In vivo evaluation of whitening toothpaste efficiency and patient treatment satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the whitening efficiency and patient satisfaction after usage of commercially available toothpastes with the different whitening ingredients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial study comprised 161 participants who were randomly divided into eight groups based on used whitening or control/conventional toothpaste (Colgate Max Expert White [CMEW], n = 20; Signal Daily White [SDW], n = 20; Himalaya Sparkly White Herbalis [HSWH], n = 20; Signal White System [SWS], n = 20; Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide [RDWP], n = 20; Splat Extreme White [SEW], n = 20; Splat White Plus [SWP], n = 21; and Kalodont Multi Repair [control], n = 20). Tooth color and color change were evaluated using a spectrophotometer (CIELAB coordinates, ΔEab*, ΔE00, whiteness index change [ΔWID]). Measurements were performed at baseline, 30 days and 60 days after the beginning of treatment, and 30 days after completing treatment - follow-up. Side effects and satisfaction with the whitening outcome were reported throughout the questionnaire. RESULTS: The results for ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* showed an increase in lightness and decrease in yellowness for all tested whitening toothpastes compared to the control group after 30 days of use (p ≤ 0.05). Also, significant tooth color difference (ΔEab*, ΔE00) and whiteness index change (ΔWID) were recorded for all tested whitening toothpastes 30 days and 60 days from the beginning of use (p ≤ 0.05). Toothpaste containing a combination of urea peroxide and enzyme ingredients (SEW) demonstrated the highest and the longest whitening effect. CONCLUSIONS: Whitening toothpastes can show perceptibly whitening effect after a short time of usage, but without a long-lasting impact. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Toothpaste containing a combination of enzymes and peroxides showed the best whitening performance compared to those containing only enzymes, peroxides, or abrasives. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04460755.

Satisfaction of Parents and Caregivers with Dental Treatment of Children Under General Anesthesia in a Day Care Surgery Setting.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the satisfaction of parents and caregivers of patients who underwent dental treatment in general anesthesia (GA) in a day-care surgery setting. Material and Methods: Anonymous questionnaire was sent to parents/caregivers of patients who underwent full mouth restoration in GA. The survey consisted of 4 parts: general data, data about procedure, satisfaction with various aspects of care and the perception of parents/caregivers about the condition of their child in relation to the time before dental treatment in GA. Results: 66 parents/caregivers (30.5%) responded to the questionnaire. Overall satisfaction with the treatment was high (4.69). Respondents expressed the highest degree of satisfaction with communication with nurses (4.92), and the lowest with the waiting time for the procedure (3.89). Parents/caregivers of patients who reported difficulty eating expressed significantly lower overall satisfaction than the subjects whose children did not report difficulty eating. Also, the more treatments the patients underwent, the lower was the overall satisfaction than of those subjects whose children were never treated in such a manner before. Conclusions: Since patient satisfaction has a beneficial impact on treatment outcome and adherence to preventive recommendations, all health care providers should strive to achieve it.

Self-Massage and Low-Level Laser in Treatment of Masseter Myalgia: Short-Term Effect.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the efficiency of massage in the treatment of masseter myalgia compared with biostimulatory laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The instrument Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was used to select subjects and monitor treatment outcome. 54 subjects with masseter myalgia of more than 3 months in duration were invited to participated and 42 cases were available at the end and analyzed. Age range was 16-67 years (median 33, interquartile range 25-53), 36% subjects was ≥40 years and there were 62% females in both groups. Both treatment groups (self-massage and laser) had 21 participants and were monitored one months after the start of treatment. Age, gender, distress, somatization, catastrophizing, hypervigilance, health competence and oral parafunctions were also assessed as factors that could influence effectiveness of treatment. RESULTS: Laser and massage are effective in reducing symptoms of chronic myalgia of the masseter in self-reported limitation of jaw function and reducing pain intensities (p<0.001). Increase of mouth opening was present in both groups, but mainly significant in laser group. The differences in the amount of change between groups were not significant. Psychological characteristics and parafunctions, present before the treatment, age and gender did not have major affect the effectiveness of treatment. CONCLUSION: Both treatment modalities are effective in treatment of chronic myalgia in short-term.

Post-Discharge Complications of Dental Treatment in General Anesthesia Performed in a Day-Care Service.

