Fine structural human phantom in dentistry and instance tooth segmentation.

In this study, we present the development of a fine structural human phantom designed specifically for applications in dentistry. This research focused on assessing the viability of applying medical computer vision techniques to the task of segmenting individual teeth within a phantom. Using a virtual cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system, we generated over 170,000 training datasets. These datasets were produced by varying the elemental densities and tooth sizes within the human phantom, as well as varying the X-ray spectrum, noise intensity, and projection cutoff intensity in the virtual CBCT system. The deep-learning (DL) based tooth segmentation model was trained using the generated datasets. The results demonstrate an agreement with manual contouring when applied to clinical CBCT data. Specifically, the Dice similarity coefficient exceeded 0.87, indicating the robust performance of the developed segmentation model even when virtual imaging was used. The present results show the practical utility of virtual imaging techniques in dentistry and highlight the potential of medical computer vision for enhancing precision and efficiency in dental imaging processes.

Understanding patient safety in dentistry: evaluating the present and envisioning the future-a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Patient safety is crucial in dentistry, yet it has received delayed recognition compared with other healthcare fields. This literature review assesses the current state of patient safety in dentistry, investigates the reasons for the delay, and offers recommendations for enhancing patient safety in dental practices, dental schools, and hospitals. METHODS: The review incorporates a thorough analysis of existing literature on patient safety in dentistry. Various sources, including research articles, guidelines and reports, were reviewed to gather insights into patient safety definitions, challenges and best practices specific to dentistry. RESULTS: The review underscores the importance of prioritising patient safety in dentistry at all levels of healthcare. It identifies key definitions and factors contributing to the delayed focus on patient safety in the field. Additionally, it emphasises the significance of establishing a patient safety culture and discusses approaches such as safety plans, incident management systems, blame-free cultures and ethical frameworks to enhance patient safety. CONCLUSION: Patient safety is vital in dentistry to ensure high-quality care and patient well-being. The review emphasises the importance of prioritising patient safety in dental practices, dental schools and hospitals. Through the implementation of recommended strategies and best practices, dental organisations can cultivate a patient safety culture, enhance communication, mitigate risks and continually improve patient safety outcomes. The dissemination of knowledge and the active involvement of all stakeholders are crucial for promoting patient safety and establishing a safe dental healthcare system.

The application of virtual reality and augmented reality in dentistry - a literature review.

In recent times, dentistry has seen significant technological advancements that have transformed various specialized areas within the field. Developed into applications for mobile devices, augmented reality (AR) seamlessly merges digital components with the physical world, enhancing both realms while maintaining their individual separateness. On the other hand, virtual reality (VR) relies on advanced, tailored software to visualize a digital 3D environment stimulating the operator's senses through computer generated sensations and feedback. The current advances use the application of VR, haptic simulators, the use of an AI algorithm and many more that provides new opportunities for smart learning and enhance the teaching environment. As this technology continues to evolve, it is poised to become even more remarkable, enabling specialists to potentially visualize both soft and hard tissues within the patient's body for effective treatment planning. This literature aims to present the newest advancements and ongoing development of AR and VR in dentistry and medicine. It highlights their diverse applications while identifying areas needing further research for effective integration into clinical practice.

Interplay between leadership and patient safety in dentistry: a dental hospital-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to study the association of leadership practices and patient safety culture in a dental hospital. DESIGN: Hospital-based, cross-sectional study SETTING: Riphah Dental Hospital (RDH), Islamabad, Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS: All dentists working at RDH were invited to participate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A questionnaire comprised of the Transformational Leadership Scale (TLS) and the Dental adapted version of the Medical Office Survey of Patient Safety Culture (DMOSOPS) was distributed among the participants. The response rates for each dimension were calculated. The positive responses were added to calculate scores for each of the patient safety and leadership dimensions and the Total Leadership Score (TLS) and total patient safety score (TPSS). Correlational analysis is performed to assess any associations. RESULTS: A total of 104 dentists participated in the study. A high positive response was observed on three of the leadership dimensions: inspirational communication (85.25%), intellectual stimulation (86%), and supportive leadership (75.17%). A low positive response was found on the following items: 'acknowledges improvement in my quality of work' (19%) and 'has a clear sense of where he/she wants our unit to be in 5 years' (35.64%). The reported positive responses in the patient safety dimensions were high on three of the patient safety dimensions: organisational learning (78.41%), teamwork (82.91%), and patient care tracking/follow-up (77.05%); and low on work pressure and pace (32.02%). A moderately positive correlation was found between TLS and TPSS (r=0.455, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Leadership was found to be associated with patient safety culture in a dental hospital. Leadership training programmes should be incorporated during dental training to prepare future leaders who can inspire a positive patient safety culture.

