Effect of gamification applications on success of dentistry students

BACKGROUND Gamification,the use of game materials in education,has been used in several scientific fields,and studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in student comprehension.AIM To evaluate whether the success of 4th-and 5th-grade dentistry students increases when using the gamification applications Kahoot!and Mentimeter.METHODS An experimental design was used to measure the effect of gamification applications on students who were taught using the traditional method.For this purpose,Mentimeter and Kahoot!applications were used in this experimental study.Three groups of 4th-and 5th-grade students were formed:Mentimeter,Kahoot!,and control groups.The effect of gamification applications on achievement was evaluated by administering a post-test to these groups after the instructional process.One-way analysis of variance and t-tests were used for statistical analyses.RESULTS A total of 35.5%of the students were in the Mentimeter group,29.8%in the Kahoot!group,and 34.6%in the control group.Of the total number of students,54.8%were female and 45.2%were male,while 52.2%were 5th-grade students and 47.8%were 4th-grade students.The overall grade point average was found to be 66.65(range,24-100).There was a statistically significant difference in average success scores between students of different groups(P=0.003<0.05)and grades(P=0.036<0.05).The average success score was the highest in the Mentimeter group(71.64)and the lowest in the Kahoot!group(62.15).In the control group,this score was 65.41.The average success score was higher for students in the 5thgrade(68.16)and for female students(68.84).CONCLUSION Gamification has a great potential in the education of dentomaxillofacial radiology students.Mentimeter outperformed both the Kahoot!and the traditional method in terms of average student success rates.

Magnification:The game changer in dentistry

During dental examinations and treatments,many dentists are using magni-fication to improve their vision.The dental operating microscope serves as the most effective tool for this purpose,enhancing the quality,longevity,and outcome of clinical work.This review will explore the latest research and data on the importance of magnification devices in dentistry,including diagnostic methods,treatment options and ergonomics in specialities such as restorative dentistry,endodontics,pedodontics,periodontics,and prosthodontics.This review aims to provide insights into the optimal magnification for different clinical situations,the specific benefits of dental operating microscopes for each dental branch,and their limitations.

Application of nanotechnology to dentistry:Impact of graphene nanocomposites on clinical air quality

Concerns about air quality in dental clinics where aerosol generation during procedures poses significant health risks,have prompted investigations on advanced disinfection technologies.This editorial describes the strengths and limitations of ventilation and aerosol control measures in dental offices,especially with respect to the use of graphene nanocomposites.The potential of graphene nanocomposites as an innovative solution to aerosol-associated health risks is examined in this review due to the unique properties of graphene(e.g.,high con-ductivity,mechanical strength,and antimicrobial activity).These properties have produced promising results in various fields,but the application of graphene in dentistry remains unexplored.The recent study by Ju et al which was published in World Journal of Clinical Cases evaluated the effectiveness of graphene-based air disinfection systems in dental clinics.The study demonstrated that graphene-based disinfection techniques produced significant reductions in suspended particulate matter and bacterial colony counts,when co-mpared with traditional methods.Despite these positive results,challenges such as material saturation,frequency of filter replacement,and associated costs must be addressed before widespread adoption of graphene-based disinfection techniques in clinical practice.Therefore,there is need for further research on material structure optimization,long-term safety evaluations,and broader clinical applications,in order to maximize their positive impact on public health.

Micro-Computed Tomography Applications in Dentistry

Micro-computed tomography (MCT) encompasses two primary scanning options: ex-vivo and in-vivo imaging. Ex-vivo scanning involves the examination of extracted teeth or dental specimens, allowing for detailed analyses of the microarchitecture of mineralized tissue. By analyzing the microarchitecture of dental tissues, MCT can provide valuable information about bone density, porosity, and microstructural changes, contributing to a better understanding of disease progression and treatment outcomes. Moreover, MCT facilitates the quantification of dental parameters, such as bone volume, trabecular thickness, and connectivity density, which are crucial for evaluating the efficacy of dental interventions. This present study aims to comprehensively review and explore the applications of MCT in dentistry and highlight its potential in advancing research and clinical practice. The results depicted that the quantitative approach of MCT enhances the precision and reliability of dental research. Researchers and clinicians can make evidence-based decisions regarding treatment strategies and patient management, relying on quantifiable data provided by MCT. The applications of MCT in dentistry extend beyond research, with potential clinical implications in fields such as dental implantology and endodontics. MCT is expected to play an increasingly significant role in enhancing our understanding of dental pathologies, improving treatment outcomes, and ultimately, benefiting patient care in the field of dentistry.