OBJECTIVE: To review the frequency and management of post-discharge complications in patients who underwent dental treatment in general anesthesia (GA) in a day-care surgery setting and identify the factors that increase the risk for these complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anonymous questionnaire was sent to parents/caregivers of patients who underwent full mouth restoration in GA at our institution between 1st January 2017 and 31st July 2019. Demographic and clinical data of patients as well as the data about the occurrence and management of complications were collected. RESULTS: Sixty-six parents/caregivers (30.5%) responded to the questionnaire. Most frequent complications were drowsiness and pain in 40(60.6%) patients. Complications were managed by parents or caregivers with conservative measures at home in 57(91.9%) cases. Phone consultation with dentist was required in 5(8.1%) cases. One patient (1.6%) was readmitted. Younger age and diagnosis were associated with increased risk for drowsiness. CONCLUSION: Post discharge complications of dental treatment in GA in a day-care service are common and they can be managed by parent/caregiver with conservative measures at home. The rate of readmission is low. Dental treatment in GA in a day-care service is a safe procedure that can be performed with acceptable risk in carefully selected patients.

The Best Dentistry Professional Visual Acuity Measured under Simulated Clinical Conditions Provides Keplerian Magnification Loupe: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Visual acuity plays an important role in dentists' vision in their daily clinical routine. This study aimed to determine dental students' visual acuity without optical aids and when using magnification devices in simulated clinical conditions. The participants were forty-six students at the School of Dental Medicine with a visual acuity of 1.0 in decimal values or 100% in percentage. The central visual acuity was tested using a miniature Snellen eye chart placed in the molar cavity of a dental phantom, in simulated clinical conditions under five different settings (natural visual acuity, by applying head magnifying glasses x1,5 and binocular magnifying devices using Galileo's x2,5/350 mm, Keplerx3,3/450 mm and Keplerx4,5/350 mm optical system). The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test shows that the distribution of measurements of the visual acuity undertaken by the application of magnifying devices (VNL, VGA2,5, VKP3,3, VKP4,5) contained higher values of visual acuity than those received by the use of natural vision (VSC) (p < 0.001 for the comparison to the VNL, VGA2,5, VKP3,3 and VKP4,5 groups). The highest and statistically most significant increase in visual acuity is achieved using the Keplerian telescope x4.5/350 mm. The application of magnifying devices provided dentistry professionals with better visual acuity, improving detail detection in an oral cavity during dental procedures by magnifying the oral structure. The use of magnification devices means much more precise work, decreases the operating time, improves posture and reduces muscle pain in the shoulder during dental treatment.

Dental Treatment for Special Needs Patients Under General Anaesthesia: A 14-year Experience from South Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of records of special needs patients (SNPs) who received dental treatment under orotracheal-intubation general anaesthesia (OIGA) at Caritas Centre St. Family in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 14-year period from January 2005 to December 2018. Of the 7,085 SNPs who received dental treatment, 1,220 (17.2%) received dental treatment under OIGA: 829 (67.9%) males and 391 (32.1%) females. The patients' mean age was 18.3±10.9 years (747 paediatric and 473 adult patients). Mental retardation and psychiatric problems were the most common medical conditions (81.22%). The most common indication for dental treatment under OIGA was behaviour management (87.21%), and 81% of the patients had an urgent need for treatment. Many of the patients had restorative treatment (3,833) and tooth extractions (3,681). From 2011 onwards, the number of tooth extractions decreased significantly. Annual trends revealed a rapid increase of patients every year. The mean dental treatment duration was 95.3±12.1 min; the mean time under OIGA was 98±8.5 min. No serious adverse effects occurred. There was increase of annual trend of SNP in OIGA. The number of extractions decreased while the number of preventive and restorative dental treatments increased.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Children with Intellectual Disabilities.

The aim of the study is to compare the frequency and the distribution of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in children with intellectual disabilities. METHODS: Seventy-two children with intellectual disabilities and 72 healthy children were included in the study. They ranged in age from 5 to 18 years with the same distribution by age and sex. Standard clinical examination was performed, at a dental clinic or in the institution where the children lived, by using a dental mirror and a probe, according the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry judgment criteria for MIH. RESULTS: Among the 72 children with intellectual disabilities, eight children (11.1%) presented MIH with 19 affected teeth. In the control group, one child (1.4%) presented MIH with two affected teeth. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.033). There were no statistically significant differences between boys and girls. The molars, especially the first right molars were the most affected tooth. Brown defects were less common than white defects. CONCLUSION: Children with MIH should be identified because this condition is a common problem in children with intellectual disabilities.

