Aim: Substance use remains a major public health concern, yet limited evidence exists regarding its prevalence among dental students, a group uniquely positioned as future health advocates but also vulnerable to academic and psychosocial stressors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of substance use among dental students and explore variations by substance type and gender. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus up to December 2025. Eligible studies included observational designs reporting the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or other substance use among dental students. Screening, selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers, with the study quality assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was evaluated with the I ² statistic. Results: Twenty-three studies involving more than 8,000 dental students across multiple regions were included. Alcohol use was the most prevalent, with a pooled prevalence of 67% (95% CI: 0.48–0.85), followed by cannabis (38%; 95% CI: 0.18–0.61), chewing tobacco (26%; 95% CI: 0.10–0.48) and cigarette smoking (22%; 95% CI: 0.13–0.31). A gender-stratified analysis showed alcohol use in 63% men and 58% women. Considerable heterogeneity was observed across all substance categories ( I ² > 95%). Conclusion: Substance use is highly prevalent among dental students worldwide, posing risks to academic performance, clinical competence and professional credibility. Institution-level interventions and further longitudinal and interventional research are needed to inform preventive strategies.

Background: Peri-implantitis, a biofilm-induced inflammatory condition, poses a significant threat to implant survival. Nonsurgical interventions such as air-abrasive polishing and conventional periodontal therapies are frequently employed, yet their relative effectiveness remains debated. Aim: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the relative performance and clinical efficacy of air-abrasive polishing compared with other nonsurgical approaches in the management of peri-implantitis. Methods: A systematic literature search covering PubMed, Scopus, OVID, Web of Science, Embase, and EBSCOhost was conducted (September 2024 with an update in May 2025), adhering to PRISMA standards. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly assessing air-abrasive polishing against alternative nonsurgical therapies were included. The primary outcomes assessed included probing depth, bleeding on probing, changes in clinical attachment, and inflammation. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Results: Four RCTs (2011–2023; 172 participants) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. A 2011 RCT reported short-term microbiological reductions with both Er:YAG laser and air-abrasive polishing, although neither approach sustained clinical benefit over six months. A 2022 RCT found erythritol air polishing comparable to ultrasonic scaling; however, neither modality achieved disease resolution, and most cases required subsequent surgery and other study demonstrated that supportive peri-implant care (SPIC), combining glycine air polishing with ultrasonic debridement, maintained reduced probing depths for one year post-surgery. A 2023 RCT observed no added benefit from adjunctive erythritol polishing and noted increased discomfort, particularly among female patients. Collectively, findings suggest nonsurgical interventions provide only limited improvements without eliminating peri-implantitis. Conclusions: Air-abrasive polishing may have value as an adjunctive or maintenance strategy, particularly within supportive care, but is insufficient as a standalone therapy for established peri-implantitis. Further well-designed trials with standardized protocols, extended follow-ups, and patient-centered outcome measures are warranted.

Background: Endodontic microsurgery requires precise osteotomy and root-end resection to enhance healing. Freehand approaches are operator-dependent, while static guides limit flexibility. Dynamic navigation systems (DNS) provide real-time guidance, enabling smaller osteotomies, consistent bevel orientation, and improved bone preservation, while reducing variability across different operator skill levels. Aim: To assess the accuracy and efficiency of DNS in osteotomy and root-end resection compared with freehand, static, robotic, and augmented reality techniques. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, TRIP, LILACS, Google Scholar, and gray literature identified in vitro and cadaveric studies comparing DNS with freehand, static, robotic, or augmented reality in endodontic microsurgery. Reported outcomes included linear and angular deviations, osteotomy diameter, bevel orientation, and operative time. Study quality was appraised using the QUIN 12-item tool, with findings synthesized descriptively due to heterogeneous reporting. The protocol was registered in https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251084335 . Results: A total of nine in vitro studies were included. DNS was consistently compared with freehand, static, robotic, and augmented reality methods. Despite variations in design and outcome measures, DNS demonstrated superior accuracy, efficiency, and reproducibility. Additional benefits included reduced osteotomy size, improved bevel orientation, and minimized operator variability. Robotic and augmented reality approaches showed potential but remain in early evaluation. Risk of bias was generally low, but methodological heterogeneity limited the possibility of conducting a meta-analysis. Conclusion: DNS showed superior performance compared with conventional methods, offering accurate, efficient, and adaptable guidance for osteotomy and root-end resection. With most studies demonstrating a low risk of bias, the evidence supports DNS as a reliable approach in guided endodontic microsurgery.

