Oral Pathology Research Articles

A Comparison of the Academic Performance of Students throughout the Year and the Sendup Exam with Respect to Gender

Background: The impact of gender on academic performance has garnered considerable attention in the realm of medical and dental education, revealing significant disparities. With evolving enrollment trends and academic achievements across genders worldwide, understanding these dynamics within specialized educational environments becomes crucial. Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare the academic performance of male and female undergraduate dental students at Sharif Medical and Dental College (SMDC), Lahore, over an academic year and specifically in their sendup examinations, to identify gender-based patterns and disparities in academic outcomes. Methods: Conducting a cross-sectional analysis among third-year BDS students at SMDC from January 2020 to January 2021, this study, after securing ethical clearance and informed consent, engaged a sample size of 491 students. Academic performances were assessed from Oral Pathology records, categorized under four performance brackets (<50%, 50% to 69%, 70% to 79%, and >80%). SPSS version 25 facilitated the data analysis, employing the chi-square test to explore the association between gender and academic performance. Statistical significance was earmarked by a p-value of <0.05. Results: The findings indicated a significant correlation between gender and academic performance throughout the academic year (p≤0.001), with females significantly outperforming males—22% of females versus 4% of males achieved excellence. In the context of the sendup exams, the gender disparity persisted (p=0.022), with exclusively female students (2%) attaining excellent performance. Moreover, 26% of female students compared to 7% of male students achieved average performance in the sendup, while the percentage of males with poor results (7%) exceeded that of females (3%). Conclusion: The study highlights a pronounced gender disparity in academic performance among dental students, with female students consistently outperforming their male counterparts throughout the academic year and in pivotal examinations. These findings call for targeted educational interventions to address and mitigate gender disparities, ensuring equitable academic opportunities and outcomes.

Performance of AI chatbots on controversial topics in oral medicine, pathology, and radiology

ObjectivesIn this study, we assessed six different artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots (Bing, GPT-3.5, GPT-4, Google Bard, Claude, Sage) responses to controversial and difficult questions in oral pathology, oral medicine, and oral radiology. Study DesignThe chatbots’ answers were evaluated by board-certified specialists using a modified version of the global quality score on a 5-point Likert scale. The quality and validity of chatbot citations were evaluated. ResultsClaude had the highest mean score of 4.341 ± 0.582 for oral pathology and medicine. Bing had the lowest scores of 3.447 ± 0.566. In oral radiology, GPT-4 had the highest mean score of 3.621 ± 1.009 and Bing the lowest score of 2.379 ± 0.978. GPT-4 achieved the highest mean score of 4.066 ± 0.825 for performance across all disciplines. 82 out of 349 (23.50%) of generated citations from chatbots were fake. ConclusionsThe most superior chatbot in providing high-quality information for controversial topics in various dental disciplines was GPT-4. Although the majority of chatbots performed well, it is suggested that developers of AI medical chatbots incorporate scientific citation authenticators to validate the outputted citations given the relatively high number of fabricated citations.

Italian position paper (SIPMO-SICMF) on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

This paper aims to describe the 2023 update position paper on MRONJ developed by the Italian Societies of Oral Pathology and Medicine (SIPMO) and of Maxillofacial Surgery (SICMF). This is the second update following the 2013 and 2020 Italian position papers by the Expert panel, which is a representation of the two scientific societies (SIPMO and SICMF). The paper is based on an extensive analysis of the available literature from January 2003 to February 2020, and the subsequent review of literature conducted between March 2020 and December 2022 to include all new relevant published papers to confirm or modify the previous set of recommendations. This position paper highlights the main issues of MRONJ on risk estimates, disease definition, diagnostic pathway, individual risk assessment, and the fundamental role of imaging in the diagnosis, classification, and management of MRONJ. The Expert Panel confirmed the MRONJ definition, the diagnostic work-up, the clinical-radiological staging system and the prophylactic drug holiday, as recognized by SIPMO-SICMF; while, it presented novel indications regarding the categories at risk of MRONJ, the prevention strategies, and the treatment strategies associated with the therapeutic drug holiday.

