International Association For Dental Research Research Articles

Dental research related to COVID-19 in Brazil: research presented at the 38th SBPqO Meeting.

The aim of this study was to identify and describe the characteristics of coronavirus (COVID-19)-disease related dental research in Brazil presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Division of the International Association for Dental Research (SBPqO). A search was carried out in the proceedings of the meeting to retrieve all abstracts. Those containing the term "COVID-19" in titles, abstracts, or keywords, and/or those of which the scope approached a COVID-19-related topic were included. The variables extracted from abstracts were: presenter category, field of study, design, data collection method, population, affiliation, and authors' gender. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with a significance level of α = 0.05. The search retrieved 185 abstracts, 5 did not meet study eligibility criteria and were excluded. COVID-19-related research was presented by either aspiring/associate members (67.8%) or beginner members (32.2%). Data collection methods were predominantly digitally mediated (65%), followed by secondary data use (25%), and in-person data collection (7.2%). Irrespective of the role of authorship, there were a ratio of two female authors to each male. Among the last authors, the ratio was three females to each male. Female lead authors more frequently came from the Southeast region (71.8%; p = 0.470). There was an association between presenter category and study design (p = 0.012), clinical and epidemiological studies were more concentrated among experienced presenters. In conclusion, female dental researchers affiliated to southeastern institutions approached the topic of pandemic more frequently than male colleagues. The use of digital technology for data collection may have long-lasting impacts on the teaching and publication of dental research.

An Appreciation of a Giant in Orofacial Sciences Research—John Greenspan

Professor John S. Greenspan died on March 31, 2023. He was a renowned and accomplished academic, dentist/scientist, pathologist, and administrator who made sustained and significant international impacts on numerous fields over half a century. John was arguably best known for his work with his wife, Dr. Deborah Greenspan, on the oral aspects of AIDS and the role of viruses in oral epithelial and salivary gland lesions. He had a lifelong interest in Sjögren’s syndrome, culminating in the leadership of the Sjögren’s International Collaborative Clinical Alliance. He was also widely recognized as one of the leading investigators into the understanding of oral mucosal diseases, including recurrent aphthous stomatitis. He and his colleagues’ major contributions to HIV research and care included the discovery of the oral lesion “hairy leukoplakia,” its etiological association with Epstein–Barr virus, and other oral lesions in the natural history of HIV disease. In recent years, John turned his attention to global oral health inequalities, helping to establish the International Association for Dental Research’s Global Oral Health Inequalities Research Network and serving as its first president. He led many organizations with humble authority, knowledge, wit, and wisdom and mentored colleagues from all over the world, especially from lower- and middle-income countries. John leaves a very special legacy based on example and scientific curiosity, and his work has not only made a lasting impact on his colleagues but also translated to abiding benefit for patients.

A Tribute to Dr. William D. McHugh (May 8, 1929–October 6, 2022)

The 12th president of the American Association for Dental Research (now the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research) and the 65th president of the International Association for Dental Research, Dr. William D. McHugh was one of the longest-serving directors of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester, New York. His exceptional leadership was evident throughout his career, and he continually strived to strengthen the science base of the future dentist.

Achieving consensus on priorities for future behavioural and social research into social inequalities—Results of polling attendees at the BEHSR/IADR Summit on Behavioral and Social Oral Health Sciences

To explore the priority given by researchers working in the field of behavioural, epidemiological and health services research to key aspects of research in oral health and inequalities. Survey of registrants at the Behavioural Epidemiological and Health Services Research group of the International Association for Dental Research (BEHSR/IADR) Summit October 2020. The highest ranking for priority was given to 'Testing interventions to reducing oral health inequalities', and within this area to the exploration of public health approaches to reducing such disparities. Lower ranking priorities included 'Describing inequalities within countries' and 'Describing the mechanisms by which inequality produces poor health'. Registrants at the (BEHSR/IADR) Summit October 2020 gave priority to testing interventions which will seek to reduce oral health inequalities, particularly through public health approaches such as creating policy change and community level interventions. Epidemiological research describing inequalities within countries was given a lower priority.

