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A Comparison of the Dimensional Characteristics and Plasma Parameters of Different Centrifuges Used for the Preparation of Autologous Platelet Concentrates: A Randomized Correlational Study
No full textObjective: The objective of this study was to evaluate autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane weights and measurements after production by different centrifuges. Moreover, the values obtained with blood cellular components were correlated. Methods: Twelve systemically healthy participants underwent dental implant surgery associated with PRF membranes as the graft biomaterial at the implant site. Prior to the surgical procedure, the chosen participants underwent blood count and coagulogram tests and presented on the surgical day. Nine tubes containing 10 mL of venous blood were collected from each individual. The tubes were randomly distributed and positioned in three different centrifuges: (C1) the Intra-lock L-PRF Process, (C2) the Kasvi Digital, and (C3) the PRF Montserrat. PRF membrane processing was carried out as described by each manufacturer. After the processing steps, the prepared wet PRFs (initial) were placed in the container (box) designated by the manufacturer for the obtention of PRF membranes. The weights and measurements of the “wet” PRFs (initial) and membranes (final) were obtained using a precision scale and digital caliper in an aseptic environment. The data were compared, and the statistical differences were analyzed using the Friedman test and the Dunn post hoc test; Pearson correlation tests were performed between macroscopic data and data from serum tests; statistical significance was set at 5% (p \u3c 0.05). Results: 108 blood collection tubes were collected. The average harvest time for each tube individually was 21.5 ± 9.9 s. The average time for blood collection (nine tubes) from each of the 12 individuals was 193.1 ± 72.4 s (p = 0.728). The average values were very similar between the centrifuges, both for the measurements and weights of the “plugs” as well as for the linear measurements (p \u3e 0.05). Regarding the wet weights and the linear averages of the PRF membranes, it was observed that the wet PRF weights varied from 0.22 to 0.25 mg and the linear measurements from 24.1 to 26.7 mm, with no statistical differences between centrifuges (p \u3e 0.05). The data presented by centrifuges C1 and C2 were more homogeneous, delivering a value of less than 25% variability compared to the C3 centrifuge, which achieved values greater than 33%. Conclusions: The proposed macroscopic dimensional evaluation found no differences between the autologous platelet concentrates obtained by different centrifuges, and no correlation was found between these PRFs and the patients’ blood counts
Training, use, and modifications related to artificial intelligence in postgraduate orthodontic programs in North America
No full textIntroduction: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing quickly and has already had a significant impact on the practice of orthodontics. This study aimed to explore the degree to which the study and use of AI have been integrated into accredited postgraduate orthodontic programs in North America. Methods: An anonymous electronic survey was sent to each of North America\u27s 74 orthodontic residency programs, requesting information from either the program director or department chair. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS (version 28; IBM, Armonk, NY) and Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, Wash). Results: Forty-one valid surveys were analyzed. Among the respondents, 56.1% had implemented or planned to implement AI instruction into their program. Among those who reported using this technology, 60.9% indicated that they have applied these principles for research purposes. Most respondents (87.8%) noted that they have not developed seminars and/or AI training to be included in their curriculum, whereas residents in 17.1% of respondent programs have advocated for these modifications. Lack of expertise and availability in the schedule (71.4%) are common challenges associated with the dearth of curriculum changes. Most programs (68.3%) encouraged their residents to attend continuing education for AI fundamentals, while 75.6% reported that they do not encourage their residents to use AI for patient care, research, or didactic assignments. Several programs (68.3%) reported not updating their academic manuals and syllabi with new AI policies, nor have they installed new AI detection software (80.5%). Conclusions: More than half of orthodontic residencies have implemented AI into their program in some capacity. The continual advancements of AI algorithms will require modifications to orthodontic residency programs. AI-related education should be implemented into academic curricula to provide residents with the tools necessary to thrive in an AI-driven practice
Impact of Comorbid Mental Health Disorders on Oral Health Behaviors
No full textBackground: Mental health disorders (MHD) can significantly influence daily self-care behaviors, including oral hygiene behaviors (OHB). OHB in patients with a single MHD versus multiple MHD are unknown. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare OHB in patients with self-reported single and multiple MHD.
Methods: Electronic dental records for patients treated in an academic dental clinic between 2018 through 2021 were reviewed to identify presence of self-reported anxiety, dental anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, Schizophrenia and OHB. Specific OHB included self-reported frequency of daily toothbrushing (TB), interdental cleaning (ID), use of fluoride toothpaste (FTP) and mouthwash (MW), and recommended preventive recare interval and frequency of returning for recare within a 2-year period. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for data analysis.