Elevated Salivary IL-8 Levels in Patients with Aphthous Ulceration and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Aphthous ulcers (AU) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are conditions marked by inflammation, with Interleukin 8 (IL-8) playing a significant role in their pathogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the levels of IL-8 in saliva among individuals with AU, RA, both conditions and healthy controls, providing insights into its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Methods: The study, endorsed by the Ethics Committee of the University of Kufa, College of Dentistry, Department of Oral Pathology, employed a descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional approach. Participants included patients with AU, RA, both conditions and a control group, totalling 94 individuals. Exclusion criteria encompassed medication use, other systemic conditions, and lifestyle factors like smoking. Saliva and blood samples were collected for IL-8 concentration measurement using ELISA and for Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and anti-CCP analysis. Results: Analysis showed the highest average salivary IL-8 levels in patients with both AU and RA (483.33 ± 141.20 pg/mL), followed by the RA group (338.57 ± 79.11 pg/mL), the AU group (381 ± 108.48 pg/mL), and the control group (213.69 ± 84.65 pg/mL). Significant differences in IL-8 levels were observed between these groups, with the combined AU and RA groups showing the highest concentrations. However, the variation in IL-8 levels between those who have both AU and RA and those with only RA was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study highlights a distinct elevation in salivary IL-8 levels in patients with AU and RA, particularly in those suffering from both conditions.

Teaching of Forensic Dentistry in Khartoum, Sudan

Background: Dental professionals assist with legal and criminal matters through the practice of forensic dentistry which has evolved over the past century and is now a crucial component of undergraduate dental education in many nations. The need for formal training in the subject and its inclusion in dental curricula were acknowledged and addressed in the 1960s and 1970s. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the teaching of forensic dentistry in dental universities of Khartoum, Sudan, and to propose certain topics and teaching criteria to be standardized in forensic dentistry teaching in Sudan. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive study was conducted, involving all undergraduate dental institutions in Khartoum, Sudan. Institutional websites were searched using the Google search engine to obtain the dental program curricula in English. The curricula were then analyzed to identify the presence of forensic odontology/dentistry teaching. Results: Of the 19 universities included in the study, five (26.3%) teach forensic dentistry in their undergraduate curricula, whereas 12 (63.1%) do not. Two universities (10.6%) indicated the presence of forensic dentistry teaching in their curricula but did not provide actual instruction. The teaching of forensic dentistry mainly occurred during the second, third, and fourth years of the dental program. Three universities considered it an independent subject, while two universities incorporated it into oral and maxillofacial pathology. Four universities provided lectures only, while one university combined lectures and practical sessions. Qualified forensic dentists taught the subject in four universities, while one university had general dentists as instructors. The main topics delivered are: (1) introduction to forensics, (2) human identification, (3) dental age estimation, (4) interpretation of bitemarks, (5) DNA in forensics, and (6) child abuse. Conclusion: Forensic dentistry training is currently undervalued in Sudan due to various limitations. It is recommended that all dental schools in Sudan offer opportunities for students to learn and become acquainted with forensic dentistry as part of their dental programs. The Sudanese Dental Council should establish formal coordination with academic institutions and experienced forensic dentists to ensure the quality and relevance of the proposed modular course within the educational system. Finally, additional topics including dental record-keeping and dental malpractice are suggested for inclusion in the current modules.

Correlation Between Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression and Clinical Data in Apical Granuloma

IntroductionThis study was intended to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines commonly secreted by CD4+ T cells (IL-2, IL-5, IL-17, TGF-β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) in apical granulomas and correlate with the clinical conditions and time elapsed since root canal treatment. MethodsEighteen biopsy specimens obtained by periradicular surgery of teeth with post-treatment apical periodontitis and diagnosed as apical granuloma were available from the oral pathology laboratory. Silanized slides containing paraffin sections were used for immunohistochemical reactions. Images were analyzed by using an optical microscopy and each slide was subdivided into 5 fields at high magnification. ResultsIFN-γ and TGF-β were the cytokines with the highest expression levels. There were statistically significant differences when comparing IL-2 and IFN-γ (P < .05), and IL-2 and TGF-β (P < .05). Comparison between the detected cytokines and clinical data and time of treatment demonstrated significant correlation (P < .05) between lower expression of IL-2 and the presence of painful symptoms, absence of sinus tract, and treatments performed more than 4 years before. It was also possible to observe a significant correlation between lower expression of IL-5 and treatments performed less than 4 years before (P < .05). ConclusionIFN-γ and TGF-β were highly expressed in apical granulomas. However, only IL-2 and IL-5 levels were associated with clinical data and time since previous root canal treatment.