A Systematic Umbrella Review of the Effects of Teledentistry on Costs and Oral-Health Outcomes.

Teledentistry offers possibilities for improving efficiency and quality of care and supporting cost-effective healthcare systems. This umbrella review aims to synthesize existing systematic reviews on teledentistry and provide a summary of evidence of its clinical- and cost-effectiveness. A comprehensive search strategy involving various teledentistry-related terms, across seven databases, was conducted. Articles published until 24 April 2023 were considered. Two researchers independently reviewed titles, abstracts and full-text articles. The quality of the included reviews was critically appraised with the AMSTAR-2 checklist. Out of 749 studies identified, 10 were included in this umbrella review. Two reviews focusing on oral-health outcomes revealed that, despite positive findings, there is not yet enough evidence for the long-term clinical effectiveness of teledentistry. Ten reviews reported on economic evaluations or costs, indicating that teledentistry is cost-saving. However, these conclusions were based on assumptions due to insufficient evidence on cost-effectiveness. The main limitation of our umbrella review was the critically low quality of the included reviews according to AMSTAR-2 criteria, with many of these reviews basing their conclusions on low-quality studies. This highlights the need for high-quality experimental studies (e.g., RCTs, factorial designs, stepped-wedge designs, SMARTs and MRTs) to assess teledentistry's clinical- and cost-effectiveness.

Surveying the landscape of diagnostic imaging in dentistry's future: Four emerging technologies with promise.

BACKGROUND: Advances in digital radiography for both intraoral and panoramic imaging and cone-beam computed tomography have led the way to an increase in diagnostic capabilities for the dental care profession. In this article, the authors provide information on 4 emerging technologies with promise. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors feature the following: artificial intelligence in the form of deep learning using convolutional neural networks, dental magnetic resonance imaging, stationary intraoral tomosynthesis, and second-generation cone-beam computed tomography sources based on carbon nanotube technology and multispectral imaging. The authors review and summarize articles featuring these technologies. RESULTS: The history and background of these emerging technologies are previewed along with their development and potential impact on the practice of dental diagnostic imaging. The authors conclude that these emerging technologies have the potential to have a substantial influence on the practice of dentistry as these systems mature. The degree of influence most likely will vary, with artificial intelligence being the most influential of the 4. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The readers are informed about these emerging technologies and the potential effects on their practice going forward, giving them information on which to base decisions on adopting 1 or more of these technologies. The 4 technologies reviewed in this article have the potential to improve imaging diagnostics in dentistry thereby leading to better patient care and heightened professional satisfaction.

Stem cells in regenerative dentistry: Current understanding and future directions.

BACKGROUND: Regenerative dentistry aims to enhance the structure and function of oral tissues and organs. Modern tissue engineering harnesses cell and gene-based therapies to advance traditional treatment approaches. Studies have demonstrated the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in regenerative dentistry, with some progressing to clinical trials. This review comprehensively examines animal studies that have utilized MSCs for various therapeutic applications. Additionally, it seeks to bridge the gap between related findings and the practical implementation of MSC therapies, offering insights into the challenges and translational aspects involved in transitioning from preclinical research to clinical applications. HIGHLIGHTS: To achieve this objective, we have focused on the protocols and achievements related to pulp-dentin, alveolar bone, and periodontal regeneration using dental-derived MSCs in both animal and clinical studies. Various types of MSCs, including dental-derived cells, bone-marrow stem cells, and umbilical cord stem cells, have been employed in root canals, periodontal defects, socket preservation, and sinus lift procedures. Results of such include significant hard tissue reconstruction, functional pulp regeneration, root elongation, periodontal ligament formation, and cementum deposition. However, cell-based treatments for tooth and periodontium regeneration are still in early stages. The increasing demand for stem cell therapies in personalized medicine underscores the need for scientists and responsible organizations to develop standardized treatment protocols that adhere to good manufacturing practices, ensuring high reproducibility, safety, and cost-efficiency. CONCLUSION: Cell therapy in regenerative dentistry represents a growing industry with substantial benefits and unique challenges as it strives to establish sustainable, long-term, and effective oral tissue regeneration solutions.