Tribute to Dianne Rekow—Dental “Imagineer”

Elizabeth Dianne Rekow, BSME, MSME, MBA, DDS, MS, Certificate in Orthodontics, and PhD (1944–2022), was a dental science futurist pursuing brave new paths during her career. She was one of the pivotal scientists who initiated the CAD/CAM movement in the 1980s and went on to focus on digital dentistry for the rest of her career. Her professional contributions involved seven patents, 92 peer-reviewed publications, 10 book contributions, 31 proceeding contributions, and well over 100 national and international presentations. She was an avid supporter of women in science. Her greatest contribution was her expansive imagination. She served as 35th president of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research in 2006–2007 and 88th president of the International Association for Dental Research in 2011–2012. The present article reviews key elements of her career and includes testimonies from friends about her special relationships.

RoBDEMAT: A risk of bias tool and guideline to support reporting of pre-clinical dental materials research and assessment of systematic reviews

ObjectivesTo develop a risk of bias tool for pre-clinical dental materials research studies that aims to support reporting of future investigations and improve assessment in systematic reviews. MethodsA four-stage process following EQUATOR network recommendations was followed, which included project launch, literature review, Delphi process and the tool finalization. With the support of the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD) and the Dental Materials Group of the International Association for Dental Research (DMG-IADR), a total of 26 expert stakeholders were included in the development and Delphi vote of the initial proposal. The proposal was built using data gathered from the literature review stage. During this stage, recent systematic reviews featuring dental materials research, and risk of bias tools found in the literature were comprehensively scanned for bias sources. The experts thus reached a consensus for the items, domains and judgement related to the tool, allowing a detailed guide for each item and corresponding signalling questions. ResultsThe tool features nine items in total, spread between 4 domains, pertaining to the following types of bias: bias related to planning and allocation (D1), specimen preparation (D2), outcome assessment (D3) and data treatment and outcome reporting (D4). RoBDEMAT, as presented, features signalling questions and a guide that can be used for RoB judgement. Its use as a checklist is preferred over a final summary score. ConclusionRoBDEMAT is the first risk of bias tool for pre-clinical dental materials research, supported and developed by a broad group of expert stakeholders in the field, validating its future use. Clinical significanceThis new tool will contribute the study field by improving the scientific quality and rigour of dental materials research studies and their systematic reviews. Such studies are the foundation and support of future clinical research and evidence-based decisions.

Perception of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on dental researchers.

Background/objectivesHistorical evidence shows a gender‐based disproportionate effect of pandemics across different populations. In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic began spreading its devastating effects worldwide. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on research productivity, work‐life arrangements, and mental health of dental professionals worldwide with focus on gender differences.MethodsA 38‐item survey, concerning demographics, career stage, employer support, family structure, mental health, and relationships, was distributed to 7692 active members of the International Association for Dental Research. Bivariate associations between independent variables and the primary outcome variable were tested using Spearman's correlation test. A logistic regression model was used to assess the simultaneous, independent associations between each variable and researcher productivity.ResultsA total of 722 responses were obtained, indicating a 9.4% response rate. Higher productivity was reported by male respondents (p = 0.021), and by those in senior career stages (p = 0.001). Institutional support was associated with higher productivity (p < 0.0001). Lower productivity was reported by younger researchers (p = 0.003). Remote work negatively affected productivity (p < 0.0001) and female respondents reported working more hours, regardless of work location (p = 0.004). Poor mental health was associated with low productivity (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur results showed that the COVID‐19 pandemic significantly affected dental professionals’ perceived productivity and mental health around the globe. Younger individuals and women were disproportionally affected, and institutional support had a significant influence to mitigate effects of the pandemic for dental researchers.

