Dental Professionals Research Articles

Prevalence of Gamer’s Mark on the wrists of dental students in Mumbai: A multicentric study

Repeated friction between the wrist and the mouse pad leads to the development of a lesion on the wrist of the operator known as the ‘Gamer’s mark’. In the context of the rapid development of digital technology and increased dependence of dental students and professionals on the same, the present study aimed to analyze the prevalence of Gamer’s mark among dental students in the city of Mumbai. The present cross-sectional study was on 1412 dental students in four different institutions in Mumbai using a five-point questionnaire comprising questions relevant to the characteristics of gaming history and the presence of the lesion on the wrist. The responses were recorded in an Excel sheet and subjected to data analysis. The prevalence of the lesion across the full cohort was found to be 0.5%. Of the 103 participants reporting a history of gaming, 66.99% (n=69) had the lesion on either of their hands which comprised 50 males and 19 females. There was a statistically significant difference noted (p<0.05) wherein a higher number of males (p=0.02) as well as females (p=0.04) had the lesion as compared to those that did not (p<0.05) The correlation between the duration of the Gamer’s Mark lesion and the intensity of gaming underscores the need for awareness and preventive strategies in the dental community. As dentistry continues to embrace digitalization, it is imperative to address the potential health implications associated with prolonged computer usage.

Oral pathologies in anticancer therapy: a literature review

Anticancer therapy is associated with a wide range of systemic symptoms, including oral pathologies, such as dry mouth, mucositis, masticatory spasm, osteoradionecrosis, dental caries, opportunistic infections, dysphagia, hypogeusia, dysgeusia, and hyposalivation. Dental professionals are the most qualified experts in the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathologies, as well as their prevention and control in cancer patients receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The aim of the review was to assess domestic and international literature on primary oral complications associated with anticancer therapy. The review also aimed to highlight the importance of dental care in improving the quality of life of these patients, as well as to provide practical guidelines for managing these complications. The search was performed using electronic databases PubMed, eLIBRARY.RU, and Google Scholar. The search yielded 55 literature sources, which were included in the review. Anticancer therapy may result in significant oral pathologies, including mucositis, infections, hyposalivation, changes in taste, and pain. These symptoms can affect various functions of the oral cavity and oropharynx, causing dry mouth and difficulties chewing and swallowing, which impairs nutrition. Moreover, they can affect speech, oral hygiene, denture treatment, and appearance, all of which can be detrimental to oral health, as well as social and emotional wellbeing. These side effects may also reduce compliance with anticancer therapy, affecting treatment outcomes, overall health, and therapy costs. When examining cancer patients, a dental professional must consider the prescribed therapy, as well as potential long-term complications similar to those in patients receiving bisphosphonates. As a result, a cancer patient will continue to receive the necessary treatment, and any new problems will be identified early.

Association between narrow palate and respiratory function in children: a literature review

Changes in the airways and dentoalveolar system are one of the most challenging aspects of modern practical and theoretical dentistry. Nasal breathing is essential for the normal development of the maxillofacial area. During a child’s growth, the respiratory tract and facial skull development are closely linked. The main stage of dentoalveolar system development occurs during preschool and elementary school years. Nasal breathing disorders are currently widespread in this age group. Dental professionals are frequently the first to detect these disorders. A dental professional can then inform parents on the potential causes and consequences of habitual mouth breathing, justify the need for treatment and prevention of this pathology, and refer a child to an ENT specialist. The review examines the association between narrow palate and respiratory function in children. Domestic and international studies addressing the association between dentoalveolar system pathologies and respiratory patterns and functional parameters were analyzed. The studies present a variety of opinions: some authors confirm the association between narrow palate and mouth breathing, while others refute it. Moreover, changes in respiratory function parameters following rapid palatal expansion have been analyzed, emphasizing the importance of timely orthodontic treatment to improve breathing.

Teledentistry as a Tool for Health Care Transformation

Teledentistry is a valuable technology tool that supports dental professionals in improving access to oral health care. Technological infrastructure, workforce availability, staff readiness, reimbursement, and patient population served must all be considered when implementing teledentistry.