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease often indicated by the gradual obliteration of the attachment apparatus of teeth. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) is substratum in the management of periodontitis, but adjunctive interventions can be an additive to treatment outcomes. A polyphenolic compound named resveratrol, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, has drawn attention for its potential advantages in periodontal therapy. Aim: This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of resveratrol supplementation as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy, whether it improves periodontal parameters. Methods: This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251028237) and follows PROSPERO 2020 guidelines. An extensive and systematic literature search was conducted from inception to September 25, 2024, across major electronic databases, including PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Cochrane risk-of-bias 2 tool was utilized to evaluate the risk of bias. Randomized controlled studies assessing the impact of resveratrol supplementation in conjunction with NSPT on clinical parameters such as periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing, and inflammatory markers included among periodontitis patients. Meta-analysis was evaluated using RevMan 5.4. Subgroup analyses were performed based on resveratrol dosage and patient condition (e.g., diabetes and smoking). Results: Seven RCTs ( n = 402 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that adjunctive resveratrol significantly improved PPD (MD: –0.42 mm; 95% CI: –0.59 to -0.25; I ² = 99%), CAL (MD: –0.36 mm; 95% CI: –0.52 to –0.19; I ² = 98%) and IL-6 (MD: –0.40; 95% CI: –0.65 to –0.15; I 2 = 93%) compared to NSPT alone. Subgroup analysis indicated greater efficacy at dosages ≥480 mg/day and in patients with systemic conditions like diabetes. The risk of bias was low in four studies and had some concerns among three. GRADE assessment indicated moderate certainty of evidence. However, variations in study design, dosage, and follow-up duration necessitate cautious interpretation of results. Conclusion: Resveratrol as an adjunct appears to improve the efficacy of NSPT by improving clinical periodontal outcomes. While the current evidence is promising, further well-designed randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols are required to establish definitive clinical recommendations.

Aim: The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms residing in the mouth, playing an essential role in oral, systemic, and neuropsychiatric health. The objective of this review is to examine the extent of neuropsychiatric disorders that are related to the oral microbiome, as well as to promote more research in this area. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed on Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed following PRISMA guidelines, including studies published up to May 2025. All the English-language papers were evaluated based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria established. Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies argue about the correlations between shifts in oral microbiome, which affect anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, bipolar affective disorder, panic disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and maternal stress and anxiety. Conclusion: The results indicate a noteworthy, albeit intricate, link between disruptions in the oral microbiome and neuropsychiatric health. Additional longitudinal and mechanistic research is needed to better understand the underlying pathways and guide clinical interventions.

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the epidemiology, molecular drivers, and particularly the role of miR-204 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression and metastasis, with a focus on its regulatory effect on the fibronectin 1 (FN1) gene. Methods: A comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets was conducted to identify miR-204 target genes and associated pathways. Clinical validation was performed using qRT-PCR on 15 OSCC patient tissue samples and 15 adjacent normal tissues to quantify miR-204-3p and FN1 expression levels. Results: miR-204 was significantly downregulated in OSCC tissues compared to normal controls (fold change: –3.8, p = .004), while FN1 expression was notably increased (fold change: +4.7, p = .003). Enrichment analysis revealed key pathways involved in tumor progression including ECM–receptor interaction and focal adhesion (FDR < 0.01). The inverse correlation between miR-204 and FN1 suggests a regulatory axis contributing to enhanced tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Conclusion: The miR-204/FN1 axis is emphasized as a crucial mechanism in OSCC metastasis by our combined bioinformatics and clinical validation methodology. miR-204 may be used as a therapeutic target to slow the course of OSCC and as a predictive biomarker.

Background and Aim: Dentotemp is a commonly used temporary implant cement in restorative dentistry. There is little molecular-level information available regarding the biocompatibility of its components, despite its clinical success. By using molecular docking and physicochemical profiling to assess the in silico biocompatibility of TEGDMA and AUDO components, we can clarify how they might interact with important protein targets related to extracellular matrix remodelling, bone metabolism and peri-implant tissue response. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the binding interactions between the monomers and five physiologically significant proteins—BMP2, fibronectin, TGF-β1, RANKL and alkaline phosphatase—we performed molecular docking simulations using GOLD software. Toxicological, pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties were predicted using SwissADME and Molsoft. Result: AUDO outperformed TEGDMA in docking scores for the majority of targets, with a strong affinity for BMP2 (60.27) and fibronectin (54.64). Stable orientation was indicated by TEGDMA’s tighter binding clusters (lower RMSD values). According to SwissADME analysis, both monomers exhibit moderate bioavailability, no blood–brain barrier penetration and high gastrointestinal absorption. AUDO demonstrated possible CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 inhibition but no significant structural toxicity risks, whereas TEGDMA elicited fewer toxicological alerts despite a reactive Michael acceptor motif. Conclusion: TEGDMA and AUDO both showed good in silico profiles, indicating molecularly acceptable biological compatibility. However, cautious clinical use and additional in vitro validation are required due to reactive groups and variable binding modes. These results offer a molecular foundation for comprehending the behaviour and safety of temporary implant cements in oral settings.

