The use of DryShield versus rubber dam isolation systems among pediatric patients with different airway patency: A randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of DryShield isolation (DSI) and rubber dam isolation (RDI) system usage on vital signs, behavior, pain and discomfort, and chairside time required among children with different airway patencies based on the Modified Mallampati Classification (MMC). Material and methods: Healthy, cooperative children who required fissure sealant in at least two contralateral, fully erupted, permanent first molars were included. Airway patency was determined by two trained and calibrated dentists using the MMC. The participants were categorized based on their MMC scores into patent airways (classes I and II) and non-patent airways (classes III and IV). The dental procedure was videotaped during treatment, and vital signs, including arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure, were recorded every 3 min. The participants' subjective pain and discomfort were evaluated using a previously validated Arabic interview questionnaire and a validated Arabic version of the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. The participants' behavior and behavioral pain were evaluated utilizing the Frankl Behavior Scale and the face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability scales, respectively. Results: There were no significant differences in any of the vital signs between DSI and RDI. DSI use yielded a significant reduction in chairside time (P < 0.001) and was more bothersome (P < 0.001) than RDI use among all participants, regardless of airway patency. DSI was associated with significantly better behavior during the dental procedure (P = 0.002) and less behavioral pain (P < 0.001) among all participants, regardless of airway patency. Conclusion: Irrespective of airway patency, DSI outperformed RDI in terms of behavior, pain, and procedure duration; however, DSI was characterized by noise, pressure on soft tissues, and an increased tendency to induce gag reflexes.

Barriers to Using Advanced and Pharmacological Behavior Management Techniques: A Survey of Pediatric Dentists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Aim: In this study, we assessed the use of advanced pharmacological behavior management techniques (BMTs) among pediatric dentists in Saudi Arabia and the barriers to their clinical application. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered electronic survey that targeted members of the Saudi Society of Pediatric Dentistry. The questionnaire included questions on five techniques of advanced and pharmacological behavior management recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Descriptive statistics, frequency, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were used to present the outcomes and independent variables. Results: A total of 57 pediatric dentists completed the survey. Nitrous oxide (N2O) sedation, general anesthesia (GA), and protective stabilization were used regularly by pediatric dentists in 70.2%, 68.4%, and 56.1% of the participants, respectively. A few participants reported using oral (14.0%) or intravenous (IV) sedation (10.5%) regularly. The most common barriers to using these techniques were either dentists' discomfort or the non-availability of the equipment/drugs. Conclusions: The most common method used by pediatric dentists was N2O inhalation sedation, followed by GA and protective stabilization. The participants' use of pharmacological BMTs, including IV and oral sedation, was relatively low.

Perception of Pain With Bitewing, DIAGNOcam, and Teeth Separation Amongst Children.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the pain and discomfort associated with 3 diagnostic techniques for proximal carious lesions in children aged 5 to 8 years: bitewing (BW) radiographs, DIAGNOcam, and temporary teeth separation. METHODS: The study included 60 healthy children between the ages of 5 and 8 years who had no prior history of dry mouth or mouth breathing, were definitely positive or positive based on Frankl Behavioral Rating Scale, had at least one pair of matched bilateral primary molars and/or permanent first molars in close contact with the adjacent tooth, and were free of restorations and frank cavitation. Each patient evaluated all 3 techniques. The pain and discomfort ratings were obtained by the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale immediately after taking 2 standardised BW radiographs or undergoing use of DIAGNOcam and 2 days after temporary teeth separation with elastic separators by a single trained and experienced paediatric dentist. RESULTS: The DIAGNOcam procedure resulted in much higher pain and discomfort (3.69 ± 3.10) than the other 2 diagnostic techniques. Within-participant pain and discomfort scored significantly higher with DIAGNOcam compared to BW radiographs (P < .001) and temporary teeth separation (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The DIAGNOcam diagnostic technique caused much more pain and discomfort than BW radiographs and temporary teeth separation using orthodontic elastic separators. The report is part of a randomised clinical trial that was registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov under the identifier NCT03685058.

Micro-Morphological Features of the Er:YAG-Lased Interface in Primary Teeth: 12 Months Randomized Split-Mouth Trial.

