Dental Industry Research Articles

The Use of Instagram Among Dental Patients in Saudi Arabia.

The use of social media platforms has become increasingly popular in various professional fields, including dentistry. Among these platforms, Instagram has gained significant attention due to its visual nature and widespread popularity. The potential of Instagram as a tool for dental education, patient engagement, and professional networking has been the subject of several studies. This paper aims to investigate the use of Instagram among dental patients and examine its implications for the dental industry.. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between September and December 2023 and involved 478 anonymous dental patients who responded to survey invitations. The questionnaire addressed demographics, Instagram usage, and factors influencing the selection of a dentist. Data analysis employed IBM SPSS Statistics, presented as descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Of the respondents, 66.6% preferred Instagram to follow dentists. Demographically, younger age correlated with increased Instagram use. Over half used Instagram 2-3 times daily, with evenings being the preferred time. Notably, 48.3% visited a dentist's Instagram account. Recommendations, qualifications, and online reviews were crucial factors in choosing a dentist, while before-and-after photos, engagement, and content quality mattered on Instagram. Instagram serves as a valuable tool in oral healthcare, fostering patient engagement, education, and community building. Dental practitioners should leverage Instagram judiciously, emphasizing its supplementary role to professional consultations rather than a substitute for personalized dental advice.

The impact of Bis-GMA free and Bis-GMA containing resin composite as posterior restoration on marginal integrity: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundThere have been concerns surrounding the utilization of Bis-GMA, a type of bisphenol A (BPA) derivative, within the dental industry. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of bulk fill Bis-GMA-free resin composite class II restorations in respect of its marginal integrity in comparison to bulk fill Bis-GMA-containing resin composite class II restorations over a 12-month period in a parallel clinical trial utilizing a split-mouth, double-blind, randomized strategy.Methods20 patients participated in this study. Each patient has received one pair of class II posterior restorations, Bis-GMA-free (Admira fusion x-tra), and Bis-GMA containing (x-tra fil) on each side of the mouth (split-mouth strategy), (n = 40). The restorations’ marginal integrity was evaluated based on Ryge’s criteria (modified USPHS) at baseline (after 1 week), as well as 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and after 12 months of follow-up by two calibrated examiners. The statistical analyses utilizing the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, the significance level was adjusted to 0.05.ResultsFollowing the 12-month period, all patients attended the recall visits to evaluate the restorations. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Friedman tests, revealed that both types of bulk fill had 100% of Alpha (A) scores at baseline and after 1 month with no significant statistical differences. After 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, both tested bulk fill restorations showed Bravo (B) score with Bis-GMA free 10% and 5% for Bis-GMA containing with no statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) for clinical marginal integrity parameter in USPHS criteria.ConclusionsBis-GMA-free resin composites demonstrated satisfactory, marginal integrity compared with Bis-GMA-containing resin composites within 12 months.Trial registrationThe protocol of the current study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov, with the identification number NCT05480852 on 29/07/2022. All procedures involving human participants were performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University, Egypt, under the approval number 419 on 27/06/2020.

The Effect of Sintering on Zirconia Manufactured via Suspension-Enclosing Projection Stereolithography for Dental Applications: An In Vitro Study.

Zirconia is a widely used material in the dental industry due to its excellent mechanical and aesthetic properties. Recently, a new 3D printing process called suspension-enclosing projection stereolithography (SEPS) was introduced to fabricate zirconia dental restorations. However, the effect of the sintering time and temperature on the properties of zirconia produced via SEPS has not been fully investigated. Zirconia slurries were prepared with varying percentages of zirconia powders and 3D printing resins, and 5Y-TZP (5 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia) (n = 40) and 3Y-TZP (3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia) (n = 40) bar specimens were fabricated via SEPS manufacturing. The specimens were sintered at different temperatures and dwell times, and their flexural strength, density, and phase composition were measured. The viscosity of the slurries was also measured. Statistical analysis was performed using Welch's ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests to evaluate the impact of the sintering conditions. Significant differences in flexural strength (p < 0.01) were observed between the 5Y-TZP samples, with those sintered at 1530 °C for 120 min showing an average strength of 268.34 ± 44.66 MPa, compared to 174.16 ± 42.29 MPa for those sintered at 1450 °C for 120 min. In terms of density, significant differences (p < 0.01) were noted for the 3Y-TZP specimens, with an average density of 6.66 ± 0.49 g/cm3 for samples sintered at 1530 °C for 120 min, versus 5.75 ± 0.55 g/cm3 for those sintered at 1530 °C for 10 min. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of a predominantly tetragonal phase in both materials. Zirconia printed via SEPS manufacturing can be sintered at a higher temperature with shorter dwell times, thereby producing high density samples. Different sintering conditions can be used to fully sinter 3D-printed zirconia for potential dental applications.

