Influence of the Manufacturing Trinomial (Technology, Printer, and Material) on the Marginal and Internal Discrepancies of Printed Metal Frameworks for the Fabrication of Tooth-Supported Prostheses: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the influence of fabrication method (conventional, subtractive, and additive procedures) and manufacturing trinomial (technology, printer, and material combination) on the marginal and internal fit of cobaltchromium (Co-Cr) tooth-supported frameworks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic systematic review was performed in five data bases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, World of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus. Studies that reported the marginal and internal discrepancies of tooth-supported Co-Cr additive manufacturing (AM) frameworks were included. Two authors independently completed the quality assessment of the studies by applying the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies. A third examiner was consulted to resolve lack of consensus. RESULTS: A total of 31 articles were included and classified based on the evaluation method: manufacturing accuracy, the dual- or triple-scan method, stereomicroscope, optical coordinate measurement machine, microCT, profilometer, and silicone replica. Six subgroups were created: 3D Systems, Bego, Concept Laser, EOS, Kulzer, and Sisma. Due to the heterogeneity and limited data available, only the silicone replica group was considered for meta-analysis. The metaanalysis showed a mean marginal discrepancy of 91.09 µm (I2 = 95%, P < .001) in the conventional group, 77.48 µm (I2 = 99%, P < .001) in the milling group, and 82.92 µm (I2 = 98%, P < .001) in the printing group. Additionally, a mean internal discrepancy of 111.29 µm (I2 = 94%, P < .001) was obtained in the conventional casting group, 121.96 µm (I2 = 100%, P < .001) in the milling group, and 121.25 µm (I2 = 99%, P < .001) in the printing group. CONCLUSIONS: Manufacturing method and selective laser melting (SLM) metal manufacturing trinomial did not impact the marginal and internal discrepancies of Co-Cr frameworks for the fabrication of tooth-supported restorations.

Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Where Did We Start and Where Have We Landed? A Narrative Review.

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is gaining burgeoning interest among various dental disciplines. The import of this technology stems not only from its ability to fabricate different parts but from the solutions it provides for the customization and production of complex designs that other methods cannot offer-all to the end of enhancing clinical treatment alternatives. There is a wide range of AM machinery and materials available to choose from, and the goal of this review is to provide readers and clinicians with a decision tool for selecting the appropriate technology for a given application and to successfully integrate AM into the digital workflow.

Digitalization: New era of dentistry.

The visual appeal of teeth and smiles significantly influences both how others perceive individuals and their self-image and confidence. The subjective nature of dental esthetics, varying greatly among patients and dental professionals, has made digital smile design tools essential for creating natural and personalized esthetics. Contemporary digital methods and workflows encompass all clinical phases, from diagnosis to the creation of a smile aligned with the patient's facial features, and the completion of the restoratives. Digital technologies not only streamline treatment planning, smile designing, and the creation of restorations but also enable effective and time-efficient collaboration among different dental specialists and dental laboratory technicians, enhancing overall patient care. The use of contemporary digital tools in interdisciplinary esthetic treatments is presented, underscoring the role of high magnification for precision, implant placement, minimal invasiveness, and clinical 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.

Quantitative assessment of aerosol contamination generated during tooth grinding with a speed-increasing handpiece.

OBJECTIVES: Tooth grinding produces a significant amount of aerosol particles. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess particle contamination produced from tooth grinding with a speed-increasing handpiece across a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: All molar crowns were pretreated into cylinders with a uniform size. A novel computer-assisted numerical control system was used to parametrically study the bur speed: from 20,000 (20 K) to 200 K rpm at 20 K rpm intervals. 5-minute tooth grinding was performed in triplicate at each speed setting. Three online real-time particle counters (ORPC; TR-8301, TongrenCo.) were placed at 3 positions (0.5, 1, and 1.5 m) to evaluate particle production. All experimental instruments were controlled remotely. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Scheirer-Ray-Hare and Kruskal-Wallis/ Dunn-Bonferroni tests, p < 0.05). RESULTS: The concentration level of aerosol particles production during the grinding experiment was elevated above the control group for all conditions, and increased with bur speed at any location (the maximum peak, reaching 5.59 × 107 particles/m3, at 200 K and 1 m), with differences between conditions. The effect of speed on the increment of particles across different channels compared to the control group was statistically significant among locations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant particle contamination was produced using a speed-increasing handpiece, but the contamination level for each experimental condition was reduced to baseline within 30 min, and most particles with a diameter greater than 1üm produced at low speeds (80 K or lower) tended to settle within 1 m. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our study suggested that the use of a speed-increasing handpiece below 80 K and 30 min of fallow time may lead to an adequate reduction in the health effects of particle contamination.