Despite considerable improvements in oral health, dental caries remains a public health issue. The most frequently used technique to remove caries is through rotating drills. New minimally invasive strategies were introduced into dental practice, such as the use of lasers to perform highly controlled tissue ablation while limiting pain and discomfort, as well as overcoming drill phobia. The objective was to assess and compare treatment with Er:YAG laser versus a conventional rotary treatment during cavity preparation in children with regard to bond interface quality. In a randomized trial using a split-mouth design, 40 (9-12 year-old) children with 80 carious primary molars were included. The cavity in one quadrant was treated conventionally using a bur, while the cavity in the other quadrant was prepared using an Er:YAG laser. Twenty restored teeth were extracted after one year. The SEM histological evaluation of bond interface results demonstrated no statistically significant differences between restorations placed following bur preparation and those placed following the Er:YAG laser preparation, and both treatments demonstrated promising results. Over a one-year period, no statistically significant differences in the bond interface quality were observed following class I cavity preparation in primary teeth with either Er:YAG laser or a conventional rotary bur.

Oral health related knowledge, attitude and behavior among group of mothers in relation to their primary school children's oral health: a cross-sectional study.

The etiology of oral diseases in children is complex and multifactorial. The oral health of children can be influenced by various factors, including parental knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, as well as socioeconomic status. The objective of this study was to assess, among mothers of children aged 6-12 years, (1) mothers' knowledge about their children's oral health, (2) mothers' attitude toward their children's oral health, and (3) mothers' dental behavior concerning their oral health and to evaluate their influence on their children's dental caries. This cross-sectional study involved three questionnaires to be filled in by mothers of primary school children in addition to an oral examination of their children to measure decayed, missing, filled teeth for primary (dmft) and permanenet (DMFT) dentitions. The mother-child pairs were recruited through multistage stratified random sampling of primary schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was comprised of four sections: 1-demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status 2-Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (mothers' attitudes and behavior pertaining to their oral health) 3-mothers' knowledge regarding the oral health of their children 4-mothers' attitude toward their children oral health. A total of 1496 mother-child pairs completed the study. The mean values of dmft were 4.08 ± 3.47; DMFT was 1.82 ± 2.07; total dmft and DMFT were 5.65 ± 4.05. According to the questionnaire results, mothers in private schools had a more favorable attitude and behavior toward their oral health, as well as a more favorable knowledge and attitude toward their children's oral health. The multiple linear regression model revealed that children's dmft/DMFT scores were significantly related to mother education, mother questionnaire scores, and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index. Children's oral health is significantly impacted by oral health-related knowledge, attitude and behaviors of their mothers in addition to income status and education level.

Assessing Tele-Oral Medicine in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study on Specialists' Experiences and Effectiveness in Oral Healthcare.

INTRODUCTION: Teledentistry is an emerging tool to exchange medical information and clinical images to facilitate the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases and patient assurance and education. Considering the shortage of oral medicine specialists in Saudi Arabia, this study aims to assess the experiences of dental specialists with tele-oral medicine and its potential applicability in addressing this shortage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a pilot, cross-sectional study conducted among specialists in the field of oral medicine from January 2020 to March 2020. A total of 16 preselected cases with oral lesions, including clinical history and images, were developed, validated, and shared via email with study participants. Each case included questions on differential diagnosis, provisional diagnosis, and management. The responses were recorded, analyzed, and presented as means and percentages. RESULTS: A total of 49 subjects participated in this study and more than half were under 40 years of age and two-thirds were women. A total of 23 participants had prior experience with tele-oral medicine, mainly via WhatsApp (95.7%), and these cases were received from patients, their families, friends, or other dentists. For all study cases, the correct diagnosis score ranged between 73.50 and 100%, and correct management ranged between 51 and 98%. CONCLUSIONS: Tele-oral medicine is an effective tool that may play an important role in patient management in rural regions with a shortage of oral medicine services. Further studies with larger sample sizes and in collaboration with international centers are warranted to confirm these findings.

Evaluation of the Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser and the Conventional Method on Pain Perception and Anxiety Level in Children during Caries Removal: A Randomized Split-mouth Study.

