Shiraz Dental School Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effects of Punica granatum Flower Tablets on Pain and Healing of Minor Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of the Punica granatum (PG) flower on recurrent aphthous stomatitis in comparison with corticosteroid therapy. This cross-over randomized clinical trial was conductedon the patients who had been referred to Shiraz Dental School for their RAS in 2021. All the participants used both P. granatum flower tablets and Triadent a month apart for wash-out time and all compared themselves. In the experimental group, 30 patients received pomegranate flower tablets, three tablets daily, for 6 days. In the control group, oral paste Triadent has been prescribed three times a day for 6 days. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the size of RAS were evaluated on Days 0-6. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21. The Wilcoxon test was used. The mean age of participants was 27.8 ± 14.77 years old. In this study, 15 patients (50%) were men and 15 patients (50%) were women. The mean value of VAS after using prescribed treatment in both evaluated groups on all days was significantly different such that the VAS values were lower for PG flower tablets than Triadent (p value < 0.05). The size of oral lesions in participants who used PG flower tablets was significantly less than those who used Triadent on all evaluation days (p value < 0.05) except on Day 1 (p value = 0.29). The descending slope of VAS from Days 1 to 6 for both Triadent and PG flower tablet users was significant and noticeable. (p value < 0.05). According to the result of this study, both P. granatum flower tablet and Triadent are useful in reducing the size, period of healing, and VAS of patients with RAS, but the PG flower tablet is more effective.

Design, implementation, and evaluation of the smartphone-based application for dental treatment in oral and dental injuries

Background: Injuries to the mouth and teeth due to various incidents have a high prevalence in society; therefore, it is necessary to diagnose them and provide a suitable treatment plan for them. The purpose of this research is to design, implement and evaluate smartphone-based software for dental treatment in oral and dental injuries in pediatric patients. Methods: This study is an applied-production study conducted in three stages: The first step is the preparation and design of algorithms, the second stage is the introduction of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms into the software system, and in the third stage, the software system is evaluated for its efficiency and accuracy in diagnosing and providing a treatment plan. The samples were all 77 patients who were referred to the trauma department of Shiraz Dental School from June to July 2019. Results: There was a significant correlation between the resident and the professor’s diagnosis with the software diagnosis, with 92.2% complete compliance, 3.9% relative compliance, and 3.9% non-compliance (kappa value=0.91, P value&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: The accuracy and high speed of diagnosis and the offered treatment plan for all types of oral and dental trauma were acceptable. However, the software cannot replace a specialist and should be used in combination with expert opinion.

The Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Persian Version of Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (P-DDQ).

It seems essential to detect toothache in children through a validated instrument. Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ) could specifically detect the behaviors that indicate toothache through parental reports. Current study aimed to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation process and test the validity and reliability of the Persian version of DDQ (P-DDQ). In this cross sectional study, 60 children aged 25 to 60 months and their parents who referred to the Pediatric Department of Shiraz Dental School were selected. Parents filled out the DDQ and one examiner recorded the dmft index. To adapt the DDQ questionnaire, conceptual and item equivalence, semantic equivalence and operational equivalence were performed. The dimensions of P-DDQ were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Test-retest reliability and internal consistency assessments were respectively carried out using weighted kappa coefficient (kw) and Cronbach's alpha. Moreover, the construct validity was evaluated through Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Kruskal-Wallis H and Dunn's post-hoc tests were applied for discriminant validity. The cross-cultural adaptation of P-DDQ was conducted and minor necessary modifications were applied. Test-retest reliability showed moderate and high levels of agreement for DDQ items except for two items. An acceptable internal consistency was observed between DDQ items (Cronbach's alpha= 0.769). EFA showed that almost all 12 items of the questionnaire were included in three factors. Both construct and discriminant validities were established for P-DDQ. P-DDQ was cross-culturally well-adapted, validated, and reliable questionnaire applied with the purpose of detecting toothache among children in Iran.