Comparative Analysis of Multiple Comparison Tests for Radiation Exposure Subgroups Among Dental Workers At Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria

Post-hoc analysis is a crucial statistical technique employed to identify specific group differences following a significant ANOVA result. This study delves into the comparative analysis of three commonly used post-hoc tests - Tukey's HSD, LSD, and Scheffe's method - to determine significant differences in radiation exposure levels among dental workers at Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Dental professionals are routinely exposed to ionizing radiation, primarily from X-ray machines. Excessive exposure can lead to various health risks, including cancer. Hence, accurate assessment and comparison of radiation exposure levels among different categories of dental workers are essential for effective radiation protection measures. In this study, the researchers calculated the critical values for each post-hoc test at a significance level of 0.05. The results indicated that the LSD method had the smallest critical value (0.674), followed by Tukey's HSD (1.304) and Scheffe's method (1.566). A lower critical value generally implies a higher sensitivity in detecting significant differences between groups. By conducting pairwise comparisons, the study found that the LSD method was the most effective in identifying statistically significant differences in radiation exposure levels among the dental workers. This suggests that the LSD method is a suitable choice for post-hoc analysis in this specific context. The findings of this study have significant implications for radiation protection practices in dental settings. By employing appropriate post-hoc analysis methods, healthcare institutions can accurately assess radiation exposure risks and implement targeted interventions to minimize exposure and protect the health of dental workers.

Unveiling the power of artificial intelligence for image‐based diagnosis and treatment in endodontics: An ally or adversary?

AbstractBackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI), a field within computer science, uses algorithms to replicate human intelligence tasks such as pattern recognition, decision‐making and problem‐solving through complex datasets. In endodontics, AI is transforming diagnosis and treatment by applying deep learning algorithms, notably convolutional neural networks, which mimic human brain function to analyse two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) data.ObjectivesThis article provides an overview of AI applications in endodontics, evaluating its use in 2D and 3D imaging and examining its role as a beneficial tool or potential challenge.MethodsThrough a narrative review, the article explores AI's use in 2D and 3D imaging modalities, discusses their limitations and examines future directions in the field.ResultsAI significantly enhances endodontic practice by improving diagnostic accuracy, workflow efficiency, and treatment planning. In 2D imaging, AI excels at detecting periapical lesions on both periapical and panoramic radiographs, surpassing expert radiologists in accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. AI also accurately detects and classifies radiolucent lesions, such as radicular cysts and periapical granulomas, matching the precision of histopathology analysis. In 3D imaging, AI automates the segmentation of fine structures such as pulp chambers and root canals on cone‐beam computed tomography scans, thereby supporting personalized treatment planning. However, a significant limitation highlighted in some studies is the reliance on in vitro or ex vivo datasets for training AI models. These datasets do not replicate the complexities of clinical environments, potentially compromising the reliability of AI applications in endodontics.DiscussionDespite advancements, challenges remain in dataset variability, algorithm generalization, and ethical considerations such as data security and privacy. Addressing these is essential for integrating AI effectively into clinical practice and unlocking its transformative potential in endodontic care. Integrating radiomics with AI shows promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and predictive analytics, potentially enabling automated decision support systems to enhance treatment outcomes and patient care.ConclusionsAlthough AI enhances endodontic capabilities through advanced imaging analyses, addressing current limitations and fostering collaboration between AI developers and dental professionals are essential. These efforts will unlock AI's potential to achieve more predictable and personalized treatment outcomes in endodontics, ultimately benefiting both clinicians and patients alike.

Oral Health and Systemic Disease: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Dental Care on Overall Health

Oral health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall health, with research highlighting its potential impact on various systemic diseases. This systematic review examines the current evidence on the association between oral health, particularly dental care, and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on studies published from 2016 onward. Studies indicate that periodontal disease and other oral health issues may contribute to systemic inflammation, a common factor in many chronic conditions. Specifically, findings suggest that managing oral health can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, glycemic control in diabetic patients, and respiratory function, as well as reduce risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, while associations are evident, causality remains difficult to establish, and further longitudinal research is needed to clarify these relationships. This review underscores the importance of incorporating dental care into holistic health approaches, advocating for greater collaboration between dental and medical professionals. Public health initiatives promoting regular dental check-ups and preventive care may play a crucial role in improving overall health outcomes.