Aim and objective: To assess and compare children's anxiety level and pain perception during cavity preparation using an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser vs traditional rotational treatment. Materials and methods: A randomized, controlled, split-mouth clinical trial was carried out in 35 healthy children with 70 carious primary molars. Teeth were divided equally into two groups according to the method of treatment. A bur was used to prepare the cavity in one quadrant, while an Er:YAG laser was used to prepare the cavity in the other quadrant. Anxiety was assessed using Venham's dental anxiety scale and a fingertip pulse oximeter. The pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Scale, and the number of local anesthesia (LA) needed during both procedures was also considered. Results: The mean age was 9.4 ± 1.29. Males accounted for 51.4% of the participants. There were no statistically significant variations in pulse rate at the baseline between Er:YAG laser and the conventional treatments. The mean pulse rate was higher during the conventional intervention than during the laser intervention; this difference was statistically significant vs the baseline pulse rate. The mean pulse rate with the conventional method was significantly higher during and after cavity formation than with the laser method. The Er:YAG laser and the conventional groups showed statistically significant differences in the Venham's and Wong-Baker scores. The scores of both scales were much higher in the conventional group. The number of participants who requested LA during the conventional technique was significantly higher than during the laser procedure. Conclusion: Using Er:YAG lasers to remove caries produces minimal pain and anxiety and reduces the requirement for LA. Clinical significance: During cavity preparation, the Er:YAG laser helps children stay calm. How to cite this article: Abdrabuh RE, El Meligy OAES, Felemban OM, et al. Evaluation of the Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser and the Conventional Method on Pain Perception and Anxiety Level in Children during Caries Removal: A Randomized Split-mouth Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S39-S44.

Effect of Light-Curable Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Varnish on Non-Cavitated Proximal Caries Lesions in Primary Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to radiographically and clinically assess, after six and twelve months, the additive effect of light-curable resin-modified glass ionomer (LCRMGI) varnish on preventive standard-of-care measures (sodium fluoride varnish, oral hygiene instructions, and dietary counseling) for the treatment of non-cavitated proximal carious lesions in primary molars. This prospective, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial recruited 5-8-year-old children with at least one pair of bilateral non-cavitated proximal carious lesions in the enamel or outer third of the dentin. The lesions were randomized into one of two groups: experimental (which received LCRMGI varnish with the preventive standard-of-care measures) or control (which received the preventive standard-of-care measure). A total of 47 out of 53 participants, with 70 out of 80 pairs, completed the study. Radiographically, lesions in the experimental groups were more likely to regress after six (OR = 3.25) and twelve months (OR = 2.67), but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.052 and p = 0.055, respectively). Clinically, the experimental group showed significantly higher regression rates than the control group after six and twelve months (p = 0.041 and p = 0.003, respectively). The LCRMGI varnish demonstrated promising potential as an adjuvant to preventive standard-of-care measures in promoting regression and inhibiting the progression of non-cavitated proximal carious lesions.

Restoration Integrity in Primary Teeth Prepared Using Erbium/Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser: A Randomized Split-Mouth Clinical Study.

The most frequently used and universally accepted technique for removing caries is mechanical ablation of decayed tissues by rotating drills. New minimally invasive strategies, such as the use of lasers to perform highly controlled tissue ablation, have been introduced in dental practice. The aim of this study was to assess and compare treatment with a 2940 nm erbium/yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser versus a conventional rotary treatment during cavity preparation in children with regard to restoration integrity. In a randomized, controlled, blinded trial using a split-mouth design, 40 (9-12-year-old) children with 80 carious primary molars were included. The cavity in one quadrant was randomized to be treated conventionally using a bur, while the cavity in the other quadrant was prepared using an Er:YAG laser. At the one-year follow-up, clinical examinations were conducted to assess the integrity of the restorations according to the Ryge criteria. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The average age of the participants was 9.4 ± 1.29 years. Males accounted for 51.4% of the participants. The Ryge criteria showed clinical success of restorations, and there was no discernible difference between the conventional and laser intervention techniques. Over one year, no statistically significant differences in the clinical integrity based on the Ryge criteria were found following class I cavity preparation in primary teeth with either procedure.

The effect of virtual reality distraction on anxiety level during dental treatment among anxious pediatric patients: a randomized clinical trial.