The impact of digital healthcare and teledentistry on dentistry in the 21st Century: a survey of Hungarian dentists.

BACKGROUND: The era of digitalization has arrived in the field of dentistry. Teledentistry (TD), the use of digital solutions in dentistry, is already used in practice; however, only some possibilities are considered. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote patient monitoring and patient communication had to be solved with TD, thus causing a rapid spread of new tools. In addition to digital workflows, patient communication, AI, and online forums are also available. METHODS: An online self-administered survey was developed for the study. The Hungarian Medical Chamber contacted potential respondents in a newsletter or e-mail. The Evasys survey system was used. The weighting procedure was executed for gender, age group, and type of settlement. A digital dental index variable was created and built with a linear regression model as a dependent variable. Explanatory variables are advantages, disadvantages, what would be necessary, experienced needs from the patients, and age. RESULTS: A total of 171 dentists completed the survey. The best-known digital technologies are online conferences (96.5%), E-prescriptions (94.6%), and digital impressions (86.0%). Unawareness is the highest in the field of artificial intelligence in dentistry (50.5%), store-forward solutions (43.5%), and real-time solutions (41.8%). The digital dental index is 14.24 (standard deviation (SD) = 5.5), with a high power of the model. CONCLUSION: Hungarian dentists need to be made aware of all the possibilities of TD. In addition to digital workflows, store-forward and real-time solutions can be beneficial to substitute face-to-face visits. TD can be used effectively to monitor oral cavity changes and develop dental confidence and proper oral care habits. Our survey suggests that it is necessary and inevitable to integrate TD into both graduate and postgraduate education, which may form the basis of primary health care in the next decade.

A phenomenological study on East and Southeast Asian dental educators: perceived importance, challenges, and strategies in teaching dental materials science.

BACKGROUND: Effective teaching of dental materials science is crucial for dental students to develop a comprehensive understanding of materials used in clinical practice. However, literature on educators' views on teaching this subject is still scarce. This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of dental educators in teaching dental materials science subjects, thereby addressing potential gaps and enhancing teaching practices. METHODS: Thirteen dental educators from East and Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan) participated in the present study. The present study adopted a transcendental phenomenological approach. One-to-one semi-structured online interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns in the educators' experiences. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the present study. First, perceptions of the importance of dental materials science, highlighting its relevance in clinical practice, patient care, and lifelong learning. Second, the challenges faced in teaching dental materials science include limited instructional time, complex content, and insufficient resources. Third, specific strategies, such as applying interactive teaching methods, integrating clinical scenarios, and promoting critical thinking skills have been suggested to enhance teaching and learning. CONCLUSION: Understanding dental educators' experiences can improve dental materials science education, curriculum development, teaching methods, and faculty training programmes, ultimately enhancing the knowledge and skills of dental students in this field.

Ultrasound protocol in odontogenic infections: a new proposal.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care-ultrasound can be applied to preview a difficult airway, detect the presence of fluid collection, and soft-tissue edema, and guide the drainage location, although is rarely used. The purpose of this study is to validate a protocol for the assessment of these clinical features on patients with severe odontogenic infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a single-group prospective cohort study (n=20) including patients with the diagnosis of deep-neck propagation of odontogenic infection. A transcervical linear high-frequency probe transducer (13-6 MHz) was used to scan the structures of the upper airway and the infectious collections. The drainage was guided by ultrasound and the patients were daily evaluated, according to the protocol. The data were extracted and the airway volume, midline deviation, and other important data such as length of hospital stay, dysphagia, voice alteration, raised floor of the mouth, dyspnea, and neck swelling were registered. RESULTS: The ultrasound examination was correlated with multiple clinical findings, such as dyslalia (p=0,069), dysphagia (p=0,028), dyspnea (p=0,001), among others. This protocol has an advantage as it can be used at bedside evaluation, allowing the assessment of severe and unstable patients, and predicting the increase of the hospitalization time (p=0,019). CONCLUSIONS: This protocol is reliable for the assessment of the upper airway, even in an emergency, predicting not only the severity of the clinical features but aids in the determination of the length of the hospitalization time.

