Capacidade terapêutica da fitoterapia na odontologia: uma análise abrangente das proteínas antimicrobianas, anti-inflamatórias e reparadoras / Therapeutic capacity of phytotherapy in dentistry: a comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reparative properties

Introdução: A fitoterapia se baseia na utilização de plantas medicinais, através de diferentes formulações farmacêuticas com fins terapêuticos. Na Odontologia, os fitoterápicos têm sido alvo de estudos, devido suas propriedades benéficas, além de apresentarem biocompatibilidade, baixo custo e fácil acesso. Objetivo: Realizar um levantamento na literatura científica sobre a utilização da fitoterapia na Odontologia, com vistas aos efeitos antimicrobiano, anti-inflamatório e reparador. Material e Métodos: A busca ocorreu entre fevereiro a julho/2023, nas bases PubMed e LILACS, além de livre busca, cruzando-se os descritores "Phytotherapy", "Dentistry", "Anti-inflamatory Agents", "Anti-Infective Agents", "Wound Healing", "Fitoterapia", "Odontologia", "Anti-inflamatório", "Antimicrobiano" e "Cicatrização". Após leitura inicial, seguida da análise crítica com aplicação dos critérios estabelecidos, foram selecionadas 50 referências. Desenvolvimento: Diversas plantas são empregadas sob a forma de fitoterapia, como Aloe vera (babosa), Matricaria recutita (camomila), Copaifera (copaíba), Punica granatum (romã), Uncaria tomentosa (unha-de-gato), Malva sylvestris (malva), Althaea officinalis (malvaísco), Myracrodruon urundeuva (Aroeira), Lippia sidoides (Alecrim pimenta) e Glycyrrhiza glabra (Alcaçuz). Na Odontologia, pesquisas evidenciaram resultados satisfatórios para o tratamento de afecções da cavidade oral, especialmente com caráter inflamatório e infeccioso, além de aclerar a cicatrização. Esses achados apontam que a fitoterapia é um tratamento eficaz, acessível e com mínimos efeitos colaterais. Considerações finais: Com base na literatura revisada, a fitoterapia parece ser uma alternativa promissora no tratamento de afecções orais, devido aos seus notáveis efeitos cicatrizantes, antimicrobianos e anti-inflamatórios. Contudo, mais pesquisas com metodologias adequadas são necessárias para que se estabeleçam protocolos clínicos seguros e eficazes.

Introduction: Phytotherapy is based on the use of medicinal plants through different pharmaceutical formulations for therapeutic purposes. In Dentistry, phytotherapeutics have been the subject of studies due to their beneficial properties, as well as their biocompatibility, low cost, and easy accessibility. Objective: To conduct a literature review on the use of phytotherapy in Dentistry, focusing on antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reparative effects. Materials and Methods: The search took place between February and July 2023, using PubMed and LILACS databases, in addition to a free search, crossing the descriptors "Phytotherapy," "Dentistry," "Anti-inflammatory Agents," "Anti-Infective Agents," "Wound Healing," "Fitoterapia," "Odontologia," "Anti-inflammatory," "Antimicrobial," and "Cicatrização." After an initial reading, followed by critical analysis with the application of established criteria, 50 references were selected. Development: Various plants are employed in phytotherapy, such as Aloe vera (aloe), Matricaria recutita (chamomile), Copaifera (copaiba), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw), Malva sylvestris (mallow), Althaea officinalis (marshmallow), Myracrodruon urundeuva (Brazilian copaiba), Lippia sidoides (rosemary pepper), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). In Dentistry, research has shown satisfactory results for the treatment of oral cavity conditions, especially those with inflammatory and infectious characteristics, as well as accelerating healing. These findings suggest that phytotherapy is an effective, accessible treatment with minimal side effects. Final considerations: Based on the reviewed literature, phytotherapy appears to be a promising alternative in the treatment of oral conditions due to its notable healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, more research with appropriate methodologies is necessary to establish safe and effective clinical protocols.