Comparison of Malaysia's Bachelor of Dental Technology curriculum with three other countries: Proposing a basic curriculum framework.

INTRODUCTION: A dental technologist is one of the most essential allied dental health professionals and the dental technology curriculum should be comprehensively reviewed on a regular basis. This study aims to compare the only existing Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDT) curriculum in Malaysia with BDT programmes offered by other well-established universities, and map out the similarities and differences, as well as to explore future recommendations and propose a new curriculum framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive analysis was carried out using Laurie Brady's four-stage strategy. First, available curriculum materials were collected from four different institutions' electronic webpage: AIMST (Malaysia), GU (Australia), UO (New Zealand) and CMU (United Kingdom), and then compared based on three key domains: curriculum contents, teaching and learning strategies and assessments. Following that, the similarities and differences between various curricula were identified. Future recommendations and a curriculum framework were then proposed. RESULTS: The core BDT curriculum content is concurred upon by all four universities, with an emphasis on basic sciences, laboratory materials, practical sessions and research projects. However, the credit weightage for each course or module varied across the four institutions, with some offering unique subjects and implementing different teaching methods and assessments. A simple BDT curriculum framework with a proposed syllabus was designed based on the three key domains and future recommendations for curriculum improvement were explored. CONCLUSION: The present study identified several areas for Malaysian BDT curriculum development and improvement. The proposed framework can be a guide for Malaysian dental schools in designing a comprehensive dental technology programme.

Multidisciplinary action in a patient with cleft lip and palate: esthetic-functional dentofacial treatment for more than two decades / Atuação multidisciplinar em paciente com fissura lábio palatina: tratamento estético-funcional dento-facial de mais de duas décadas

Cleft lip and palate is a very common congenital defect in which embryonic facial processes do not achieve the ideal facial formation during their development which can cause malformation. Multiple dentistry specializations, especially oral and maxillofacial, orthodontics, oral rehabilitation and dental aesthetics are required in order to correct lip and oral cavity malformations by this congenital defect with the objective of functional and aesthetics improvement. The clinical case reported show the multidisciplinary approach in a patient with cleft lip and palate implementing an aesthetic and functional dentofacial rehabilitation. The case involves a 27-year-old female patient LCLG, Caucasian, with the presence of unilateral congenital cleft lip and palate on the left side, who started rehabilitative and reparative treatment at 3 months of age. She then started pediatric orthodontic treatment for angle class 3 crossbite correction at 7 years of age. After complete replacement of deciduous to permanent dentition at the age of 11, the patient started orthodontic treatment with a fixed appliance for several years and restorative treatment with composite resin reanatomize the anterior teeth due to agenesis of elements 22 and 25. After a few years when the resin restorations were no longer biologically favorable, an aesthetic rehabilitation treatment with ceramic laminates was planned through smile digital planning soon after completing the orthodontic treatment. This case report demonstrates that high aesthetic, functional and psychological expectations of a patient with congenital defect compromise throughout her life were met through a multidisciplinary dental treatment based on correct diagnosis and digital planning (AU)