Using Flowable Composite as Gingival Retraction Cord in Prosthodontics Dentistry: Two Case Reports: A Dental Technique

One of the most challenging factors affecting impression quality and good marginal fit is the gingival retraction method, which aims to separate the gingiva from the tooth to expose the finishing line of the prepared tooth. Bleeding and contamination from the crevicular fluid may compete for space with the impression material within the sulcus, leading to indistinct preparations and a lack of detail at the margin. In addition, such procedures might damage the PDL and cause permanent recession. Flowable composite cable, as opposed to traditional retraction cords, offers the proper marginal seal and visibility during the impression record because of its lower viscosity, improved adaptability, and elastic properties. The aim of this report is to present a brand-new, innovative method for controlling gingival hemorrhage in addition to the gingival retraction in restorative and prosthodontic treatment by utilizing a flowable composite during the final impression record procedure. In these case reports, the flowable composite cord technique is used instead of traditional gingival cords to modify and refine the gingival tissue before taking the traditional final impression or digital scan. Two cases were done for patients undergoing fixed prosthodontics and veneer treatment within a 2-year follow-up period. In addition, the flowable composite cord was used as temporary restoration before the final prosthetic cementation or under the provisional crowns. As a result, clean and healthy gingival tissues render cementation of the final prosthesis quicker and easier to perform. The patients in both cases claimed that their prosthodontic treatments, which involved the application of a flowable composite cord to temporarily retraction the gingiva, had produced good outcomes at the yearlong follow-up. In conclusion, the flowable composite cord technique is found to be a useful tool to improve the quality of impressions in fixed prosthodontics by providing excellent access for impression material to record fine details of the finish line of the prepared tooth structure, and to alter the inflamed tissue into a healthy tissue.

Dental Post Based on Epoxy Resin/Zirconium Phosphate Composite Aiming Prosthetic Dentistry

The aim of this research was to develop an intrarradicular dental post based on epoxy resin/nano zirconium phosphate composite with potential appli-cation in prosthetic dentistry. Zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoparticle was synthesized by a reaction between phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and zirconium (IV) oxide chloride 8-hydrate (ZrOCl2·8H2O) and applied as filler. Commer-cial epoxy resin and hardener were used as polymer matrix. The composites were prepared at different proportions of epoxy resin/hardener, filler amount, reaction time and temperature. Infrared revealed that degree of conversion decreased with amount of ZrP. Insoluble matter was upper than 97%. Thermogravimetry indicated two steps of degradation. The best values of flexural modulus and flexural strength were achieved for the post desig-nated as 1:0.25:0.25. Laser scanning confocal microscopy suggested that the morphology of the posts fractured surface varied according to epoxy-resin:hardener ratio and the ZrP amount. From atomic force micros-copy, the topographic view exposed the shape and size of ZrP particles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy indicated good adhesion between epoxy resin matrix-ZrP and that the pres-ence of phosphate rendered brittle the fracture surface.

General Considerations for the Practice of Pediatric Dentistry in the Period of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

Context: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has been identified in December 2019. Since then, it has been spreading around the world and has caused a pandemic. Strict safety protocols should be followed to resume dental treatments. Evidence Acquisition: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Medline and google scholar databases using the MeSH words of COVID-19, SARS-COV-2, Dentistry, and Child from December 2019 until July 2020. Results: Among COVID-19 patients, asymptomatic patients still are considered to be serious carriers of the COVID-19 which can play a key role in transmission of the virus. Children are reported to be less than 2 percent of the infected population and are considered as serious potential carriers. Telemedicine can take a key part in educating parents regarding this matter. Chronic and rare diseases such as Kawasaki Disease (KD) might show acute and more frequent symptoms amongst COVID-19 patients. Salivary testing can be a convenient chairside way for COVID-19 and it has been shown to be effective in identifying critically ill patients. Dry mouth and amblygeustia have been reported to be the oral symptoms of the COVID-19. Conclusions: Dentists must make tough decisions in prioritizing patient’s needs in the period of pandemic. They should frequently get updated as the situation is fluid and the protocols might change.

