The development of a serious game for laser applications in dentistry and the evaluation of dental students' satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to design and implement a gamified application about the theoretical aspects of laser applications in dentistry and investigate students' satisfaction with their learning experience. METHODS: An engaging educational program named Essential Skills and Knowledge in Learning Laser (ESKILLD) was developed to teach laser applications in dentistry. The program comprises two primary components: a "Tutorial and Quiz" section and a "Games" section. Final-year dental students were tasked with installing and using this application. A 29-item validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97, ICC = 0.94) was used to evaluate students' perceptions of the applications' design and functionality. The influence of participants' gender and Grade Point Average (GPA) on their satisfaction levels was examined via the student t-test and Pearson's correlation, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The study had 56 participants, of which 37 were female (66.07%), and 19 were male (33.92%). The students' average GPA was 15.16 out of 20. The mean rating for ESKILLD's design and functionality was 1.39 ± 0.47 and 1.37 ± 0.46, respectively, signifying a high satisfaction level. Female students rated the application's coherence and learning perception significantly higher than their male counterparts (p < 0.05). However, gender did not significantly influence scores on other perception aspects or overall scores. Students' GPAs and their perception scores did not have a significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the participants were generally satisfied with the game's features and attitudes towards it, which underscores the potential effectiveness of gamification in dental courses focused on laser applications.

Low level laser therapy, Er,Cr:YSGG laser and fluoride varnish for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity after periodontal surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

This clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), Er,Cr;YSGG laser, and fluoride varnish, as compared to the placebo laser on decreasing dentin hypersensitivity (DH). This randomized, double-blinded clinical trial included 60 jaw quadrants in 24 patients who underwent periodontal surgery. The quadrants were randomly assigned to 4 groups and received treatments as follows. Group 1: LLLT with a combination of red and infrared wavelengths, group 2: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (0.25 W and 0.5 W), group 3: fluoride varnish, and group 4: placebo laser. The sensitivity response to the cold spray was recorded using visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline, immediately, and 1 week post-treatment. The data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis at the significance level of P<0.05. There was a significant reduction in DH after treatment by low-level lasers, Er,Cr:YSGG laser, or fluoride varnish compared to the baseline data (P<0.05), but the placebo group displayed no significant alteration in DH (P=0.069). At 1 week, the VAS score in the Er,Cr:YSGG laser group was significantly lower than that of the LLLT (P= 0.043) and placebo (P<0.001) groups. Furthermore, the subjects who received fluoride varnish exhibited significantly lower DH compared with the placebo group (P = 0.023). Er,Cr:YSGG laser was the most effective strategy in dealing with DH, as it caused the greatest pain reduction over the study period and showed a significant superiority over LLLT and placebo groups. Alternatively, the application of fluoride varnish could be recommended for attenuating DH following periodontal surgery.

Applying the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) tool on action on professionalism in dental education in Iran and applying in a cross-sectional study.

Background: Professionalism is a multidimensional concept, defined as conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. This study aimed to contextualize American Dental Education Association (ADEA) tool on action on professionalism in dental education in Mashhad and apply it in a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on all students of Mashhad School during 2018-2019. The ADEA tool for action on professionalism in dental education was applied. It was firstly contextualized, validated, and its reliability was confirmed by test-retest and Cronbach's alpha. Then, it was applied in a cross-sectional study. Data were analyzed using Lisrel, and SPSS: 16. ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference tests were used to compare the study variables. Results: The tool was valid and reliable for applying in the Iranian context (x2/df <3, RMSEA ≈ 0.1 and indices of comparative fit index, incremental fit index, goodness-of-fit index, and adjusted GFI are >0.7). In the cross-sectional study for measuring professionalism, the mean score of 1st-year dental students was significantly higher than 3rd-year dental students (F = 2.75, P = 0.002). Furthermore, the mean score of 1st-year dental students was also significantly higher than 6th-year students (F = 4.53, P = 0.001). The comparison of the component of professionalism among 1st-to 6th-year students showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the total score of males and females. In addition, no statistically significant difference was found between the total score of local and nonlocal students. Conclusion: The Tool is valid and reliable for applying in the Iranian context. Dental students need to be trained and also practice professional behaviors during their senior years of college.