Factors Influencing Customer Retention and Loyalty in Dental Practice in the United States

This mixed study is an analysis of factors that influence customer retention and loyalty in dental practices in the US. The study determines and encourages patient choice to visit specific dental offices, ensures the well-being of dental customers, and supports the viability of dental practices in the industry. A mixed research methodology was employed, which started with a thematic content analysis of the sampled literature. This produced 18 influencing factors for the dental industry. Afterward, these factors were constructed into survey questions to conduct the primary research via SurveyMonkey and identify dental patient perceptions regarding these 18 factors. Finally, a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to rank and group the 18 factors based on their importance as perceived by US dental patients. The study highlighted the similarities and differences in the influencing factors across extant literature and contemporarily collected data in the US. While the extant literature ranked communication and relation as essential factors in retaining dental patients, the survey prioritized skill and trust as the crucial factors a patient would consider when choosing a dental clinic. This study grouped and ranked all 18 of the identified factors, which any dental clinic could consider retaining and enhancing the loyalty of their existing and prospective clients.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental staff in south Malaysia

The dental industry poses ergonomic health concerns, leading to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among staff. This study aims to assess MSD incidence and related sociodemographic and occupational hazard factors among dental practitioners in Johor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional investigation in December 2022 included 382 dental officers from government and commercial sectors. Participants comprised 79.2% females, 72.3% Malays, 97.4% non-smokers, and 92.4% working in dental clinics. MSD was most prevalent in the neck, shoulder, and lower back regions. Logistic regression revealed higher neck pain probability among smokers and a positive association between back pain and standing while working. Poisson regression indicated an inverse relationship between exercise frequency and MSD pain occurrence. Regular physical activity correlated with lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced MSD pain. The study underscores the importance of ergonomic interventions and promoting exercise to prevent MSD and enhance the well-being of dental staff in Johor, Malaysia. Understanding the factors contributing to MSD among dental practitioners is crucial for implementing effective preventive measures and improving overall occupational health in the dental industry.

Анализ организационно-управленческих решений и факторов риска в построении стоматологической службы России (обзор литературы)

Nowadays, the importance of efficiency in providing qualified care in the field of dentistry is gaining relevance. The literature available to us indicates that 70–90 % of the child population and 100 % of the adult population of Russia suffer from various types of disease in the field of dentistry. The purpose of the study is analytical assessment of managerial and or-ganizational decisions in building up the Russian dental service over the period from 2010 using data available in Russian literature. The organization of dental care in Russia is provided by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in accordance with the territorial-administrative affiliation of the population. In connection with the transition of the Russian Federation to a market economy, the level of budget financing of the dental industry has decreased, which has led to a significant increase in the incidence of diseases and their complications. Thus, it is necessary to develop the most rational and appropriate options for the management of dental services at the level of each individual region of Russia and a specific situation in it taken into account. These options must necessarily consider the distinctive specific features of socio-economic development of a particular region, the current level of dental morbidity of the local population and its main trends, the provision of with all necessary resources, financial stability, as well as other socio-hygienic risk factors, which have a direct impact on the overall state of dental care.

Aspects of managerial and organizational decisions in building dental services in Russia (literature review)

Nowadays, the importance of efficiency in providing qualified care in the field of dentistry is gaining relevance. The literature available to us indicates that 70–90 % of the child population and 100 % of the adult population of Russia suffer from various types of disease in the field of dentistry. The purpose of the study is analytical assessment of managerial and or-ganizational decisions in building up the Russian dental service over the period from 2010 using data available in Russian literature. The organization of dental care in Russia is provided by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in accordance with the territorial-administrative affiliation of the population. In connection with the transition of the Russian Federation to a market economy, the level of budget financing of the dental industry has decreased, which has led to a significant increase in the incidence of diseases and their complications. Thus, it is necessary to develop the most rational and appropriate options for the management of dental services at the level of each individual region of Russia and a specific situation in it taken into account. These options must necessarily consider the distinctive specific features of socio-economic development of a particular region, the current level of dental morbidity of the local population and its main trends, the provision of with all necessary resources, financial stability, as well as other socio-hygienic risk factors, which have a direct impact on the overall state of dental care.

Ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots: bridging the gaps in dentistry.

