General Dentists Research Articles

Temporomandibular disorders and bruxism - up-to-date assessment and screening tools the general dentist should be aware of.

The recently proposed shortened screening tools for temporomandibular disorders (TMD)and bruxism should enable a better assessment of these conditions by the general dentist.

ORTHODONTIC EXTRUSION TECHNIQUE AS A METHOD FOR ALVEOLAR BONE VOLUME INCREASE BEFORE DENTAL IMPLANTATION. CLINICAL CASE

Objectives: Tooth extraction and replacement with dental implant represents a common treatment choice, when teeth are hopeless. We presented a clinical case, the treatment of which was carried out by the method of orthodontic extrusion technique. This technique can increase alveolar bone level and also soft tissue level. The increased amount of alveolar bone can improve primary implant stability and be compared with bone regeneration techniques. The purpose of presenting this clinical case is to emphasize the efficiency of orthodontic extrusion. Methods and materials: A 45-year-old female patient referred by the general dentist regarding cosmetic defect and tooth mobility in the area of the anterior upper teeth. During the examination, her upper right central incisor was found to be mobile, with diastema and slight congestion in the anterior teeth Photographs, CT and X-ray studies of the patient were used. The patient was bonded with .018 slot Roth prescription ceramic brackets (Dentaurum, Germany). After achieving the optimal results of orthodontic treatment and the necessary extrusion of the upper right central incisor, the tooth was removed and replaced with a dental implant. After six months, the patient had a crown with a screw fixation of zirconium dioxide with ceramic application Results: As a result of orthodontic extrusion, clinically significant increase in alveolar bone and gingival tissue was reported. This resulted significant qualitative and quantitative improvements in the implant site. As the clinical case was in aesthetic zone, we could also rehabilitate beautiful smile of patient and increase her self-esteem. Conclusions: Summing up the above and the results of the treatment of this patient, we can definitely say that orthodontic extrusion technique is effective for implant site development. As we have described, this can effectively move the facial gingival margin and allow for esthetic restoration of implant placed in the extruded tooth position without any bone graft.

Debating: effective and satisfactory learning method in dentistry

BackgroundEducation in the modern world of health needs diverse methods of learning and teaching. The traditional education model has limited capacity for developing abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. Therefore, improving the quality of teaching–learning processes requires implementing educational innovations in the classroom and evaluating them. This study aimed to determine the impact of the debate teaching method on improving the abilities of general dentistry doctoral students.MethodsThe research was a semi-experimental study with pre-tests and post-tests to measure the knowledge and abilities of students. The study included 60 dental students who completed the fall 2022 session of the Community Oral Health (COH) 2 practical course. This course, one of three practical components within the Community Oral Health curriculum, aligns with the educational framework of general dentistry. Challenging topics on which there is no consensus in dentistry were chosen for the debate. The descriptive statistics indicators include an independent t-test and variance analysis test with a significance level of 5%. Were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe results of the study showed that the average total knowledge (P < 0.001), 'perception of critical thinking skills (P < 0.001), expression power (P < 0.001), reasoning skills (P = 0.003), interpretation and Information analysis power (P < 0.001), the ability to find and use scientific databases (P < 0.001) and the ability to analyze and evaluate evidence (P < 0.001) increased significantly after intervention in students. 95% of students agreed/strongly agreed that this method enhances their ability to answer people's questions. From an instructor’s point of view, students had 93.1% of the ability to reason and analyze information after intervention and 88.5% of the ability to think critically.ConclusionThe results of the study showed that the use of debate in the classroom is an effective way to present content. The process of evaluating data-driven arguments promotes higher-level cognitive skills and teaches students about the knowledge base and the use of scientific databases.Trial registrationRegistration date: 21/11/2022, Registration number: IRCT20141128020129N3.

Accuracy and consistency of chatbots versus clinicians for answering pediatric dentistry questions: A pilot study