Forensic significance of postmortem pink teeth: A narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the phenomenon of postmortem pink teeth, exploring its etiology, correlation with the cause of death, and the potential forensic significance of this medico-legal finding. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and B-on, employing keywords like "Forensic Pathology," "Forensic Dentistry," "Pink Teeth," and "Medico-legal aspects." The search included studies without temporal limits to gather extensive data on the postmortem pink teeth phenomenon. RESULTS: The postmortem pink teeth phenomenon is characterized by a red-pink discoloration of the dentin, typically sparing the enamel. It is most often observed in moist environments and cases involving water immersion, strangulation, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The study found no consistent relationship between the pink discoloration and specific causes of death, suggesting the phenomenon is more closely related to environmental conditions and the state of decomposition. The pink coloration is more prevalent in anterior, single-rooted teeth and younger individuals. CONCLUSION: The postmortem pink teeth phenomenon remains a complex and enigmatic finding in forensic science. While it does not conclusively indicate a specific cause of death, understanding its occurrence can aid forensic investigations. Further research is needed to elucidate this phenomenon's mechanisms and validate its forensic relevance.

Quality and Reliability of YouTube Video Contents About Sports Mouthguards: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Sports dentistry aims to prevent and manage orofacial injuries, tooth fractures, tooth loss, and soft tissue trauma during sport activities. Mouthguards are appliances that protect athletes from dental trauma during contact sports. The video-sharing platform YouTube has a large number of informative videos about mouthguards. This study aimed to analyze the quality, accuracy, and reliability of YouTube videos about mouthguards, investigate the relationship between the features and the quality of mouthguard videos on YouTube, and provide suggestions for future informative content about mouthguards and sports dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The first 100 videos for each keyword from YouTube were collected using the keywords "mouthguard," "sports mouthguard," and "mouthguard and dental trauma." Videos meeting the inclusion criteria were categorized based on publisher (dental professionals and nonprofessionals) and type (animation/slideshow, interview, and product introduction). Video features were recorded. Video content quality, reliability, and accuracy were measured by the Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, the DISCERN Instrument, the Global Quality Scale (GQS), and the usefulness score. Data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM 29.0) at a 95% statistical significance level (p = 0.05). RESULTS: Out of 300 videos, 80 videos were included. Most of the videos were uploaded by dental professionals (n = 49). The average values of the VIQI, JAMA, DISCERN, and GQS scores were 15.33 out of 20.0, 1.38 out of 4.00, 49.24 out of 80.0, and 2.99 out of 5.00, respectively. Videos uploaded by dental professionals had significantly higher scores in VIQI, JAMA, DISCERN, GQS, and usefulness scores but exhibited a lower number of likes, comments, and views (p < 0.05). Of all included videos, 51% (n = 41) were categorized as "moderately useful" and 10% (n = 8) as "very useful." CONCLUSIONS: Mouthguard videos uploaded by dental professionals are more useful, accurate, and of higher quality. Therefore, patients should consider the information shared by dental professionals. Greater participation from dentists in sharing high-quality content would be beneficial.

Improved Esthetics Using Silver Diamine Fluoride in the Management of Early Childhood Caries: A Case Series.

Dental caries prevention using an application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an emerging advanced treatment modality in pediatric dentistry. However, a major drawback of SDF application is the black staining of carious lesions, which limits its clinical use due to esthetic concerns. Improving the esthetic outcome by reducing black staining would significantly enhance the opportunity for the universal use of SDF. This case series comprises three cases demonstrating the clinical success of using potassium iodide (KI) to reduce staining, followed by glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoration in primary molars. Upon 12-month follow-up visits, the treated teeth remained clinically asymptomatic, with esthetically acceptable restoration margins. Additionally, the esthetic results were acceptable to both parents and patients. The significance of utilizing KI and GIC following SDF application lies in their synergistic effect on masking discoloration resulting from SDF treatment while enhancing tooth functionality, thereby meeting patients' esthetic requirements and improving chewing efficiency.

Bilateral Supplemental Permanent Maxillary Lateral Incisor in a Non-syndromic Pediatric Patient: A Rare Case Report.

In the present case report, a 13-year-old girl patient has bilateral supplementary maxillary lateral incisors, a rare type of supernumerary teeth. During a regular checkup, it was discovered that the patient had these additional teeth, although she had no notable medical or dental history. The patient had no symptoms, even though they may have led to occlusal problems. The tooth's morphology was identical to that of the nearby natural teeth, and radiographic imaging verified full root growth. The example illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and individualized treatment planning, taking into account the patient's decision to keep the extra teeth while attending to the main issue of widespread dental sensitivity. This study emphasizes the necessity for tailored patient treatment and the variations in the management of extra teeth.

Perception and Attitude of Dental Students Towards Geriatric Care: A Questionnaire-Based Survey.