A fissura labiopalatal é um defeito congênito muito comum, no qual os processos faciais embrionários não atingem a formação facial ideal durante o seu desenvolvimento, podendo causar malformações. Múltiplas especializações da odontologia, principalmente buco-maxilo-facial, ortodontia, reabilitação oral e estética dental são necessárias para corrigir as malformações labiais e da cavidade oral por esse defeito congênito com o objetivo de melhoria funcional e estética. O caso clínico relatado mostra a abordagem multidisciplinar em um paciente com fissura labiopalatal implementando uma reabilitação dentofacial estética e funcional. O caso envolve uma paciente do sexo feminino, 27 anos, LCLG, branca, com presença de fissura labiopalatal congênita unilateral à esquerda, que iniciou tratamento reabilitador e reparador aos 3 meses de idade. Após a substituição completa da dentição decídua pela permanente aos 11 anos de idade, a paciente iniciou tratamento ortodôntico com aparelho fixo por vários anos, e tratamento restaurador com resina composta para reanatomizar os dentes anteriores devido à agenesia dos elementos 22 e 25. Após alguns anos em que as restaurações em resina não eram mais favoráveis biologicamente, foi planejado um tratamento reabilitador estético com laminados cerâmicos através do planejamento digital do sorriso logo após a finalização do tratamento ortodôntico. Este relato de caso demonstra que as altas expectativas estéticas, funcionais e psicológicas de uma paciente com comprometimento de defeito congênito ao longo de sua vida foram atendidas por meio de um tratamento odontológico multidisciplinar baseado em diagnóstico correto e planejamento digital (AU)

Uso efectivo de los adhesivos de octava generación / Effective use of eighth generation adhesives

Introducción: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de conocer, analizar y comparar los diferentes tipos de adhesivos de octava generación que se encuentran en el mercado y la diferencia que existe entre cada uno. Los adhesivos universales han demostrado mejoras en su resistencia, sobre todo en las técnicas de aplicación y en las propiedades de estos materiales, al mejorar la fuerza adhesiva para que el odontólogo pueda brindar tratamientos restaurativos exitosos. Objetivo: conocer, analizar y comparar los diferentes tipos de adhe- sivos de la octava generación empleados en odontología. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos electrónicas PubMed, BVS, Redalyc y ScienceDirect. Se utilizaron 32 artículos que cumplieron con los criterios predeterminados y la especificidad reque- rida para la pregunta de investigación. Conclusiones: se demostró que la tecnología cada día avanza, sobre todo en el área de los adhesivos, ya que éstos son de mucha utilidad en el día a día del odontólogo; es importante conocer cada uno de éstos, puesto que es un poco complejo seleccionar el correcto, mas no el uso. En la actualidad, existen diversas opciones por las que el odontólogo puede optar, es por ello que el pro- fesional debe estar capacitado sobre cada una de las diferentes marcas existentes y, de acuerdo al tratamiento, debe elegir cuál es mejor utilizar en una rehabilitación. Es importante para el odontólogo conocer estos materiales, ya que esto lo beneficiará al momento de llevar un plan de tratamiento restaurador (AU)

Introduction: a bibliographic review was carried out to learn about, analyze, and compare the different types of eighth-generation adhesives on the market and the difference between each one. Universal adhesives have demonstrated improvements in their resistance, especially in the application techniques and properties of these materials, improving the adhesive strength so that the dentist can provide successful restorative treatments. Objective: to know, analyze and compare the different types of eighth-generation adhesives used in dentistry. Material and methods: a search was made of the following electronic databases: PubMed, BVS, Redalyc, ScienceDirect. Finally, 32 articles that met the predetermined criteria and the specificity required for the research question were used. Conclusions: it was demonstrated that technology is advancing every day, especially in the area of adhesives since these are very useful in the daily life of the dentist. It is important to know each one of these since it is a little complex at the moment of selecting the correct one, but not the use. Currently, there are several options that the dentist can choose, which is why the professional must be trained on each of the various existing brands and according to the treatment which is the best to use at the time of rehabilitation. The dentist needs to know these materials since they will benefit him/her when carrying out a restorative treatment plan (AU)

Acceptance and experience of digital dental technology, burnout, job satisfaction, and turnover intention for Taiwanese dental technicians.