Oral Cavity Colonization with Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria after Preoperative Prophylactic Use of Antibiotics as a Risk Factor for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Although it was previously shown that prolonged prophylactic antibiotic exposure and multiple inadequate antibiotic therapies are independent risk factors for multidrug-resistant ventilator associated pneumonia there were no studies investigating whether pre-operative prophylactic dose of antibiotics changes oral microbiome and increases the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. The aim of the study was to determine if pre-operative prophylactic dose of antibiotics affects the oral microbiome, increases the colonization with Gram-negative bacteria and subsequent risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Mechanically ventilated adult patients receiving surgical antibiotic prophylaxis were included in the study. The presence of Gram negative microorganisms in the pre-prophylactic and post-prophylactic oral swabs and tracheal aspirates, as well as the occurrence of ventilator associated pneumonia, were analyzed. RESULTS: Number of patients colonized with Gram negative bacteria in post- prophylactic oral swab was significantly higher compared to oral swab taken before prophylactic antibiotic. On the other hand, the number of patients with Gram- negative bacteria in tracheal aspirates remained similar as in post- prophylactic oral swabs. Moreover, we found that presence of Gram- negative bacteria in both pre- and post- prophylactic oral swabs was in the positive correlation with the presence of Gram- negative bacteria in tracheal aspirates. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed increased colonization of oral cavity with Gram- negative bacteria after preoperative prophylactic antibiotics. Furthermore, receiving two prophylactic antibiotics from WHO Watch list increased the incidence of Gram- negative bacteria in oral swabs and tracheal aspirates, and the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia development.

Mechanical Properties of High Viscosity Glass Ionomer and Glass Hybrid Restorative Materials.

OBJECTIVES: to determine the mechanical properties of hybrid and high-viscosity glass ionomer cements. Compressive strength and hardness of three glass ionomer cements (GIC) were measured: Ketac ™ Universal Aplicap ™, EQUIA Fil® and EQUIA FORTE Fil®, and the SEM sample analysis were performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples for measuring the compressive strength were prepared using silicone molds with standard dimensions of 6 mm x 4 mm and stored in deionized water for five days, while the samples for hardness measurement were prepared using Teflon molds with a cylindrical opening in the middle, dimensions 2 mm in height and 5 mm in width. For each material, one sample was made (n = 1) and stored in deionized water at 37ºC for 25 days. A representative sample of each material was analyzed using SEM. For the comparison of obtained values, the ANOVA test was used, while Tukey test was used for the multiple comparison. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the compressive strength of the three tested materials (p <0.05). The hardness values were: 157 HV0,2 for Ketac ™ Universal Aplicap ™, 47 HV0,2 for EQUIA Fil® and 39 HV0,2 for EQUIA FORTE Fil®, respectively, and were significantly different, implying that Ketac ™ Universal Aplicap ™ has much higher hardness values than the other materials tested. SEM sample analysis revealed similar fracture modes of the tested materials. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that there were no statistically significant differences in compressive strength and fracture modes between the tested materials, while Ketac ™ Universal Aplicap ™ hardness results were significantly higher than the ones measured for EQUIA Fil® and EQUIA FORTE Fil®.

Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia in a Day Care Surgery Setting.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze data on full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia (GA) performed at the University Clinical Hospital Zagreb with emphasis on patient characteristics, type of procedure and postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 100 patients treated under GA at the Dental clinic's day care surgery. Patient's demographic (sex, age) and clinical data (diagnosis, GA technique, intubation type, procedure duration, number of carious teeth, presence of visible calculus, number of sealed teeth, fillings, extractions and endodontic treatments, discharge time, postoperative complications) were registered. RESULTS: Eighty patients were treated under GA because of noncompliance due to different reasons and twenty patients because of either their poor physical condition or extensive dental procedure. Median DMFT per patient was 9(0-21). Eighty nine patients underwent full-mouth dental restoration and 11 patients underwent other types of procedures. Ninety-six patients were safely discharged the same day. Four patients experienced postoperative complications and three of them were hospitalized for another 24-48 hours for postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: Patients with physical and/or intellectual disabilities have higher caries activity and increased dental treatment needs compared to the general population. Dental treatment under GA in day care service is a safe and effective way of providing dental care for noncompliant patients.

Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Resin Based Dental Materials in Human Lymphocytes In Vitro.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of six different dental nanocomposite materials, three conventional ones and three flowable composite resin materials, in human lymphocytes. The following materials were tested: Tetric EvoCeram, Tetric EvoFlow, Filtek Ultimate, Filtek Ultimate Flow, G-aenial and G-aenial Flo. Cytotoxicity was evaluated for two mass concentrations (0.007 g/mL and 0.013 g/mL) of each material, non-cured and cured, after 4 hours and 24 hours. Genotoxicity was evaluated using micronucleus assay under the same conditions as applied during the investigation of cytotoxicity. Uncured forms of Tetric EvoCeram, Tetric EvoFlow and Filtek Ultimate Flow in higher mass concentration caused genotoxic effect. Uncured G-aenial Flo in higher mass concentration induced apoptosis and necrosis. Uncured Tetric EvoFlow and uncured Filtek Ultimate Flow in higher mass concentration induced early apoptosis after both test periods. None of the conventional composite resin materials tested showed cytotoxicity except for uncured G-aenial, which induced apoptosis in higher mass concentration in both test periods. In conclusion, under the conditions of this in vitro study, cured conventional composites did not show cytotoxic or genotoxic effect, which is important for clinical application of these materials, whereas uncured forms exhibited certain level of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, mainly because of monomers in their composition.

Anxiety and Depression Scores in Patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Burning mouth syndrome is a condition of unknown etiology, characterized by burning symptoms on the otherwise clinically healthy oral mucosa. Central and/or peripheral neuropathy is one of the proposed causes for this condition. Psychological component in these patients is also very present, as it is known that BMS patients exhibit high levels of pain, anxiety, and depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate anxiety and depression among patients with burning mouth syndrome and a control group. We also further review and discuss the literature available on this subject. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 93 subjects, divided into two groups, participated in this study. The group of patients with BMS included 43 participants, while the control group consisted of 50 participants. Self-reported STAI (State anxiety and Trait anxiety) and BDI questionnaires were used to evaluate anxiety and depression in subjects in both groups. RESULTS: BMS group had higher average total scores of state anxiety, trait anxiety and depression. The difference between the BMS group and control group was statistically significant for state anxiety scores and BDI scores. CONCLUSION: We might conclude that BMS patients are more anxious (state) and depressed when compared with the control group. However, they do not differ from the control group regarding anxiety as a trait. Thus we might conclude that feeling of anxiety in general starts after the BMS symptoms first occur and last for a longer period of time.

Salivary Electrolytes in Patients with Metallic and Ceramic Orthodontic Brackets.

OBJECTIVES: It is known from the existing literature that metal ions within orthodontic appliances are prone to corrosion due to the salivary and bacterial interplay in the oral cavity. The results from the most studies show that levels of salivary nickel and chromium do not increase after the installment of orthodontic appliances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: However, there are no studies on salivary levels of titanium, cobalt, copper and zinc in these patients. Salivary levels of nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were measured in 42 patients with ceramic brackets and in 42 patients with metal conventional brackets prior to insertion of orthodontic appliances and six months after insertion of orthodontic appliances by means of inductive coupled plasma/mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed by use of Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann Whitney test with level of significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that salivary level of titanium increased significantly six months after installment of orthodontic appliances. Salivary level of chromium and zinc significantly decreased after installment of orthodontic appliances. There were no significant differences in salivary levels of nickel, titanium, chromium, copper, cobalt and zinc between the patients with metallic and those with ceramic brackets. CONCLUSION: We might conclude that the salivary level of titanium increased significantly six months after installment of orthodontic appliances unlike salivary levels of chromium and zinc which significantly decreased after installment of orthodontic appliances, regardless of bracket type which was used.