Introduction Geriatric dentistry concerns the influence of aging and systemic disorders on oral health. Every dental practitioner must comprehensively understand the oral health conditions affecting geriatric patients and the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging to deliver holistic care. Methods A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among postgraduate students, interns, and undergraduates in dental colleges across the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), India. This survey employed a self-administered questionnaire to gauge the attitude of undergraduate and postgraduate students towards elderly patients. Results The study included 312 participants with a mean age of 24.95 years (±2.95 years). The distribution of participants by educational level: Intern: 25.3% (n=79), postgraduate (PG)-1 Year: 16.7% (n=52), PG-2 Year: 9.0% (n=28), PG-3 Year: 9.9% (n=31), undergraduate (UG)-3 Year: 19.2% (n=60), UG-4 Year: 19.9% (n=62). Most respondents strongly agreed on the necessity of being more empathetic and attentive when treating geriatric patients. Similarly, the majority strongly concurred on the differences in treatment and communication required for geriatric patients, underscoring the need for specialized training. Significant differences were observed between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students regarding their confidence in treating geriatric patients, their understanding of geriatric patients' expectations, and their willingness to treat geriatric patients in their future practice, with PG students agreeing on all these aspects. Conclusion Overall, most participants showed a favorable attitude towards elderly patients. However, postgraduates demonstrated a deeper comprehension of the needs of geriatric patients and exhibited greater confidence in their ability to treat them both presently and in future practices. Despite this, there was a recognized need for specialized training. Consequently, there is a call for increased workshops and training sessions focused on geriatric patients.

Clinical evaluation of different types of teeth in in-office whitening.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective case series aimed to clinically evaluate the bleaching effect, spontaneous tooth sensitivity and variation in the thermal sensation threshold of different groups of teeth undergoing in-office bleaching. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Ten patients received conventional bleaching treatment: 35% hydrogen peroxide with 3 bleaching sessions of 45 minutes, evaluating color change (ΔE and ΔE00), whitening index (WID), and tooth sensitivity (VAS). Thermal stimulus-generating devices were used to simulate sensitivity caused by low temperatures through Quantitative Sensory Tests (QST). Analyses were conducted individually on different teeth groups (n=20) (lower incisors LI, upper incisors UI, canines C, upper first premolars PM). RESULTS: Regarding color change, LI and UI did not statistically differ from each other but showed significant difference and greater bleaching potential compared to C and PM (P =.018). Regarding sensitivity, LI and UI presented the highest spontaneous sensitivity values (P =.032), while PM did not display painful symptoms, also observed in provoked sensitivity analysis (P =.025). CONCLUSIONS: The general analysis of the results indicates that the tooth type responds differently to the whitening treatment, both in relation to the aesthetic benefit and the occurrence of tooth sensitivity. It was observed that lower incisors reach the degree of chromatic saturation before canines and premolars, in addition to presenting greater bleaching sensitivity. Personalizing the treatment, based on prior knowledge of the degree of saturation, anatomical factors and the risk of sensitivity, can provide considerable advantages in the whitening technique.

Sleep disorders and orofacial pain: insights for dental practice.

In dental sleep medicine several sleep disorders commonly coexist with pain, contributing to complex clinical presentations which might affect the provision of appropriate and timely treatment. There are associations between sleep disorders and pain in general, as well as with specific orofacial pain conditions. As many as five of six patients with orofacial pain can present with sleep problems. The comorbidity of orofacial pain and sleep disorders overlays a complex web of altered neurobiological mechanisms that predispose to the chronification of orofacial pain. This review discusses the relationship between orofacial pain and sleep disorders and highlights their interactions and the neurobiological mechanisms underlying those relationships.

Wnt7B enhances the osteogenic differentiation of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human periodontal ligament stem cells and inhibits the M1 polarization of macrophages by binding FZD4.