BACKGROUND: Digital dental technology (DDT) has progressed and been introduced to Taiwan in the recent years, gradually changing the industry ecology. Many studies have demonstrated that DDT is more accurate and faster than conventional dental technology. However, there is a paucity of research exploring dental technicians' perspectives on digital dental techniques, and their burnout, job satisfaction, and turnover intention. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted at the conference venue of the Taiwan Association of Dental Technology to investigate the perspectives of dental technicians. We used the snowballing method in this study; two sampling methods were adopted, a convenience sampling of dental technicians to complete a survey, followed by asking the survey participants of the convenience sample to invite their colleagues to participate in the online survey. The survey questionnaire included questions on demographics, work-related information, acceptance and experiences of dental technicians toward DDT, occupational burnout, job satisfaction, and turnover intention. Regression models were used to determine the predictors of job satisfaction and determinants of turnover intention. RESULTS: In total, 341 valid questionnaires were obtained. Overall, the participants reported long working hours (95.5%), positive score on the DDT acceptance scale, moderate job satisfaction, higher personal burnout, and work burnout, along with lower over-commitment. Among them, 32.9% and 28.2% reported the intention to leave their organization and profession, respectively. The stepwise multiple regression model revealed that higher work burnout decreased job satisfaction, while higher DDT acceptance and position as employer increased job satisfaction. The binary logistic regression models revealed that geographical area of workplace, work burnout, and job satisfaction were significant predictors of turnover intentions. CONCLUSIONS: Many Taiwanese dental technicians reported turnover intentions and higher burnout. With the trend of digitalization in the dental industry, even though most dental technicians had a positive outlook toward DDT, its influence on job satisfaction appears limited. Retaining good and professional talents required of a dental technician is crucial, especially as Taiwan's dental care becomes increasingly specialized. Strategies for improving the work environment and occupational health of dental technicians should thus be the focus of future studies.

Tecnologias tridimensionais na aquisição de paciente virtual para planejamento digital: revisão sistemática / Three-dimensional technologies in the acquisition of virtual patient for digital planning: systematic review

Os avanços nas técnicas de digitalização permitem o registro e a integração das estruturas ósseas, dentárias e faciais. A tomografia computadorizada e os escaneamentos intraoral, laboratorial e extraoral da face fornecem dados aplicáveis do diagnóstico ao tratamento e fomentam a atual renovação da terapêutica odontológica. Nesse âmbito, atribuiu-se a esta revisão sistemática o objetivo de avaliar se as referidas tecnologias tridimensionais podem ser associadas para aquisição do paciente virtual, com a finalidade de planejamento digital otimizado. A coleta da evidência foi realizada sem restrição de tempo e língua e detalhada estratégia de busca foi aplicada às bases de dados Cochrane, PubMed e Web of Science, resultando na amostra total de 1.267 artigos. Pesquisas adicionais foram efetuadas no Google Acadêmico e as listas de referências dos artigos selecionados foram analisadas na procura por estudos compatíveis com os critérios de elegibilidade. Após duas fases de seleção, conduzidas por revisores independentes, 23 artigos foram incluídos para análise descritiva. Os trabalhos foram submetidos à análise do risco de viés individual através das ferramentas do Instituto Joanna Briggs e a certeza da evidência cumulativa geral foi avaliada pelo instrumento GRADE. O padrão do conteúdo científico reunido indica que o efeito estimado por esta pesquisa é potencialmente próximo ao real. A revisão revelou que a associação das tecnologias é efetiva para a completa geração do paciente virtual. Para o propósito de planejamento digital, os protocolos demonstraram otimização e viabilidade clínica, com desfechos caracterizados pela acurácia, previsibilidade, tempo e custos minimizados. Trabalhos acerca desse tema estão em desenvolvimento e espera-se que a evidência futura corrobore e amplie os achados desta pesquisa sistematizada.

Self-reported oral hygiene practice and utilization of dental services by dental technology students in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Background: Dental technology students are Dental surgery technicians under training, trained to assist patients maintain good oral health. Hence, their oral hygiene is expected to be optimal. Objective: To determine the oral self-care practices and pattern of utilization of dental services among dental technology students. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, consisting of 109 participants. The questionnaire had three sections. Section A had questions on sociodemographic, section B was on self-reported oral hygiene practices and section C was on pattern of dental service utilization. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version 20.0. Results: The mean age was 23.66 years; age range was 18 - 42 years. There were 20 males and 89 females, 95.41% of the participants used toothbrushes and paste, while 4.59% used both chewing sticks and toothbrushes. 22% used horizontal/scrub method of toothbrushing, 10.1% used modified bass method, whereas 5.0% do not know which method of toothbrushing they use. 81.3% of the participants had visited the dentist previously for routine dental check-up while 10.71% visited for dental pain. Conclusion: The self-reported oral hygiene practice of the dental technology students is commendable, however, further education on the importance of scaling and polishing is advocated.