Práticas integrativas e complementares na odontologia / Integrative and complementary practices in dentistry / Prácticas integradoras y complementarias en odontología

As Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PICs) apresentam-se como métodos coadjuvantes, auxiliando na obtenção de sucesso em determinados tratamentos clínicos e/ou cirúrgicos, atuando na prevenção, auxiliando na cura e no equilíbrio psicossomático com a finalidade de reestabelecer concordância entre mente e corpo. O Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO) regulamentou práticas como acupuntura, hipnose, terapia floral e fitoterapia, entretanto, suas aplicabilidades dependem da emissão de uma habilitação e seu devido registro no Conselho (Resolução CFO 82/2008). Para a Odontologia, as PICs proporcionam novas ferramentas para exercer um atendimento integral do ser humano. Neste trabalho, propõe-se fazer uma revisão de literatura sobre as PICs e Odontologia. Esta revisão de literatura foi realizada por meio de busca de artigos na base de dados Scielo, PubMed e Scholar Google no período de 2000 a 2021. Foram encontrados artigos sobre as seguintes PICs atuando conjuntamente com a Odontologia: terapias florais, acupuntura, hipnodontia, ozonioterapia, laserterapia, fitoterapia, homeopatia e odontologia antroposófica. Essas práticas apresentam grande valia, pois promovem o bem-estar sem causar dano ao indivíduo, apresentando poucos ou nenhum efeito colateral possibilitando maior segurança aos pacientes, além de favorecer a relação entre paciente e cirurgião-dentista, otimizando o tempo de trabalho no consultório odontológico e reduzindo custos.

Integrative and Complementary Practices (PICs) are presented as supporting methods, helping to achieve success in certain clinical and/or surgical treatments, acting in prevention, assisting in healing and psychosomatic balance in order to reestablish agreement between mind and body. . The Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO) has regulated practices such as acupuncture, hypnosis, floral therapy and herbal medicine, however, their applicability depends on the issuance of a license and its proper registration with the Council (Resolution CFO 82/2008). For Dentistry, PICs provide new tools to provide comprehensive care to human beings. In this work, we propose to review the literature on PICs and Dentistry. This literature review was carried out by searching articles in the Scielo, PubMed and Scholar Google databases from 2000 to 2021. Articles were found on the following PICs working together with Dentistry: floral therapies, acupuncture, hypnodontics, ozone therapy , laser therapy, phytotherapy, homeopathy and anthroposophic dentistry. These practices are of great value, as they promote well-being without causing harm to the individual, presenting few or no side effects, allowing greater safety for patients, in addition to favoring the relationship between patient and dentist, optimizing working time in the dental office and reducing costs.

Las Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias (PIC) se presentan como métodos coadyuvantes, ayudando a obtener el éxito en determinados tratamientos clínicos y/o quirúrgicos, actuando en la prevención, ayudando en la cura y en el equilibrio psicosomático con el fin de restablecer la concordancia entre mente y cuerpo. El Consejo Federal de Odontología (CFO) ha regulado prácticas como la acupuntura, la hipnosis, la terapia floral y la fitoterapia, sin embargo, su aplicabilidad depende de la emisión de un título y su correcto registro en el Consejo (Resolución CFO 82/2008). Para la odontología, los PIC aportan nuevas herramientas para la atención integral del ser humano. En este trabajo, nos proponemos hacer una revisión bibliográfica sobre los PIC y la Odontología. Esta revisión bibliográfica se realizó mediante la búsqueda de artículos en las bases de datos Scielo, PubMed y Scholar Google desde el año 2000 hasta el 2021. Se encontraron artículos sobre los siguientes CFP que actúan conjuntamente con la Odontología: terapias florales, acupuntura, hipnodoncia, ozonoterapia, terapia láser, fitoterapia, homeopatía y odontología antroposófica. Estas prácticas tienen un gran valor porque promueven el bienestar sin causar daño al individuo, presentando pocos o ningún efecto secundario, proporcionando mayor seguridad a los pacientes, y favoreciendo la relación entre el paciente y el dentista, optimizando el tiempo de trabajo en el consultorio y reduciendo los costos.

