On Tuesday, 10 September 2024, fifth-semester undergraduate students of Dentistry participated in a Biomaterials practicum focusing on the manipulation of addition silicone impression material (putty type). The activity took place in the Preclinical Laboratory on the 5th floor of the OECF Building. This hands-on experience is crucial for students as preparation for their careers in dentistry, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal of ensuring access to quality education.
The practicum was supervised by Dr. drg. Dyah Irnawati, MS, and drg. Friska Ani R., MDSc. The expertise and guidance of the instructors were invaluable as students worked with addition silicone impression material, which is essential in dental practice. The instructors emphasized the importance of understanding the properties and applications of this material in creating accurate dental impressions.
Before starting the practicum, students were required to adhere to specific regulations to ensure a safe and productive learning environment. Punctuality was emphasized, with students expected to arrive on time and wear lab coats complete with name tags and group identification. This practice not only fosters discipline but also prepares students for the professional standards expected in the healthcare field.
Additionally, students with long hair were required to tie it back to maintain safety and hygiene in the laboratory. Such regulations help maintain a professional atmosphere and ensure that all participants can focus on their learning without distractions.
Tools and Materials Required:
- Base and catalyst of addition silicone impression material (putty type)
- Spatula
- Impression tray
- Stopwatch
- Jaw model
Practicum Procedure:
- Clean and dry the operator’s hand (or use the polyethylene gloves).
- Take one scoop of the base impression material and smooth its surface by scraping it against the lip of the packaging tube. Place the impression material in the operator’s left hand.
- Take one scoop of the catalyst impression material in the same way and place it in the operator’s right hand. The volume of the base and catalyst should be equal.
- Combine the base and catalyst impression materials while starting the stopwatch.
- Knead the impression material with fingertips until it is homogenously mixed (for 30 seconds).
- Evenly place the mixed impression material onto the impression tray.
- Press the impression tray onto the jaw model until it is perfectly positioned.
- Observe the material until it sets, then stop the stopwatch and record the setting time in seconds.
- Remove the impression tray from the jaw model using a snap movement (a sudden, slight jerk).
- Record the room temperature and humidity.
This practicum provides students with a deeper understanding of the techniques required for handling addition silicone impression materials. This knowledge is critical for their future practice, as accurate impressions serve as the foundation for various dental procedures.
Beyond technical skills, this practicum also highlights the importance of access to quality education in dentistry. The opportunity to learn from experienced instructors in this practicum is essential in developing competent dental professionals. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which promotes access to education and ensures a high-quality learning experience.
The collaboration between instructors, students, and faculty during the practicum creates a supportive learning environment. These interactions not only enhance students’ technical skills but also foster teamwork and communication—important qualities in the healthcare profession. With the guidance of the instructors, students acquire practical skills essential for their future careers while reinforcing the importance of education access.
Contributor: Sri Pujiatun | Author: Al Haqi Insan Pratama