The Status of Digital Dental Technology Implementation in the Saudi Dental Schools' Curriculum: A National Cross-Sectional Survey for Healthcare Digitization.

Objective: The primary objective of this cross-sectional national study was to investigate the status of digital dental technology (DDT) adoption in Saudi Arabian undergraduate dental education. A secondary objective was to explore the impact of dental schools' funding sources to incorporate digital technologies. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the chairpersons of prosthetic sciences departments of the 27 dental schools in Saudi Arabia. If any department chairman failed to respond to the survey, a designated full-time faculty member was contacted to fill out the form. The participants were asked about the school's sector, DDT implementation in the curriculum, implemented level, their perceptions of the facilitators and challenges for incorporating DDT. Results: Of the 27 dental schools (18 public and 8 private), 26 responded to the questionnaire (response rate: 96.3%). The geographic distribution of the respondent schools was as follows: 12 schools in the central region, 6 in the western region, and 8 in other regions. Seventeen schools secure and preserve patients' records using electronic software, whereas nine schools use paper charts. Seventeen schools (64,4%) implemented DDT in their curricula. The schools that did not incorporate DDT into their undergraduate curricula were due to not being included in the curriculum (78%), lack of expertise (66%), untrained faculty and staff (44%), and cost (33%). Conclusions: This national study showed that digital components still need to be integrated into Saudi Arabian dental schools' curricula and patient care treatment. Additionally, there was no association between funding sources and the DDT implementation into the current curricula. Consequently, Saudi dental schools must emphasize the implementation and utilization of DDT to align with Saudi Vision 2030 for healthcare digitization and to graduate competent dentists in digital dental care.

Impressão tridimensional na Odontologia: uma revisão de literatura / Three dimensional printing in Dentistry: a literature review

Devido ao avanço tecnológico e a busca da excelência do tratamento, a prototipagem rápida (PR) tornou-se realidade na odontologia com uso de exames de imagem, sendo a tomografia computadorizada a mais utilizada. Assim, é possível analisar com precisão a anatomia do paciente e simular o procedimento nos biomodelos, resultando na otimização do tratamento. O objetivo do trabalho é descrever a aplicação dos processos de impressão tridimensional na odontologia. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura integrativa utilizando os descritores: Impressão Tridimensional, CAD-CAM e Odontologia Digital nas bases de dados PubMed e Scielo e nos bancos de dados Europe PMC e BVS. Os protótipos vem sendo um marco na odontologia moderna, sendo eles réplicas de estruturas anatômicas que são criados a partir da conversão de imagens 3D obtidas por meio de exames de imagem, como a tomografia computadorizada (TC) e a ressonância magnética (RM), em imagens reais. As imagens adquiridas são reformatadas por meio de softwares específicos que utilizam os sistemas CAD e CAM. O biomodelos permite a simulação do respectivo procedimento, evitando imprevistos no transoperatório, aumentam a segurança e estreita a relação entre o profissional e o paciente, resultando na maior satisfação no resultado final... (AU)

Due to technological advancement and the search for excellence in treatment, the rapid prototyping (RP) becomes reality in dentistry with the imaging exams, being the computed tomography being the most used. Thus, it is possible to accurately analyze the patient's anatomy and simulate the procedure on biomodels, resulting in treatment optimization. The objective of the work is to describe the application of three-dimensional printing processes in dentistry. An integrative literature review was realized using the descriptors: Three-dimensional printing, CAD-CAM and Digital Dentistry in the PubMed and Scielo databases and in the Europe PMC and BVS databank. The prototypes have been a landmark in modern dentistry, they are replicas of anatomical structures that are created from the conversion of 3D images obtained through image exams, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR), in real images. The acquired images are reformatted using specific software using the CAD and CAM systems. The biomodel allows the simulation of the respective procedure, avoiding unforeseen circumstances during the operation, increasing safety and strengthening the relationship between the professional and the patient, resulting in greater satisfaction in the final result.. (AU)

The Benefits of Smart Nanoparticles in Dental Applications.