Impact of Smoking on Oral Health: Knowledge and Attitudes of Croatian Dentists and Dental Students.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate smoking habits, the level of knowledge and attitudes towards smoking, as well as the role of dental professionals in prevention of smoking among students of the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb and compare them to attitudes of practicing Croatian dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out among 1st and 6th year dental students at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb and dentists employed in primary practice throughout Croatia. A total of 159 subjects (51 1st and 53 6th year dental students and 55 dentists) participated in the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was highest among 6th year dental students (39, 6%). It slightly decreased among dentists (34, 5%), while least smokers were found among first year dental students (7, 8%). The majority of dental student smokers expressed a desire to stop smoking (66, 7% of 1st year dental student smokers and 76% of 6th year dental student smokers), while less than half of dentist smokers had the desire to stop - only 45, 8% of them. Dental students of the 1st and 6th year of the study showed a statistically significantly higher level of desire for education about harmful smoking effects and patients counselling to quit smoking compared to dentists. The data gathered in this study indicate that it is necessary to increase awareness among dental professionals about harmful effects of smoking on oral and general health. Also, their awareness about the central role of healthcare workers as promoters of a healthy lifestyle among patients should be raised.

INFLUENCE OF THE SEROTONERGIC SYSTEM POLYMORPHISM ON THE EXPRESSION OF DENTAL ANXIETY.

- The aim of the study was to test the correlation between 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and dental anxiety. Research hypothesis was that positive relation between the expression of dental anxiety and the S allele exists in the population of healthy Caucasians. We conducted a prospective study on 159 subjects, volunteers made up of medical and non-medical staff of the Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre. Both genders were included, age range 19 to 59, mentally and physically healthy (according to DSM-5 classification of mental disorders). For the purpose of this research, we used a sociodemographic questionnaire containing the following information: age, gender, education level, work status, marital status and residence. Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale-Revised (DAS-R) was used to measure dental anxiety. Data distribution was tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, difference between the groups by ?χ2-test and one-way analysis of variance, and correlation of variables by logistic regression. In the study population, we found positive correlation between S-allele and total result in DAS-R questionnaire. The presence of S allele suggests that the person will have a higher result in DAS-R questionnaire, i.e. higher expression of dental anxiety.

Fluoride Release from Glass Ionomer with Nano Filled Coat and Varnish.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study compares the fluoride release from microlaminated glass ionomer based on glass hybrid technology coated with two different surface coating agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 samples were divided into three groups of six samples each: (1) glass ionomer Equia Forte Fil coated with Equia Forte Coat (Equia+EC), (2) glass ionomer Equia Forte Fil coated with GC Fuji Varnish (Equia+VC) and (3) uncoated glass ionomer Equia Forte (EQUIA cont). Fluoride release was measured using an ion-selective electrode (ORION EA 940) after 24 hours, 4 days, 30 days and 64 days. Repeated measures ANOVA, multiple comparisons, Tukey's test and paired t-test were used to test the differences between the groups. RESULTS: The differences between the groups and four time points were statistically significant (ANOVA, p<0.0001). Cumulative fluoride ion release after 64 days was 66.01 mg/l, 123.54mg/l and 203.22 mg/l for EQUIA+EC, EQUIA+VC and EQUIA cont, respectively. All the differences were statistically significant except the difference between EQUIA+VC and EQUIA cont after 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of released fluoride was significantly lower in the samples coated with nanofilled surface coating agent compared to the samples coated with varnish and uncoated samples.

The influence of different types of brackets and efficacy of two chlorhexidine mouthwashes on oral hygiene and the incidence of white spot lesions in adolescents during the orthodontic therapy.

