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STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: With the increasing interest in using robots in dentistry and the widespread dissemination of information on this topic and its applications, a comprehensive review of robot applications in prosthodontics is needed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the current status of prosthodontic robotic applications, their achievements to date, and the barriers hindering their broader adoption and further advancement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The checklist for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used to conduct this review. A comprehensive search methodology was developed to identify relevant studies on the use of robots in prosthodontic procedures in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria were studies that specifically outlined the application of robots in the field of prosthodontics. RESULTS: Eighteen relevant studies were found. Of these, 10 studies focused on assessing the effectiveness of robotic systems through in vitro testing using phantom models for tooth preparation. These studies specifically explored the processes involved in creating complete crowns and veneers. The remaining 8 studies investigated the use of robotics in tooth alignment, with a specific focus on complete dentures. CONCLUSIONS: Robots have the potential to improve precision and accuracy in prosthetic dentistry. However, clinical studies are needed to confirm the widespread use of robots in prosthodontics, as their clinical application is still in its early stages.
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As Saudi Arabia advances in medical education and patient care, assessing its contribution to cleft lip and palate (CLP) research is vital. This bibliometric analysis aims to map the trends, collaborations, and impact of Saudi research in CLP. Utilizing the Web of Science database, this study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of CLP research related to Saudi Arabian publications. The analysis included data extraction and assessment of publications, citations, H-index, and international collaborations using advanced bibliometric tools and software. A total of 89 CLP-related articles in Saudi Arabia were retrieved. The findings indicated a steady increase in publications and citations over the years, reflecting growing interest and recognition of CLP's challenges in the Saudi healthcare context. King Abdulaziz University and King Saud University emerged as leading contributors. International collaboration was evident, with significant partnerships with countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, and others. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal and the Saudi Dental Journal were identified as the most influential journals in disseminating Saudi CLP research. The study highlights a positive growth trajectory in Saudi CLP research, marked by increased publications, citations, and international collaborations. It underscores the importance of continuous research and the need for enhanced efforts to further the understanding and treatment of CLP. Future studies should consider including a broader range of databases to provide a more comprehensive global view of CLP research trends.
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BACKGROUND: Root canal treatment (RCT) is a vital dental procedure aimed at preserving tooth function and minimizing infection. Access to accurate and comprehensive information about RCT is crucial for informed decision-making. With the increasing reliance on the Internet for health-related information, it is essential to evaluate the quality and readability of web-based RCT content, particularly in Arabic-speaking regions. METHODS: This study conducted an extensive web search using three major search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) to identify Arabic-language websites providing information on RCT. Inclusion criteria required websites in Arabic with comprehensive RCT content. Quality assessment employed the DISCERN instrument, JAMA benchmarks, and Health on the Net (HON) assessment tools, while readability was assessed using Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) metrics. RESULTS: Out of 152 websites included, the majority were affiliated with university/medical centers (56.58%) and non-profit organizations (28.29%). Quality assessment revealed that the mean DISCERN score was 2.82, indicating moderate quality. Only one website achieved a high DISCERN score. JAMA benchmarks showed limited compliance, with only two websites meeting all criteria. The HON code was found on only five websites. Readability analysis indicated that most websites were reasonably easy to read by the general population. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant gap in the quality and reliability of web-based health information related to RCT in Arabic. While the majority of websites examined in this study did not meet established quality standards, there is a clear need for improvements in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of online resources. Patients seeking information on RCT should exercise caution and consider consulting healthcare professionals for trustworthy guidance. Further research should explore strategies to enhance the quality of web-based health information and expand the scope of evaluation to ensure that individuals have access to reliable resources for making informed decisions about their dental health.
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BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatments aim to enhance dental aesthetics, functionality, and long-term oral health. Clear aligners have gained popularity as an aesthetic and convenient option for patients seeking orthodontic correction. However, the quality and readability of online Arabic patient-centered information regarding clear aligners has not been studied yet. The aim of our study is to investigate the quality and readability of Arabic patient-centered information about clear aligners. METHODS: We conducted an extensive evaluation of Arabic web-based content pertaining to clear aligners using three prominent search engines. Eligible websites were categorized based on specialization, organizational affiliation, material type, and presentation style. We assessed website quality and reliability using the DISCERN instrument, Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and Health on the Net (HON) code. In addition, we measured readability using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). RESULTS: Out of 600 search results, 195 websites met the inclusion criteria. None of the websites were HON-code accredited. DISCERN assessments revealed low content quality, with none of the websites achieving high-quality status. The JAMA benchmarks showed limited compliance with the four items, with currency being the most frequently achieved. Readability assessments indicated generally high readability, with FKGL scores suggesting easy comprehension for the average readers. CONCLUSION: While Arabic web-based information on clear aligners is highly readable, its credibility and quality require significant improvement. Websites should adhere to medical information standards, subject content to rigorous assessments, and seek accreditation to ensure reliability. Enhancing the accessibility and comprehensibility of health-related content will empower individuals to make informed health decisions. Addressing limitations, such as social media and video content evaluation, and conducting comparisons with English websites in future research will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the landscape of online orthodontic information.