Evaluation of Type, Nature, and Prevalence of Common Oral Pathology Lesions Involving Periodontium and Implant in Patients of Tertiary Level Dental Hospital in Hazaribagh City, Jharkhand

ABSTRACT Background: Evaluation of type, nature, and prevalence of common oral pathology lesions involving periodontium and implant in patients of tertiary level dental hospital in Hazaribagh City, Jharkhand. Materials and Methods: A total of 2467 people were requested to take part in the oral examination. The current study cohort was made up of the 62.4% of the initial subgroup who participated in the clinical oral examination and granted their agreement for the use of the data. Between January 2023 and June 2023, the clinical oral examination was completed. Results: No changes were observed in 89.6% of study participants. 88.2% males had no changes while 90.4% females had no changes. Normal variations were observed in 3.4% of study participants. 4.3% males had normal variations while 2.7% females had normal variations. Infectious oral pathology was observed in 3.3% of study participants. 2.4% males had infectious oral pathology while 3.2% females had infectious oral pathology Ulcerative lesions were observed in 4.1% of study participants. 3.6% males had ulcerative lesions while 2.4% females had ulcerative lesions. White lesions were observed in 6.7% of study participants. 8.2% males had white lesions while 5.6% females had white lesions. Conclusion: This study provided a detailed evaluation of type, nature, and prevalence of different oral pathology lesions focusing on periodontium and implant.

The importance of cyclooxigenase in dentistry

Aim: Cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX) catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and thromboxanes during pain and inflammation conditions. These enzymes have also been linked to several other conditions and diseases, and hence, in dentistry, it is crucial to identify the processes that increase the levels of these mediators. This paper aims to describe the significance of COX in dental practice through a narrative review. Methods: Articles relating to COX upregulation published in English and Spanish over the last 51 years in databases such as EBSCO, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science; were analyzed. Results: A total of 115 articles demonstrating the relationship between COX upregulation and multiple conditions and diseases of importance in prosthodontics, periodontics, oral pathology, orthodontics, and endodontics were included. Conclusions: COX upregulation is related to inflammatory and malignant diseases in oral tissues, such as periodontitis, pulpitis, and oral cancer, nevertheless, its expression is advantageous in other fields of study such as orthodontics. Additionally, is well documented that dental materials provoke an undesired increase in COX expression, which could be a significant factor that directly affects pulpal health.

Консультация терапевтом стоматологического пациента с поражением слизистой оболочки полости рта. Когда, зачем, о чем?

Oral mucosal pathology is a significant problem in stomatology due to the complexity of a differential diagnosis and often requires the systemic therapy of it. Therefore, it is not uncommon for patients with diseases of the oral mucosa to be referred to a therapeutic physician to find the etiological factor of oral mucosa disease and to choose the systemic therapy. However, the purpose of the consultation and the capacity of the therapist’s physician in such situations may be interpreted differently by stomatologists and therapists. There is an example of the patient with lichen planus. The main tasks of the therapist consultation in this case are: to provide a general clinical examination of the possible somatic manifestations of the lichen planus autoimmune process, to evaluate the therapy to exclude possible influence some of the medication to the lesion of oral mucosal or progression lichen planus, to assess the general condition of the patient in order to select the treatment regimens using systemic corticosteroids and risk factors for the development of side effects of this therapy.

TREATMENT OF A LARGE ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYST: A 5-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

The Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) presents a unique challenge in the field of dentistry and oral pathology. This locally aggressive lesion has been a subject of debate in the literature, with discussions revolving around its classification as either a cyst or a tumor. Its prominence as the third most common cyst in the jaw bones has captured the attention of clinicians and researchers alike. Given its aggressive clinical behavior and high recurrence rate, various treatment methods have been proposed to address OKC and mitigate the risk of recurrence, yet the ideal treatment approach and surgical margins remain elusive. This case report highlights the management of a large circumscribed OKC and underscores the importance of long-term patient follow-up. The patient has undergone 5 years of vigilant monitoring without any signs of recurrence. Ultimately, this case underscores the significance of adopting a personalized treatment approach that considers the patient's specific needs and lesion characteristics. By prioritizing patient-centered and lesion-oriented decision-making, this case offers valuable insights for clinicians and serves as a reference for future similar cases.