ObjectivesArtificial Intelligence has applications such as Large Language Models (LLMs), which simulate human-like conversations. The potential of LLMs in healthcare is not fully evaluated. This pilot study assessed the accuracy and consistency of chatbots and clinicians in answering common questions in pediatric dentistry. MethodsTwo expert pediatric dentists developed thirty true or false questions involving different aspects of pediatric dentistry. Publicly accessible chatbots (Google Bard, ChatGPT4, ChatGPT 3.5, Llama, Sage, Claude 2 100k, Claude-instant, Claude-instant-100k, and Google Palm) were employed to answer the questions (3 independent new conversations). Three groups of clinicians (general dentists, pediatric specialists, and students; n = 20/group) also answered. Responses were graded by two pediatric dentistry faculty members, along with a third independent pediatric dentist. Resulting accuracies (percentage of correct responses) were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post-hoc pairwise group comparisons were corrected using Tukey's HSD method. ACronbach's alpha was calculated to determine consistency. ResultsPediatric dentists were significantly more accurate (mean±SD 96.67 %± 4.3 %) than other clinicians and chatbots (p < 0.001). General dentists (88.0 % ± 6.1 %) also demonstrated significantly higher accuracy than chatbots (p < 0.001), followed by students (80.8 %±6.9 %). ChatGPT showed the highest accuracy (78 %±3 %) among chatbots. All chatbots except ChatGPT3.5 showed acceptable consistency (Cronbach alpha>0.7). Clinical SignificanceBased on this pilot study, chatbots may be valuable adjuncts for educational purposes and for distributing information to patients. However, they are not yet ready to serve as substitutes for human clinicians in diagnostic decision-making. ConclusionIn this pilot study, chatbots showed lower accuracy than dentists. Chatbots may not yet be recommended for clinical pediatric dentistry.

Assessment of dental bur sterilization awareness among general dentists in Uttarakhand

This study assesses general dentists' knowledge and adherence to dental bur sterilization practices in Uttarakhand, aiming to enhance patient safety and clinical precision by identifying implementation gaps. Evaluate practitioners' understanding of optimal sterilization protocols for burs, pinpoint areas for improvement, and establish a baseline of current practices in general dentistry. A state-wide distribution of a structured questionnaire gathered responses from 237 general dentists. The survey focused on sterilization equipment usage, frequency, and compliance with industry guidelines. Quantitative data were analyzed for insights into current practices. Preliminary findings show varying awareness and adherence levels among practitioners. While a significant proportion demonstrated commendable knowledge, specific gaps and deviations were identified, suggesting areas for improvement. Continuous education and reinforcement of best practices in bur sterilization are crucial within the general dentistry community. Addressing identified gaps can elevate the standard of care, ensuring patient safety and precision in dental procedures. Ongoing education and awareness campaigns are vital for sustained improvement in bur sterilization practices.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of various irrigating techniques by checking the depth of penetration of the sealer- An in-vitro study

Sonic irrigant activation has gained widespread popularity among general dentists and endodontists currently. It is usually seen that sonic powered flosser which we have used in our study is in use in many dental colleges by post graduate students as it is construed to be the cheaper version of Endoactivator.To investigate the efficacy of sonic powered flosser with various irrigating techniques by checking the depth of sealer penetration. Forty five single-rooted teeth were instrumented and divided into 3 groups of 15 teeth each, as Group 1: endoactivator; Group 2: powered sonic flosser; Group 3: manual dynamic irrigation. The samples were obturated with AH Plus sealer labelled with Rhodamine B dye. The teeth were sectioned and viewed under confocal microscope to determine the depth of sealer penetration.Statistical analysis used: One way Anova F test was used for overall comparison among three groups and Tukey's post hoc test were used to evaluate the efficiency levels between groups. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical test. The results showed that the maximum penetration was exhibited by endoactivator followed by manual dynamic irrigation and least by powered sonic flosser. The middle third showed the maximum penetration, followed by apical third in all the groups. Sonic powered flosser and manual agitation weren’t found to be as effective as Endoactivator, so in the absence of Endoactivator, sonic and manual agitation can’t be relied upon for desired results. The agitation of the irrigants is found to be most effective with endoactivator in order to achieve appreciable sealer penetration.So using sonic powered flosser will not be able to render the results as good as endoactivator.

