Efficacy of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of symptomatic oral lichen planus: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to systematically review the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the management of symptomatic oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ISI Web of knowledge were searched until July 2017, using the following keywords: OLP, erosive lichen planus, lichen planus, and PDT. RESULTS: Five clinical studies were included. The risk of bias was considered high in 4 studies and moderate in 1 study. The efficacy of PDT was compared with topical corticosteroids in all included studies. Laser wavelengths, duration of irradiation, and power density ranged between 420-660 nm, 30 seconds to 10 minutes, and 10-500 mW/cm2 , respectively. All studies reported PDT to be effective in the management of symptomatic OLP. Two studies reported PDT to be as effective as corticosteroids, 1 study reported a better efficacy of PDT compared to corticosteroids, whereas 2 studies found PDT to be inferior to corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: The limited available evidence suggests that PDT is an effective treatment option for the management of OLP. However, due to the limited number of studies included in this review and heterogeneity among these studies, more well-designed clinical trials with adequate sample sizes are highly warranted.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in management of recurrent herpes labialis: a systematic review.

Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) is a highly prevalent viral infection that affects the oro-facial region. Current treatment options have limited efficacy in reducing healing time and recurrence rate of the disease. Recently, low-level laser therapy has been proposed as a potential treatment alternative for the management of RHL with no side effects. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy in the management and prevention of RHL. A comprehensive search of Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was carried out to identify published clinical trials comparing laser intervention to active and/or non-active controls for the treatment of RHL. Due to marked heterogeneity of available data, studies were assessed qualitatively, and no statistical analysis was performed. Of the retrieved 227 articles, six clinical trials met the eligibility criteria. The wavelengths, the power output, and energy density ranged between 632.5-870 nm, 5-80 W, and 2.04-48 J/cm2, respectively. All included studies found laser to be effective in the management and prevention of RHL, without any side effects. The findings of this review suggest that laser is potentially a safe and effective treatment alternative for the management of RHL. However, due to high variability in study designs and inconsistency in laser parameters among the included studies, more well-designed randomized clinical trials with standardized laser parameters are highly warranted.

Awareness of basic life support among Saudi dental students and interns.

OBJECTIVE: Fatal medical emergencies may occur at any time in the dental clinic. The present study assessed the level of awareness and attitudes toward basic life support (BLS) among Saudi dental students and interns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire comprising 23 closed-ended questions was used in this survey. The first part of the questionnaire assessed the demographical profile of the students such as age, gender, and educational level. The second part investigated their knowledge and awareness about BLS. Data from 203 respondents were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Studies version 22.0. RESULTS: The response rate was 81.2%. Overall, the respondents showed a low level of knowledge with significant differences between males and females (<0.001). Surprisingly, final-year dental students showed relatively better knowledge than interns though the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates poor knowledge among dental students regarding BLS and showed the urgent need for continuous refreshing courses for this critical topic.

Development of Nasopalatine Duct Cyst in Relation to Dental Implant Placement.

BACKGROUND: Dental implantation is considered as one of the most widely employed procedures in dental practice. Nasopalatine duct cyst (NPDC) is one of the most common developmental cysts in the oral cavity that develops from the proliferation of embryological epithelial remnants of nasopalatine duct. AIM: The aim of this study was to highlight the development of NPDC after the placement of dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was carried out in March 2015 using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases, searching for articles relating the development of NPDC after placement of dental implants. RESULTS: Our search identified only four case reports of NPDC related to dental implants as reported in the literature published in English. CONCLUSION: Placement of dental implants can induce development of NPDCs, indicating that placement of dental implants requires well-trained specialists with perfect skills in dental implantology. Additionally, critical selection of appropriate cases is of great importance in order to avoid the development of such complications.