Results: 854 charts were reviewed, with 253 records identified with self-reported MHD. Anxiety was the most common MHD (n=156, 62%), followed by depression (n=154, 61%), dental anxiety (n=64, 25%), bipolar disorder (n=37,15%), PTSD (n=22, 9%) and Schizophrenia (n=15, 6%). There were no significant differences in OHB, recare intervals or frequency of recare visits by MHDs except for Schizophrenia: those with Schizophrenia brushed less frequently (W=1296.000, p=0.014). Individuals with one MHD brushed (W=16207.000, p=0.016) and used MW more frequently (W=16488.000, p=0.02) than those with more than one MHD. Men and women differed for TB (W=11818.500, p=0.004) and FTP (W=11864.500, p=0.008), with women showing greater frequency of use. Mean recommended recare interval was 6 months, with \u3c2 visits reported by all types of MHD.
Conclusions: OHB were poor among dental patients with MHD
Perceptions of virtual clinical learning in dentistry: Understanding student views on virtual dental clinics
No full textBackground: The Virtual Dental Clinics (VDCs) are designed in an interactive mode for undergraduate dental students to expose them to dental clinical cases in the form of didactic learning rather than experiential learning. VDCs simulate realistic dental practice scenarios within a virtual environment, providing students with opportunities to engage in clinical decision-making, patient interactions, and procedural simulations. Aim: This study aims to assess students’ perceptions regarding the usefulness of Virtual Dental Clinics (VDCs) in simulated clinical training using a validated questionnaire. The study seeks to assess student perceptions on usefulness, satisfaction, ease of learning and ease of use of Virtual Dental Clinics as a clinical teaching and learning tool. Methodology: The Virtual Dental Clinics were designed on themes from sub-specialities of dentistry. Themes for clinical case scenarios were selected and designed with the guidance of specialist faculty and the E-Learn department of International Medical University. “A total of 29 Year 3 dental students participated in the study after using the VDC for two weeks. Year 3 dental students were included, as they recently began clinical postings, lacking exposure to advanced clinical situations. A pre-piloted and validated questionnaire named the ‘USE questionnaire’ was utilized to assess student perceptions regarding the usefulness, ease of use, ease of learning, and satisfaction with VDCs.” Results: Data analysis showed that students expressed significantly different opinions regarding the domains Usefulness & Ease of Learning (mean difference 0.48, p \u3c 0.001) as well as Usefulness and Satisfaction (mean difference 0.43, p \u3c 0.001). The significant results for the usefulness domains suggest that although the tool is effective in helping the user achieve their task, there is still room for improvement in making it more user-friendly and easier to learn as well as in overall user satisfaction. Our study evaluated the impact of Virtual Dental Clinics (VDCs) on student perceptions. Data analysis using Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni correction and found significant differences between ‘Uselessness’ and other domains, which demonstrated the perceived utility of VDCs as an educational tool in the clinical setting. Importantly, uselessness was rated significantly higher compared to ‘Ease of use (p \u3c 0.001), ‘Ease of learning’ p \u3c 0.001) and satisfaction (p \u3c 0.001). No significant differences were observed between ‘Ease of use, ease of learning and satisfaction’ (p \u3e 0.05). The results demonstrate VDCs efficacy in supporting educational needs of students. These findings suggest that while users perceived the tool as effective in task completion (usefulness), further improvements may be required to improve its ease of use, learnability, and overall satisfaction. The lack of significant differences among the latter three domains may indicate a comparable user experience in those aspects. Conclusion: This study has provided an understanding of student perception across the various aspects of usefulness, satisfaction, ease of use, and ease of learning in virtual dental clinics. The significant differences between some domains highlight variability in end-user experience, providing rationale for future improvements and optimization of end-user experience
The role of lining materials in minimizing microleakage in class I cavities restored with nanohybrid composites: an in vitro study lining materials and microleakage in nanohybrid restorations
No full textINTRODUCTION. The increasing demand for esthetic dental treatments has led to composite resin restorations becoming the primary material for posterior tooth restorations. However, polymerization shrinkage remains challenging, leading to secondary caries and postoperative discomfort. Liners like resin-modified glass ionomer cement, flowable composites, and Ionosit-Baseliner can mitigate this issue. AIM. To compare the effectiveness of three base liner materials – Ionosit Baseliner, nano-filled flowable composite, and resin-modified glass ionomer cement – in reducing microleakage in Class I cavities restored with nano-hybrid composite resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sixty extracted premolars were prepared with standardized Class I cavities and randomly assigned to three groups (n = 20) based on the applied liner: (1) Ionosit Baseliner, (2) nano-filled flowable composite, and (3) resin-modified glass ionomer cement. Following liner placement, all cavities were restored with a nano-hybrid composite in increments and light-cured. After thermocycling, specimens were coated with nail varnish except for a 1 mm margin around the restoration and immersed in 2.5% methylene blue dye for 24 hours. The teeth were then sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope at ×40 magnification. Microleakage was scored according to dye penetration depth. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and post-hoc Dunn’s test (p \u3c 0.05). RESULTS. Ionosit Baseliner demonstrated the lowest median microleakage score [0.00 (IQR: 0.00–0.75)], which was significantly less than both the flowable composite group [2.00 (0.00–3.00), p = 0.0291] and the resin-modified glass ionomer group [2.50 (0.00–4.00), p = 0.0106]. No significant difference was observed between the flowable composite and resin-modified glass ionomer groups (p \u3e 0.9999). CONCLUSIONS. Although none of the tested liners completely eliminated microleakage, Ionosit Baseliner provided significantly better marginal integrity compared to the other liners tested. This suggests that material selection, particularly a liner with lower polymerization shrinkage and appropriate mechanical properties, can improve the longevity and success of posterior composite restorations