Maintaining a microbe-free environment in healthcare facilities has become increasingly crucial for minimizing virus transmission, especially in the wake of recent epidemics like COVID-19. To meet the urgent need for ongoing sterilization, autonomous ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots have emerged as vital tools. These robots are gaining popularity due to their automated nature, cost advantages, and ability to instantly disinfect rooms and workspaces without relying on human labor. Integrating disinfection robots into medical facilities reduces infection risk, lowers conventional cleaning costs, and instills greater confidence in patient safety. However, UV-D robots should complement rather than replace routine manual cleaning. To optimize the functionality of UV-D robots in medical settings, additional hospital and device design modifications are necessary to address visibility challenges. Achieving seamless integration requires more technical advancements and clinical investigations across various institutions. This mini-review presents an overview of advanced applications that demand disinfection, highlighting their limitations and challenges. Despite their potential, little comprehensive research has been conducted on the sterilizing impact of disinfection robots in the dental industry. By serving as a starting point for future research, this review aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge and identify unresolved issues. Our objective is to provide an extensive guide to UV-D robots, encompassing design requirements, technological breakthroughs, and in-depth use in healthcare and dentistry facilities. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of UV-D robots will aid in harnessing their potential to revolutionize infection control practices in the medical and dental fields.

Analysis of the main indicators of dental care in Ukraine for 2022

The article presents an analysis of the results of state and industry statistical reports of health care institutions submitted to the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of the Ukraine in 2023. In 2022, 16,004 dentists provided dental care to the population of Ukraine in 4,418 institutions of various types of ownership. There is a decrease in the number of dental healthcare institutions in Ukraine from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022: by 14 % in the public sector (1,359 institutions in 2020, and 1,172 in 2022), by 36 % in the private sector (5,084 institutions in 2020, and 3,246 in 2022). The human resources for the dental industry decreased by 28 % compared to 2020 (22,180 dentists). In the public sector, 10,081 specialists provide dental care (12,601 dentists in 2020), in the private sector, 5,551 specialists (8,940 dentists in 2020). The indicator of provision of dental personnel in Ukraine, which was 3.9 doctors per 10,000 population in 2022, including dentists in institutions of all types of ownership and subordination, reduced compared to 2020 (5.4). A decrease in the amount of dental care for residents of Ukraine according to the main indicators has its basis, namely: the change in the funding of dental care, two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and a full-scale war from 2022 caused significant fluctuations in the indicators in the regions of the Ukraine.

Contemporary Role and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies play a significant role and significantly impact various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, sciences, and smart cities. AI has the potential to improve the quality of patient care and treatment outcomes while minimizing the risk of human error. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the dental industry, just like it is revolutionizing other sectors. It is used in dentistry to diagnose dental diseases and provide treatment recommendations. Dental professionals are increasingly relying on AI technology to assist in diagnosis, clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and prognosis prediction across ten dental specialties. One of the most significant advantages of AI in dentistry is its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, providing dental professionals with valuable insights to enhance their decision-making processes. The purpose of this paper is to identify the advancement of artificial intelligence algorithms that have been frequently used in dentistry and assess how well they perform in terms of diagnosis, clinical decision-making, treatment, and prognosis prediction in ten dental specialties; dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine and pathology, oral & maxillofacial radiology, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and digital dentistry in general. We will also show the pros and cons of using AI in all dental specialties in different ways. Finally, we will present the limitations of using AI in dentistry, which made it incapable of replacing dental personnel, and dentists, who should consider AI a complimentary benefit and not a threat.

Role of Chitosan Hydrogels in Clinical Dentistry.

Biopolymers are organic polymers that can be treated into intricate designs with porous characteristics that mimic essential biologic components. Due to their superior biosafety, biodegradability, biocompatibility, etc., they have been utilized immensely in biomedical engineering, regeneration, and drug delivery. To obtain the greatest number of results, a literature search was undertaken in scientific search engines utilizing keywords. Chitosan is used in a variety of medical sectors, with the goal of emphasizing its applications and benefits in the clinical dental industry. Chitosan can be dissolved in liquid form and combined with other substances to create a variety of products, including fibers, hydrogels, membranes, microspheres, resins, sponges, pastes, tablets, and micro granules. Chitosan has been studied in a variety of dental applications. Chitosan is used in the prevention of caries and wear, in pulpotomy to accelerate osteogenesis in guided tissue regeneration due to its hemostatic property, and primarily to benefit from its antimicrobial activity by adding it to materials, such as glass ionomer cement, calcium hydroxide, and adhesive systems. With its antibacterial activity and biocompatibility, chitosan is leading the pack as a promising ingredient in the production of dental materials. The current review provides an update on the background, fundamentals, and wide range of uses of chitosan and its gels in dental science.