The Global Need for Easy and Valid Assessment Tools for Orofacial Pain

The World Health Organization recently adopted a historic resolution (WHA74.5) on the urgent need for global oral health improvement. This resolution is particularly relevant in the perspective of the high prevalence of untreated oral diseases. However, one important aspect has been mentioned only in passing, namely that poor oral health often leads to orofacial pain, which is the most common reason for emergency dental visits worldwide. Therefore, an evidence-based decision-making process on oral health should include data related to orofacial pain complaints. To that end, the availability of reliable and valid assessment tools of orofacial pain and related treatment outcomes is essential. INfORM (International Network for Orofacial Pain and Related Disorders Methodology) of the International Association for Dental Research has been one of the driving forces behind the development and implementation of comprehensive sets of tools for such assessments. However, as a prerequisite for the desired global implementation, reliable and valid tools that are also brief, easy to translate, and culturally adaptable need to be further developed and tested. Some of the groundwork to facilitate this process has already been carried out. In addition, a working group within INfORM has developed a short clinical assessment tool for orofacial pain diagnostics that is near completion and will soon be ready for dissemination. Ultimately, reliable and valid orofacial pain assessment is a necessary step toward the development and implementation of appropriate “best buy” interventions that address this major driver of need for oral health care worldwide.

Is the clinical performance of incremental and bulk-fill resin composite different?

Data sources PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Brazilian Bibliography in Dentistry and Cochrane Library. The grey literature was searched using the System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe database. Abstracts from the Annual Session of the International Association for Dental Research and its regional subgroups (1990-2020) were searched. Theses and dissertations (full texts) were searched in the ProQuest and Capes databases. Unpublished and ongoing studies were searched in clinical trial databases (Current Controlled Trials, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos and EU Clinical Trials Register).Study selection In total, 14 randomised clinical trials comparing the clinical performance of composite resin restorations in posterior teeth placed with the incremental or the bulk-filling techniques were evaluated.Data extraction and synthesis Relevant information on the research project, participants, interventions and outcomes was collected using extraction forms by three study authors. Data extraction was pilot-tested using a sample of four studies to ensure that the data were consistent with the specific research question. To avoid overlapping, multiple reports of the same study with different follow-ups were extracted into a single form.Results Considering the primary and secondary outcomes (retention/fracture rate, anatomical form, surface texture, colour match, marginal adaption, marginal discoloration, caries and postoperative sensitivity), it is possible to state that there was no difference between incremental or bulk fill resin composite techniques in Class II and I cavities.Conclusions A systematic review and meta-analysis with moderated quality of evidence bulk fill and incremental techniques showed similar clinical performance on posterior resin composite restorations.

Editorial: The 2021 Arthur R. Frechette Awards Competition of the IADR Prosthodontics Group

