Purpose: The practical examination portion of the National Dental Licensing Examination (NDLE) is slated to be administered in the latter half of 2021 in the form of a clinical performance examination that comprehensively evaluates the patient-dentist interaction using standardized patients (SPs). The SPs should be equipped with the basic qualities and capacity as evaluators for a fair and reliable administration of the test. Materials and Methods: In this study, we analyzed the existing training materials for SPs who participated in domestic and overseas practical tests for the development of training materials for SPs through seminars and surveys of 11 dentistry schools and colleges. Result: First, SPs should be selected according to the basic quality criteria and capacity, which they must possess, and the preliminary basic training about the details which they must have knowledge of and be provided through videorecorded cases before the implementation of the preliminary field training. Second, the roles of SPs and the calibration process of the evaluation result forms are needed when conducting the preliminary field training for SPs. After watching video-recorded scenario cases, the SPs participate in discussions about the watched videos before proceeding to calibration practices of evaluation result forms. Third, because the Type A questionnaire of the practical examination of the NDLE is dependent on the SPs' capacity and training, the fairness of the practical test is largely dependent on the SPs. Therefore, practicing the roles as evaluators and evaluation training should be provided using practical test items that can improve the reliability of the test and show a high level of reproducibility about the same case. Conclusion: The findings of this study will be utilized for the development of training materials for SPs, so they can participate in the administration of a fair and reliable practical examination of the NDLE.

Purpose: Using two types of electronic apex locators, this study aimed to investigate the differences in accuracy according to the evaluator and equipment. Materials and Methods: Artificial teeth of the lower first premolars and two mandibular acrylic models (A and B) were used in this study. In the artificial teeth, the pulp chamber was opened and the access cavity was prepared. Using calibrated digital Vernier calipers, the distance from the top of the cavity and the root apex was measured to assess the actual distance between two artificial teeth. The evaluation was conducted by 20 dentists, and each evaluator repeated measurements for each electronic apex locator five times. The difference between the actual distance from the top of the cavity to the root apex and the distance measured using electronic measuring equipment was compared. For statistical analysis, the Friedman test the Mann-Whitney U-test were conducted and the differences between groups were analyzed (α=0.05). Result: As for the accuracy of measurement according to the two types of electronic apex locators, the value of the measurement error was 0.4753 mm in Dentaport ZX and 0.3321 mm in E-Cube Plus. Moreover, electronic apex locators Dentaport ZX and E-Cube Plus showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). As for the difference in the accuracy of the two types of electronic apex locators according to the evaluator, the resulting values differed depending on the evaluator and showed a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusion: Electronic apex locator E-Cube Plus showed higher accuracy than did Dentaport ZX. Nevertheless, both types of electronic apex locators showed 100% accuracy in finding the region within root apex ±0.5 mm zone. Furthermore, according to the evaluator, the two electronic apex locators showed different resulting values.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the masseter muscle thickness before and after treatment using ultrasound sonography in patients with parafunctional habits. Materials and Methods: From September 2019 to March 2020, a total of 27 patients who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital were collected. The thickness of both masseter muscles was measured using a tablet ultrasound scanner. Statistical analysis was performed by using the IBM SPSS version 26.0 statistical package (IBM Corp) with significance level at 0.05. Result: According to the statistical results, the thickness of the masseter muscle was thicker on the right side than on the left, with no correlation with sex or age. The severity and duration of pain did not have a significant correlation with the thickness of the masseter muscle. Botulinum A toxin injection in the masseter muscle was the most effective way to reduce pain and reduce the thickness of the masseter muscle. Splint treatment also showed some effects in reducing the thickness of the masseter muscle. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be claimed that ultrasonography is simple, inexpensive and easily repeatable method to get real-time diagnosis and treatment results for masseter muscles.

Purpose: This clinical study presented the effectiveness of 2-stage posterior maxillary segmental osteotomy (PMSO) under local anesthesia in gaining interarch space to restore the posterior mandibular segment with dental implants. Materials and Methods: Nine patients who received two-stage PMSO for mandibular implant placement from 2003 to 2011 were included in the study. Of the 9 patients, 7 were female and 2 were male. Ages ranged form 28 to 72 (mean 46.6). Potential complications were investigated such as sinus infection, survival of bone segment, inflammatory root resorption of adjacent teeth, relapse of bone segment and timing of implant placement, delivery of implant prosthesis and stability of bone segment. Result: None of the patients showed relapse or complication. Bone segments were stabilized by opposed implant prosthesis. Conclusion: Office-based 2-stage PMSO under local anesthesia can be considered a stable and predictable procedure. Also pedicle damage can be avoided by allowing favor of blood supply to the bone segments. From these advantages, it can be concluded that this surgical procedure can decrease post-operative complications.

Purpose: The purpose of this case study series was to introduce successful implant cases that used the palatal bone in patients with severe maxillary alveolar bone atrophy or defects. Case Presentation: In this case series study, a total of four patients underwent implant placement in the palatal bone of the maxilla. A total of 6 implants were installed using the palatine bone. The patients' ages ranged from 40 to 73 years with an average age of 63.5 years. The patients had maxillary sinus-related diseases, such as maxillary sinusitis, oroantral fistula, and dentigerous cysts, prior to implantation. To achieve initial stability, the implants were placed on the palatal side, and buccally tilted. The average postoperative recovery period was 8 months. No postoperative complications occurred in any of the cases, and the approach was used without reported issues. Conclusion: Implant treatment by securing the initial fixation in the palatal bone is a good alternative when an implant must be installed in a patient who requires extensive and invasive bone graft.