ECCO Grant Investigating regenerative pathways in salivary glands to mitigate oral manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract Background and Aims Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) impact 4-16% of patients with extraintestinal manifestations in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including stomach and esophageal ulcers, dry mouth, taste alterations, halitosis, ulcers, and periodontitis. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study hypothesizes that intestinal inflammation disrupts upper GI tract homeostasis by impairing salivary gland functions and aims to: Aim 1: Elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms of intestinal inflammation on upper GI tract mucosa and salivary glands. Aim 2: Evaluate therapeutic potential of liver X receptor (LXR) activation in restoring salivary gland function in colitis-induced oral pathology. Methods I will use a novel mounting method for spatial proteogenomic analysis of upper GI tract mucosa to identify colitis-induced perturbations. Salivary glands will be studied separately, employing bulk and single-cell transcriptomic profiling to identify mechanisms driving colitis-induced atrophy, dysfunction, and candidate regenerative pathways. Additionally, salivary gland organoids will be used to study regeneration mechanisms in vitro, such as LXR activation, and the therapeutic potential of successful candidate pathways will be tested in vivo using pre-clinical models of colitis and salivary gland damage/repair (irradiation). Anticipated Impact This research will provide insights into mechanisms by which intestinal inflammation disrupts upper GI tract homeostasis through salivary gland impairment and assess the role of candidate pathways in salivary gland regeneration. In the short to medium term, findings may contribute to developing novel therapeutic strategies for managing colitis-induced oral pathology, benefiting the IBD community by improving patients' quality of life.

Applications of artificial intelligence in the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSince AI algorithms can analyze patient data, medical records, and imaging results to suggest treatment plans and predict outcomes, they have the potential to support pathologists and clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial pathologies, just like every other area of life in which it is being used. The goal of the current study was to examine all of the trends being investigated in the area of oral and maxillofacial pathology where AI has been possibly involved in helping practitioners.MethodsWe started by defining the important terms in our investigation's subject matter. Following that, relevant databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using keywords and synonyms for each concept, such as "machine learning," "diagnosis," "treatment planning," "image analysis," "predictive modelling," and "patient monitoring." For more papers and sources, Google Scholar was also used.ResultsThe majority of the 9 studies that were chosen were on how AI can be utilized to diagnose malignant tumors of the oral cavity. AI was especially helpful in creating prediction models that aided pathologists and clinicians in foreseeing the development of oral and maxillofacial pathology in specific patients. Additionally, predictive models accurately identified patients who have a high risk of developing oral cancer as well as the likelihood of the disease returning after treatment.ConclusionsIn the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology, AI has the potential to enhance diagnostic precision, personalize care, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The development and application of AI in healthcare, however, necessitates careful consideration of ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges. Additionally, because AI is still a relatively new technology, caution must be taken when applying it to this industry.

Revolutionising Quality Management in the Oral Pathology Laboratory: A Deep Dive Into the Six Sigma Methodology.

Six Sigma Foundations is a statistical standard that indicates an exceptionally high level of quality, along with a customer satisfaction management approach that intends to lower error rates and boost process efficiency. The Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) approach is a fundamental component of Six Sigma and provides an organised framework for process improvement. In contrast to conventional techniques that are more manual-based, Six Sigma emphasises and focuses on making decisions based on facts and evidence. The key to the success of Six Sigma is its reliance on statistical methods. Advanced tools like Pareto charts, histograms, regression analysis, and fishbone diagrams are used ardently for the benefit of customers and to reduce the overall error rate. To support clinical decision-making, a clinical laboratory's primary responsibility is to generate test results that are accurate, repeatable, fast, and appropriately interpreted. Ensuring desired clinical outcomes must be the ultimate objective. To accomplish this goal, laboratories must prioritise cost-effectiveness while establishing and maintaining quality in all laboratory procedures. The concept of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology, which mainly centres on efficiency by discerning and eradicating actions or operations that do not provide any benefit to the organisation, is combined with the proposition of Six Sigma, which emphasises data-driven analyses and optimization. The integration of these powerful concepts aids in the overall improvement of the organisations adopting these techniques. This review provides a brief overview of the benefits of the LSS methodology and its implementation in the oral pathology laboratory.

Cautionary note: Chatbots generate fictitious references on the topics related to oral pathology

BackgroundWhile chatbots such as Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) and BARD have gained significant popularity in aiding researchers in crafting scientific articles, concerns persist, particularly regarding their accuracy in generating references. This is especially pronounced in specialized fields like oral pathology, where precision is paramount. MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive comparison between ChatGPT and BARD in the context of generating references for five frequently researched topics within oral pathology. To assess accuracy, we subjected fifty references generated by each model to rigorous evaluation based on multiple parameters. The validation process involved meticulous cross-referencing across prominent scientific databases. ResultsChatGPT demonstrated a reference accuracy of only 10 %, revealing notable inconsistencies across various parameters. Conversely, BARD exhibited a substantial 88 % inaccuracy rate in total references, with only 4 references managing to provide the correct title. Notably, the DOI led to the accurate manuscript in only 12 % (9) of references generated by ChatGPT and 4 % (8) of references from BARD. Analysis indicated significantly better performance by the ChatGPT in comparison to BARD (p < 0.05). ConclusionPrudence is advised when incorporating references generated by ChatGPT and BARD on topics related to oral pathology. There is a pressing need for publishers to fortify systems for scrutinizing references and integrate reputable scientific databases into Chatbot systems to ensure accuracy.