Evaluating Knowledge, Self-Reported Confidence Levels, and Prescription Patterns among Dental Practitioners Regarding Analgesics in Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Dental pain is a common problem that often leads to unscheduled dental visits and requires a comprehensive understanding of analgesics, including their indications and contraindications. The aim of this study was to investigate dentists' knowledge, self-reported confidence levels, and prescribing patterns of analgesics in dentistry. Materials and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted, resulting in 379 responses. Of these, 68.6% were general dentists, and 31.4% were specialists. The collected data included sociodemographic information, levels of knowledge, and prescription patterns. The survey questionnaire explored self-perceived practices, patient information during prescription, and guiding factors. Descriptive statistics and a generalized linear model for regression were used for data analysis. Results: Higher levels of knowledge were observed in specific contexts such as secondary/tertiary healthcare (p = 0.022), specialization in endodontics (p = 0.003), and a higher number of working hours with patients (p = 0.038). Conversely, increased self-confidence was observed among endodontists (p = 0.008), oral surgeons (p = 0.011), and dentists with more than 6 h of patient interaction (p ≤ 0.001). Orthodontists and prosthodontists demonstrated lower knowledge levels, while specialists in family dentistry exhibited lower self-confidence. Self-confidence and knowledge displayed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.039, p < 0.001). The most frequently prescribed medication was ibuprofen (97.9%), primarily for surgical (83.9%) and endodontic procedures (60.9%), with the main indications being pulpal (85.8%), periradicular (57.3%), and postoperative pain (40.1%). Conclusions: This study reveals significant knowledge and confidence gaps among dentists, including limited awareness of the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for odontogenic pain, a lack of time for effective counseling, and perceived deficits in pharmacology education. To address these issues, targeted educational interventions are recommended to improve analgesic prescribing practice, close knowledge gaps, and increase dentists' confidence in more effective pain management.

Endo-Perio Lesions and Dentists' Treatment Approach: A Survey.

BACKGROUND Endo-perio lesions are a great challenge for dentists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment approach of dental practitioners to endo-perio lesions by considering the current endo-perio classification. MATERIAL AND METHODS An online survey was prepared, consisting of questions about the treatment approach to 3 simulated cases with endo-perio lesions, shown on periapical radiography. Details of the patient's age, presence of systemic disease, smoking, and how the single- or multi-rooted tooth would affect the treatment plan were also included in the simulated cases presented in the survey. The survey was sent to 1500 dentists via e-mail, WhatsApp, and social media platforms. The chi-square test was used for comparison of data. Significance was evaluated at P<0.05. RESULTS In total, 338 dentists participated in the survey, including general dentists, endodontists, and periodontists. Fifty-three percent of participants stated that they would perform root canal treatment and initial periodontal treatment simultaneously, when both treatments were required. In cases classified as grade 3, most general dentists, endodontists, and periodontists answered that they would prescribe systemic antibiotics if there was diffuse extra-oral swelling (P<0.05). Moreover, in grade 3 cases, more general dentists chose the option "extraction" as the best choice, compared with endodontists and periodontists, who did not choose extraction as often (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS According to the results of this study, general dentists, endodontists, and periodontists generally follow different approaches to endo-perio lesions. A consensus is needed on this issue to develop a successful multidisciplinary approach to endo-perio lesions.

Traumatic dental injuries: Knowledge assessment of dentists in the Norwegian Public Dental Service of Vestland.

Most children and adolescents in Norway attend the Public Dental Service (PDS) where they are treated free-of-charge until the age of 19 years. Thus, general dentists employed in the PDS are the primary care providers for traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in young patients. This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge of PDS general dentists on the acute management and follow-up of TDI and its socio-demographic and attitudinal covariates. All general dentists employed in the Vestland County PDS, Western Norway, (N = 170) received an online questionnaire. Socio-demographic and professional profiles of respondents as well as attitudinal indicators were queried. Clinical case scenarios on emergency treatment and further follow-ups of TDI were used to calculate a dental trauma knowledge score (DTKS; range: 0-21). Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests determined differences between the demographic subgroups. Logistic regressions determined the potential of single factors in explaining the variability in dental trauma knowledge. The response rate was 46%. Most participants (60.5%) had not participated in a TDI course after graduation but would like such a course (84.2%). Mean DTKS was 13.82 (±2.6). Knowledge scores differed significantly between age groups (p = .014) and years since graduation (p = .0018). Younger dentists and recently graduated dentists scored highest. Dentists under the age of 30 years scored higher than 30-39- and 40-49-year-old dentists in these areas: emergency treatment of crown fractures with pulp exposure, identification of complications after avulsion, and management of severe intrusive luxation injury. Younger dentists had a higher theoretical knowledge of TDI. Continuing professional development among dentists in the Norwegian PDS is needed for emergency treatment and complication management after TDI.

Direct 3D printing aligners - past, present and future possibilities.

The aim of this paper is to introduce the general dentist to recent advances in 3D printing technology used in orthodontics. 3D printing is a highly evolving area of dentistry with continual developments. New advances now allow the in-house delivery of printed aligners. Advocates of this new technology suggest the benefits of more prescriptive and controlled tooth movement in comparison to conventional thermoformed appliances. However, there is currently limited evidence on the efficiency of this material and more research needs to be carried out to validate this new technology.