This study evaluated the effect of Virtual Reality Distraction (VRD) on dental anxiety among anxious children undergoing prophylactic dental treatment by utilizing both subjective (Venham Anxiety and Behavioral Rating Scale (VABRS)) and objective (heart rate (HR) and salivary cortisol level (SCL)) measures. This randomized controlled study included 36 (6- to 14-year-old) healthy and anxious children who needed prophylactic dental treatment and had a history of previous dental treatment. The eligible children's anxiety level was evaluated using a modified version of the Abeer Dental Anxiety Scale-Arabic version (M-ACDAS) and those who scored at least 14 or more out of 21 were included. Participants were randomly distributed to either the VRD or control group. In the VRD group, participants wore the VRD eyeglasses during prophylactic dental treatment. In the control group, subjects received their treatment while watching a video cartoon on a regular screen. The participants were videotaped during the treatment, and their HR was recorded at four time points. Also, a sample from each participant's saliva was collected twice, at the baseline and after the procedure. The mean M-ACDAS score at baseline in the VRD and the control groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.424). At the end of the treatment, the SCL was significantly lower in the VRD group (p < 0.001). Neither the VABRS (p = 0.171) nor the HR significantly differed between the VRD and control groups. Virtual reality distraction is a non-invasive method that has the potential to significantly reduce anxiety during prophylactic dental treatment among anxious children.

Shear Bond Strength and Fluoride Release of a Universal Adhesive: An In-Vitro Study on Primary Teeth.

This investigation aimed to assess the shear bond strength and fluoride-releasing capabilities of Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Forty-four extracted primary molars were divided into two groups, and the enamel substrate was prepared for evaluating shear bond strength. Scotchbond (3M ESPE) and Clearfil UBQ were used to bond composite-to-enamel substrates in each group (n = 22). Shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing device and compared. Sixteen discs (6 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness) were fabricated from each Clearfil UBQ, Fuji IX, and Fuji II LC. Over the course of 30 days, each materials' fluoride release was examined and compared using ion analysis. Results revealed that Clearfil UBQ had statistically similar shear bond strength to Scotchbond. Between the three materials, Clearfil UBQ had the lowest fluoride release at baseline (0.11 ± 0.25) and the lowest cumulative fluoride release (0.12-0.27 ppm) over 30 days. Fuji IX had the highest fluoride release at baseline (19.38 ± 2.50) and cumulatively (40.87 ± 4.03 ppm), followed by Fuji II LC. We conclude that Clearfil UBQ and Scotchbond showed comparable bond strengths to the enamel. Fluoride release was seen in Clearfil UBQ in the initial two days of the 30-day period. The amount of fluoride release was significantly less than with glass ionomer cements.

Current Practice of Oral Care for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients: A Survey of the Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group.

INTRODUCTION: The oral cavity is one of the most common sites impacted by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with acute complications including mucositis, bleeding, salivary gland dysfunction, infection, and taste alteration. These complications may result in significant morbidity and can negatively impact outcomes such as length of stay and overall costs. As such, oral care during HSCT for prevention and management of oral toxicities is a standard component of transplant protocols at all centers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current oral care practices for patients during HSCT at different transplant centers within the Eastern Mediterranean region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An internet-based survey was directed to 30 transplant centers in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The survey included five sections asking questions related to (1) transplant center demographics; (2) current oral care protocol used at the center and type of collaboration (if any) with a dental service; (3) use of standardized oral assessment tools and grading systems for mucositis; (4) consultations for management of oral complications; and (5) oral health needs at each center. Data are presented as averages and percentages. RESULTS: A total of 16 responses from 11 countries were collected and analyzed, indicating a response rate of 53%. Eight centers reported that a dentist was part of the HSCT team, with four reporting oral medicine specialists specifically being part of the team. Almost all centers (15/16; 93%) had an affiliated dental service to facilitate pre-HSCT dental clearance with an established dental clearance protocol at 14 centers (87%). Dental extraction was associated with the highest concern for bleeding and the need for platelet transfusion. With respect to infection risk, antibiotic prophylaxis was considered in the setting of low neutrophil counts with restorative dentistry and extraction. All centers provide daily reinforcement of oral hygiene regimen. The most frequently used mouth oral rinses included sodium bicarbonate (68%) and chlorhexidine gluconate (62%), in addition to ice chips for dry mouth (62%). The most frequently used mucositis assessment tools were the World Health Organization scale (7/16; 43%) and visual analogue scale for pain (6/16; 37%). Mucositis pain was managed with lidocaine solution (68.8%), magic mouth wash (68.8%) and/or systemic pain medications (75%). CONCLUSIONS: Scope and implementation of oral care protocols prior to and during HSCT varied between transplant centers. The lack of a universal protocol may contribute to gaps in oral healthcare needs and management for this group of patients. Further dissemination of and education around available oral care guidelines is warranted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering oral care during HSCT a standard component of transplant protocols, the current study highlights the common oral care practices for patients at centers within the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The Effect of Using a Camouflaged Dental Syringe on Children's Anxiety and Behavioral Pain.

