Aim: To compare the effectiveness of conventional and rotary NiTi files for Gutta-Percha (GP) removal in straight roots during retreatment root canal treatment (RCT), using manual Hedstrom files and ProTaper Universal System, respectively. Methods: It was an in-vitro experimental study using non-probability consecutive sampling. Sixty extracted single rooted maxillary and mandibular permanent teeth with straight canals were selected for this study. Following preparation, the root canals were filled with GP along with a sealer and kept for two weeks in a moist environment at room temperature. Thirty teeth were randomly allocated to the study and control groups each. GP removal was accomplished with Hedstrom files and Pro Taper retreatment files in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Digital radiographs were obtained using Kodak RVG digital radiography system software version VER.6.10.8.3-A and analyzed for the difference of opacities indicating residual GP. AutoCAD 2006 software was used to outline the root canal and the residual root filling. Independent sample t test was used to compare the total residual GP in both groups. Results: No significant difference in the residual root filling was observed following removal with conventional Hedstrom files versus ProTaper universal retreatment files. In both groups, the residual GP was confined to the apical third of the roots. Conclusion: ProTaper Universal Retreatment files and manual Hedstrom files are equally effective in the removal of GP in straight canals.

The transition from undergraduate dental student to the actual practicing dentist is a crucial phase and ensuring the preparedness of graduates for the complexity and demands of contempo-rary dental practice is a challenging task. This study aimed to evaluate the self-perceived prepar-edness of undergraduate dental students and house officers in the dental colleges of Pakistan. Cross-sectional national study was planned to collect the information from dental students and new graduates in Pakistan. The pre-validated Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU-PAS) was used. Purposive sampling technique was utilized to recruit house officers and undergraduate dental students from 27 dental schools in Pakistan. The data analysis was car-ried out using the R statistical environment for Windows (R Core Team, 2015). The total of 862 responses with 642 females and 219 males were analyzed in the study. Overall, clinical skills score was 30.56+9.08 and score for soft skills was 30.54+10.6. The mean age of the participants was 23.42+1.28. Deficiencies were reported in various soft skills and clinical skills attributes.The results highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of dental students and new graduates in Pakistani den-tal institutions. The findings may be used to further develop and strengthen teaching and training of dental students in Pakistan.