High-performance new photoinitiators for the preparation of functional photocurable polymer composites

Obtaining dental composites with the desirable physical, mechanical and visual properties that polymerise according to an environmentally friendly cationic mechanism is a significant challenge. This is due to the lack of high-performance initiators for this type of material. This is because there are dental composites on the market that have, among other things, toxic monomers such as BisGMA. This paper presents five high-performance, completely new iodonium derivatives of biphenyl-based iodonium salts differentiated by push–pull structure of chromophores determined by positions of methoxy and trisilyl groups in the biphenyl rings. The influence of the methoxy grouping in the biphenyl ring on the push–pull effect was explained, and their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties were determined. For the first time, the possibility of using these compounds as high-performance initiators of cationic and radical polymerization was presented and described. New two-component initiator systems composed of iodonium salts and thiadiazole derivatives for preparing new-generation dental composites have also been proposed. The thiadiazole derivative was an very effective alternative to camphorquinone, commonly used in the dental industry. Completely new organic matrix compositions and a new curing mechanism have also been proposed by introducing monomers that polymerize according to radical and cationic mechanisms. As a result, dental composites with significantly reduced polymerization shrinkage compared to commercially available materials were obtained. Finally, a new photoinitiating system we have developed, makes it possible to obtain new composites that are an exciting alternative to materials currently used in dentistry.

SCIENTIFIC SUBSTANTIATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL MODEL OF PREVENTION OF DENTAL DISEASES AMONG THE ADULT POPULATION

Dental care is the most widespread type of medical care, however, the system of prevention and prenosological diagnosis of diseases of the oral cavity is imperfect and insufficiently effective.&#x0D; The aim – to analyze the main indicators of dental care to the population, the system of financial support for the dental industry in Ukraine and substantiate a model for the prevention of dental diseases, taking into account current conditions and WHO initiatives.&#x0D; Methods of research: systems approach and system analysis, bibliosemantic, content analysis, modeling.&#x0D; Results of the research. In recent decades, the country has revealed a significant deterioration in the dental status of the population due to the unsatisfactory state of preventive activities, change in financing of&#x0D; the dental industry. In the context of modern financing of the dental industry, solving the problem of preserving and improving the dental health of the population is in the plane of development of the sector of prevention services dental diseases at all levels of medical care, organization of joint medical practice and interdisciplinary approach.&#x0D; Conclusions. The priority direction for improving the provision of dental care to the population in modern conditions is to reorient the patient's motivation from treatment to prevention and providing the population with such preventive services. Improvement of existing forms of preservation of dental health on the basis of interdisciplinary cooperation of doctors from different practices is an actual direction of scientific research in the public health system and in the system of continuous professional development of doctors.

Effect of oral exposure on chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphologic properties of clear orthodontic aligners

The dental industry is heavily committed to developing more esthetic solutions for orthodontic treatments. Invisalign is a system of transparent orthodontic aligners introduced as an alternative to conventional orthodontic fittings with brackets and metal wires. This study aimed to assess the chemical, physical, mechanical and morphologic changes in these polymeric aligners after exposure to the oral environment. Twenty-four Invisalign orthodontic aligners were equally divided into 2 groups: an invivo aged group in which patients used aligners for 14 days and the reference group, unexposed to the oral environment. Different experimental techniques were used to study the chemical structure, the color changes and translucency, the density and subsequent volume of the aligners, mechanical properties, surface roughness, morphology and elemental composition. The data were subjected to several statistical analyses. Clear orthodontic aligners exhibit chemical stability but undergo a statistically significant optical change in color and translucency. There was a gradual increase in the water absorption rate and the dimensional variation of the polymer, indicating a strong correlation among these factors. The mechanical properties of the polymer showed a statistically significant decrease in its elastic modulus and hardness. There was a slight tendency toward increased surface roughness of the material, but no statistical differences were found between reference and aged groups. The surface morphology of the used aligners demonstrates microcracks, distortions and biofilm formation. Intraoral aging adversely affected the physical, mechanical, and morphologic properties of the Invisalign appliance.

Обзор состояния стоматологической помощи детскому населению Тверской области за период 2016–2020 г. г.