Aim: This study aimed to validate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of a developed AI model against a periodontist, using an expert periodontist as the gold standard. The goal was to evaluate the AI’s potential as a scalable triage tool for periodontal diagnosis in clinical settings. Materials and Methods: The AI model, developed from 2,000 panoramic radiographs, was clinically implemented using 300 anonymized images from the SIDEXIS program. It quantified alveolar bone loss to stage periodontitis, with diagnostic performance compared to a periodontist using expert evaluation as the reference. Results: The expert periodontist classified the cases as follows: 3.3% non-periodontitis, 10.3% stage I, 47.0% Stage II, 38.7% stage III, and 0.7% stage IV. The AI model demonstrated a higher overall consistency rate with the expert (71.7%) compared to the periodontist (62.7%). This superior performance was particularly notable in stage II (AI: 40% vs. periodontist: 28%) and stage III (AI: 29% vs. periodontist: 27%) classifications. The level of agreement with the expert, measured by Cohen’s κ, was moderate and similar for both the periodontist (κ = 0.530) and the AI model (κ = 0.497). The AI model exhibited significantly higher accuracy (97% vs. 87.3%) and perfect sensitivity (100% vs. 88.3%) but considerably lower specificity (10% vs. 60%) compared to the periodontist. Conclusions: The findings indicate AI’s strong potential as a scalable triage tool to democratize periodontal care, delivering high diagnostic accuracy. With further refinement to improve specificity, such models could ensure equitable access to early intervention, overcoming geographic and socioeconomic barriers.

Aim: The 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) test is widely used to identify genetic sensitivity to bitter taste, categorizing individuals as super-tasters, medium tasters, or non-tasters, and to explore its potential association with dental caries in children. To assess the relationship between PROP taste sensitivity and dental caries experience among children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: Literature search was performed across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL via EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar, up to September 2023. Studies investigating association between PROP-based taste sensitivity and dental caries were included. ROBINS-I tool and GRADE were used to evaluate risk of bias and quality of evidence, respectively. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted; results were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Out of 96 retrieved studies, 17 met inclusion criteria, with 13 contributing to meta-analysis. Included studies exhibited moderate to serious risk of bias. Children classified as non-tasters showed significantly higher dental caries scores at surface level compared to both medium tasters (SMD = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.36–2.17, p = .006, I² = 97%) and super-tasters (SMD = –1.77, 95% CI = –3.11 to –0.43, p = .009, I² = 98%). Overall quality of evidence was rated as very low. Conclusions: PROP non-tasters have a greater risk of dental caries. These results highlight the need for preventive strategies and follow-up care for children and adolescents identified as having a higher susceptibility based on taste perception.

Aim: To determine the most favorable site for placing mini-implants within the mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) by evaluating buccal bone width and cortical bone thickness. Background: This review sought to analyze the MBS using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data from diverse populations, including Caucasian, Asian, and South Asian adolescents and adults. Comparisons were made across potential insertion zones buccal to the first and second molars, with specific attention to the mesiobuccal and distobuccal aspects. The primary outcomes were buccal bone width, cortical thickness, and insertion angulation relevant to achieving predictable miniscrew stability. Materials and Methods: Conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, the review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021258738). A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, supplemented by hand searching, identified 878 records. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational designs that reported MBS dimensions for miniscrew placement. Data were extracted on bone width, cortical thickness, and insertion angle. Quantitative synthesis was carried out using R statistical software, and study quality was evaluated with the QUAMAS tool. Results: Eight studies with comparable data were meta-analyzed. Significance was set at 0.05 for comparisons of bone width and cortical thickness. Risk-of-bias assessment identified nine studies as high quality and five as moderate. Findings consistently indicated the distobuccal cusp region of the mandibular second molar as the most favorable insertion site, followed by the mesiobuccal cusp area. Despite methodological differences across included studies, pooled analysis revealed significant differences ( p < .05) among sites, with the second molar region demonstrating superior dimensions for achieving miniscrew stability. Conclusion: The MBS adjacent to the distobuccal cusp of the second molar provides the most advantageous bone morphology for miniscrew placement, offering greater buccal bone width and cortical thickness. This location supports enhanced stability and should be considered the preferred choice for orthodontic anchorage in clinical practice.