Irena Sailer, Editor-in-Chief/Stephen F. Rosenstiel, Frechette Award Chair, IADR Prosthodontics Group: Each year, the Arthur R. Frechette Research Awards competition, sponsored by the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Prosthodontics Group, is executed during the IADR annual meeting. The Frechette research competition honors the memory of Arthur R. Frechette, who served as Secretary-Treasurer of the IADR from 1968 to 1977. This year, the 99th IADR Annual Meeting took place virtually from July 21–24, 2021, analogous to 2020. The judges of this year’s competition were officers and past-presidents of the IADR Prosthodontics group. The winners of this competition were Dr Mostafa Alhamad, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois, USA, for his project “Ti-ions and/or particles in saliva potentially aggravate dental implant corrosion,” and Dr Xinchao Miao, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan, for the scientific work “Stepwise ameloblast induction from induced pluripotent stem cells.” The two awardees received award plaques and a check for $1,000 USD thanks to the generous support of the Whip Mix Corporation. We sincerely congratulate the two 2021 Frechette Award winners for their accomplishments! Presently, new investigators in prosthodontics are encouraged to apply for one of two 2022 Arthur R. Frechette Research Awards in Prosthodontics. Each award recognizes original research by new investigators and is sponsored by the Prosthodontics Group of the IADR, supported by the Whip Mix Corporation. One award is for prosthodontics research undertaken with a materials science– or bioengineering-oriented protocol, and the other is for prosthodontic research undertaken with a biologic sciences and tissue engineering–oriented protocol. Researchers carrying out original research are eligible for the Frechette Award if they have been the primary author of no more than three articles published in refereed dental journals. Each award carries a cash prize of $1,000 USD. Research submitted for the IADR meeting in Chengdu, China is eligible for consideration for the Frechette Award, provided it has not been published elsewhere or will not be under consideration for another award. Abstracts must be submitted to the Prosthodontics Group of the IADR by the deadline (January 17, 2022), with the appropriate boxes on the online submission checked. The abstracts will be judged for (1) originality and scientific design of the investigation; (2) suitability of the methods of analysis; and (3) scientific value of the work. Selected finalists will be judged at the 2022 IADR meeting in Chengdu (March 18–21, 2022), and the winner will be announced at the Prosthodontics Group Business meeting. We hereby encourage all researchers to consider this highly recognized award, and we wish all participating investigators good luck with their submissions. We look forward to publishing the winners again next year in the IJP! Sincerely yours, Irena Sailer, Editor-in-Chief Stephen F. Rosenstiel, Frechette Award Chair, IADR Prosthodontics Group

Evaluation of Tooth Sensitivity of In-office Bleaching with Different Light Activation Sources: A Systematic Review and a Network Meta-analysis.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed to answer the following research question: Are there differences in the risk and the intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS) among eight light activation systems for in-office bleaching in adults? Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared at least two different in-office bleaching light activations were included. The risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated with the RoB tool version 1.0 from the Cochrane Collaboration tool. A random-effects Bayesian mixed treatment comparison (MTC) model was used independently for high- and low-concentration hydrogen peroxide. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) approach. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Bridge Base Online (BBO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database (LILACS), Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature without date and language restrictions on April 23, 2017 (updated on September 26, 2019). Dissertations and theses, unpublished and ongoing trials registries, and IADR (International Association for Dental Research) abstracts (2001-2019) were also searched. After title and abstract screening and the removal of duplicates, 32 studies remained. Six were considered to be at low RoB, three had high RoB, and the remaining had an unclear RoB. The MTC analysis showed no significant differences among the treatments in each network. In general, the certainty of the evidence was graded as low due to unclear RoB and imprecision. There is no evidence that the risk and intensity of TS are affected by light activation during in-office bleaching.

Robert Frank: A Pioneer and Visionary Scientist in Oral Medicine

The Faculty of Dental Surgery of the University of Strasbourg would not be the great institute it is today if it were not for an admirable, or rather extraordinary, man: Robert Frank (May 21, 1924–August 7, 2020). He was the first dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the University of Strasbourg, France. He was a dynamic and notorious leader. He brought forward amazing progress—in administration, dental research, and public health at both national and international levels. He was recognized for his top-quality innovative research and elected the 60th president of the International Association for Dental Research (1983–1984). Upon retirement, he continued his commitment to advancing humanity through painting his vision of the microscopic world and developing a “nanoart” vision.

John Eastoe (1926–2021)