Dentistry, as a branch of medicine, has undergone continuous evolution over time. The scientific world has focused its attention on the development of new methods and materials with improved properties that meet the needs of patients. For this purpose, the replacement of so-called "passive" dental materials that do not interact with the oral environment with "smart/intelligent" materials that have the capability to change their shape, color, or size in response to an externally stimulus, such as the temperature, pH, light, moisture, stress, electric or magnetic fields, and chemical compounds, has received much attention in recent years. A strong trend in dental applications is to apply nanotechnology and smart nanomaterials such as nanoclays, nanofibers, nanocomposites, nanobubbles, nanocapsules, solid-lipid nanoparticles, nanospheres, metallic nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanocrystals. Among the nanomaterials, the smart nanoparticles present several advantages compared to other materials, creating the possibility to use them in various dental applications, including preventive dentistry, endodontics, restoration, and periodontal diseases. This review is focused on the recent developments and dental applications (drug delivery systems and restoration materials) of smart nanoparticles.

Surface Activation of Titanium Dental Implants by Using UVC-LED Irradiation.

Organic contaminants significantly limit the bioactivity of titanium implants, resulting in the degradation known as the ageing of titanium. To reactivate the surfaces, they can be photofunctionalized, i.e., irradiated with C-range ultraviolet (UVC) light. This descriptive in vitro study compares the effectiveness of novel light-emitting diode (LED) technology to remove contaminant hydrocarbons from three different commercially available titanium dental implants: THD, TiUnite, and SLA. The surface topography and morphology were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical compositions were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), before and after the lighting treatment, by a pair of closely placed UVC (λ = 278 nm) and LED devices for 24 h. SEM analysis showed morphological differences at the macro- and micro-scopic level. XPS analysis showed a remarkable reduction in the carbon contents after the UVC treatment: from 25.6 to 19.5 C at. % (carbon atomic concentration) in the THD; from 30.2 to 20.2 C at. % in the TiUnite; from 26.1 to 19.2 C at. % in the SLA surface. Simultaneously, the concentration of oxygen and titanium increased. Therefore, LED-based UVC irradiation decontaminated titanium surfaces and improved the chemical features of them, regardless of the kind of surface.

Students' perceptions and attitudes about digital dental technology is associated with their intention to use it.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors associated with predoctoral students' intention to use dental technology in future practice using the theory of planned behavior. METHODS: A comprehensive survey was developed consisting of 29 questions grouped in three main domains: knowledge, perception, and suggestions. After students had completed their digital dentistry didactic courses in 2019, the University of Iowa-College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics D2, D3, and D4 classes completed the survey. The D1 class was excluded because they had not finished their digital dentistry didactic courses. The survey data were tabulated for each class separately to compare trends among classes. Each response was analyzed individually before creating scores for the various subdomains. A linear regression analysis was used to create the final model for the outcome variable (intention to use technology). RESULTS: The response rate was 95% (n = 232). The mean age of participants was 25.7 years (SD = 2.7). There were significant differences between the classes in their knowledge (p < 0.0001), perceived quality of training (p < 0.0001), and all perceptions related to digital dentistry. Controlling for significant covariates among higher level students, there were significant associations between intention to use dental technology and greater knowledge scores (p = 0.05), attitude (p < 0.0001), subjective social norms (p = 0.02), and perceived control on the future use of technology (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Students may be motivated to use digital technology when they have good knowledge, feel that others are using it or endorsing its use, and perceive that they have control in their future practice.

