the course, however, were to include the use of elevators as a learning outcome of the course and the inclusion of an additional practical assessment. Challenges associated with the course related to the duration of the course and the presentation of non-relevant content. The course content revealed discrepancies between the material covered and the intended learning outcomes, with students noting insufficient focus on elevator/luxator use in extractions. Concerns were raised about including non-exodontia content, including a call for standardised terminology and locally developed teaching materials. Assessment methods were largely well received, but issues emerged regarding unlimited assessment attempts potentially reducing student accountability. Suggestions included limiting assessment opportunities and incorporating OSCE formats for preclinical evaluation to enhance rigour and student learning. Conclusions: The evaluation highlighted the strengths of the course as well as areas requiring reflection and emendation. Whilst the course was adequate to meet its objectives, areas for redress included instrumentation adaptations such as the combined use of elevators and luxators in intra-alveolar (simple, or non-surgical) extractions. A call for standardised terminology, locally developed teaching materials, and a broader array of assessment types was recommended. Additionally, issues emerged regarding unlimited assessment attempts potentially reducing student accountability. The need for future initiatives that focus on developing a nationally standardised competency-based curriculum was also foregrounded. Follow-up research would be required to investigate the impact of the implementation of the revised course.
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    Exodontia curriculum evaluation: fit for purpose teaching and learning strategies
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2024) Behardien, Nashreen; Titus, Simone; Roman, Nicolette V.
    Introduction: Curriculum review is crucial for ensuring health professions education programs remain responsive and relevant. Teaching and learning (T&L) strategies facilitate knowledge acquisition, with traditional methods being supplemented by innovative techniques in a blended curriculum. This study evaluated an Exodontia Block Course (EBC) focused on tooth extraction skills, utilizing a blended-learning approach across three learning environments: classroom, preclinical skills laboratory, and clinical training platform. Methods: A qualitative study employed appreciative inquiry for data collection and analysis. Focus group discussions were conducted with 30 participants: 13 undergraduate students, 10 clinical teachers, and 7 dental practitioners. Data underwent coding and thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes relevant to this paper emerged: “Block course structure” and “Recommendations for improvement.” Participants affirmed the blended-learning approach, highlighting strengths like demonstrations, videos, activity workbooks, and assessments that supported learning. Recommendations included integrating more visual technologies, simulated patients, peer-learning, debriefing, case reviews, community-based learning, and dedicated skills laboratories. Discussion: While the traditional course adequately achieved its objectives, opportunities for enhancement were identified. Incorporating advanced educational technologies, simulation-based activities, and structured feedback mechanisms could optimize skills development. Real-world clinical experiences and peer-assisted learning may reinforce knowledge and foster competencies like clinical reasoning. Continued curriculum refinement through stakeholder feedback is essential for delivering effective, student-centered dental education, and by inference, improved patient care.
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    An explorative study of the factors possibly contributing to the burden of maxillofacial infection presenting at the Tygerberg Oral Health Centre
    (University of Western Cape, 2020) Douglas-Jones, Martin; Behardien, Nashreen; Myburgh, Neil
    Over the last few decades, and throughout the world, there would seem to have been an increase in the number and severity of infections affecting the maxillofacial region. In the South African setting this seems to be especially evident in the state health system. Maxillofacial infection of odontogenic origin is largely preventable. If treated appropriately and early in the pathological process, the progression of the disease process is generally prevented and complications avoided. Management of maxillofacial infections once established has serious implications for patients and an already stressed health system. The reasons for this perceived increase in infections are likely multifactorial and it is hoped that this study may aid in understanding factors contributing to this burden.
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    Oral hygienists' self-perceived competence on completion of a blended learning course in local anaesthesia at a South African university
    (South African Dental Association, 2018) Behardien, Nashreen; Gordon, Natalie Ann; Cupido, Marcelle
    The expanding scope of practice of oral hygienists require universities to offer courses that would enhance their skills. Aim and objectives: To determine the self-perceived competence of oral hygienists to deliver local anaesthesia (LA) after completion of a blended-learning course.
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    Oral mucosal and facial manifestations of HIV/AIDS in children (Cape Peninsula, South Africa)
    (University of the Western Cape, 2006) Behardien, Nashreen; Moola, M.H; Dept. of Oral Medicine and Periodontics; Faculty of Dentistry
    Currently, HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest threats to child survival in South Africa. It is estimated that approximately 6000 newborn babies become infected with the HIV virus monthly i.e. approximately 200 babies per day. During a 24 month period (October 1999 – October 2001), a descriptive prevalence study of the oro-facial manifestations affecting HIV-positive children was conducted in the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. The study population consisted of 268 vertically infected HIV-positive children. The study was motivated by the lack of data regarding oral mucosal lesions in children with vertically acquired HIV-infection. The study design was descriptive, and the population included consecutive, vertically infected HIV-positive patients sourced from out-patient clinics, hospital wards and special child-care facilities. The children were examined once consent was obtained from caregivers. The findings were documented using data capturing sheets. The data was captured on the Microsoft Excel program and analysed using the Epi 2000 program. The results indicated that a large proportion of HIV-infected children presented with orofacial manifestations at some stage during the course of HIV-infection. Oro-facial manifestations were observed in 70.1% of the study population. The prevalence of the most commonly observed manifestations were: oral candidiasis, 38.8%; parotid gland enlargement, 10.8%; oral ulceration, 5.6%; molluscum contagiosum, 7.8%; periodontal conditions, 3.4%; and herpes simplex infection, 0.7%.It can be concluded that in this sample of HIV-infected children, the prevalence of orofacial manifestations is higher than, and comparable with the findings of similar studies conducted in other regions of the world.
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    Perforation of the palate - A report of two Syphilitic Gumma cases
    (South African Dental Association, 2020) Titinchi, Fadi; Behardien, Nashreen; Morkel, Jean; Opperman, Johan
    Syphilis has recently shown resurgence in its incidence especially in immune-compromised patients. We present two cases of tertiary syphilis in middle-aged males with large perforations in the hard and soft palates, one of which had Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection. Diagnosis was initially difficult due to non-specific features mimicking other conditions such as perforation of cocaine abuse aetiology, neoplastic conditions, sarcoidosis, fungal infections, bacterial infections other than Treponema pallidum and Wegeners granulomatosis.