Role of probiotics in managing various human diseases, from oral pathology to cancer and gastrointestinal diseases.

The imbalance of microbial composition and diversity in favor of pathogenic microorganisms combined with a loss of beneficial gut microbiota taxa results from factors such as age, diet, antimicrobial administration for different infections, other underlying medical conditions, etc. Probiotics are known for their capacity to improve health by stimulating the indigenous gut microbiota, enhancing host immunity resistance to infection, helping digestion, and carrying out various other functions. Concurrently, the metabolites produced by these microorganisms, termed postbiotics, which include compounds like bacteriocins, lactic acid, and hydrogen peroxide, contribute to inhibiting a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. This review presents an update on using probiotics in managing and treating various human diseases, including complications that may emerge during or after a COVID-19 infection.

Morphological and immunohistochemical features can potentially help with the differential diagnosis of rare oral mesenchymal tumors

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the features of rare oral and maxillofacial benign and malignant tumors of fibroblastic, myofibroblastic and fibrohistiocytic origin in an attempt to contribute to the diagnosis of these tumors. MethodsThe sample consisted of 16 cases of benign fibrohistiocytic (BFH) tumor, myofibroma (MF), solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), fibrosarcoma (FS), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), and myofibroblastic sarcoma (MFS), obtained from a laboratory of oral pathology. They were submitted to morphological, histochemical (Masson’s trichrome), and immunohistochemical (α-SMA, vimentin, desmin, CD34, Bcl-2, S100, CD68, CD99, and Ki-67) analysis. ResultsMorphological analysis revealed variable features in the tumors studied. Masson’s trichrome resulted in blue staining in most cases. Regarding the immunohistochemical features, all cases were positive for vimentin and negative for desmin. The BFH tumors exhibited positive staining for CD68 and S100, while MFs were positive for α-SMA and SFTs were positive for CD34, CD99 and Bcl-2. With respect to malignant tumors, DFSP was positive for CD34 and Bcl-2 and MFS was positive for α-SMA and Bcl-2, while FS was negative for most of the antibodies analyzed. A higher proliferation index (Ki-67) was observed in malignant tumors. ConclusionsConsidering their similarity, the use of auxiliary techniques might help in the differential diagnosis of these tumors.

Comparing Artificial Intelligence and Senior Residents in Oral Lesion Diagnosis: A Comparative Study.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that seeks to build intelligent machines that can carry out tasks that usually necessitate human intelligence. AI may help dentists with a variety of dental tasks, including clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. This study aims to compare the performance of AI and oral medicine residents in diagnosing different cases, providing treatment, and determining if it is reliable to assist them in their field of work. The study conducted a comparative analysis of the responses from third- and fourth-year residents trained in Oral Medicine and Pathology at King Saud University, College of Dentistry. The residents were given a closed multiple-choice test consisting of 19 questions with four response options labeled A-D and one question with five response options labeled A-E. The test was administered via Google Forms, and each resident's response was stored electronically in an Excel sheet (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). The residents' answers were then compared to the responses generated by three major language models: OpenAI, Stablediffusion, and PopAI. The questions were inputted into the language models in the same format as the original test, and prior to each question, an artificial intelligence chat session was created to eliminate memory retention bias. The input was done on November 19, 2023, the same day the official multiple-choice test was administered. The study had a sample size of 20 residents trained in Oral Medicine and Pathology at King Saud University, College of Dentistry, consisting of both third-year and fourth-year residents. The responses of three large language models (LLM), including OpenAI, Stablediffusion, and PopAI, as well as the responses of 20 senior residents for 20 clinical cases about oral lesion diagnosis. There were no significant variations observed for the remaining questions in the responses to only two questions (10%). For the remaining questions, there were no significant differences. The median (IQR) score of LLMs was 50.0 (45.0 to 60.0), with a minimum of 40 (for stable diffusion) and a maximum of 70 (for OpenAI). The median (IQR) score of senior residents was 65.0 (55.0-75.0). The highest and lowest scores of residents were 40 and 90, respectively. There was no significant difference in the percent scores of residents and LLMs (p = 0.211). The agreement level was measured using the Kappa value. The agreement among senior dental residents was observed to be weak, with a Kappa value of 0.396. In contrast, the agreement among LLMs demonstrated a moderate level, with a Kappa value of 0.622, suggesting a more cohesive alignment in responses among the artificial intelligence models. When comparing residents' responses with those generated by different OpenAI models, including OpenAI, Stablediffusion, and PopAI, the agreement levels were consistently categorized as weak, with Kappa values of 0.402, 0.381, and 0.392, respectively. What the current study reveals is that when comparing the response score, there is no significant difference, in contrast to the agreement analysis among the residents, which was low compared to the LLMs, in which it was high. Dentists should consider that AI is very beneficial in providing diagnosis and treatment and use it to assist them.