The Anthropological Process of Identifying Missing Persons as a Teaching Method for Increasing Awareness in Legal and Forensic Dentistry in the Republic of Cyprus

Forensic Odontology is a critical field within forensic science, with significant importance in legal contexts and the identification of victims in mass disasters or cases of abuse. This article focuses on the efforts made by the European University Cyprus (EUC) School of Dentistry to raise awareness among dental students regarding legal and forensic dentistry practices. Through voluntary visits to the Anthropological Laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus, students gain firsthand experience and insights into anthropological analysis for identifying missing individuals. These visits provide students with practical application opportunities, emphasizing record-keeping practices, oral tissue morphology analysis, and unique aspects of restorative work during identification processes. Feedback from participating students highlights the value of experiential learning in increasing awareness about forensic odontology’s importance and relevance in real-world scenarios. The initiatives undertaken by the EUC School of Dentistry contribute to enhancing legal and forensic dentistry awareness among future dental professionals in Cyprus.

Parameters to Improve the Accuracy of Intraoral Scanners for Fabricating Tooth-Supported Restorations.

To review the factors that impact the accuracy of intraoral scanners (IOSs) when fabricating tooth-supported restorations. Factors can have a different impact on IOS accuracy depending on the scanning purpose. If the goal is to fabricate tooth-supported restorations, it is essential to review the following operator-related factors: IOS technology and system, scan extension and starting quadrant, scanning pattern, scanning distance, and rescanning methods. Additionally, it is critical to interpret the following patient-related factors differently: edentulous spaces, presence of existing restorations on adjacent teeth, and characteristics of the tooth preparation (build-up material, geometry, total occlusal convergence [TOC], finish line location, and surface finishing), and interdental spaces (between tooth preparations or between preparation and the adjacent tooth). For crown or short-span fixed dental prostheses, a reduced scan extension is recommended. For complete-arch scans, it is advisable to start the scan in the same quadrant as the preparation. If the IOS permits locking the scan, rescanning may be indicated. Restorations on tooth preparations and adjacent teeth reduce accuracy. The simpler the geometry and the larger the TOC, the higher the IOS accuracy. Intracrevicular finish lines result in lower accuracy than equigingival or supragingival positions. Air-particle procedures showed better accuracy than coarse and fine grit and immediate dentin sealing. The greater the space between a preparation and the adjacent tooth, the better the accuracy. Dental professionals must understand and handle the factors that impact the scanning accuracy of intraoral scanners differently depending on the purpose of the scan.

Exploring lived experiences with tooth loss among fully edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda

BackgroundOne of the most prevalent oral health issues affecting mankind is tooth loss. Besides extractions due to periodontal disease and caries, accidents and lack of dental knowledge can also result in tooth loss. Nevertheless, no known published studies have examined how edentulous patients in Uganda have lived with tooth loss. The objective of the present study was to investigate experiences of tooth loss among Ugandan edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional qualitative study using purposive recruitment of respondents. A total of 15 respondents were chosen from a variety of socio-economic groups. Qualitative data were collected using oral interviews in form of note taking and an audio-recorder. The data collected comprised the causes of tooth loss, the physical and psychological effects of losing teeth, the difficulties in managing oral hygiene when one is toothless, coping mechanisms, and supportive interventions after losing natural teeth. The collected data were transcribed and analyzed thematically using a software, Atlas Ti. The generated qualitative data were summarized as text, while demographic characteristics were presented in a table.ResultsOral infections such as periodontal disease (which destroy tooth supporting tissues), tooth decay and trauma from accidents were reportedly the main causes of tooth loss. In case of tooth pain as a first symptom, most patients choose self-medication with over-the-counter drugs and home remedies. They only consult dental professionals when the condition deteriorates. Tooth loss was associated with problems of eating, facial aesthetics and low self-esteem.ConclusionThe present study found that tooth loss was caused by periodontal disease, tooth decay and trauma from accidents. Loss of teeth was escalated by poor health seeking behavior. Tooth loss resulted in pain, eating difficulties, speech difficulties, poor facial appearance and consequently low self-esteem.