Inter-incisive index in Bulgarians and its application in dentistry / Indice interincisivo en búlgaros y su aplicación en odontología

SUMMARY: In recent years, aesthetic dentistry has become a major focus for the public. Facial attractiveness plays a key role on modern society and the creation of harmonious smile is an aim for every dentist. The objective of this study was to define certain values of the inter-incisive index in Bulgarians, the sexual dimorphism and bilateral asymmetry and to verify differences of this index between Bulgarians and other Balkan populations. The present study included 121 males and 111 females of Bulgarian origin aged 20- 40 years. Mesiodistal dimensions of maxillary central and lateral incisors were measured by Dentistry Sliding Vernier Caliper. We used the technique of direct anthropometry, modified by Prof. Y. Yordanov. We calculated the inter-incisive index as ratio of the mesiodistal dimension of maxillary lateral incisor to the mesiodistal dimension of the maxillary central incisor. The measurements were analyzed with SPSS 23. The level of statistical significance was set at P< 0.05. The inter-incisive index showed no statistically significant differences between left and right side of the dental arch in both sexes. We did not find statistically significant differences between males and females as well. On the other hand, we found statistically significant differences in MD values of incisors between Bulgarians and other Balkan nations. Inter-incisive index shows no sexual dimorphism and bilateral asymmetry in Bulgarians. This can be helpful in aesthetic dentistry, in prosthodontics and in orthodontic treatment planning.

RESUMEN: En los últimos años, la odontología estética se ha convertido en un foco importante para el público. El atractivo facial juega un papel clave en la sociedad moderna y la creación de una sonrisa armoniosa es importante para todos los dentistas. El objetivo de este estudio fue definir ciertos valores del índice interincisivo en búlgaros, el dimorfismo sexual y la asimetría bilateral y verificar diferencias de este índice entre búlgaros y otras poblaciones balcánicas. El presente estudio incluyó a 121 hombres y 111 mujeres de origen búlgaro entre 20 y 40 años de edad. Las dimensiones mesiodistales de los incisivos superiores centrales y laterales se midieron con un calibrador Vernier deslizante de odontología. Utilizamos la técnica de antropometría directa, modificada por el Prof. Y. Yordanov y se calculó el índice interincisivo como la relación entre la dimensión mesiodistal del incisivo lateral superior y la dimensión mesiodistal del incisivo central superior. Las medidas se analizaron con SPSS 23. El nivel de significancia estadística se fijó en P<0,05. El índice interincisivo no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los lados izquierdo y derecho de la arcada dentaria en ambos sexos. Tampoco encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre hombres y mujeres. Por otro lado, encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los valores de DM de los incisivos entre búlgaros y otras naciones balcánicas. El índice interincisivo no muestra dimorfismo sexual ni asimetría bilateral en los búlgaros. Esto puede ser útil en odontología estética, en prostodoncia y en la planificación de tratamientos de ortodoncia.

A dental revolution: The association between occlusion and chewing behaviour.

Dentistry is confronted with the functional and aesthetic consequences that result from an increased prevalence of misaligned and discrepant dental occlusal relations in modern industrialised societies. Previous studies have indicated that a reduction in jaw size in response to softer and more heavily processed foods during and following the Industrial Revolution (1,700 CE to present) was an important factor in increased levels of poor dental occlusion. The functional demands placed on the masticatory system play a crucial role in jaw ontogenetic development; however, the way in which chewing behaviours changed in response to the consumption of softer foods during this period remains poorly understood. Here we show that eating more heavily processed food has radically transformed occlusal power stroke kinematics. Results of virtual 3D analysis of the dental macrowear patterns of molars in 104 individuals dating to the Industrial Revolution (1,700-1,900 CE), and 130 of their medieval and early post-medieval antecedents (1,100-1,700 CE) revealed changes in masticatory behaviour that occurred during the early stages of the transition towards eating more heavily processed foods. The industrial-era groups examined chewed with a reduced transverse component of jaw movement. These results show a diminished sequence of occlusal contacts indicating that a dental revolution has taken place in modern times, involving a dramatic shift in the way in which teeth occlude and wear during mastication. Molar macrowear suggests a close connection between progressive changes in chewing since the industrialization of food production and an increase in the prevalence of poor dental occlusion in modern societies.