Implementing and Evaluating Interprofessional Education for Dental Students: A Narrative Review
No full textInterprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaborative practice are widely recognized for improving health care education and patient outcomes, especially in dentistry. Due to the strong link between oral and overall health, integrating IPE into dental curricula is essential for preparing practitioners to deliver collaborative, patient-centered care. A robust IPE curriculum for dental students requires well-defined learning outcomes aligned with other health professions and a focus on skills like patient care, communication, and teamwork. This review examines IPE curriculum design, implementation, and its impact on dental students, evaluating both short- and long-term effects on skills and career preparedness. By analyzing current IPE practices, this review seeks to illuminate effective strategies and future directions for integrating interprofessional collaboration into dental training
On the Fila Olfactoria and the Cribriform Region of the Crocodylia
No full textIn mammals the fila olfactoria, fascicles of axons coursing from sensory neurons in the olfactory epithelium to the glomeruli of the olfactory bulb, not only have a topographic projection pattern but also serve as routes for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage from around the brain. Les is known about the fila olfactoria in nonmammalian taxa. This work explores the fila olfactoria of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) using a combination of gross dissection, histology, Diffusible Iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography, latex corrosion casting, and India ink tracers. In Crocodylians, as in other nonmammalian vertebrates, the fila olfactoria courses through a foramen in the nasal capsule rather than an ethmoidal cribriform plate. In Alligator this foramen is filled by dense connective tissue; prominent perineural spaces extend through the connective tissue, effectively making it perforate like the cribriform plate. Latex or India ink introduced into the cranial CSF pass through the dense connective to reach the submucosa of the olfactory epithelium, suggesting that Crocodylians have the same cranial CSF drainage pattern as mammals. In Alligator, the fila olfactoria is asymmetric, with more fascicles entering the ventral and lateral surfaces of the olfactory bulb than the dorsal or medial surfaces. If individual fascicles of the fila olfactoria are traced in Alligator, a clear topographic projection emerges; with medial and lateral polarity maintained between olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb, and a rostral-caudal polarity projecting as dorsal-ventral on the olfactory bulb
Dental photography using digital single-lens reflex cameras vs smartphones
No full textIntroduction: Smartphone photography has increased in quality with the advancement of technology. Dental photography using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera has been a critical tool for patient education, treatment planning, self-evaluation, and research in the orthodontic specialty. This study aimed to determine if there is a significant difference in quality between facial and intraoral photographs taken with DSLR cameras and smartphones. Methods: Dental students and practicing orthodontists took an 18-question survey to compare facial and intraoral photographs taken with a DSLR camera and a smartphone. Participants evaluated the photographs based on color, sharpness, depth of field, and overall quality. Chi-square analyses and Fisher exact tests were used to evaluate potential differences across image sources and respondent types. Results: Approximately 329 participants completed this survey with an overall response rate of 74.9%. Facial photographs taken with a DSLR had significantly superior overall quality, sharpness, and depth of field than smartphone facial photographs (P \u3c0.05). Intraoral photographs taken with a smartphone had significantly superior overall quality, color, sharpness, and depth of field than DSLR photographs (P \u3c0.01). Conclusions: This study suggests that intraoral photographs taken with a smartphone could provide a superior image quality than those taken by a DSLR camera, but not for facial photographs. As smartphone cameras continue to evolve, they have the potential to provide superior photographic quality for intraoral photographs compared with DSLR cameras
How Are Entrustable Professional Activities Shaping the Future of Dental Education in the United States?
No full textEntrustable professional activities (EPAs) represent tasks or responsibilities to be entrusted to the unsupervised execution by a trainee. This review describes the evolutionary state and current implementation of EPAs in American dental education, both on post-doctoral and pre-doctoral levels. Few residencies have incorporated the EPAs on the curriculum, and only one American dental school to date has graduated dentists under an EPAs-based curriculum. This process involved not only curriculum but structural changes and adaptations to the standards of the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA). This review also comments on a national effort to adopt EPAs as standard for dental curricula