Background: Management of partially edentulous patients with hard and soft tissue undercuts is complicated, and the use of flexible dentures for these cases offers dual advantages of aesthetics and flexibility. However, research shows a varying preference for flexible dentures among general dental practitioners, prosthodontists, and other dental specialties. Objectives: The aim of this study was to survey the attitude and awareness of a sample of Libyan dental clinicians towards advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications of flexible dentures. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 dentists currently practicing in different cities of Libya. Only 218 dentists responded. Using Google form software, a self-administrable e-questionnaire consisting of thirty-one multiple choice questions with "yes," "no" or "not sure" answers encompassing major aspects of flexible dentures was conducted through an online survey. Results: Out of 250 Libyan dentists to whom the questionnaire was sent, only 218 dentists responded and our results revealed that the respondents were females more than males with a ratio (2:1) and more than half of them were of age group (35-60 years) work in governmental dental practice with more than ten years of experience and 34.9% of them prefer and often offer flexible dentures to their patients. The majority of respondents with a long-term success of the flexible denture were prosthodontists who had more than ten years of experience with a correct response rate of more than 50% of questions that reflected their attitude and knowledge. Conclusions: Despite the fact that flexible dentures are not taught in Libyan universities of dentistry, about more than one-third of respondents prefer and recommend this treatment to their patients, and the long-term success of these prostheses was dependent on clinicians' education and their clinical experience.
Yusra Muftah Saad Elfaidy, Warida Abdalla Elnaihoum, Aseidah Abdullah Elgotrany(4-2022)

INTRODUCTION: CAD/CAM denture base materials are milled from pre-polymerized pucks of resin that are highly condensed. So, they provide no polymerization shrinkage eliminating its subsequent disadvantages. This technology offered improved fit, strength properties and more bio-hygienic denture bases compared with conventional processing of the denture base material. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the physico-mechanical properties of CAD/CAM denture base material and the effect of thermo-cycling on it compared with the conventional one. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on two parallel groups, divided according to the denture material used. Group (1) conventional PMMA (control group), group (II) CAD/CAM PMMA (study group) of 40 specimens each (16 for impact strength, 16 for flexural strength, 8 for surface roughness and grinded powder form both materials for residual monomer test). Each group was divided into 2 sub-groups: (A) No thermo-cycling and (B) Thermo-cycling, then subjected to 4 different tests, impact strength, flexural strength, surface roughness and residual monomer tests. Data were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed. Significance level was set at 5%. Bar charts were used for graphical presentations. RESULTS: Our study revealed a highly statistically significant decrease in residual monomer of CAD/CAM PMMA material in both conditions before and after thermo-cycling when compared to conventional PMMA material, which therefore leads to enhanced impact strength and significantly reduced surface roughness after heat treatment. On the other hand, also a highly significant reduction of its flexural strength after thermocycling has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: CAD/CAM dentures with lower amount of methacrylate monomer exhibit more favourable physico-mechanical properties and they have a long-term biocompatibility even with thermal changes making them a more satisfactory as a denture base material for edentulous patients.
Yusra Muftah Saad Elfaidy, Ahmed M. Abdelhamid, Sonia M. Elshabrawy(12-2018)

More Abstract This work shares Libyan experiences with medical education accreditation, as well as the challenges that the system faced in meeting the criteria of the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). WFME, which was founded in 1972, is an international organization concerned with the education and training of medical doctors. WFME was initiated on the initiative of the WHO and the World Medical Association (WMA) with the goal of reviewing bodies that accredit basic medical education. The worldwide task force on accreditation in medical education was founded in 2004 by WHO and the WFME. In the same year, 26 members from 23 countries representing all six WHO–WFME regions assembled to discuss how WHO and WFME could assist in the establishment of long-term accrediting systems to ensure high-quality medical education. By 2024, all candidates must obtain a graduation certificate from a program certified by an entity that meets WFME or other international requirements for an accrediting system, according to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. Thereafter, accreditation for all health training programs by 2020 was indorsed as part of the WHO’s Worldwide Strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030 and was recommended by the WMA. In response to these regulations, the NCQAA has started to prepare “the National Standards Manual for Basic Medical Education” and further connect with all Libyan medical faculties to comply with these criteria, while linking with the WFME. This is based on the WHO endorsement that all countries to apply accreditation mechanisms for health training institutions by 2020. Now it is a time to call for a rigorous auditing system in addition to assessment mechanisms in order to warrant ongoing quality control, and the quality control agency should be self-governing of external encouragement and have only an academic agenda. Finally, all medical schools that have decided to be recognized by the WFME, must have strengthened their ability to face challenges and start adapting these regulations and standards. The construction of networks, alliances, and associations between Libyan medical faculties are encouraged as an efficient approach for implementing and obtaining this accreditation.
Ahmed Elbadri M Atia(11-2021)