Taking care of the health of the population of the Tver region is an important area of social regional policy. The main task of the dental service of the Tver region is to preserve and strengthen the health of citizens of the Tver region, increase the role of prevention of dental diseases, form a model of the organization of the dental industry, ensuring the availability and quality of dental care, improving the efficiency of dental services, the volumes, types and quality of which should correspond to the level of morbidity and the needs of the population, advanced achievements of medical science. P u r p o s e . To review statistical data on the provision of dental care to children in public institutions of the Tver region. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . The review, analysis, collection and comparison of aggregated data for 2016–2020 in Tver and the Tver region were carried out: statistical data on demography, analysis of dental service performance indicators, analysis of indicators of accessibility of dental care to the children’s population by questioning parents/legal representatives of children’s patients, analysis of personnel potential and questioning of dentists in the profile “Pediatric dentistry”. R e s u l t s . This article is devoted to an overview of the activities of public health institutions of the Tver region providing dental care to the children’s population within the framework of compulsory medical insurance. The results of the study indicate that the prevalence of dental caries among children of the Tver region is consistently high. Further preventive programs and additional research are needed to improve the dental health of children.

Establishment and clinical practice of the global diagnostic and theraputic concept of dental esthetic restoration

Dental esthetic restoration covers from facial esthetics to dental esthetics, from the realization of macroscopic to microscopic esthetic restoration goals. As an esthetic restorative dentist, he has to face and solve the increasingly high diagnosis and treatment needs of patients, the increasingly standardized needs of the dental industry, and the need for oral health to become an important part of the Healthy China strategy. Dentists engaged in esthetic restoration field should establish a concept and practice system of global esthetic restoration centered on esthetic diagnosis, interdisciplinary esthetic restoration as a means, and characterized by fine microscopic restoration. Dental esthetic restoration dentists should be the designer of esthetic restoration plans and treatment plans, as well as the implementers of the final esthetic effect. Dentists should accurately grasp the global diagnosis concept and practice system of esthetic restoration, and provide standardized and high-quality oral diagnosis and treatment services for more patients.

3D printing technologies and photopolymer resins used in fixed prosthetic rehabilitation

The utilization of computer-aided design and production has become increasingly prevalent in the dental industry, as in many other fields. Additive manufacturing, a computer-aided production method, has brought about numerous advantages such as fast and precise production, design freedom, and cost and time savings. It is anticipated that 3D printers will become the primary method for digital processing in dentistry in the future. The objective of this article is to offer a comprehensive introduction to the present-day manufacturing methods for fixed prosthetic rehabilitation, focusing on the 3D printing manufacturing and photopolymer resin materials employed in these technologies.

Medical device regulation (MDR) from a dental perspective

A new regulation for the marketing and application of medical devices has become applicable in the European Union as of May 2021. This regulation is termed EU 2017/745 or Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Initially published and entered into force in 2017, it replaces the former Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC (MDD), but is still under amendment. The implication of this legislation have broad effects on manufacturers, importers, distributors, users of medical devices, and patients. This article discusses the MDR from the dental perspective. As is illuminated in this text, the MDR will create more red tape for industrial players to get their products CE (Conformitée Européenne) marked, and more documentation work for dentists. This also means that smaller companies acting out of Europe are affected in a disproportionally negative manner compared to their globally acting counterparts. The MDR could and most probably will result in a considerable reduction and price increase of the products that are available to European dentists. Moreover, the MDR could create a rift between dental materials scientists working at universities and the dental industry, because the latter now has to direct more money towards regulatory affairs rather than product development or innovation. On the other hand, the MDR may also act as an antetype for similar regulations in other parts of the world, and could offer new career opportunities for individuals in dental materials research, especially in the regulatory field.

How sustainable is the dental industry?

How sustainable is the dental industry?

Silver Nanoparticles in Dental Applications: A Descriptive Review.

Silver nanoparticles have been a recent focus of many researchers in dentistry, and their potential uses and benefits have drawn attention in dentistry and medicine. The fabrication and utilization of nanoscale substances and structures are at the core of the rapidly developing areas of nanotechnology. They are often used in the dental industry because they prevent bacteria from making nanoparticles, oxides, and biofilms. They also stop the metabolism of bacteria. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a type of zero-dimensional material with different shapes. Dentistry has to keep up with changing patient needs and new technology. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used in dentistry for disinfection and preventing infections in the oral cavity. One of the most interesting metallic nanoparticles used in biomedical applications is silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The dental field has found promising uses for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the elimination of plaque and tartar, as well as the elimination of bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth. The incorporation of AgNPs into dental materials has been shown to significantly enhance patients' oral health, leading to their widespread use. This review focuses on AgNP synthesis, chemical properties, biocompatibility, uses in various dental fields, and biomaterials used in dentistry. With an emphasis on aspects related to the inclusion of silver nanoparticles, this descriptive review paper also intends to address the recent developments of AgNPs in dentistry.