John Eric Eastoe was born in Stoke Newington, north London, in 1926 to Sunday school teacher Winifred and real-estate quantity surveyor Eric. He was very bright with a natural aptitude for science and attended Hungerford Road Infant and Junior School before earning himself a place at Minchenden Grammar School. In 1947, John graduated from Imperial College London with a BSc in chemistry. He continued his studies at Imperial and, under the supervision of Professor Cook in the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, gained a PhD in plant nutrition in 1950 with his thesis entitled ‘A study of the effect of the porous earthenware flower pot on the nutrition of plants’.On completing his PhD, John took up a post as Senior Research Officer at the British Gelatine and Glue Research Association in London where Professor Alan Ward was in the process of assembling a team of bright young scientists, whose purpose was to study the scientific basis of gelatine and animal glue manufacture and use. John not only became part of the scientific endeavour at ‘BG squared’ (BG2), as he affectionately referred to the Association, but it was also where he met his future wife, Beryl, who was employed there as a lab technician. They married in 1951. In 1957, John moved on to the Department of Dental Science at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, where he became a Leverhulme and Freemasons Research Fellow in the Department of Dental Science. This shift in research interests proved fruitful, and he went on to receive various awards for his contributions to dental research: the Colgate–Palmolive Prize for Dental Research (1960; International Association for Dental Research [IADR]); the European Organisation for Caries Research (ORCA) Prize (1965) for work on enamel proteins; and an IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for Basic Research in Biological Mineralisation (1969). In 1965, he was awarded a DSc (Biochemistry) on the merits of his published work, the scientific achievement he was most proud of. In 1980, John and Beryl relocated from London to the North East, where John was appointed Professor of Oral Physiology/Biology and Head of the Department of Oral Physiology (later Oral Biology) at Newcastle University. Five years later he became an elected Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Dental Surgery; FDSRCS) and in 1990 he retired, remaining an emeritus professor of Newcastle University.At 94 years young, John had outlived most of his colleagues and contemporaries, and retrospectively piecing together his academic career and research interests has been hampered somewhat by the passage of time and our own lack of expertise. Nonetheless, looking back over his extensive published work reveals an interesting journey from his early days in plant nutrition and flowerpots, via gelatine and collagen research, papers on bone composition and analytical methods and seminal work on enamel proteins (including amelogenins), through to numerous publications in the field of dental and oral biology. In addition, John also (co-)authored a number of text books over the course of his career and latterly served as an editorial advisor for the Biochemical Journal, remaining a member of the Biochemical Society throughout his retirement. It seems that his natural curiosity, intellect and understanding of biochemistry, coupled with a thorough application of basic science and analytical techniques, took him a long way.Although not dentally qualified himself, John did exceptionally well working alongside dental professionals. One of the things he enjoyed most about his role at Newcastle University was the care of his students, and he took a keen interest in both teaching and pastoral care, also serving as an external examiner for a number of UK universities as well as the Universities of Hong Kong and Malaysia. One graduate from the dental school at Newcastle who was interviewed, and later taught, by ‘Prof’ Eastoe recalled how he would play classical music at the beginning of his lectures. Another very fondly described how Prof’s door was always open and remembers his enthusiasm, encouragement and support and the integral role this played in her studies, and subsequently her professional development.John was an intelligent man with an inquiring mind, which remained sharp even in his 90s. He was also funny, thoughtful and caring – a true gentleman. John sadly passed away in February 2021 and is survived by his wife Beryl, children Sally and Richard, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He will be missed and remembered affectionately by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Editorial: Managing Orofacial Pain: Co-Designing The Way Forward

Editorial: Managing Orofacial Pain: Co-Designing The Way Forward

Diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) for children and adolescents: An international Delphi study-Part 1-Development of Axis I.

BackgroundSince in children and adolescence prevalence is assessed mainly on self‐reported or proxy‐reported signs and symptoms; there is a need to develop a more comprehensive standardised process for the collection of clinical information and the diagnosis of TMD in these populations.ObjectiveTo develop new instruments and to adapt the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) for the evaluation of TMD in children and adolescents.MethodA modified Delphi method was used to seek international consensus among TMD experts. Fourteen clinicians and researchers in the field of oro‐facial pain and TMD worldwide were invited to participate in a workshop initiated by the International Network for Orofacial Pain and Related Disorders Methodology (INfORM scientific network) at the General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR, London 2018), as the first step in the Delphi process. Participants discussed the protocols required to make physical diagnoses included in the Axis I of the DC/TMD. Thereafter, nine experts in the field were added, and the first Delphi round was created. This survey included 60 statements for Axis I, and the experts were asked to respond to each statement on a five‐item Likert scale ranging from ‘Strongly disagree’ to ‘Strongly agree’. Consensus level was set at 80% agreement for the first round, and at 70% for the next.ResultsAfter three rounds of the Delphi process, a consensus among TMD experts was achieved and two adapted DC/TMD protocols for Axis I physical diagnoses for children and adolescents were developed.ConclusionThrough international consensus among TMD experts, this study adapted the Axis I of the DC/TMD for use in evaluating TMD in children and adolescents.