BACKGROUND: Seeing a dental syringe can be terrifying, especially for young children, and hiding it during local anesthesia (LA) administration can sometimes be challenging for the pediatric dentist. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a camouflaged dental syringe on children's anxiety and behavioral pain in comparison to the traditional dental syringe during local anesthesia administration in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included cooperative and healthy 6- to 10-year-old children scheduled for non-urgent dental treatment that required buccal infiltration anesthesia (BIA) in the maxillary arch. The subjects were randomized into either the test or the control groups. In the test group, subjects received BIA using the camouflaged dental syringe. Subjects in the control group received the BIA using a traditional dental syringe. A single-trained dentist administered all the anesthesia. Heart rate (HR) was monitored at three different time points (before, during, and after) the BIA administration. Subjects' anxiety and behavioral pain were measured using Venham's Anxiety Rating Scale (VARS) and the Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale, respectively, by two trained and calibrated investigators. RESULTS: A total of 60 subjects with a mean age of 8.3 ±1.3 years were included. The scores of the VARS in the subjects in the camouflaged group were somewhat lower than the subjects in the traditional group, but the observed difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.113). However, subjects in the camouflaged group showed significantly lower FLACC scores compared to the traditional group (P=0.034). CONCLUSION: The utilization of a camouflaged dental syringe is effective in improving children's behavior during local anesthesia administration; therefore, it is recommended as an alternative to using the traditional syringe.

Clinical and Radiographic Success of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in Indirect Pulp Treatment of Primary Molars.

Purpose: To compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of indirect pulp treatment (IPT) in primary molars using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with and without two percent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX).
Methods: A blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed in a split-mouth desi gn. Eighty primary molars in 40 subjects from four to eight years of age were randomly allocated so that each subject had one tooth treated with MTA and CHX and the other tooth treated with MTA alone. Study teeth had deep caries without signs and symptoms of pulpal inflammation or necrosis. All teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns. Follow-up was done at 12 months to evaluate the teeth clinically and radiographically.
Results: At the follow-up, one tooth from each group had failed. Upon the clinical and radiographic evaluations, the overall success rate for both groups was 97 percent. No statistically significant difference was found in the success rate between the two groups.
Conclusions: IPT in primary molars using MTA with or without CHX demonstrated satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes in a period of 12 months.

Oral health-related quality of life in children with celiac disease.

PURPOSE: There is limited knowledge about oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with celiac disease (CD). This study aimed to assess OHRQoL in children with CD compared to healthy controls. METHODS: This case-control study included children with CD and healthy controls. Three scales were used to assess OHRQoL in different age groups: 6-7 years, 8-10 years, and 11-14 years. The OHRQoL scores were compared between cases and controls to examine the possible associations between OHRQoL and demographics, socioeconomic status, and oral health. RESULTS: Overall, 104 children with CD and 104 healthy children (controls) were included. The mean age was 10.67 ± 2.39 years in CD patients and 10.69 ± 2.36 in controls (P = 0.971). Male and female children constituted 50% of each group. Children with CD had significantly higher OHRQoL scores than controls (P = 0.003). Low education levels of parents of children with CD and a higher number of siblings in controls were associated with high OHRQoL scores (P = 0.002, P < 0.020, and P = 0.010, respectively). Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) increased the OHRQoL scores by 7.5 on average (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Children with CD had poor OHRQoL compared with healthy controls. Poor OHRQoL in children with CD was associated with RAS and with lower parental income and education. RAS was an independent predictor of poor OHRQoL in children with CD.

