Concern about the environmental impact of dental restorative materials has grown in recent years. The most common material for dental restorations has historically been amalgam, but this has seen a decline due to concerns about the health and environmental impact of mercury. Alternative dental restorative materials include resin-based composite (RBC) and glass-ionomer cement (GIC), but both have uncertain environmental impacts. This systematic review aimed to compare the environmental impact of dental amalgam versus other restorative materials used for direct restorations. We undertook a systematic review which followed established guidance and prospectively registered our protocol on PROSPERO (CRD42024608563). Searches of bibliographic databases included Environment Complete, GreenFILE, Science Citation Index, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and CINAHL. These were supplemented with checking reference lists and forward citation searching of included studies. Retrieved records were screened by two independent reviewers at title and abstract and full text using pre-defined inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality appraisal were undertaken by one reviewer and checked by a second. Findings were narratively synthesised. Twenty-one studies (n = 22 study reports) were included. Eleven were in a clinic setting, three were in a lab setting, five were in both clinic and lab settings and two were in a crematorium setting. Six studies included a comparison between different restorative materials, the remainder only measured environmental impact of one material (or multiple without comparison). Some studies were framed as potential environmental impact due to limited data. Materials included dental amalgam, RBC and GIC. Studies were highly heterogenous which limited the scope for synthesis of findings. All materials were associated with environmental impact. Whilst the evidence included in this review indicates that both amalgam and non-amalgam dental materials are associated with environmental impacts, confidence in these findings is limited due to the heterogeneity of study designs, outcome measures, and limited comparative data. Further research is needed to inform future policies which aim to reduce the environmental impact of restorative dental activities.

BackgroundRobust oral health data collection in birth cohort studies is needed to understand the oral microbiome in relation to oral and general health.ObjectiveThe aim of this paper is to describe the collection of oral health data in toddlers participating in a birth cohort focussing on microbiome development. Hereby, we aim to support the interpretation of variance in microbiome data.MethodsThe Amsterdam Infant Microbiome Study (AIMS, n = ~500) is a longitudinal prospective birth cohort assessing microbiota, general health status, demographics, (oral) health behaviour and dietary behaviour in children from birth up to three years. The Oral Health Study (OHS) is a sub-study of AIMS, assessing the oral health of children and their mothers. From the mothers, data on periodontal health (clinical attachment loss, gingival bleeding), oral hygiene (dental plaque, calculus) and dental caries (DMFS) is collected. In children, data on caries prevalence (ICDAS) and infection (pufa), oral hygiene (dental plaque, calculus), Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), oromuscular function, and bitter taste sensitivity are collected.ResultsEnrolment in OHS started in October 2022 and is planned to continue up to December 2028. In October 2024, 64 mother-child pairs were enroled in the study.ConclusionsData collection is expected to be completed by January 2028. Results will be shared at international conferences and via peer-reviewed publications.

IntroductionPreclinical dental training requires extensive feedback and repetition, which traditional manikin exercises often lack. Adapt VR is a cost-effective, immersive system that delivers interactive, adaptive training with real-time feedback.MethodsThis comparative study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Adapt VR system in preclinical training. A total of 126 third-year dental students were randomly assigned to an Adapt VR Group 1 (n = 63), acquiring VR learning experience before practicing on laboratory simulators, or a control group (n = 63) who started their training on simulators directly. After practising Class I and II cavity preparations, laboratory performance was scored with a standard rubric; VR participants also completed a post-training questionnaire.ResultsThe VR group achieved a higher mean laboratory score (6.31) than controls (3.93; p < 0.001). Within the VR cohort no significant difference emerged between Class I and II scores (p = 0.16). Simulator averages were 81.5 for Class I and 79.4 for Class II. Most VR trainees reported increased confidence and an enhanced learning experience.ConclusionsIintegrating the Adapt VR system into preclinical dental education significantly enhances students’ skill acquisition and self-confidence compared to conventional manikin-based training.

ObjectiveBreathing patterns and their influence on craniofacial growth and development have remained a subject of debate within orthodontics and otolaryngology. In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was employed to analyze and compare airway morphology and airflow dynamics between individuals with normal nasal breathing and those with varying degrees of nasal obstruction.Materials and methodsA total of five patients aged 18 to 28 years were selected for the study, comprising four individuals with varying degrees of nasal obstruction and one asymptomatic nasal breather, as verified by prior clinical evaluation from an otorhinolaryngologist. The samples were categorized into three groups: (1) nasal breathers with no anatomical abnormalities, (2) mouth breathers with septal deviation, and (3) predominant mouth breathers with nasal polyposis. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans were utilized for airway segmentation and subsequent CFD analysis. Key parameters like airflow patterns, velocity distribution, WSS, and airway resistance were evaluated at multiple sites within the pharyngeal airway.ResultsThe analysis revealed a non-uniform velocity distribution within the pharyngeal airway, influenced by anatomical variations in the nasal cavity. Flow parameters, including velocity streamlines, velocity contours, WSS, and pressure drop, varied notably across different grades of nasal obstruction.ConclusionThe observed airflow characteristics offer valuable insights into the combined effects of physiological and pathological breathing on airway dynamics. The airflow patterns identified in this study confirm the presence of altered airflow in obstructed nasal airways. Flow parameters, such as velocity streamlines, which illustrate the trajectory of air through the nasal cavity, may serve as supportive indicators for clinical symptoms such as anosmia. The non-invasive nature of CFD allows for a realistic assessment of airway flow behaviour.