Assessment of Dental Students and Dentists’ Awareness and Management Toward Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Cross-sectional Study in Makkah (Saudi Arabia)

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess head and neck cancer (HNC) knowledge and awareness among dental students and dentists in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was carried out between October 2022 and February 2023. 310 undergraduate students at the faculty of dentistry, Umm Al-Qura University, as well as general dentists and consultants working either in the University Hospitals, public hospitals, or private clinics in Makkah were included in the study. The survey consisted of 26 questions divided into three sections: demographics, knowledge, practices and attitudes toward HNC early detection and management. Descriptive statistics were presented for the knowledge and attitude and Chi-square test was used to identify correlations,Pvalue ≤0.05 was considered significant.ResultsOut of the 160 completed questionnaires, the majority of the participants were female (63.1%) and undergraduate students (77.5%). Regarding HNC general knowledge, acceptable levels were reported, however, the results showed a significant lack of knowledge concerning oral cancer complications and their association with cancer and cancer therapy. Additionally, there was no significant difference between males and females in the knowledge score (p=0.82) or attitude score regarding oncology patients (p=0.5). There was a significant difference in the overall knowledge between specialists and consultants (p=.0.04) compared to students, and general dentists. Knowledge was found to be directly proportional to individual’s experience.ConclusionAll participants had good general knowledge of HNC; however, they lacked sufficient knowledge about complications of cancer-associated therapy. HNC educational programs mostly in diagnosis, management, and prevention are required. Furthermore, there is a need to emphasize participation of graduated and practicing dentists of all levels of experience in future studies.

Removal of fiber posts using conventional versus guided endodontics: a comparative study of dentin loss and complications.

To compare the efficacy of fiber post removal using conventional (CONV) versus guided endodontics (GE) in terms of dentin loss, residual resin material, procedural errors, and working time in vitro. Ninety human central incisors were root-filled and scanned by micro-computed tomography (CT), then restored with fiber posts and composite. Twenty-four sets of teeth with up to four human maxillary central incisors were fabricated and divided into three groups: conventional post removal by a general dentist (CG) or endodontology specialist (CS) and guided endodontics (GE) by a general dentist, yielding 30 teeth per operator and group. After treatment, the prepared access cavities were volumetrically assessed by micro-CT. Statistical significance was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc comparisons with Tukey's HSD test and Pearson's chi-squared test for independence. Both CONV and GE resulted in dentin loss and residual resin material. CS resulted in more dentin loss and less residual resin material than CG and GE (p < .05). All groups had some deviations from the original root canal but no perforations. The shortest working time was observed in the GE group. Compared to the conventional freehand technique, GE resulted in significantly less radicular dentin loss, a few deviations but no perforations. Guided endodontics can improve the speed and safety of fiber post removal without root perforation.

Current trends in placing posterior composite restorations: Perspectives from Palestinian general dentists: A questionnair study.

The success of composite restorations relies on material selection and practitioner-related factors that shape the overall outcome. This study explores the practices of Palestinian general dental practitioners in placing posterior composites, examining the impact of work sector, experience, and gender on their choices. The study was conducted as an online cross-sectional questionnaire and involved 351 participants, with a response rate of 69.8%. The survey comprised 18 closed-ended questions covering demographics, material selection, and composite placement in special cases, techniques, and factors influencing the choices. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Fisher's exact tests. Composite was the predominant choice for small-size (83.7%) and large-size posterior cavities (60.4%). Practitioners commonly opted for composite restorations in cases involving occlusal parafunctional activity (60%), poor oral hygiene (78%), and subgingival cavities (72.2%). Only 19.6% and 5.3% reported occlusal and gingival beveling, respectively. Rubber dams for isolation stood at 30%, one-step self-etch adhesives at 44.9%, and the oblique layering technique at 51%. Light-emitting diode curing units were popular (97.55%), but monitoring output with a radiometer was infrequent (93.5%). Tofflemire metal matrix usage was 46.1%, whereas a sectional matrix system was employed by 29.8%. A 2 mm layer exposure to light curing for 20 s was reported by 62%, and 27.75% utilized additional light-curing postmatrix band removal. The study highlights the need for Palestinian dental professionals to update their clinical approaches in placing composite restorations in posterior teeth. Gender, work sector, and experience influence practitioners' choices, emphasizing the importance of tailored continuing education programs for improving clinical practices.