Factors influencing the desire for orthodontic treatment among patients and parents in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The decision to pursue orthodontic treatment is influenced by a variety of cosmetic, functional, and social reasons. This study compared the factors that influence adults' decisions before orthodontic treatment versus parents' decisions prior to their children's orthodontic treatment in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to the patients of orthodontic clinics of King Abdulaziz University in addition to a private orthodontic clinic in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. The survey consisted of two versions of a questionnaire: one for adults and one for children's parents. The survey inquired about the participants' demographics, factors that led to the necessity of treatment, and considerations before opting for orthodontic treatment. The factors influencing the decision-making process of adults were compared to that of parents using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 417 subjects participated, 331 adults and 86 parents. The majority of the respondents in both groups were females. When compared to children, adults were more aware of the necessity for orthodontic treatment (78.5% of adults vs. 41.9% of children). The primary motivation for adults and parents to begin orthodontic treatment was to improve their esthetic appearance (58.6% and 87.2%), whereas functional concerns were less frequently reported (12.1% and 15.1%). Adults relied on less trustworthy sources of information about orthodontic treatment options, whereas parents relied on more dependable sources. CONCLUSIONS: The main reason for opting for orthodontic treatment in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia was esthetic for both adults and children.

Oral and dental manifestations of celiac disease in children: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy. CD may also involve complications with the oral cavity, which can result in various dental and oral pathologies. There are currently a limited number of studies on the oral manifestation of CD. This study aims to compare the oral manifestations of children with CD against healthy controls in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study includes 208 children aged 6-14 years, distributed equally into CD patients and healthy controls. A parent completed and validated the interview questionnaire, which included the child's personal information and medical history. A dental examination was undertaken to measure possible recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), dental enamel defects (DEDs), dental caries experience, and dental malocclusion. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and eight participants were included (104 CD patients and 104 controls). The mean age for CD patients was 10.67 ± 2.39 years and 10.69 ± 2.36 for the healthy controls. CD children had more RAS than controls (42.3% vs. 15.4%, P < 0.001) (OR = 4.03, 95% CI = 2.09-7.81) and more DEDs than healthy controls (70.2% vs. 34.6%, P < 0.001) (OR = 4.45, 95% CI = 2.48-7.97). No significant difference was found in the frequency of malocclusion between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: Saudi Arabian children with CD had a greater number of clinical findings of RAS and DEDs than healthy controls. Pediatric dentists should consider the possibility of CD in child patients presenting with RAS or DEDs.

Success Rate of Stainless-steel Crowns Placed on Permanent Molars among Adolescents.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success rate of stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) placed on permanent molars among adolescents in King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital (KAUDH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic records of KAUDH patients aged 10 to 15 years who had an SSC placed on a permanent molar from 2013 to 2018 were reviewed. The patients were contacted by telephone and were invited to participate in the study. The patients were examined clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: The response rate was 42.6%. The total number of SSCs included in the study was 36 crowns. The mean age was 11.75 ± 1.95. Males represented 75.76% of the subjects. The success rate of SSCs placed on permanent molars was 86.10%. CONCLUSION: Placement of SSCs on permanent molars is a highly successful long-term temporary restoration that preserves badly destructed molars in adolescents until definitive prosthetic treatment can be done. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: To provide updated knowledge to healthcare providers and researchers about the success rate of SSCs when placed on permanent molars. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Felemban O, Alagl H, Aloufi W, et al. Success Rate of Stainless-steel Crowns Placed on Permanent Molars among Adolescents. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):488-491.

Why do students skip classroom lectures: A single dental school report.

BACKGROUND: Conventional classroom lectures continue to represent a major component of the dental education system to ensure optimum delivery of knowledge. Certain number of students are less compliant and likely to skip classes which may impact the overall academic performance. The aim of this study was to investigate dental students' attitude towards classroom attendance and potential reasons for absenteeism at King Abdulaziz University-Faculty of Dentistry (KAU-FD). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of all dental students actively enrolled at KAU-FD from January to June 2019. The survey included questions on demographics, average travel time to school, current dental year, most recent GPA, student's perspective toward classroom lectures. The survey was validated and distributed to all students at a pre-selected time frame. Data were analysed and presented as frequencies and percentages; chi-square test was used to explore parameters association. RESULTS: A total of 678 students consented and completed the survey. Overall, 44.3% of students were more likely to skip two classes or less per month. Second year dental students were more likely to be absent from classroom lectures (31.3%), while 3rd year dental students were less likely to do so (15.4%). Reported students' justifications for missing classes included early morning classes (47.9%), exams preparation (42%), and lecturer's weak presentation skills (41.9%). CONCLUSION: Compliance of dental students with classroom attendance has been an ongoing challenge for most programs. The current data suggests a multifactorial module for students' attitude toward classroom attendance. Future studies focusing on reasons behind classroom attendance behavior and addressing students' concerns are needed.