History of Dentistry from the Period of the Ottoman Empire to the Republican Period

The Ottoman-Turkish medicine and dentistry was born and developed in the lands of Anatolia. The most mature period of the Islamic medicine was in the Ottoman Empire on the lands of Anatolia. While inheriting the Turkish-Islamic science and culture structure and the ancient age and Old Greek science, it was integrated with the medicine philosophy here. In the 13th and 15th centuries, in Ottomans, the development of the dentistry was on the issues of the dental diseases and periodontology. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it was observed in the medicine books of the Turkish physician writers that they were also dealing with the child dentistry as issues. That the dental medicine took place in the works of art written between the 15th and 19th century shows the existence of the surgeons realizing the tooth extraction. With the opening of the first dentist school in the year of 1909, the training of dentistry started. In this study, the issue of the development and training of the dentistry in the Ottomans among the 13th-19th centuries were dealt with the outlines. Also, the first examples and fundamental works of art of the dentistry literature from the Ottoman Empire to the Republican period will be told shortly.

Gingival-derived mesenchymal stem cells:An endless resource for regenerative dentistry

The gingiva, the masticatory portion of the oral mucosa, is excised and discarded frequently during routine dental treatments and following tooth extraction, dental crown lengthening, gingivectomy and periodontal surgeries. Subsequent to excision, healing eventually happens in a short time period after gingival surgery. Clinically, the gingival tissue can be collected very easily and, in the laboratory, it is also very easy to isolate gingival-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) from this discarded gingival tissue. GMSCs, a stem cell population within the lamina propria of the gingival tissue, can be isolated from attached and free gingiva, inflamed gingival tissu-es, and from hyperplastic gingiva. Comparatively, they constitute more attractive alternatives to other dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells due to the availability and accessibility of gingival tissues. They have unique immunomodulatory functions and well-documented self-renewal and multipotent differentiation properties. They display positive signals for Stro-1, Oct-4 and SSEA-4 pluripotency-associated markers, with some co-expre-ssing Oct4/Stro-1 or Oct-4/SSEA-4. They should be considered as the best stem cell source for cell-based therapies and regenerative dentistry. The clinical use of GMSCs for regenerative dentistry represents an attrac-tive therapeutic modality. However, numerous biological and technical challenges need to be addressed prior to considering transplantation approaches of GMSCs as clinically realistic therapies for humans.

Pathways of fear and anxiety in dentistry: A review

The aim of this article was to analyze the theories underpinning dental fear, anxiety and phobias. To be included, articles must have been published between the years of 1949 and 2013 concerning fears and phobias within dentistry and/or psychiatry. Of 200 articles originally under review, 140 were included and reviewed by the authors.Five specific pathways relating to dental fear and anxiety were identified; Cognitive Conditioning, Informative, Visual Vicarious, Verbal Threat, and Parental. Eight currently accepted management techniques across all dental disciplines for dental fear and anxiety were identified. Further research is required to identify clinical diagnosis and treatment for fears originating from different pathways.

Use of dentomaxillofacial cone beam computed tomography in dentistry

Cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT) was developed and introduced specifically for dento-maxillofacial imaging. CBCT possesses a number of advantages over medical CT in clinical practice, such as lower effective radiation doses, lower costs, fewer space requirements,easier image acquisition, and interactive display modes such as mutiplanar reconstruction that are applicable to maxillofacial imaging. However, the disadvantages of CBCT include higher doses than two-dimensional imaging; the inability to accurately represent the internal structure of soft tissues and soft-tissue lesions; a limited correlation with Hounsfield Units for standardized quantification of bone density; and the presence of various types of image artifacts, mainly those produced by metal restorations. CBCT is now commonly used for a variety of purposes in oral implantology, dentomaxillofacial surgery, image-guided surgical procedures, endodontics, periodontics and orthodontics. CBCT applications provide obvious benefits in the assessment of dentomaxillofacial region, however; it should be used only in correct indications considering the necessity and the potential hazards of the examination.

A Palladium Based Alloy for Prosthetic Dentistry: Structure and Properties

Using the results of physical and chemical researches and mechanical tests of the Pd-Au-Cu-Sn system alloys, a new palladium-based alloy has been chosen and studied in detail. It has a higher plasticity and a lower hardness than the Palladent alloy, widely used in prosthetic dentistry: its hardness is lower than 300 MPa, and its specific elongation is 10%~14 %. At the same time, such important practical characteristics of the alloys as the strength of adhesion to ceramics and thermal expansion coefficient are almost similar.