Orodental manifestations of Noonan syndrome: a clinical case study

Relevance. Mutations in the PTPN11 gene, a hallmark of Noonan syndrome, disrupt the normal development of connective tissue structure, resulting in a range of manifestations, including orodental abnormalities.Clinical case description. This article presents a medical record of a 14-year-old patient diagnosed with Noonan syndrome who sought medical assistance due to exacerbated chronic generalized periodontitis. The authors implemented a two-stage treatment approach, resulting in satisfactory outcomes. They identified concurrent orodental symptoms and conducted analyses of orthopantomography and bone densitometry for both jaws. A personalized treatment schedule was devised, emphasizing the necessity for the patient's chronic periodontitis to be in a state of remission and the utilization of sedation for effective management. Following the implementation of a planned series of therapeutic interventions during the remission stage, including professional oral care, teeth splinting with orthodontic retainers, nonsurgical root debridement, and mandibular labial frenuloplasty, quarterly follow-up assessments were chosen as the preferred monitoring method.Conclusion. Patients with hereditary pathologies, such as Noonan syndrome, often exhibit significant orodental manifestations. Addressing such conditions necessitates specific treatment techniques that integrate a comprehensive approach, timely diagnostics, and collaboration between general practitioners and dentists. Given the unique needs of these patients, it is essential to develop personalized treatment protocols tailored to their individual requirements, including the duration and efficacy of chosen treatments, as well as considerations for anesthesia or sedation care.

Silhouette Profiles in the Assessment of Facial Aesthetics: A Comparison of Cases Treated with Damon and Traditional Braces

Aim The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the perception of patient’s soft tissue profiles treated with Damon and traditional braces (MBT) in non-extraction cases. Methods The record of 14 patients (five Damon, five MBT, and four Duplicated) non extraction cases was included in the study. A total of 28 resulting profile silhouettes (pre- and post-treatment profile photographs) were evaluated by 90 examiners (orthodontists, general dentists, laypersons) using a Likert scale to rate the profiles randomly. Statistical analysis (Student t-test, ANOVA) revealed significant differences both between and within groups. Results The Laypersons, General dentist, and Orthodontist significantly gave high scores for Damon system compared to (MBT system). It is seen that both male and female examiners gave high scores for Damon compared to MBT system. Conclusion Damon system was found to have a perceptible difference in the profile improvement when compared to MBT with all three groups of examiners.

The global distribution of special needs dentistry across dental school curricula.

Special needs dentistry (SND) is an emerging dental specialty, with ongoing developments in education and clinical practice focused towards the tailored management of individuals with special needs (SN). Patients with SN have a higher prevalence of oral diseases and unmet dental needs compared to the general population. Although inadequate training and experience in managing patients with SN has been highlighted as a significant barrier to accessing care, there is limited data about the extent of SND teaching at the entry-to-practice or higher levels. This work is the first to map SND curricula globally, across 180 countries and 1265 dental schools. Although 74.62% of dental schools were found in developing economies, the distribution of programs that reported SND in their courses was highly skewed towards developed countries. In terms of advanced degrees, beyond basic entry-to-practice training, the USA delivered 60% of the SND programs, followed by Canada (15.56%), UK (13.33%), and Australia (8.89%). The term SND appeared in 33.95% of entry-to-practice level program curricula and was less commonly used in transitioning economies. Only 112 SND-specialized practitioners enter the workforce globally each year from developed economies, and all but three advanced degrees are found in G7 countries. By exploring the impact of economic status on its distribution, this paper highlighted the lack of SND representation in dental curricula, especially amongst programs in transitioning or developing economies. Education of both general dentists and specialists is critical as a collaborative effort is needed to manage the growing population of patients with SN.

Forced eruption in impacted teeth: analysis of failed cases and outcome of re-operation