Spatial Evaluation of Oral Lichen Planus Patients Referred to Shiraz Dental School, Iran: a Medical Geography Approach.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an important inflammatory disease concerning its tendency to malignancy. The etiopathogenesis of this disease is still unknown. Medical geography uses geographic techniques to study factors related to location that cause uneven distribution of disease. This study was conducted to map OLP in patients referred to Shiraz Dental School with medical geography techniques and investigate any possible relationship between the number of dentists and health-centers in different regions of Fars province with the number of referrals. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the records of OLP patients referred to Shiraz Dental School from 2007 to 2018. Age, sex, place of residence, occupation, level of education, location of involvement, duration, and cutaneous involvement were recorded. The number of dentists and healthcare centers was obtained from the statistical records of Fars province. A Geographic Information System was used for the assessment of the spatial distribution of OLP. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) indices were used for evaluating the relationship between the number of dentists and health centers with the number of referrals. From 1006 records, 457 were studied, from which 71% were female (age range of 41-60). The regression coefficient was 0.937 for the number of dentists in each county compared to OLP referrals indicating a strong relationship. The regression coefficient was 0.983 for the number of health-centers. According to GWR analyses in Shiraz neighboring counties like Marvdasht, Sepidan, and Sarvestan, there is a positive relationship between the number of dentists and OLP patients. The results revealed that dentists and health care centers had a good cognition of referring patients with OLP (as a premalignant lesion) for definite diagnosis in Fars counties. But both groups need more education in this matter. Moreover, referrals from settlements near Shiraz were more common because of their easier access.

Stress, Sleep Quality, and Academic Performance among Dental Students in Shiraz, Iran.

Background Quality of sleep and stress level can affect the health, capacity of learning, and academic performance of the students. This study aimed to investigate the association between stress and sleep quality with academic performance among undergraduate clinical dental students in Shiraz, Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted during the second semester of the academic year 2020–2021 among clinical dental students at Shiraz Dental School, Iran. A total of 138 students completed Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and dental environment stress (DES) questionnaire. The grade point averages (GPAs) of the previous terms of the participants were also collected. Data analysis was performed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, the one-way ANOVA, post hoc Duncan's test, nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis H test, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test, and the chi-squared test. The p values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Clinical dental students participated in this study experienced moderate levels of stress and poor sleep quality. Mean total DES and PSGI scores did not differ by sex, year of study, marital status, and place of residence (p values >0.05). Most of the students (52.9%) had moderate GPAs. A significant relationship was observed between sex and GPA as well as between place of residence and GPA (p values <0.05). No significant differences were found between DES total score or PSQI score and GPA categories (p values >0.05). A significant direct relationship between DES total score and PSQI score was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion Dental undergraduates in Shiraz, Iran, experienced moderate levels of stress and poor sleep quality. The results showed no significant difference between sleep quality or DES and academic achievement. However, a significant direct correlation was observed between sleep quality and dental environment stress.

Prevalence of Oral Vascular Lesions in Patients Referred to the Oral Medicine Department of Shiraz Dental School During 2001-2017

Prevalence of Oral Vascular Lesions in Patients Referred to the Oral Medicine Department of Shiraz Dental School During 2001-2017

Challenges of Oral Radiography Prescriptions During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Shiraz, Iran

Background: Considering the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak and its rapid person-to-person transmission and the challenges it has brought about in dentistry, especially in intraoral radiography, following the established guidelines in prescribing radiographs is of great prominence. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the necessity of prescribed intraoral radiographs and to estimate the number of unnecessary prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 patients with a mean age of 29.36 ± 14.11 years who visited the Radiology Department of Shiraz Dental School during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. Information, including gender, age, systemic diseases, referring department, and type and urgency of radiography, was collected using a checklist. Chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test were run to assess the relationships between variables. Results: Among all the patients referred to the Radiology Department, the endodontics and oral medicine departments accounted for the highest percentage of referrals. The relationship between the necessity of radiography prescriptions and dental departments was significant (P &lt; 0.05). The lowest rate of unnecessary referrals was reported in the Department of Endodontics (13.3%), whereas the highest rate of unnecessary referrals was attributed to the aesthetic and restorative dentistry departments (73.3%). There was a significant association between dental department and the type of prescribed radiographs (extraoral/intraoral). The Orthodontics Department was the only department with more extraoral radiograph prescriptions than intraoral radiographs. One-third of the prescribed intraoral radiographs and half of the extraoral radiographs were unnecessary, with a significant difference during the pandemic (P = 0.019). Conclusions: Although there has been some success in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, this pandemic will not be easily eradicated. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the established guidelines and postpone unnecessary dental procedures to improve the safety of our community and the world in general.