Knowledge and attitude of dental trauma among dental students in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude of Saudi dental students in the management of dental trauma in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire comprising 17 close-ended questions was used in this survey. The questions were divided into three parts including: Personal and professional profile; knowledge assessment; attitude toward dental trauma. Data of 307 respondents were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Studies) version 22.0 (IBM Corporation, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The response rate was 76.8%. Around 40.3% of students reported attending additional courses about dental trauma with a significant difference between males (57.2%) and females (19.4%). The vast majority of students (95.7%) stressed the importance of dental trauma education. While 77% could correctly identify the media of transportation of an avulsed tooth, only 26.9% of the students knew the proper method of transportation. Regarding the knowledge of immediate replantation, only 67.5% of students responded correctly. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates an insufficient knowledge concerning dental trauma management among dental students in Saudi Arabia. This highlights the need to improve the knowledge of dental students regarding dental trauma and its management using a variety of educational methods such as problem-based learning and powering the curriculum concerning those topics of dental trauma.

Development of pyogenic granuloma and hemangioma after placement of dental implants: A review of literature.

AIM: The aim of this study is to highlight the development of pyogenic granuloma and hemangioma after the placement of dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, accessed via the National Library of Medicine PubMed Interface, for articles published between 2000 and 2014 in English, relating to the occurrence of pyogenic granuloma or hemangioma in relation to dental implants. RESULTS: Our search identified only four case reports of pyogenic granuloma and hemangioma related to dental implants as reported in the English literature. CONCLUSION: Placement of dental implants can cause development of pyogenic granuloma and hemangioma, indicating that placement of dental implants requires well-trained specialists with perfect skills in dental implantology. Furthermore, the critical selection of the appropriate case is of paramount importance to avoid the occurrence of such complications.

DENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEUKEMIC PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: AN UPDATED REVIEW FOR GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONER.

The early signs of leukemia can usually manifest in the oral cavity due to infiltration of leukemic cells or due to associated decline in normal marrow elements, especially in the acute phase of leukemia, as common lesions at this stage of the disease can be screened and diagnosed by the dentist. Therefore, the dental community should be aware of the oral manifestations of leukemia and oral complications of anticancer treatment. This can eliminate the oral symptoms of the disease and to improve quality of life for these patients. An extensive search in PubMed line using a combination of terms like "leukemia, children, dental, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, pediatric" for last ten years was made. Reviews and case reports concerned about acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children were all collected and analyzed and data were extracted. Accordingly, the aim of this review is to highlight on the oral presentations of leukemia in children attending dental clinics and the management of its undesirable side effects.

Infection control: Knowledge and compliance among Saudi undergraduate dental students.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding infection control procedures among undergraduate dental students. METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of questions on students' vaccination status as well as knowledge and attitudes regarding infection control was sent to 600 undergraduate dental students in the fourth, fifth, and sixth year of the Al-Farabi College for Dentistry and Nursing, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. The significance level was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: The response rate was 85% (512 out of 600). While the vast majority of students (90%) had been vaccinated against hepatitis, only 37.4% have been assessed for anti-HBs. A total of 98.8% and 90.8% reported always wearing gloves and masks, respectively, during dental procedures. The use of protective eyewear was reported by only 29.2%. A significantly higher proportion of sixth-year students showed a positive attitude toward the treatment of patients with infectious diseases than other students of lower academic years. Approximately one-third of students reported having one or more occupational injuries while treating their patients. CONCLUSION: Although the students had good knowledge and attitudes regarding infection control, the compliance and practice levels regarding the same were low. Such findings highlight the necessity of continued infection-control education of Saudi dental students.

p53 expression in pleomorphic adenoma of salivary glands: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: There are conflicting data regarding immunohistochemical expression of p53 in pleomorphic adenoma. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine whether p53 expression has a role in the pathogenesis of pleomorphic adenoma. DESIGN: A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies published from 2000 up to end of 2014 was performed using PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library Databases. Only articles in which p53 detected by immunohistochemical staining were included. The meta-analysis was done using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. RESULTS: Eighteen eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. Heterogeneity measures showed a statistically significant Cochrane Q value (P-value<0.001). The random effects model showed an effect size of 0.254 with a 95% CI (0.139-0.417). The overall p53 positivity is 25.4%. CONCLUSION: Mutant p53 has to be detected by more precise techniques to emphasize on its role in development of pleomorphic adenoma of salivary gland.