Effectiveness of Whitening Strips Use Compared With Supervised Dental Bleaching: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Bleaching performed at home while under the supervision of a dentist provides greater color alteration compared with whitening strips when evaluated with a spectrophotometer, although the color alteration was undetectable by unaided human eyes. Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to answer the following research question: Does the use of whitening strips (WS) lead to an equivalent color change compared with supervised dental bleaching in patients with permanent dentition?Methods: A search was performed on August 10, 2017 (updated on March 22, 2019), in PubMed, the Brazilian Library in Dentistry, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and SIGLE, without restrictions regarding date or language. Abstracts from the International Association for Dental Research, unpublished and ongoing trial registries, dissertations, and theses were also searched. Only randomized clinical trials (parallel or split mouth) in patients with permanent dentition that compared WS with dentist-supervised dental bleaching performed at home (AH) or in office (IO) were included. The risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. A meta-analysis with subgroup analysis (low and high peroxide concentration) was conducted for color change ΔE* (spectrophotometer) and ΔSGU (shade guide units), risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS), gingival irritation (GI), and patient satisfaction using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used to assess the quality of the evidence.Results: After the removal of duplicates, followed by title and abstract screening, 20 studies remained. Only two studies were considered to have a low RoB; 11 had a high RoB, and seven had an unclear RoB. For WS versus IO, data were not available for the meta-analysis. For WS versus AH bleaching, a significant difference in ΔE* favoring the AH group was observed (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.79 to 0.21), but the risk (risk ratio = 0.78, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.93) and intensity of TS (SMD = -0.30, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.04) were lower in the WS group. Color change in ΔSGU, risk and intensity of GI, and patient satisfaction were not significantly different between groups (p>0.20). The quality of evidence for ΔE*, risk and intensity of TS, and intensity of GI were graded as moderate.Conclusion: Although the risk and intensity of TS were lower in the WS group, dentist-supervised at-home bleaching led to a better color change when measured with a spectrophotometer, although the color alteration was undetectable by unaided human eyes.

'Oral health matters': it is time for a culture change in dentistry.

This opinion is borne out of my involvement in and experience with colleagues at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), the International Dental Federation (FDI) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), and seeks to provide a strong rationale for the dental profession embracing the advantages of a primary preventive agenda. Five key actions are used to emphasise our role in health and wellbeing, addressing inequalities, engaging more with other healthcare colleagues, being trans-sectoral (beyond health) in our approach and being prepared to embrace change. The thrust of the argument is that dentistry has been significantly undervalued in the healthcare field in the past, and can play a unique and leading role in future health and wellbeing through primary prevention.

Outcomes of abstracts presented at IADR general meetings in 2014 and 2015.

Introduction Abstract presentations at scientific meetings provide a platform to share and discuss new research. It would be desirable if the abstracts were subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals as this is the most accepted method to allow the dissemination of scientific research.Aims To determine the publication rate of abstracts presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) general sessions in 2014 and 2015, and factors involved from presentation to publication.Design A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed of the abstracts identified. Abstract titles, author's last name and key words were used to identify whether an abstract resulted in a publication. Abstracts published in full-length articles were then analysed.Results There were a total number of 5,847 abstracts presented at 2014 and 2015 IADR general sessions. 60.9% of posters presented and 72.1% of oral presentations were consecutively published as a full-length article. The average publication rate of abstracts was 63.3%. USA had the highest number of published abstracts with a publication rate of 64.9%, followed by Brazil and Japan which had 62.3% and 67.9%, respectively. The mean time from presentation to publication was 13 months.Conclusion There is scope for further guidance to ensure scientific work is properly disseminated and published.

