RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho de dois sistemas rotatórios em relação ao tempo de preparo, formato final e alterações do canal, desvio e fratura de instrumento. Métodos: Um total de 40 canais simulados em blocos de resina com curvatura de 30o e comprimento de 17 mm foram divididos randomicamente nos sistemas ProTaper e BioRaCe preparados até F5 e BR5 respectivamente. Imagens pré e após o preparo dos canais foram obtidas e superpostas para identificação de alterações de forma, desvios e largura. O tempo de preparo e fratura de instrumentos também foram avaliados. Os dados foram analisados por teste t de Student. Resultados: O tempo de preparo, alterações de forma e taxa de fratura de instrumentos não teve diferença entre os dois sistemas avaliados (p>0,05). Os instrumentos progressivos do ProTaper resultou em canais significativamente mais largos no terço apical (p<0,05). Conclusão: Os dois sistemas rotatórios avaliados resultaram em preparo endodôntico seguro, com poucas alterações e fratura de instrumento.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two nickel-titanium rotary systems regarding the preparation time, final shape of canal, incidence of aberration, transportation, and fracture of instrument. Methods: A total of 40 simulated canals in resin blocks with 30o curves and a length of 17 mm were divided randomly into two groups: preparation with ProTaper and BioRaCe systems up to F5 and BR5 respectively. Pre- and post-operative canal images were taken and superimposed in order to identify aberrations, transportation, and to take measurements of the canal width. In addition, the preparation time and instrument fractures were recorded. The data were analyzed using Student's t test. Results: There is no difference (p>.05) comparing the systems regarding preparation time, canal aberration, and instrument fracture rates. The progressive tapered instruments of ProTaper prepared significantly larger canal widths in the apical third (p<.05). Conclusion: Overall, both systems provided safe canal preparation, associated with few canal aberrations and instrument fractures.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate two dental curricula at a school of dentistry in southern Brazil. The study population included dentists trained in the last two classes of the institution's old curriculum (n = 98) and graduates of the first two classes of the new curriculum (n = 56). A questionnaire with open and closed questions was used for an overall evaluation of different aspects of the curricula, such as study methods, importance given to basic sciences, quality of theoretical and clinical guidance, perception about skills needed to perform different dental procedures, professional goals and an overall assessment. Students in the new curriculum reported more frequent use of the internet (69.6%) and scientific articles (50.0%). More importance was given to the basic sciences in the new curriculum. Graduates of the old curriculum alleged themselves to be more capable of both performing conventional (99%) and complex amalgam restorations (68.4%), as well as three-unit fixed prostheses (62.2%). Graduates of the new curriculum alleged higher capability with periodontal surgeries (48.2%), treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (58.1%) and public health planning (78.6%). Regarding professional goals, the new curriculum was associated with an increase in the graduates' willingness to work in the public health system and to pursue an academic career. New curriculum graduates reported higher overall assessments regarding their educational, as well as theoretical and clinical, outcomes. A new curricular approach was associated with several changes from the perspective of the students.