Glypican-3 Expression in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Statement of the Problem: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant neoplasm that affects the structures or tissues of mouth. Early diagnosis of these tumors is important to improve the outcome of treatment. Therefore, using pathological techniques based on molecular markers may be useful for optimal diagnosis and treatment. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is involved in regulation of cell proliferation and morphogenesis and is abundant during embryogenesis and organogenesis but is limited in most of adult tissues. GPC3 overexpression has a role in carcinogenesis. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate GPC3 expression in the non-neoplastic oral epithelium and oral squamous cell carcinoma.Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional study, 45 patients with OSCC (30 males and 15 females) with a mean age of 52.3 selected from Oral Pathology Department of Shiraz Dental School were enrolled. The control group was consisted of 15 cases of normal oral epithelium. Glypican-3 expression was assessed by using immunohistochemical methods.Results: Non neoplastic tissues were GPC3 negative. Frequency of GPC3 positivity in tumoral tissues was recorded as 73.3% (33 cases) which was significantly higher than non-neoplastic tissues (p< 0.001).The clinicopathologic features of GPC3 expression demonstrated no association with clinicopathologic parameters except tumor size.Conclusion: GPC3 was over expressed at protein level in oral squamous cell carcinoma, but its potential use for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes requires further investigation.

Effect of mini-screw-facilitated micro-osteoperforation on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement: a single-center, split-mouth, randomized, controlled trial

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate the effect of MOP over a 3-month period and to determine the influence of the number of perforations on the rate of canine retraction. In addition, the amount of pain and discomfort caused by the MOP method was evaluated.Trial designA single-center, split-mouth, triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted.MethodsThe clinical trial was conducted from December 2018 to July 2019 in the Orthodontic Clinic, Shiraz Dental School. Twenty-eight patients (range from16.3 to 35.2 years) who need fixed orthodontic treatment were recruited and randomly assigned to MOP1 and MOP2 groups. In each patient one side of the mouth worked as a control side which received no MOPs. Four months after first premolars extraction, patients in MOP1 group received 3 MOPs on the buccal surface of alveolar bone in the experimental side to accelerate canine retraction whereas patients in MOP2 group received 3 buccal MOPs and 3 palatal MOPs in the experimental side. The amount of canine retraction was measured every 28 days at three intervals on both sides of the mouth. Pain perception was also measured on the day of MOP procedure and subsequently at 24 h. Randomization was performed using online software RANDOM.ORG; the recruited patients were divided into two parallel groups with a 1:1 allocation ratio then the side of MOPs intervention in each subject was randomly determined with coin tossing. Triple blinding design was employed.ResultsThe result of the intra-examiner reliability using ICC was 0.97 (P < 0.001), indicating excellent repeatability and reliability of the measurements. The baseline characteristics between the groups were similar (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the rate of canine retraction between the MOP groups and the contralateral control sides, as well as between the MOP1 and MOP2 groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe MOP procedure was effective in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement, although the amount of acceleration was not clinically significant in the case of canine retraction. An increase in the number of MOPs resulted in a significant acceleration of the canine retraction.Trial registrationThe trial was registered 30 November 2018 at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20181121041713N1).

Effectiveness of virtual patients in teaching clinical decision‐making skills to dental students

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of virtual patient-based training on the clinical decision-making ability of dental students. This quasi-experimental study with pretest and posttest design was conducted on 76 (2015 admitted) dental students of Shiraz Dental School in 2018-2019. The study samples were randomly divided into 2 groups: intervention (web-based virtual patient training=36) and control (face-to-face case-based training, n=40). The data collection tools in this study included a questionnaire consisting of 2 sections: demographic information and procedural knowledge. The key-feature test was used to measure procedural knowledge and problem-solving ability in students. Content validity was confirmed by 7 faculty members. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics version 23.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the samples, Independent-t test was used to compare the scores between the 2 groups, and repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the effect of time on the training provided. P<0.05 was considered as the acceptable significance level. The mean clinical-decision-making score in the intervention group (11.3 ± 88.88) was more than the control group (8.2 ± 45.54) in Posttest 1 (1 week after intervention), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Besides, the scores in the control group (8.2 ± 45.54) rose more significantly than the intervention group (11.3 ± 0.86) in Posttest 2 (1 month after intervention) (P<0.001). The results of the present research showed that application of virtual patient (VP)-based training can improve learning and clinical decision-making ability of dental students. Moreover, group discussions in physical classrooms should be held alongside VP programs in order to ensure the maximum retention of the topics learned.