Aplicación forense de tecnología radiográfica dental portátil en Argentina: estado actual y perspectivas futuras / Forensic application of portable dental radiographic technology in Argentina: current status and future prospects

Objetivos: Mensurar los niveles de radiación de fuga y dispersión emanada a través de los blindajes y estructuras plomadas del tubo de rayos X de la unidad dental portátil NOMAD, controlando la retrodispersión con el uso del escudo protector de acrílico plomado adaptado en el extremo final del tubo localizador plomado. Se midieron las tasas de exposición dispersadas mediante un detector tipo Geiger-Müller y una cámara de ionización con respuesta en el rango de energías aportadas en diagnóstico por imágenes para la medición de la exposición directa y determinación posterior de las dosis. Se utilizó un fantomas diseñado para diagnóstico odontológico, sopesando la radiación en diferentes angulaciones de operación del equipo NOMAD, simulando los gestos posturales de odontólogos, radiólogos y sujetos a identificar. Se controlaron las tasas de exposición para determinar los valores de las dosis aportadas en las zonas significativas corporales más radiosensibles del operador del equipo. Se obtuvo como resultado que la retrodispersión en el cristalino del ojo del operador fue significativamente menor cuando el fantomas estaba acostado, mientras que a nivel de gónadas resultó más baja con el cuerpo sentado. La tasa de dosis máxima de radiación dispersa que impactó en los operadores fue de 350.8 micro Sieverts por hora (uSv/h) en la zona de gónadas, por cada radiografía tomada sin el uso del delantal de goma plomada, reduciéndose a 4.38 micro Sieverts por hora (uSv/h) al utilizarlo (AU)

Reflexiones sobre la educación universitaria en pandemia. Experiencia en odontología / Reflections on university education in a pandemic. Experience in dentistry

¿Cuándo fue que nos despertamos y nos dimos cuenta de que estábamos en una escena de película? Algo impensado para nosotros, un aislamiento, nos hizo sentir más que nunca que somos seres sociales. ¿Y qué ocurrió con la educación en este contexto? El modo en que el ámbito universitario atravesó la pandemia y la inclusión de la tecnología en la enseñanza odontológica invitan a reflexionar sobre los cambios que tuvieron lugar y que llegaron para quedarse (AU)

That moment when we found ourselves in the middle of a movie scene. Something unexpected for us, the isolation showed us the importance for human beings to socialise. The changes experienced in education during the lockdown in 2020 with the inclusion of technology like internet in dental education, invites us to reflect about those changes and how they will affect dental education in the future (AU)

Implant-supported fixed hybrid acrylic complete dentures opposing fully restored mandibular metal ceramic restorations.

This report presents a full-mouth rehabilitation case. A patient came with a failing dentition in maxilla, and after the treatment, the patient had a shortened full-arch, implant-supported, screw-retained hybrid acrylic complete denture in the maxilla and full-arch metal ceramic restorations in the mandible. The report describes the steps involved in the prosthodontic rehabilitation; a cost-effective treatment plan, the restoration of vertical dimension, an immediate denture, an implant-level impression, a verified-master cast, the fabrication of definitive prosthesis, the occlusal scheme and multiple follow-ups in 6 months. We discussed the merits/demerits of screw-retained prosthesis, impression techniques and various types of fixed complete dentures. We learnt the difficulty in hygiene measures and dissatisfaction of the patient with the hygienic gaps under the acrylic fixed dentures.

Conventional and contemporary approaches of splinting traumatized teeth: A review article.

Trauma moves a tooth from its original position which needs to be repositioned for optimum healing and better outcomes. To stabilize the traumatically displaced teeth, splinting is specified as the gold standard. In this article we have discussed about various old and modern techniques based on the type of material to splint teeth with dentoalveolar trauma. As per recommendation of IADT, providing flexible splint is beneficial for good healing. A biologically favourable splint should not just be user friendly but also should be convenient in terms of removal. Every technique has its merits and demerits. Iatrogenic trauma to the teeth due to forceful removal of material should be avoided as it may result in post-operative sensitivity but sometimes it is inevitable. Metallic or wire based splints either secured with ligature wire or resin based material may show directly or through the cemented material and compromise aesthetics. This worsens the physiological impact which the patient is already facing after trauma. Recent advancement in splinting material with fiber reinforced material has brought a dramatic change in terms of strength and aesthetics, specifically after traumatic dental injuries. There are various other techniques discussed here which can be used for splinting teeth when the dentist has limited time in emergency or limited resources. The type and timing of the splinting span should be in accordance with the type of injury and as per IADT recommendation to follow standard of care.