Periodontitis, a common oral disease characterized by the progressive infiltration of bacteria, is a leading cause of adult tooth loss. Periodontal stem cells (PDLSCs) possess good self­renewal and multi­potential differentiation abilities to maintain the integrity of periodontal support structure and repair defects. The present study aimed to analyze the roles of Wnt7B and frizzled4 (FZD4) in the osteogenic differentiation and macrophage polarization during periodontitis using an in vitro cell model. First, Wnt7B expression in the periodontitis­affected gingival tissue of patients and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)­stimulated PDLSCs was assessed using the GSE23586 dataset and western blot analysis, respectively. In Wnt7B­overexpressing PDLSCs exposed to LPS, the capacity of osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by detecting alkaline phosphatase activity, the level of Alizarin Red S staining and the expression of genes related to osteogenic differentiation. Subsequently, conditioned medium from PDLSCs overexpressing Wnt7B was used for M0 macrophage culture. The expression of CD86 and INOS was examined using immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. In addition, reverse transcription­quantitative PCR was employed to examine the expression of TNF­α, IL­6 and IL­1ß in macrophages. The binding between Wnt7B and FZD4 was estimated using co­immunoprecipitation. In addition, FZD4 was silenced to perform the rescue experiments to elucidate the regulatory mechanism between Wnt7B and FZD4. The results demonstrated a decreased expression of Wnt7B in periodontitis­affected gingival tissue and in LPS­exposed PDLSCs. Wnt7B overexpression promoted the osteogenic differentiation of LPS­exposed PDLSCs and suppressed the M1 polarization of macrophages. Additionally, Wnt7B bound to FZD4 and upregulated FZD4 expression. FZD4 silencing reversed the effects of Wnt7B overexpression on the osteogenic differentiation in LPS­exposed PDLSCs and the M1 polarization of macrophages. In summary, Wnt7B plays an anti­periodontitis role by binding FZD4 to strengthen the osteogenic differentiation of LPS­stimulated PDLSCs and suppress the M1 polarization of macrophages.

Public Periodontal Screening Increases Subsequent Regular Dental Visits: The Life Study.

INTRODUCTION: A public oral health screening, periodontal disease screening, has been implemented in Japan, but it remains unclear whether screening encourages subsequent regular dental visits. This study aimed to examine whether people who underwent periodontal disease screening were more likely to regularly visit dentists after undergoing the screening than before using a difference-in-differences (DID) approach. METHODS: This study used health care claims data of municipality residents who underwent periodontal disease screening in 2017 or 2018. For each screening recipient, 4 individuals were extracted from those who did not undergo screening as controls. In the DID analysis, we assessed the change in the proportion of dentist visits at least once every 180 d after undergoing screening. RESULTS: A total of 4,050 participants were included in the analysis. The proportion of participants visiting dentists was consistent throughout the study period (approximately 45%) among the participants who did not undergo the screening. However, among the participants who underwent the screening, while the proportion who visited dentists was consistent before screening (approximately 60%), the proportion was higher after screening (1-180 d after, 81.2%). DID analysis indicated that the proportion increased by 12.9% after the screening. In addition, the age-subgroup DID estimates were higher in the younger population (aged 20-35 y, 13.9%; 40-55 y, 12.8%; 60 y, 12.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Among people who underwent periodontal disease screening, a higher proportion visited dentists after undergoing the screening than before, suggesting that periodontal disease screening was associated with an increase in subsequent regular dental visits. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Our results provide evidence that a public oral health screening could increase regular dental visits, which has the potential to improve and maintain people's oral health, especially in the younger population.

Analysis of palatal rugae pattern and maxillary sinus index for gender determination.

Correlation between rugoscopy and lateral cephalometric radiographic technique for gender determination is of interest. A cross sectional study was conducted on 100 subjects within an age group of 20 to 50 years. Distribution of rugae patterns and morphometric analysis of maxillary sinus was done for gender correlation. Wavy curved and straight rugae patterns were observed to be more in female gender as compared to males. The mean MSI was higher in females (1.32) when compared with males (1.26). Both the morphometric analysis of maxillary sinus and rugoscopy has been proved to be a valuable tool in the assessment of sexual dimorphism. But, morphometric analysis of maxillary sinus is relatively a new and reliable method for gender determination using maxillary sinus index.

Effectiveness of Different Oral Health Interventions on Plaque and Gingivitis Incidence in Children Under Seven Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Oral health is crucial for young children, yet plaque and gingivitis pose significant challenges. This review evaluates oral health interventions for children under seven years to identify effective strategies. A systematic review was conducted across multiple databases using predefined criteria. Thirteen thousand five hundred records were identified, with 13 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Various interventions were assessed, including tactile models, digital tools, fluoride varnish, and education programs. The meta-analysis showed heterogeneity in outcomes, with some interventions significantly reducing plaque and gingivitis. Tactile models and digital tools demonstrated effectiveness, particularly among children who were visually impaired and had congenital heart defects. However, fluoride varnish showed mixed results. School-based interventions and advanced toothbrushing technologies effectively reduce early childhood caries and plaque. Despite publication bias, a low risk of bias was observed across studies. The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions and collaboration among stakeholders. Comprehensive oral health education, innovative digital tools, and multifaceted approaches are recommended to promote lifelong oral health habits. Further research is needed to standardize protocols and assess long-term effectiveness. Evidence-based interventions can significantly improve oral health outcomes for children under seven, laying the foundation for lifelong oral health.