Current State of Professionalism Curriculum in Oral Health Education.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the relevant literature on teaching professionalism in dental curricula and report the relevant data from a survey of members of the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) on the topic. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire regarding teaching and assessment of professionalism in dental schools, members of the ADEE. The literature review identified 33 articles related to professionalism in dental curricula. The survey sent to the membership of the Association for Dental Education in Europe yielded responses from 27 European dental schools and four schools outside Europe. Various study designs were identified in the review, and the main themes discussed included teaching/pedagogy, ethics/humanities, core domains and assessment of professionalism. Twenty schools reported having specific courses dedicated to professionalism, while the format varied, including entire modules, separate learning outcomes or unit structures. Ethics, communication, law/legal framework/deontology, teamworking and management/leadership were among the common topics taught under the banner of professionalism. Many schools reported increases or no changes in hours, staffing, themes/topics covered and weight in the curriculum for professionalism over the last decade. The paper provides valuable insights into the current state of professionalism education in dental curricula and offers directions for enhancing its effectiveness and relevance in preparing future dental professionals. Collaborative efforts among dental educators and institutions can contribute to the continuous improvement of professionalism education and practice in dentistry.

Periodontal disease: A systemic condition.

For decades, periodontitis has been considered to be a local inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissues in the oral cavity. Initially, associations of periodontitis with a multitude of noncommunicable diseases were each studied separately, and relationships were shown. The associations of periodontitis with morbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases, have been demonstrated. As most such studies were cross-sectional in nature, questions about causality cannot be univocally answered. And periodontitis as an independent risk factor for one systemic disease, becomes even more difficult to assess since recently periodontitis has also been associated with multimorbidity. Periodontitis and many systemic diseases share environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors, and share immunopathology. Moreover, suffering from one common noncommunicable disease may increase the susceptibility for another such chronic disease; the systemic effects of one condition may be one of various risk factors for another such disease. The overarching effect of any systemic disease is it causing a pro-inflammatory state in the individual; this has also been shown for periodontitis. Moreover, in periodontitis a prothrombotic state and elevated immunological activity have been shown. As such, when we consider periodontal disease as another systemic disease, it can affect the susceptibility and progression of other systemic diseases, and importantly, vice versa. And with this, it is not surprising that periodontitis is associated with a variety of other noncommunicable diseases. The medical definition of a systemic disease includes diseases that affect different organs and systems. Thus, the aim of this opinion paper is to propose that periodontitis should be considered a systemic disease in its own right and that it affects the individual's systemic condition and wellbeing. The dental and medical profession and researchers alike, should adapt this paradigm shift, advancing periodontal disease out of its isolated anatomical location into the total of chronic noncommunicable diseases, being for some conditions a comorbid disease and, vice versa, comorbidities can affect initiation and progression of periodontal disease.

Dental team barriers and enablers for the dental management of adults with severe obesity: a qualitative analysis

BackgroundBroad challenges regarding the dental management of people with severe obesity experienced by general dentists have been minimally explored. The perspectives of the dental team regarding these multifaceted issues are currently unknown and they potentially impede the delivery of optimal dental care to this population and contribute to poor oral and general health.AimsOur qualitative study aimed to identify and explore barriers and enablers in the dental management of adults with severe obesity among dental professionals and support staff in Australia.MethodsFocus groups and semi-structured interviews (n = 34 participants) were conducted with dental professionals (n = 23) and support staff (n = 11). Recordings were transcribed verbatim and synthesised using thematic, inductive analysis.ResultsMultiple barriers to adequate provision of dental care for people living with severe obesity in both general and specialist dental settings were identified. Key themes emerged related to the clinical challenges reported by participants in providing dental management for people living with severe obesity, appropriateness of existing bariatric dental service provision and safety of care. Enablers to access were identified, including increased availability of bariatric dental chairs, environmental modifications, education of both patients and the entire dental team and for guideline development.ConclusionThe current study explored multiple barriers to optimal dental management of people living with severe obesity in both general and specialist dental settings. Enablers should be used to inform future practice. The optimisation of existing bariatric dental service provision requires urgent review with solutions guided by systemic change. Study findings suggest a review of current health systems, economics, access barriers, policies and procedures and education and training beyond the individual level are needed. Future directions to improve the dental management of people living with severe obesity are proposed.

