This year, Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth, introduced a revised research curriculum designed to complement the existing spiral curriculum, which forms the foundation of the school's educational framework. This initiative has been promptly implemented in response to the new Safe Practitioners Framework outlined by the General Dental Council (GDC).

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1st Student Scientific Conference, Year 3 BDS, Peninsula Dental School

This new curriculum guides BDS Year 1 to 5 and Dental Therapy and Hygiene (DTH) Year 1-3 students, allowing them to ascend the evidence pyramid gradually. It starts by introducing different study designs in the earlier years and culminates in the evaluation of systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines in the final year. Positioned in the middle, year 3 offers BDS and DTH students a hands-on experience where they conduct a scoping review, providing them with a tangible understanding of research methodologies and practices.

On 5 June 2024, Peninsula Dental School hosted its inaugural Student Scientific Conference, providing a platform for third-year BDS students to present their scoping review findings - a culmination of five months of diligent research. Guided by faculty who are experts in evidence synthesis (Sumanth Kumbargere, Prashanti Eachempati, Lorna Burns, Chris Johns, Mona Nasser), ten groups of students conducted scoping reviews on pertinent dental topics (a total of 80 students).

The topics ranged from microplastics in dentistry and sustainable dental products to the impact of climate change on oral cancer, including current issues like the amalgam ban and its implications. Additionally, interesting topics such as communication techniques for delivering bad news in dentistry and the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption on oral health were explored.

Each group presented their findings in an intellectually stimulating afternoon, showcasing their methodologies, findings, and implications within an eight-minute time frame. A panel of six judges (Ewen McColl, Zoe Brookes, Robert Witton, Simon Whawell, Cathy Coelho and Guy Lambourn) engaged the presenters in a Q&A session, providing valuable opportunities for clarification and debate. Prizes were awarded to the top three groups, reflecting the academic excellence and commitment of the students.

The conference fostered a culture of scientific inquiry and academic excellence, demonstrating the students' proficiency in research methodology and their dedication to advancing dental knowledge. It served as a celebration of curiosity and collaboration, embodying the commitment of both students and faculty to scientific inquiry.

The energy and enthusiasm of the event highlighted its success in igniting a spirit of inquiry among the future leaders of dentistry. As these young scholars continue their academic journey, the legacy of the Student Scientific Conference will continue to inspire innovation and discovery in the field.

Here are the topics investigated by the students along with the corresponding research questions they addressed:

Topic: Effects of microplastics used in dentistry on the oral mucosa - A scoping review

Research Question addressed: What are the different sources, molecular forms, routes of exposure of microplastics in dental products and their effect on oral mucosa

Topic: Access to dental care services for patients with intellectual disabilities - A scoping review

Research Question addressed: Investigate facilitators and barriers that exist regarding the access of oral health care services for patients with intellectual disabilities.

Topic: The environmental implications of amalgam waste disposal with focus on the dental amalgam ban: A scoping review

Research questions addressed: What are the EU guidelines for dental waste disposal, and how do these impact sustainable practices within dental care settings? Additionally, what are the environmental consequences and impacts on sustainable dental practices resulting from the ‘amalgam ban'?

Topic: Sugar consumption reduction policies for decreasing the prevalence of dental caries - A scoping review

Research questions addressed: What are the existing sugar control policies, which countries have implemented them to date, and have these countries reported any data on caries prevalence reduction?

Topic: Exploring the influence of social media on aesthetic preferences in dental treatment: A scoping review

Research questions addressed: How does the influence of social media differ between demographic groups in terms of the demand and perception of aesthetic dental procedures and patient preferences for specific treatments? Additionally, how does social media shape the ethical perceptions and decision-making processes of dental practitioners regarding these procedures?

Topic: Impact of climate change and pollution on oral cancer: A scoping review

Research questions addressed: Do temperature changes, extreme weather, water/food insecurity, air quality, deforestation and water pollution caused by climate change, affect the development of oral cancer in humans worldwide?

Topic: Types of communication techniques to break bad news in dentistry: A scoping review

Research questions addressed: What are the different types of communication techniques (including non-verbal and verbal) for breaking bad news, and what evidence is available on their effectiveness?

Topic: The relationship between the frequency and variety of fruit and vegetable consumption on oral health outcomes amongst paediatric patients - A scoping review

Research questions addressed: Does eating fruit and vegetables lead to good oral health and general health, and is the frequency and type of fruit and vegetable consumption the most important aspect related to caries and their effects on oral health?

Topic: Sustainable oral hygiene products: types, environmental benefits and usage barriers - A scoping review

Research questions addressed: What are the environmental benefits and barriers of using sustainable oral hygiene products?

Topic: Impact of COVID-19 on dental care in the UK: A scoping review

Research questions addressed: To explore the impact of COVID-19 on dental care in the UK regarding patients, dentists, the dental set up and dental consultations.