Oral cancer awareness of the general public in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about signs and risk factors of oral cancer in the general population in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from Saudi adults aged 15 years and older. A total of 679 persons participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated and chi-square tests, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine differences between groups. The significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Only 53.6% of the participants had heard of oral cancer. Smoking and alcohol consumption were identified as the major risk factors by 81.7% and 56.3% of the participants, respectively. Only 22.2% and 18.2%, respectively, were able to correctly identify red and white lesions as early signs of oral cancer. Participants with less than high school education were significantly less aware, and had much less knowledge, of the signs and risk factors of oral cancer (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrates a general lack of awareness among the public about oral cancer and a lack of knowledge about its signs and risk factors. There is a clear need to inform and educate the public in matters relating to the known risk factors associated with oral cancer. A media campaign informing the public about oral cancer is clearly required.

Knowledge and opinions regarding oral cancer among Yemeni dental students.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer presents with high mortality rates, and the likelihood of survival is remarkably superior when detected early. Health care providers, particularly dentists, play a critical role in early detection of oral cancers and should be knowledgeable and skillful in oral cancer diagnosis. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the current knowledge of future Yemeni dentists and their opinions on oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pretested self-administered questionnaire was distributed to fourth and fifth year dental students. Questions relating to knowledge of oral cancer, risk factors, and opinions on oral cancer prevention and practices were posed. RESULTS: The response rate was 80%. The vast majority of students identified smoking and smokeless tobacco as the major risk factors for oral cancer. Most of the students (92.6%) knew that squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of oral cancer, and 85.3% were aware that tongue and floor of the mouth are the most likely sites. While the majority showed willingness to advise their patients on risk factors, only 40% felt adequately trained to provide such advice. More than 85% of students admitted that they need further information regarding oral cancer. As expected, students of the final year appeared slightly more knowledgeable regarding risk factors and clinical features of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that here is a need to reinforce the undergraduate dental curriculum with regards to oral cancer education, particularly in its prevention and early detection.

Oral cancer: knowledge, practices and opinions of dentists in yemen.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer presents with high mortality rates, and the likelihood of survival is remarkably superior when detected early. Dental professionals have an important role and responsibility in prevention and early detection of oral cancer. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, practices and opinions regarding oral cancer among dentists in Yemen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire involving private and public dental practitioners, working in different governorates in Yemen. RESULTS: Of the 800 dentists surveyed, a total of 221 questionnaires were completed and returned (response rate 27.6%). A vast majority of dentists (96.38%) identified tobacco as the major risk factor for oral cancer, and 82.8% knew that squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form. While 47.1% of the dentists agreed that they were adequately trained in oral cancer screening, the majority (86%) believed that they need further training in oral cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that additional training and continuing educational programs on prevention and early detection of oral cancer for dentists are to be highly recommended.

Public awareness and knowledge of oral cancer in Yemen.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is in increasing in incidence in Yemen and indeed worldwide. Knowledge regarding risk factors and early signs in the general population can help in prevention and early detection of the disease. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of oral cancer in the general population in Yemen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted on Yemeni adults aged ≥15 years old. A total of 543 persons participated, the collected data being analyzed using SPSS software. The significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Two thirds (71.5%) of the participants had heard about oral cancer. Smoking and smokeless tobacco usage were identified as the major risk factors by 71.5% and 73.7% of the participants, respectively. Only 24.1% and 21.4%, respectively, were able to correctly identify red and white lesions as early signs of oral cancer. Knowledge of oral cancer was significantly associated with age (p<0.01), gender (p<0.05) and education level (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the knowledge regarding oral cancer in this population is low. Therefore, educational programs are highly needed to improve such knowledge.