Odontogenic lesions associated with impacted teeth: A 5-year retrospective institutional study

Introduction: Odontogenic lesions related to impacted teeth are common findings in routine dental exams, with the potential to cause tooth pain, displacement, bone expansion, or even bone erosion. Thus, their early detection is important. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of such lesions based on patient age, gender, and location at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Dentistry, over five years.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated records from the Oral Pathology Department, covering a five-year period. The association of odontogenic lesions with impacted teeth was assessed. Data on lesion type, patient age and gender, involved jaw, lesion location, and affected teeth were extracted from patient records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.&#x0D; Results: Out of 815 odontogenic lesions, 44.4% were associated with impacted teeth. The patient distribution was 52.48% male and 47.52% female. Lesions were most prevalent in the third decade of life (24.58%), and third molars (59.39%) were frequently involved. The posterior mandible (68.5%) and mandibular third molar (55%) were common sites. Dentigerous cysts had the highest frequency (35.4%), with odontogenic cysts (developmental) occurring more frequently (70.7%) than odontogenic tumors.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study underscores a significant association between odontogenic lesions and impacted or unerupted teeth. Periodic follow-ups are crucial for retaining impacted teeth based on these findings.

Hand-off orientation in oral pathology: Bridging the gap for better patient care.

The practice of hand-off orientation in oral pathology plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and high-quality patient care. Given the intricate nature of oral health, the seamless transition of patient care from one healthcare provider to another is critical. Hand-off orientation in oral pathology begins with a comprehensive referral of oral biopsy specimens from a general dentist or clinical specialist to the oral pathology laboratory. Obtaining detailed information about oral biopsy tissue and complete patient information from clinicians is indeed crucial for a variety of reasons, including accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive timely and accurate care, reducing the potential for misdiagnosis or treatment delays. In the field of oral pathology, effective hand-off orientation is a cornerstone of patient safety and positive outcomes.

Prevalence and Pattern of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology in Al‐Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and features of oral and maxillofacial lesions found in the residents of Al‐Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Buraidah, Qassim, KSA. The data for all biopsied oral and maxillofacial lesions were retrieved from January 2014 until August 2022. All patients’ data including age, gender, location of the lesion, and histopathologic diagnosis were reviewed and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23 and Microsoft Excel.Results: A total of 381 oral pathology biopsies for individuals aged 18 and above were included in a descriptive analysis. One hundred ninety five (51.18%) of patients were male, and 186 (48.82%) were female. The site most commonly biopsied was the oral mucosa (26%). The diagnosis was categorized according to the histopathological diagnosis into 13 categories including all pathological lesions in the oral and maxillofacial area. The frequently biopsied category was soft tissue pathological lesion category (26%), second to that is the odontogenic cyst category (22%), and third is the immunological‐mediated lesion category (13%). The sub‐diagnosis that was mostly observed was radicular cyst, lichen planus, and focal fibrous hyperplasia with the percentages of 13.6%, 10.8%, and 9.4%, respectively.Conclusion: The findings provide important information about the oral and maxillofacial pathology in Al‐Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. This study found that biopsied oral lesions were more prevalent in males and in patients in the fourth decade of life. The oral mucosa was the most biopsied site, and the majority of the biopsies were soft tissue pathological lesions and radicular cyst was the most frequent diagnosis. Knowledge of such demographic and clinical features of oral and maxillofacial pathology cases helps in prediction of disease incidence and subsequent proper patient care in the region.