Digitalized alarming sensor attached to the dental operating stool in prevention and progression of musculoskeletal disorder: A clinico-biochemical study

Background: The efficiency and productivity of dentists are affected due to musculoskeletal disorders. Efforts should be made to monitor and reduce these disorders so that proper relation is maintained between body and work. Aims and Objectives: This research evaluates and compares the level of creatine kinase (CK) in operators working in ergonomically correct posture and incorrect posture using a newly developed digitalized alarm sensor attached to a dental operating stool. Materials and Methods: A digitalized alarming sensor was attached to half of the operating stools. Blood samples of the operators were checked for CK levels before working on patients and within 13–24 h after the operators have completed their work on patients. Results: The P value was found to be highly significant in operators without digitalized alarming sensors within 13–24 h after completing their work on patients. There was no significant difference in CK levels before patient interaction between the two groups; the presence of the alarm device had a notable impact on CK levels within 13–24 h after work. Conclusion: The group without the alarm device displayed significantly higher CK levels during this postwork timeframe, suggesting a potential association between the absence of the alarm device and increased CK levels among dental professionals.

E-Professionalism's Impact on Dental Professionalism: A Rapid Scoping Review.

Dental regulators and educational institutions are increasingly concerned about the influence of digital platforms used by the profession for social, business, digital interaction with the public/patients and its impact on the professionalism in practice now and going forward. However, academic knowledge and research within dentistry are relevant to e-professionalism at a level of engagement and approach in delivering guidance to students through the current dental curriculum. The question therefore asked was what breadth of academic material, research, debate and discourse is available to inform our understanding, guidance and teaching on this ever-evolving topic. To map how e-professionalism has developed in academic dental literature as a topic within the study of professionalism in practice. A rapid scoping review was conducted to identify published research that describes and tests the topic of professionalism from 2016 to 2023. Studies were synthesised narratively using thematic analysis to inform the understanding of what has been already researched in the field. Thirteen articles were included in the review. After undertaking a thematic analysis, five themes were constructed. These included: curriculum, opportunities and safe professional use, reflections, personal and professional identity issues, and students as co-creators. Within dental research there is consensus that e-professionalism could present a tangible threat to the identity of dental professionals their clinical practice and interaction with patients/public however, less is known about what educational strategies are most effective when teaching e-professionalism.

Reporting MRONJ as an adverse drug reaction: an oral surgery survey.

Introduction Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a significant adverse drug reaction associated with anti-angiogenic and anti-resorptive medications. The aim of this survey was to highlight the importance of reporting adverse drug reactions, including MRONJ.Methodology An electronic survey was disseminated to dentists working in the oral surgery department Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust in November 2021. The survey consisted of 14 open and closed questions relating to the identification and reporting of MRONJ as an adverse drug reaction.Results Although 97% of participants had seen a patient with MRONJ, only 19% had reported an adverse drug reaction to any medication. Interestingly, 27% of respondents felt that MRONJ should be classified as a 'post-operative complication' rather than an 'adverse drug reaction'. In total, 22% of participants were unaware of how to report an adverse drug reaction.Conclusion This survey acts as an important reminder to encourage both patients and dental professionals to report adverse drug reactions, including suspected MRONJ, to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Reporting aids accurate national data collection, highlights risk and supports ongoing research in this area.