Prevalence of Chronic Orofacial Pain in Elderly Patients Referred to Shiraz Dental School From 2005 to 2017.

BackgroundOrofacial pain is presented mainly as a pain in the front part of the head, including the oral cavity. Adult and elderly patients are important target groups affected by this chronic pain, which may cause several problems.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the characteristics of patients who suffered from orofacial pain were evaluated. The data such as patients’ gender, age, pain diagnoses, treatments, responses to treatments, duration and severity of pain, and disability were collected from their records. The diagnoses were provided based on the characteristics of pain, X-ray findings, physiological findings, lab tests, nerve block injection, and a drug challenge test.ResultsAmong all the 5,221 patients referred to Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Prosthodontics Department, 583 (11.16%) reported orofacial pain as the chief complaint. The frequency of orofacial pain was more prevalent among women than men. Burning mouth syndrome was the most prevalent cause of orofacial pain in the elderly, followed by temporomandibular disorder and trigeminal neuralgia.ConclusionsMost cases of orofacial pain in elderly patients were burning mouth syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, and neuralgia. It was more observed in females than males with the mean age of 55.3 ± 10.7 years old.

Prevalence of non-odontogenic infectious lesions of oral mucosa in a group of Iranian patients during 11 years: a cross sectional study

Oral mucosal infections are an important type of oral lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of oral mucosal infectious lesions in patients who referred to Oral Medicine Department of Shiraz Dental School, Iran during 11 years. In this cross sectional study, records of all patients who referred to Oral Medicine Department of Shiraz Dental School from September 2007 to January 2018 were assessed and those data sheets which their definitive diagnosis were a kind of oral mucosal infectious lesion were recorded. Pearson Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Level of significance was considered as P value < 0.05. Overall prevalence of oral mucosal infectious lesions was 9.47%. Generally, mean age of patients was 42.92 ± 18.84 and most of them were female. Most common type of infectious lesions was fungal infections, but viral and bacterial infections were less common. Among fungal infections, most lesions were candidiasis and only 3 cases were diagnosed as deep fungal infection. HSV infection was the second common oral infectious lesion. There was a significant relation between infectious lesion and systemic disease or medication use (P=0.000). This study is the first epidemiologic study in Iran, concerning oral mucosal infectious lesions. Total of 9.47% of oral lesions were infective, candidiasis and HSV lesions were the most common oral mucosal infective disease, which were more prevalent amongst female, middle age people and patients with systemic disease.

Comparison of temporomandibular disorders between menopausal and non-menopausal women.

ObjectivesHormonal changes during menopause alter a woman's susceptibility to some disorders. Information regarding the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in menopausal women is limited in the literature. In this study, the prevalence and severity of TMDs were compared between menopausal and non-menopausal women.Materials and MethodsThe study included 140 women (69 premenopausal and 71 postmenopausal) 45 to 55 years of age that were examined in Shiraz Dental School, Shiraz in Iran. The Helkimo clinical dysfunction index (Di) was used to evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.ResultsOccurrence of TMD was significantly higher in menopausal than non-menopausal women (P<0.001). All the TMD criteria based on Helkimo Di except range of mandibular movement were significantly more common in menopausal women. The range of mandibular movement was not significantly different between menopausal and non-menopausal women (P=0.178).ConclusionThe results from this study show that TMD can be considered more common and severe in menopausal than non-menopausal women. This finding indicates that, similar to other conditions in menopausal women such as arthritis and osteoporosis, TMD should be taken into consideration by dental and medical professionals.