Valoración de los estadios de maduración ósea a través de las vértebras cervicales / Assessment of skeletal maturation stages using cervical vertebrae

RESUMEN La Ortodoncia se preocupa por la corrección precoz de la maloclusión; esta especialidad prioriza la armonía de las bases óseas en relación con la discrepancia y el posicionamiento dentario, aspectos que pueden ser corregidos en cualquier época de la vida. Por estas razones, es de gran importancia conocer el pico de crecimiento. La tendencia actual en Ortodoncia, en la evaluación de la maduración ósea, es reducir el número de radiografías a las estrictamente necesarias, por lo que existen una serie de investigadores que han desarrollado índices de maduración esquelética con los perfiles de los cuerpos de las vértebras cervicales. Estas aparecen generalmente en las telerradiografías laterales de cráneo, y son utilizadas para el diagnóstico ortodóncico, lo cual favorece la eliminación de radiografías adicionales. Se recomienda utilizar el método de la evaluación de maduración ósea a través de las vértebras cervicales en los servicios cubanos de Ortodoncia.

ABSTRACT Orthodontics is concerned with the early correction of malocclusion; this speciality prioritizes the harmony of the bony bases in relation to the discrepancy and dental positioning, aspects that can be corrected at any time of life. For these reasons, it is of great importance to know the growth peak. The current trend in Orthodontics, in the evaluation of skeletal maturation, is to reduce the number of radiographs to those strictly necessary; that is why there are a number of researchers who have developed skeletal maturation indices with the profiles of the cervical vertebral bodies. These generally appear on lateral skull teleradiographs, and are used for orthodontic diagnosis, which favours the elimination of additional radiographs. It is recommended to use the method of skeletal maturation evaluation through the cervical vertebrae in Cuban orthodontic services.

Medical Clearance for Common Dental Procedures.

Medical consultations before dental procedures present opportunities to integrate cross-disciplinary preventive care and improve patient health. This article presents recommendations related to patients with certain medical conditions who are planning to undergo common dental procedures, such as cleanings, extractions, restorations, endodontic procedures, abscess drainage, and mucosal biopsies. Specifically, prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended for preventing prosthetic joint infections or infectious endocarditis except in certain circumstances. Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies typically should not be suspended for common dental treatments. Elective dental care should be avoided for six weeks after myocardial infarction or bare-metal stent placement or for six months after drug-eluting stent placement. It is important that any history of antiresorptive or antiangiogenic therapies be communicated to the dentist. Ascites is not an indication for initiating prophylactic antibiotics before dental treatment, and acetaminophen is the analgesic of choice for patients with liver dysfunction or cirrhosis who abstain from alcohol. Nephrotoxic medications should be avoided in patients with chronic kidney disease, and the consultation should include the patient's glomerular filtration rate. Although patients undergoing chemotherapy may receive routine dental care, it should be postponed when possible in those currently undergoing head and neck radiation therapy. A detailed history of head and neck radiation therapy should be provided to the dentist. Multimodal, nonnarcotic analgesia is recommended for managing acute dental pain.

The Teledentistry, Impact, Current Trends, and Application in Dentistry: A Global Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at assessing the impact of teledentistry, its application, and trends in uplifting dental practice and clinical care around the world. Material and Methods. The present observational study comprised of an electronic survey distributed among dental professionals around the globe. The validated survey form consisted of a total 26 questions with 5-point Likert scale response. The questionnaire used was divided into four domains: usefulness of teledentistry for patients, its usefulness in dental practice, its capacity to improve the existing practice, and the concerns attached to its use. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-25. ANOVA test was used to assess the effect of independent variables on dependent variables. A p value of ≤0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 506 dental professionals participated in the study with the response rate of 89.39%. More than half of the participants (50-75%) endorsed that teledentistry is a useful tool for improving clinical practice as well as patient care. Two-thirds of the participants (69.96%) considered that teledentistry would reduce cost for the dental practices. On the other hand, about 50-70% of dental professionals expressed their concerns regarding the security of the data and consent of patients. The most preferred communication tool for teledentistry was reported to be videoconference followed by phone. The majority of participants recommended the use of teledentistry in the specialty of oral medicine, operative dentistry, and periodontics. There was a significant difference between the age, experience of dentists, and their qualifications with domains of teledentistry. CONCLUSIONS: The overall impact of dental professionals towards teledentistry was positive with adequate willingness to incorporate this modality in their clinical practice. However, the perceived concerns pertaining to teledentistry are significant impediments towards its integration within the oral health system. An in-depth study of its business model and cost-benefit needs of time, especially in the context of developing countries, in order to avail the optimum benefits of teledentistry.

In Vivo Study of Aerosol, Droplets and Splatter Reduction in Dentistry.