Research progress on working posture standards, evaluation, and influencing factors for dental professionals

The correct working posture of dentists is not only the premise of clinical diagnosis, treatment quality and safety but also an important guarantee for the occupational health of dentists. Presently, research on the working posture of dental professionals and related influencing factors is relatively mature internationally. Still, the dental curriculums in our country have not systematically introduced theoretical knowledge and standards related to working posture. This review analyzes and summarizes previous literature on the importance of dental working posture, criteria, assessment methods, and influencing factors, in hopes of providing references and theoretical supports for future guidelines and standards.

Assessing the knowledge, preparedness and perceived barriers among dental clinicians and academicians regarding tobacco cessation counselling in Chennai city- a cross-sectional study

Background: Every year, tobacco usage causes three million deaths worldwide. Specialized counselling enhances the rate of cessation by an additional 4-7% when compared to standard counselling. Nowadays, the evaluation of oral health includes tobacco cessation. The goal of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, readiness, and perceived barriers of Chennai’s dentistry practitioners with reference to tobacco cessation counselling. Methods: Over the course of three months, from March to May 2024, an across-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among dental professionals in Chennai city, comprising researchers (group 1), practitioners (group 2), and academicians and practitioners combined (group 3). A semi-open, coded, structured, self-administered questionnaire was mailed to them, and it was analysed. Results: It appears from the study’s findings that nearly every group felt that they could assist patients in quitting smoking. All of the perceived barriers to our study have been overcome after counselling, 75.9% of academicians and practitioners combined experts received good comments from patients and 70.9% of academicians felt that the patient’s chances of quitting had increased. On the other hand, 42.9% of academicians and practitioners combined professionals thought they didn’t have enough time to provide patients advice. Conclusions: Compared to academicians and clinicians in other groups, dental professionals in academicians and practitioners combined group possess superior knowledge and actively engage with patient cessation. This is evident from the results of our study. Thus, at the community and institutional levels, there is an urgent need to raise awareness and provide academicians and physicians with training.

Addressing Patient Concerns at the University of Michigan Dental School

Effective communication between patients and dental providers is crucial for successful dental appointments, fostering trust and comfort. However, patients often carry unspoken concerns into dental clinics that significantly influence their experiences. The dental profession needs a standardized approach to record and address these concerns, leading to inconsistencies in how patient feedback is collected and acted upon. This can result in unresolved issues and patient dissatisfaction. Recognizing this problem, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry thought to improve how patient concerns are documented and addressed.

Removable dental prostheses for patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune condition primarily affecting the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to pronounced dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes. These symptoms create unique challenges for SS patients requiring removable dental prostheses, as the lack of saliva significantly impacts the retention, comfort, and overall effectiveness of these devices. Without adequate saliva, prosthetic retention diminishes, and patients frequently experience issues such as mucosal irritation and increased susceptibility to infections. To address these issues, tailored material choices are critical in designing effective prosthetic solutions. Soft liners, moisture-retentive acrylics, and antimicrobial coatings are among the innovations improving both retention and comfort for SS patients. The aesthetic and functional outcomes of prosthetic solutions are also essential considerations. Enhanced retention mechanisms, such as implant-supported overdentures, not only improve masticatory performance but also aid in preserving the patient’s facial profile and lip support. Advanced materials offering translucency and color stability contribute to a more natural appearance, which is critical for patient satisfaction. The maintenance of these prostheses requires specific care routines to mitigate microbial buildup and tissue irritation. Specialized cleaning agents and salivary substitutes help maintain hygiene and reduce discomfort, while regular follow-up visits enable timely adjustments to accommodate tissue changes and extend the prosthesis lifespan. Implementing a comprehensive approach that considers material selection, functional and aesthetic outcomes, and maintenance strategies can greatly enhance the quality of life for SS patients. By understanding and addressing the specific needs associated with xerostomic conditions, dental professionals can provide prosthetic solutions that offer both reliability and comfort in this challenging context. Regular patient education and diligent care routines remain essential to ensure the long-term success and durability of removable dental prostheses for individuals with SS.