Evaluating the Etiologies of Burning Mouth Symptom in Patients of Shiraz Dental School from 2007 to 2015

Background: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a burning sensation of the oral mucosa without any sign of mucosal abnormality for which no medical or dental cause can be detected. However, this syndrome belongs to a broader category of patients whose main complaint is mouth burning and, so, their etiologies can largely vary. Objectives: This study investigates the prevalence of burning mouth symptom for the first time in an institutional group of patients in Shiraz, Iran, among whom some were found to have BMS through excluding the recognizable physical or biochemical causes of mouth burning. Methods: In this cross sectional study, from the existing records of 2 533 patients who referred to Shiraz Dental School since 2007 To 2015, a total number of 298 patients with the chief complaint of oral burning sensation were chosen. For each patient age, sex, etiology, and site of pain were recorded. Results: Analysis revealed that amongst 298 individuals who suffered from burning sensation of the oral mucosa, the female/male ratio was 3 to 1; and local factors were found as the primary cause for the symptom development in a large proportion of the patients (63.5%). Followed by systemic diseases with a much less contribution to cause the symptom (22.8%). A number of 8.4% of the patients were idiopathic and 5.4% suffered from psychological disorders. Tongue was the most frequent location of burning (37.2%). Overall, only 25 patients (< 1%) who were mostly elderly (P < 0.001) had idiopathic BMS. The burning localization in the idiopathic cases was more likely to be reported as generalized than that in the cases with recognizable causes (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study show that oral burning is mostly caused by the factors recognized during examination and that the idiopathic form or BMS known as a neuropathic pain is uncommon. Understanding the prevalence of the etiologic factors in certain populations would lead to a better diagnostic approach to BMS through the exclusion of those factors.

An Analysis on Views of Iranian Women about Incentive Policies on Childbearing Decision-making

5 Student Research Committee of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran Department of Emergency Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran Department of Community Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran Department of periodontology, Assistant professor of Shiraz Dental School,Shiraz, Iran.

Evaluating Educational Needs of Shiraz Pediatric Dentistry Department from Graduated Dentists’ Viewpoint, Shiraz Dental Faculty, 2009-2010

Background: The graduated dentists who are working for the community health services are considered to be better judges to comment on the educational needs in accordance with the society prerequisites. The aim of this study was to investigate the educational provisions of the department of pediatric dentistry from the viewpoints of the graduated dentists of Shiraz dental school. Methods: A total of 100 questionnaires, were distributed among 100 graduates composed of three sections. The main part assessed the quality of the proposed process (clinical, theoretical or none) that they had learnt in their study years. In the final part they were posed a key question to evaluated their ability to perform pediatric treatments in the current practice Results: A small percentage of them (%31.7) were able to perform pediatric treatments in their current practice despite the high score they have reported for their skills in routine dental procedure in their study years. There was no significant difference between acquired skill of students and their ability to perform pediatric treatments after graduation. Conclusions: Since performing pediatric treatment is somewhat obstinate, student tends to treat adult patients with more enthusiasm. Therefore, they gradually forget their skills in pediatric dentistry “Slippery slope of clinical competence”, it is named. Recommend the ministry of health and human resources to give exclusive bonus, such as increasing salary and better facilities to the dentists practicing pediatrics.

Marginal Assessment of Crowns by the Aid of Parallel Radiography

Introduction: Marginal adaptation is the most critical item in long-term prognosis of single crowns. This study aimed to assess the marginal quality as well asthe discrepancies in marginal integrity of some PFM single crowns of posterior teeth by employing parallel radiography in Shiraz Dental School, Shiraz, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive study, parallel radiographies were taken from 200 fabricated PFM single crowns of posterior teeth after cementation and before discharging the patient. To calculate the magnification of the images, a metallic sphere with the thickness of 4 mm was placed in the direction of the crown margin on the occlusal surface. Thereafter, the horizontal and vertical space between the crown margins, the margin of preparations and also the vertical space between the crown margin and the bone crest were measured by using digital radiological software. Results: Analysis of data by descriptive statistics revealed that 75.5% and 60% of the cases had more than the acceptable space (50µm) in the vertical (130±20µm) and horizontal (90±15µm) dimensions, respectively. Moreover, 85% of patients were found to have either horizontal or vertical gap. In 77% of cases, the margins of crowns invaded the biologic width in the mesial and 70% in distal surfaces. Conclusion: Parallel radiography can be expedient in the stage of framework try-in to yield some important information that cannot be obtained by routine clinical evaluations and may improve the treatment prognosis

Evaluating the clinical quality of departments as viewed by juniors and seniors of Shiraz dental school.