Restoration of Anterior Teeth Defect With Porcelain Laminate Veneer Using the Refractory Technique: A Case Report.

Anterior teeth play an important role in the aesthetic appearance of an individual. Hence, restoration of the anterior teeth has always been a significant concern for both dentists and patients worldwide. Indirect restoration using laminate veneers has revolutionized cosmetic dentistry by minimizing tooth preparation compared to full dental crowns. It also enhances vitality, color matching, and superior mechanical properties compared to direct composite restoration. The success of veneer restoration depends on case selection, material choice, and fabrication technique, tailored for every patient based on a thorough consideration of the existing lesion and the needs of the patient. This clinical report exemplifies the conservative treatment of a refractory defect on the labial surface of the maxillary central incisor using a minimal-thickness veneer fabricated from a refractory porcelain system.

Spatial Abilities and Endodontic Access Cavity Preparation: Implications for Dental Education.

INTRODUCTION: Access cavity preparation is a crucial step in root canal treatment but is one of the most complex procedures in the curriculum to learn, with students often reporting spatial orientation difficulties during drilling. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of spatial abilities on the preparation of endodontic access cavities among third-year dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Students from Lyon dental faculty participated voluntarily. The mental rotation test (MRT) evaluated spatial ability. Students prepared access cavities on 3D-printed mandibular molars, subsequently scanned and assessed against eight evaluation points, including morphology, canal access, floor preservation and convergence angle. Principal component analysis (PCA) assessed dataset variations. RESULTS: A total of 43 volunteers participated. PCA revealed two principal components accounting for 80.8% of variations: the first PC primarily consisted of MRT score (64.3%) and morphology (14.1%); the second comprised operative time (46.1%) and morphology (18.0%). There were significant differences in morphology based on MRT scores, but no correlation was found between other parameters. DISCUSSION: Lower MRT scores were associated with larger cavity preparations, raising questions about potential curriculum adaptations to enhance spatial reasoning. The operative time was not correlated with higher MRT scores but did contribute to variations in cavity morphology. CONCLUSION: Spatial abilities have a substantial impact on the quality of endodontic access cavity preparations; further studies should evaluate if the incorporation of 3D atlas exercises could be beneficial.

Repair of partially defective restorations: Systematic review and meta-analysis of patient acceptance.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review attempted to assess patient acceptance of repairs instead of complete replacement for partially defective restorations and to identify factors affecting patients' decision-making for or against repairs. STUDY SELECTION: Observational and qualitative studies reporting on (1) the proportion of patients accepting or preferring repairs, (2) the proportion of dentists / dental students / dental schools stating that their patients accept or prefer repairs, (3) factors affecting patients' decision-making for or against repairs. SOURCES: Electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE via Ovid, and Web of Science) were last searched in August 2024. DATA: Twenty-one sources reporting on 20 survey studies addressing dentists, individual dental students, and dental schools were included. None of the included studies directly addressed patients (i.e., by interviewing patients). Of the surveyed dentists and dental students, 86.3% (95%-CI: 77.8-91.8%) reported that their patients accept or prefer repairs. Dental schools rated patient acceptance as high as 93.0% (95%-CI: 82.3-97.4%). None of the included studies reported factors affecting patients' decision-making for or against repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Repairs of partially defective restorations instead of complete replacement seem to be associated with a high level of patient acceptance as most dentists, dental students, and dental schools stated that their patients accept or even prefer repairs instead of complete replacement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Within the shared decision-making process, dentists can expect their patients to accept or even prefer repairs instead of complete replacement.

Social media impact on students' decision-making regarding aesthetic dental treatments based on cross-sectional survey data.

This study investigated the influence of social media on patients regarding aesthetic dental treatments according to sex, type of treatment, and time since their last treatment. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey. Participants were students over 18 years of age who were social media users and had undergone aesthetic dental treatment. 504 responses were included. Data evaluation was made using Pearson chi-square test. The level of significance was set at p < .05. 29.37% of the respondents indicated that social media influenced their decision to have their aesthetic treatment. Regarding the influence of social media, no differences were observed between males and females, nor by type of aesthetic treatment. Participants who had undergone an aesthetic dental treatment within the last year were more influenced by social media than those who had undergone it more than two years ago. Posts from dental clinics or dentists were the type of content that most influenced participants. Social media can influence some patients' decision to undergo aesthetic dental treatment, thus dental practices and dentists should consider the increasing importance of social media in their daily practice.