BACKGROUND: To detect the effect of two different types of brackets (ceramic and stainless steel) and investigate the effectiveness of two chlorhexidine mouthwashes 0.2% (CHX) on oral hygiene status and incidence of white spot lesions (WSLs) in adolescents wearing fixed orthodontic appliance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty subjects (aged 11 to 18 years, mean age 14.5 years) were divided into six equal groups according to brackets type and to different mouthwashes: Group 1: metal brackets and conventional CHX, Group 2: metal brackets and CHX with anti-discoloration system (CHX-ADS), Group 3: ceramic brackets and conventional CHX, Group 4: ceramic brackets and CHX-ADS, Group 5: metal brackets and water correction flavors mouthwash (placebo), Group 6: ceramic brackets and placebo. Four weeks after the placement of fixed orthodontic appliance the subjects were provided with three different mouthwashes for use during the next two weeks. Assessment was carried out according to oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) and WSL index performed: prior to placement of the appliance (baseline), four weeks, six weeks, eighteen weeks, and thirty weeks after the placement. The data were then subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Group 4 showed reduction in the OHI-S scores when compared to the Group 5 (in the 6th week), and Group 6 (in the 6th and 18th week), which was statistically significant, P<0.05. Group 4 showed decrease in the WSLs scores when compared to the Group 1 (in the 4th, 6th, 18th and 30th week), Group 5 (in the 18th and 30th week) and Group 6 (in the 6th, 18th and 30th week), which was statistically significant, P<0.05. CONCLUSION: The ceramic brackets and the usage of CHX-ADS resulted in better oral hygiene status and lower incidence of WSLs.

Psychosocial and Economic Status of the Parents with Children with and without Tooth Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of this research is to try and understand influence of psychological and social factors in children with tendencies to repeat tooth trauma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Research included 147 patients, children of preschool and school age (88 boys and 59 girls). In the research patients were divided in two age groups: 5-8 and 9-12 years. In both groups there were 49 patients with no experience of dental trauma and 69 patients with experience of one dental trauma and 29 patients with repeated dental trauma. All patients that were involved in the study had previous experience with dental and medical treatment. Study included evaluation of dental anxiety and also factors that caused dental phobia previous their visit to the office in the children with no dental trauma compared to repeat dental trauma patients. On the whole study group differences considering sex, age and psychosocial status in the level of dental anxiety and dental fear were also measured. RESULTS: Categories of children without trauma and with one or multiple trauma showed that it is a similar sex division in the categories. In the no trauma group participation of the boys is lower (46.9%) while in the group with repeated trauma their participation is significantly higher (79.3%). Based on that the risk of repeated dental trauma is characteristic of boys. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study show that tested psychosocial variables do not differentiate participants according to the tested groups or in other words there is no difference between tested groups in their psychosocial standing.

Measuring the Influence of Galilean Loupe System on Near Visual Acuity of Dentists under Simulated Clinical Conditions.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare near visual acuity of dentists without optical aids (VSC) with near visual acuity of those using the Galilean telescope system (VGA2) with magnification of x 2.5, and the distance of 350 mm in simulated clinical conditions. METHODS: The study included 46 dentists (visual acuity 1.0 without correction). A visual acuity testing was carried out using a miniaturized Snellen visual acuity chart which was placed in the cavity of molar teeth mounted in a phantom head in simulated clinical conditions. Near visual acuity for the vicinity was examined: 1) without correction at a distance of 300-400 mm (VSC); 2) with Galilean loupes with magnification of x2.5, focal length of 350mm. RESULTS: The distributions of near visual acuity recorded using VSC and VGA2, 5 systems were compared by the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. The results obtained by Wilcoxon Signed Rank test pointed to a statistically significant difference in the distribution of recorded visual acuity between the VSC and VGA2 optical systems (W = - 403.5; p <0.001). CONCLUSION: If using the VGA2, 5 systems, higher values of the near visual acuity were recorded and subsequently compared to near visual acuity without magnifying aids (VSC).

Developmental Defects of Enamel in Children with Intellectual Disability.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in children with intellectual disability. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Children aged 5-18 years (72 children with intellectual disabilities and 72 controls) were included in the study. All the teeth were screened for developmental defects of enamel using the modified Developmental defects of enamel (mDDE) index. RESULTS: Out of the 72 children with intellectual disabilities in this study, 20 (27.78%) presented dental defects of enamel, compared with 8 (11.11%) of those in the control group, which was considered statistically significant (p = 0.021). The majority of children in both groups had white demarcated opacities. Children in both groups were more likely to have maxillary teeth affected than the mandibular teeth and the asymmetrical demarcated enamel defects were more common than the symmetric ones. Majority of opacities in children in both groups were on the maxillary incisors. CONCLUSIONS: Children with intellectual disabilities have more developmental defects of enamel than children in the control group. Enamel defects increase caries risk and cause reduction in enamel mechanical properties leading to restoration failures.