BackgroundForced eruption of an impacted tooth usually requires surgical and orthodontic interventions to successfully bring the tooth into the dental arch. The clinical time required for a forced eruption is difficult to predict before treatment begins and success rates are affected by several factors before and after an eruption. This study was conducted to identify factors that affect the success of forced eruption, the duration of orthodontic treatment of impacted teeth, and the reasons for re-operation and forced eruption failure in a various teeth and cases.MethodsIn this retrospective study, the records regarding the forced eruption of 468 teeth in 371 patients from June 2006 to May 2020 at the Advanced General Dentistry Department of Yonsei University Dental Hospital were initially examined. The records of 214 teeth in 178 patients who completed orthodontic treatment were included in the analysis. Data on patient demographics, tooth characteristics, orthodontic treatment duration, re-operations, and failures were collected from electronic medical records.ResultsThere was a significant difference in age between the success and failure forced eruption. Factors significantly affecting treatment duration were apex formation, position, rotation, and re-operation. Re-operation had a 96% success rate. The average orthodontic treatment duration was 29.99 ± 16.93 months, but the average orthodontic treatment duration for teeth that undergone re-operation was 20.36 ± 11.05 months, which was approximately 9 months shorter. Additionally, there was an interaction effect between rotation and re-operation on the duration of orthodontic treatment. The causes for failure of forced eruption in 6 cases were ankyloses (3 cases), incomplete alignment with the normal dental arch (2 cases), and a significant deviation in the impacted tooth’s location (1 case).ConclusionsTo increase the success rate of forced eruption, age should be considered as a priority, and in order to predict the treatment period, the apex formation status, position in the arch, and rotation should be considered in addition to age. When determining re-operation, considering factors such as ankylosis, root curvature, and apex formation can help in the success of orthodontic treatment.

Awareness and attitude among general dentists and orthodontists toward obstructive sleep apnea in children.

This study aimed to investigate Italian dentists' knowledge of and attitudes toward obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. An anonymous questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms and sent to dentists in Italy through private social platforms. The first part of the questionnaire contained basic demographic data questions, and the second part included items about pediatric OSA. A total of 125 responses were collected within 1 month. The interviews revealed gaps in undergraduate and post-graduate training on OSA, and consequently, low self-evaluation of knowledge and self-confidence in managing young patients with OSA. Dentists showed unfavorable attitudes and poor knowledge of the general findings, risk factors, and consequences of pediatric OSA but demonstrated good knowledge of the beneficial effects of rapid maxillary expansion. Orthodontists showed a more favorable attitude and better recognition of the craniofacial features associated with OSA. In addition, a comparison was made between dentists who had graduated more than 5 years ago and new graduates, and differences were found in undergraduate education, which was better for new graduates, and a small number of questions were better answered by experienced dentists. This study showed a lack of knowledge about pediatric OSA and its management among Italian dentists, revealing the need to update the dentistry curriculum and organize educational interventions.

Latest Concepts in the Endodontic Management of Kidney Patients.

Doubtlessly, kidney patients present acommon challenge in endodontic practice, so specialists in this field should know and follow several key points regarding this group of medically compromised patients. This reviewpaper aims to explain kidney disease and its complications, as well asnotify and discuss the latest concepts on anesthesia, pain management, antibiotic prophylaxis/stewardship, and the risk of viral diseases for these patients, and also the oral manifestations of kidney diseases that may guideendodontists to diagnose kidney intervention and prevent hazardous consequences that may happen during or following endodontic practice on these patients. For this purpose,relevant keywords were searched on Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science to find published papers from 1980 to July 2023. Based on the quality, validity, and novelty 57 published articles were selected to provide this review to notify the most important concepts and considerations regarding endodontic management of kidney patients. Overall, it is concluded that training and education of general dentists, as well as endodontic specialistswith strong technical, scientific, human, and moral knowledge about kidney patients, with emphasis on the philosophy of prevention of common dangerous systemic consequences originating from endodontic treatments, is the responsibility of dental schools in undergraduate as well as post-graduate programs.

Cultural competency in dental education: developing a tool for assessment and inclusion.

This study aimed to assess the cultural competency content in selected Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) courses and to explore the use of an assessment tool that may be used to standardize the integration of cultural competency in the dental school curriculum. A survey was sent to course directors to determine the inclusion of four topics related to cultural competence, the mechanisms of inclusion, and their comfort level in teaching the topics in their courses. A scan of the same courses was conducted with the use of a tool developed from an Expert Panel's recommendations for knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) to be included in curricula for teaching cultural competence. Twenty-one course directors responded. Fifteen reported they include social determinants of health and twelve include health inequities in their courses. Faculty reported an average of 8.67 comfort level in teaching these topics but there was less comfort level in teaching cultural humility and implicit bias. Course directors used assignments, case studies, lectures, quizzes, and patient care (clinical courses) to include the topics. The scan of courses showed that the use of the Competencies for General Dentists in course syllabi covered the recommended knowledge, skills, and attitudes for cultural competence. The rubric was suitable for assessing cultural competency content. The Competencies for General Dentists in course syllabi will allow the integration of the recommended KSA in dental courses to teach cultural competence. However, dental faculty may need training in the integration of KSA items in course objectives and content.