Empathy Levels of Dentistry Students in Peru and Argentina

Objectives: To compare the empathy of students in two faculties of Dentistry in Peru and Argentina, three factors were considered: universities, academic year and gender. Material and Methods: Empathy matrices in Dentistry students were measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy, culturally validated in Peru and Argentina. Empathy data were compared among and within the faculties tested using a three-factor analysis of variance (model III), a Duncan test, and a discriminant analysis. The level of significance used was less than 0.05. Results: We found that differences existed between the students tested. The comparison between the levels of empathy in the studied factors and the presence of unexplained variance showed that empathy was able to differentiate populations. Conclusions: The results indicate variability in the empathy values associated with the factors studied. The discriminant test confirms the differences between faculties revealed by the data matrix resulting from the JSE. These differences are possibly due to the effect of educational and social factors.

Enamel biomimetics—fiction or future of dentistry?

Tooth enamel is a complex mineralized tissue consisting of long and parallel apatite crystals configured into decussating enamel rods. In recent years, multiple approaches have been introduced to generate or regenerate this highly attractive biomaterial characterized by great mechanical strength paired with relative resilience and tissue compatibility. In the present review, we discuss five pathways toward enamel tissue engineering,(i) enamel synthesis using physico-chemical means,(ii) protein matrix-guided enamel crystal growth,(iii) enamel surface remineralization,(iv) cell-based enamel engineering, and(v) biological enamel regeneration based on de novo induction of tooth morphogenesis. So far, physical synthesis approaches using extreme environmental conditions such as pH, heat and pressure have resulted in the formation of enamel-like crystal assemblies.Biochemical methods relying on enamel proteins as templating matrices have aided the growth of elongated calcium phosphate crystals. To illustrate the validity of this biochemical approach we have successfully grown enamel-like apatite crystals organized into decussating enamel rods using an organic enamel protein matrix. Other studies reviewed here have employed amelogeninderived peptides or self-assembling dendrimers to re-mineralize mineral-depleted white lesions on tooth surfaces. So far, cell-based enamel tissue engineering has been hampered by the limitations of presently existing ameloblast cell lines. Going forward, these limitations may be overcome by new cell culture technologies. Finally, whole-tooth regeneration through reactivation of the signaling pathways triggered during natural enamel development represents a biological avenue toward faithful enamel regeneration. In the present review we have summarized the state of the art in enamel tissue engineering and provided novel insights into future opportunities to regenerate this arguably most fascinating of all dental tissues.

Recent advances in imaging technologies in dentistry

Dentistry has witnessed tremendous advances in all its branches over the past three decades. With these advances, the need for more precise diagnostic tools,specially imaging methods, have become mandatory.From the simple intra-oral periapical X-rays, advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography, cone beam computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound have also found place in modern dentistry. Changing from analogue to digital radiography has not only made the process simpler and faster but also made image storage, manipulation(brightness/contrast, image cropping, etc.) and retrieval easier. The three-dimensional imaging has made the complex cranio-facial structures more accessible for examination and early and accurate diagnosis of deep seated lesions. This paper is to review current advances in imaging technology and their uses in different disciplines of dentistry.

Experts consensus on the procedure of dental operative microscope in endodontics and operative dentistry

The dental operative microscope has been widely employed in the field of dentistry,particularly in endodontics and operative dentistry,resulting in significant advancements in the effectiveness of root canal therapy,endodontic surgery,and dental restoration.However,the improper use of this microscope continues to be common in clinical settings,primarily due to operators’insufficient understanding and proficiency in both the features and established operating procedures of this equipment.In October 2019,Professor Jingping Liang,Vice Chairman of the Society of Cariology and Endodontology,Chinese Stomatological Association,organized a consensus meeting with Chinese experts in endodontics and operative dentistry.The objective of this meeting was to establish a standard operation procedure for the dental operative microscope.Subsequently,a consensus was reached and officially issued.Over the span of about four years,the content of this consensus has been further developed and improved through practical experience.

Genetics in medical school curriculum:A look at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Genetics is assuming an increasingly important role in medicine. As a result,the teaching of genetics should also be increased proportionally to ensure that future physicians will be able to take advantage of the new genetic technology,and to understand the associated ethical,legal and social issues. At the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry,we have been able to incorporate genetic education into a four-year medical curriculum in a fully integrated fashion. This model may serve as a template for other medical curriculum still in development.