Introduction:Assessment of students’ perspective is an essential element in effective educational quality evaluation. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, it leads to improvement in future performance.Methods:This cross-sectional study was performed through a questionnaire comprising 23 questions. Reliability was assessed using α-Chronbach (α =0.87), and validity was confirmed by a group of five experts. Tukey test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and two sample t-tests were used for data analysis.Methods:This cross-sectional study was performed through a questionnaire comprising 23 questions. Reliability was assessed using α-Chronbach (α =0.87), and validity was confirmed by a group of five experts. Tukey test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and two sample t-tests were used for data analysis.Results:A total of 168 answered questionnaires were entered in our study. Maximum satisfaction in most items was shown in removable prosthodontics and orthodontics departments whereas oral surgery and comprehensive treatment departments acquired the least scores. In all departments, personnels’ respectful attitude had the highest score whereas minimum grade was given to stressful workload and overall satisfaction in each department. In comparison with a similar study, conducted 3 years ago, level of satisfaction was raised for orthodontics and removable prosthodontics departments though it was declined for the pediatrics department.Conclusion:The special cadre of clinical instructors comprising both experienced and young members is considered as an important factor leading to high student satisfaction in the orthodontics department. Promotion of a removable prosthodontics department is related to the high relevance between the implemented educational program and the curriculum. The moderate performance of oral surgery and restorative departments is indicative of the need for more attention from ministry authorities to major dental departments such as oral surgery, endodontic, restorative and periodontics, in order to increase the students’ scientific capability in these fields.

Prevalence of Common Candida Species in Oral Lichen Planus Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in South of Iran

Background: Lichen Planus is a common mucocutaneous disease with unknown etiology. Immunodeficiency is a known predisposing factor to this disease. Oral Candidiasis which is an opportunistic fungal infection, commonly affects healthy and immune-compromised patients. Candida has different species bearing different treatments. In this study, researchers aimed to detect the frequency and colonization rate of Candida and its association with different factors such as lesion types of oral lichen Planus (OLP).Materials and Methods: Thirty seven untreated oral lichen Planus patients, attending the Clinical Department of Oral Medicine at Shiraz Dental School in 2011, were selected. Swab method and CHROMagar media were used to obtain samples incubated for 48 hours at 30 ºC. Fungal species were detected considering colony color changes.Results: In the culture test, approximately 80% of samples were positive of non-reticular type. About 40% of positive samples were of Candida non-albicans (C.Non-albicans) type. Among C. Non-albicans, 85% were non-reticular type among OLP patients. There was no significant statistical difference in prevalence of Candida albicans (C.albicans) and C. Non-albicans in OLP patients.Conclusion: Based on results, certain biotypes of Candida were not confirmed responsible for OLP patterns.[GMJ.2014;3(4):252-5]&#x0D;

Oraland Maxillofacial Lesions in an Elderly Population in Shiraz, Iran

Background: Aging causes many changes in human physiology, increasing the risk of pathologic conditions in elderly populations. Different studies have shown higher frequency of oral and maxillofacial lesions in older people. Knowing the prevalence and distribution of these lesions can help dentists in screening these patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and distribution of oral pathologic lesions among patients referred to Oral Pathology Department of Shiraz Dental School. Patients and Methods: By referring to archives of Oral Pathology Department of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, the histopathological reports of all 231 patients aged 60 years or over were reviewed. The data were described and analyzed using SPSS software. Chi-square test was performed and a P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The most prevalent lesion was oral lichen planus (21.6%), followed by inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (15.8%) and squamous cell carcinoma (7.6%). There was a statistically significant difference between men and women in the occurrence of odontogenic cysts and dermatologic diseases. (P = 0.018 and 0.002, respectively;chi-square = 5.63 and 9.47, respectively). Moreover, non-neoplastic lesions were the most prevalent group of lesions in this study. Conclusions: High frequency of life-threatening oral conditions among elderly populations makes it essential for dentists to pay special attention to the most frequent lesions and help enhance the life quality of elderlies by early diagnosis and management of these diseases.