Fluoride varnish and dental caries in preschoolers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of fluoride varnish in preschool children for reducing the incidence of caries into dentine.Data sources Data came from published and grey literature. Databases searched were: CDSR, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, LILACS and BBO. Hand-searching was done of nine dental journals and two medical journals. Backward citation searches were carried out on the reference lists of identified trials and relevant systematic reviews. Trials registers (Current Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, and Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos) were searched for ongoing trials. Grey literature was searched via a number of resources including International Association for Dental Research (2001-2018) and European Organisation for Caries Research (1998-2018) conference abstracts and Open Grey, EThOS, the New York Academy of Medicine (GreyLit Report) and Banco de Teses CAPES.Study selection Inclusion criteria were; the use of fluoride varnish (different regimes and doses were included), randomised controlled trials, preschool age (under 71 months) and over 12 months follow up. Outcomes were caries into dentine and hospitalisations due to caries. A combination of free text and controlled terms were used based on the study question. A total of 2441 studies were identified at initial search, 20 were included for narrative and quantitative analysis after full text reviews of 79 studies.Data extraction and synthesis Data was extracted independently by two reviewers with a third resolving any disagreement. Data was combined by subgroup to compare different interventions and controls, with a global random effects meta-analysis performed on 16 studies to provide a relative risk (RR) of dentinal caries at the individual level. At the individual level meta-analysis was by RR, at the tooth and surface level this was prevented fraction (PF) and weighted mean difference (WMD).Results Only one study was determined at low risk of bias, with four unclear and 14 at high risk based on the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Studies were from 13 different countries. Children at baseline were from 0-100% caries free, with a dmft of 0-6.57 and aged 6 months - 5 years. There were no studies reporting hospitalisation due to caries. The combined RR for the outcome of dentine caries for an individual was 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.95) based on 16 studies with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 75.7%). Tooth level results gave a PF of 31.13% (95% CI 21.08, 41.18) and a WMD of -0.30 (95% CI-0.69, 0.09) for fluoride varnish. At surface level the PF was 24.15% (95% CI 12.91-35.38) and WMD of -0.77 (95%CI; -1.23, -0.31).Conclusions The conclusions of the paper were that there is modest and uncertain evidence for fluoride varnish reducing the risk of developing dentine caries in pre-school children.

Towards a Standardized Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB)-Overview and general remarks of a multidimensional bruxism evaluation system.

The aim of the present paper was to give an overview of the general project and to present the macrostructure of a comprehensive multidimensional toolkit for the assessment of bruxism, viz. a bruxism evaluation system. This is a necessary intermediate step that will be detailed in a successive extended publication and will ultimately lead to the definition of a Standardized Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB) as the final product. Two invitation-only workshops were held during the 2018 and 2019 General Session & Exhibition of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meetings. Participants of the IADR closed meetings were split into two groups, to put the basis for a multidimensional evaluation system composed of two main axes: an evaluation Axis A with three assessment domains (ie subject-based, clinically based and instrumentally based assessment) and an aetiological/risk factors Axis B assessing different groups of factors and conditions (ie psychosocial assessment; concurrent sleep and non-sleep conditions; drug and substance use or abuse; and additional factors). The work of the two groups that led to the identification of different domains for assessment is summarised in this manuscript, along with a road map for future researches. Such an approach will allow clinicians and researchers to modulate evaluation of bruxism patients with a comprehensive look at the clinical impact of the different bruxism activities and aetiologies. The ultimate goal of this multidimensional system is to facilitate the refinement of decision-making algorithms in the clinical setting.