IntroductionResidual microorganisms may remain even after thorough mechanical cavity preparation, leading to secondary caries. Additionally, the smear layer generated during this process can impair the adhesion between composite resin and dentine and limit the penetration of disinfectants into dentinal tubules. This study aimed to compare the effects of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 980 nm diode laser, and Er:YAG laser as cavity disinfectants on dentine morphology, mineral content, and microleakage of composite restorations.Materials and MethodsForty extracted sound human primary molars were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10): Group I (negative control, no disinfection), Group II (2% CHX application), Group III (980 nm diode laser, 1 W, continuous wave), and Group IV (Er:YAG laser, 1.2 W). Dentine morphology and restoration microleakage were examined via Scanning Electron Microscopy: (SEM), while mineral content was evaluated using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).ResultsSEM analysis showed that CHX (Group II) left smear layer residues with narrowed tubules, while the diode laser (Group III) partially removed the smear layer. Er:YAG laser (Group IV) resulted in complete smear layer removal, wider tubules. EDS revealed significantly higher mineral content (Ca, P and Ca/P ratio)in Group IV compared to Groups II and group III (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between Groups II and III. Microleakage was highest in the control group and lowest in the Er:YAG group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe Er:YAG laser showed enhanced outcomes in improving dentine morphology, increasing mineral content, and minimizing microleakage, making it the most effective disinfectant tested.

IntroductionIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue and leading cause of early death for women in Australia and internationally. Implementation of Domestic Violence Routine Screening (DVRS) in public health settings has been found as an effective way to identify IPV and offer support.Aims and settingTo evaluate DVRS implementation in adult and paediatric clinics of a public dental hospital in Sydney, Australia, from January 2023 until February 2024.DesignProspective clinical study where eligible women were screened for IPV using a tool adapted from standardised screening tools for use across multiple public health services.Materials and methodsDemographic, medical, dental, psycho-social data and emergency department presentations were analysed from health records.ResultsThe study clinics cared for 10,197 women and 5597 carers over 13-months. In the 6-months post implementation, IPV disclosure increased by 529% (7–44 cases). By month 13, the IPV disclosure rate was 11% (n = 85). Screening did not impede the dental appointment. All women who disclosed IPV were offered referral to support and 36 women (42%) accepted.ConclusionDVRS implementation resulted in an IPV disclosure rate comparable to other public health services where DVRS is mandatory. Public dental services can play an important role in screening and supporting women who have or are experiencing IPV.

IntroductionAccurate implant placement in edentulous patients remains a clinical challenge, particularly when using mucosa-supported guides, which are prone to positional errors.AimsTo evaluate the accuracy of implant placement using the Fixed Edentulous Implant Guide (FEIG), a screw-retained guide system, compared with a conventional mucosa-supported guide in an edentulous mandible model.Materials and methodsTen anatomical mandibular models with simulated mucosa and bone were used. Forty dummy implants were placed using either the FEIG system or a conventional guide. Implant positions were virtually planned, and deviations were assessed by comparing the planned and actual positions using STL-based alignment and a custom measurement algorithm.ResultsThe FEIG system demonstrated significantly lower mean deviations at the coronal (0.45 ± 0.15 mm) and apical (0.28 ± 0.13 mm) levels compared with the conventional guide (1.22 ± 0.61 mm and 0.89 ± 0.39 mm, respectively; p < 0.001). Angular deviation was lower for the FEIG (1.99° ± 0.98) but not statistically significant (p = 0.081).ConclusionsThe FEIG method significantly improved the accuracy of implant placement in vitro compared to a conventional edentulous guide. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.

ObjectiveThis protocol for scoping review aims to systematically map existing evidence on collaborative approaches between Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) and Prosthodontics in implant therapy, exploring their implementation, influential clinical domains, current methodologies, technologies, and identifying research gaps.IntroductionDental implant therapy has revolutionized patient care, but optimal success, especially in complex cases, hinges on precise surgical and prosthetic foresight. The synergy between OMFS and Prosthodontists is crucial. Modern dentistry embraces a prosthetically driven, integrated paradigm, greatly streamlined by digital workflows. Despite advancements, literature remains fragmented, lacking a comprehensive synthesis of collaborative models. This protocol for review seeks to bridge that gap.Inclusion criteriaStudies on adult (≥18 years) edentulous or partially edentulous patients undergoing implant-based rehabilitation, focusing on OMFS and Prosthodontics interdisciplinary collaboration in planning, surgery, and prosthetics, will be considered. All clinical settings, regions, and study designs (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, reviews, text/opinion papers) are included. Studies solely on a single discipline or maxillofacial prosthetics unrelated to tooth replacement via implants will be excluded.MethodsThis protocol for scoping review explains methodology that will follow PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search will be conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts. Data extraction will use a standardized charting form, followed by descriptive and thematic analysis, presented narratively with tables/figures.Review registrationOpen Science Framework 10.17605/OSF.IO/USZ9V