Current Trends in Aesthetic Dentistry

The level of aesthetic requirement in clinical practice has increased over the past decade, and this has made it necessary for dentist to explore this field in order to satisfy the existing demand in this field. Technology can provide a solution to many of the routine hassles in dental practice. While optimal systems are far from fully realized, technology undeniably has made enormous progress. This review aims to provide an update on some of the recent advances in the field of aesthetic dentistry. MEDLINE (1990 to Jan 2014), PubMed (using medical subject headings), and Google Scholar searched using the following terms “Dental Composites”, “Ceramic Crowns”, “Aesthetic Posts”, “Ceramic Veneers”, and “Computer-Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)”. This was supplemented by hand-searching in peer-reviewed journals and cross-referenced with the articles accessed. Dentist and dental technician alike must be aware of the current technologies in their fields and be able to use it to their and their patient’s advantage. The learning objective of this article is to review the advantages and disadvantages of recent esthetic materials and technology to aid in the proper utilization of the available treatment options with discretion.

The antibiotic utilization at the university dentistry clinical center of Kosovo

Antibiotic drugs are a very important drug group considering their frequent use, safety profile and their impact on bacterial resistance induction. Aim: To investigate the utilization of antibiotic drugs at the University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo (UDCCK). Methodology: Retrospective and descriptive study. Patient records were used as a data source collected for a period of 3 months. The total number of registered outpatients in the UDCCK was 1117 patients. The data analysis was performed using the WHO methodology and results were expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day. Results: The total prescription of antibiotics at UDCCK was 7.18 DDD/ 1000 inhabitants/day. Antibiotics were prescribed for 86 or 7.70% of patients. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was Amoxicillin with clavulonic acid 3.12 (43.45%) DDD, followed by Metronidazole 2.31 DDD and Amoxicillin 1.25 DDD. Erythromycin and Cefalexin were prescribed evidently less compared to other antibiotics (0.38 and 0.12 DDD/1000 inhabitant/day, respectively). Conclusions: The quantitative analysis showed no rationality of prescription of antibiotics in UDCCK. Generally, the use of antibiotics in both departments of UDCCK is higher compared to other countries. We recommend the implementation of restrictive prescription standards for antibiotics.

The Impact of Electronic Cigarettes (e-Cigs) Smoking Habit on Periodontal Status and Salivary pH among Some Passive e-Cigs Smokers Referred to the College of Dentistry Clinics, King Khalid University

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigs) smoking is substitutional to traditional cigarette smoking to reduce the dangerous combustion of products. Moreover, passive smoking is involuntarily tobacco smoking due to the exposure to cigarette or tobacco smoke among non-smokers and due to there being little knowledge about the impact of passive e-cigs smoking on periodontal status and salivary pH. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of e-cigs smoking habit on periodontal tissue and salivary pH among some passive e-cigs smokers referred to the college of dentistry clinics, King Khalid University. Material and Methods: Ninety male participants who were referred to the college of dentistry clinics at King Khalid University were included in the study. Age, gender, e-cigs smoking, and general health were recorded. The participants were divided into three equal groups (n = 30) as follows: Group I (Non-passive e-cigs smokers and non-smokers) as the control group, Group II (e-cigs users), and Group III (Passive e-cigs smokers). Salivary pH, plaque control record (PCR), gingival bleeding index (GBI), clinical attachment loss (CAL), percentage of radiographic bone loss (% RBL), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), more than 5 missing teeth due to periodontal diseases (>5 MTDP), tooth mobility (TM), furcation involvement (FI), Bite collapse (BC), and less than 20 remaining teeth (10 Opposing pairs) (L20RT) as well as HbA1c were recorded. ANOVA test was used to the comparison between Groups I, II, and III in the participants’ ages and periodontitis staging clinical findings. The mean of participants’ age groups, the mean of salivary pH values of study groups, and the periodontitis staging complexity and HbA1c were compared between groups with the ANOVA test, Tukey’s test, and the chi-square test. P-value was recorded, and less than 0.5 was considered a statistically significant difference (p Results: The e-cigs users group revealed higher means of PCR, GBI %RBL values, and the participants percentages of >5 MTDP, TM, FI, L20RT, and diabetes mellitus (DM) among participants compared to the passive e-cigs smokers group and control group except for the participants percentage of BC among the participants, which was higher among the control group participants. The differences were not significant in PCR, GBI, %RBL and DM (p > 0.5) and significant in >5 MTDP, TM, FI, L20RT and smoking (p 7% values compared to the e-cigs users group and control group participants. The differences were not significant in CAL and PPD (p > 0.5) and significant in the participants percentages of salivary pH values (p Conclusion: The e-cigs smoking habit was the cause of an increase in periodontal disease severity among the electronic smokers rather than passive e-cigs smokers, although the salivary pH was higher in the latter.