Profusion of microplastics in dental healthcare units; morphological, polymer, and seasonal trends with hazardous consequences for humans.

Given the convenience of using plastics, addressing the growing concerns about their hazardous health effects is imperative. Consequently, a comprehensive risk assessment is necessary to gauge the potential harm microplastics pose. With its urgent call to action, this study aimed to investigate the indoor source and abundance of microplastics in private dental units during routine professional activities. The current analyzed microplastic quantity variations based on morphological characteristics, seasonal fluctuations and polymer-types. The polymer hazard index (PHI) was calculated to evaluate the significant human health risks posed to dental professionals by inhalation of microplastics. Dust samples were collected using a clean brush and steel pan from various flat and horizontal surfaces within each dental unit. The study found that clinical dental units had fewer microplastics (587 ± 184.9 MPs/g/day) than teaching hospitals (1083.80 ± 133.7MPs/g/day), with comparatively more abundance in winter (31 %). ATR-FTIR analysis determined polyethylene terephthalate to be a more abundant polymer (39 %). This study also found an average inhalation microplastic intake risk of 20.23 MP/g/day and 5259.85 MP/g/year for clinical and 29.45 MP/g/day and 765.12 MP/g/year for teaching hospital dental units. Female dental professionals have 1.1 times more microplastic inhalation risks than male dental professionals. According to PHI findings, overall minor to medium polymer risk was determined. In conclusion, this evidence-based research underscores the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable practices in the dental healthcare sector. Dental professionals should prioritize using non-plastic material protective equipment and a proper ventilation system to reduce exposure to these particles.

Training a rural oral health workforce: Effects of rural background on dentist practice choice.

PURPOSE: The Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program is an educational track of the University of Washington School of Dentistry that aims to produce leaders who practice in rural areas of the Pacific Northwest. This study assesses outcomes of the first 10 years of the RIDE program. The hypothesis tested is that rural background is the most important predictor of long-term rural dental practice. METHODS: This descriptive study assessed existing data including graduates' location of practice, demographics, rurality of origin, parental occupation, and practice type over time. Subjects are all graduates of the RIDE program from 2012 to 2021 (N = 80), and range in age from 25 to 50 years. Statistical analyses were utilized to explore associations. RESULTS: Within the study sample 78% of graduates practiced in a rural and/or underserved area, 32.5% of graduates pursued post-graduate dental training, 40% participated in Medicaid, and 78% practiced in the Pacific Northwest at the time of analysis (March 2023). Statistical analysis demonstrated a strong association and medium to large effect sizes between both rural upbringing and training sites and established dental practice in a rural region. CONCLUSIONS: Graduates of the RIDE program practice in rural areas in greater proportion compared to the general population of practicing dentists. RIDE graduates from the study period tended to be male, and white, and practice in a health professional shortage area or rural site. The rurality of origin analysis was confounded by the substantial number of graduates from Spokane, Washington, an urban area surrounded by extensive rural territory.

Self-monitoring of Oral Health Using Smartphone Selfie Powered by Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Preventive Dentistry.

PURPOSE: With the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, it is feasible to self-monitor oral health using Oral Health AI Advisors (OHAI Advisors). This technological advancement offers the potential for early detection of oral diseases and facilitates early prevention. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of OHAI Advisors as a tool in preventive dentistry for the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardised searches were performed and screened across four electronic databases. The primary outcomes were changes in clinical and behavioural measures, and evidence was synthesised. The quality of the included studies was assessed. RESULTS: The initial search identified 1639 articles, 64 full texts were reviewed, and four studies were included in the analyses. Qualitative synthesis revealed that short-term use of OHAI Advisors, for up to 6 months, statistically significantly reduced plaque and gingival index scores. Combining OHAI Advisors with verbal counseling enhanced their effectiveness. No studies investigated effects on oral health awareness, behavioural changes, or adherence to regular practice. The risk of bias in the included studies was moderate to low. CONCLUSION: OHAI Advisors appear to be effective for short-term oral hygiene maintenance. Further research is necessary to determine the preventive capability, focusing on assessing long-term outcomes on oral health and any changes in oral health behaviour.