Oral health care workers (OHCW) are exposed to pathogenic microorganisms during dental aerosol-generating procedures. Technologies aimed at the reduction of aerosol, droplets and splatter are essential. This in vivo study assessed aerosol, droplet and splatter contamination in a simulated clinical scenario. The coolant of the high-speed air turbine was colored with red concentrate. The red aerosol, droplets and splatter contamination on the wrists of the OHCW and chests of the OHCW/volunteer protective gowns, were assessed and quantified in cm2. The efficacy of various evacuation strategies was assessed: low-volume saliva ejector (LV) alone, high-volume evacuator (HV) plus LV and an extra-oral dental aerosol suction device (DASD) plus LV. The Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test for multiple independent samples with a post-hoc test was used. No significant difference between the LV alone compared to the HV plus LV was demonstrated (p = 0.372059). The DASD combined with LV resulted in a 62% reduction of contamination of the OHCW. The HV plus LV reduced contamination by 53% compared to LV alone (p = 0.019945). The DASD demonstrated a 50% reduction in the contamination of the OHCWs wrists and a 30% reduction in chest contamination compared to HV plus LV. The DASD in conjunction with LV was more effective in reducing aerosol, droplets and splatter than HV plus LV.

Teledentistry as a Supportive Tool for Dentists in Pakistan.

The current scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced dentists to seek different options for delivering healthcare services other than the in-person direct examination in clinical practice. Teledentistry is one of the options for remote patient care and monitoring. Objective. The present survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of the dentists in Pakistan regarding teledentistry as an emergent supportive tool. Materials and Methods. A self-administered, close-ended, and prevalidated survey questionnaire was used, comprising 21 questions, and distributed electronically via e-mail, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger to evaluate the knowledge and perception of dentists regarding teledentistry. The data collected was compiled in a systematic manner and analyzed in terms of frequency (yes/no). Results. Out of a total of 350 dentists, 325 responded to the questionnaire, and it was seen that 62.5% of them did not have knowledge about teledentistry prior to COVID-19. 65.8% of dentists considered the practice of teledentistry in nonpandemic situations in the future. Conclusion. In the present study, it was observed that most of the dental professionals had inadequate knowledge about teledentistry before COVID-19, but the awareness and perception regarding teledentistry were currently satisfactory among the dental professionals in Pakistan. This emerging trend gives a positive hope for the implementation of teledentistry in the healthcare setup of Pakistan in the near future, as it will prove to be beneficial for safe dental practice during times of pandemic and even after.

Artificial Intelligence Techniques: Analysis, Application, and Outcome in Dentistry-A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the quality and outcome of studies into artificial intelligence techniques, analysis, and effect in dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the MeSH keywords: artificial intelligence (AI), dentistry, AI in dentistry, neural networks and dentistry, machine learning, AI dental imaging, and AI treatment recommendations and dentistry. Two investigators performed an electronic search in 5 databases: PubMed/MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine), Scopus (Elsevier), ScienceDirect databases (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), and the Cochrane Collaboration (Wiley). The English language articles reporting on AI in different dental specialties were screened for eligibility. Thirty-two full-text articles were selected and systematically analyzed according to a predefined inclusion criterion. These articles were analyzed as per a specific research question, and the relevant data based on article general characteristics, study and control groups, assessment methods, outcomes, and quality assessment were extracted. RESULTS: The initial search identified 175 articles related to AI in dentistry based on the title and abstracts. The full text of 38 articles was assessed for eligibility to exclude studies not fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Six articles not related to AI in dentistry were excluded. Thirty-two articles were included in the systematic review. It was revealed that AI provides accurate patient management, dental diagnosis, prediction, and decision making. Artificial intelligence appeared as a reliable modality to enhance future implications in the various fields of dentistry, i.e., diagnostic dentistry, patient management, head and neck cancer, restorative dentistry, prosthetic dental sciences, orthodontics, radiology, and periodontics. CONCLUSION: The included studies describe that AI is a reliable tool to make dental care smooth, better, time-saving, and economical for practitioners. AI benefits them in fulfilling patient demand and expectations. The dentists can use AI to ensure quality treatment, better oral health care outcome, and achieve precision. AI can help to predict failures in clinical scenarios and depict reliable solutions. However, AI is increasing the scope of state-of-the-art models in dentistry but is still under development. Further studies are required to assess the clinical performance of AI techniques in dentistry.