The association between self-esteem and aesthetic component of smile among adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Self-esteem plays a crucial role during adolescence in a shaping of an individual's overall well-being and confidence. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the self-esteem in adolescents and their smile aesthetics, as well as to assess the alignment of opinions on this matter between adolescents and dentists. METHODS: Sample included 413 students in Split-Dalmatia County, aged 13 to 18 (60% females). Data on demographic issues, orthodontic history, and desire for orthodontic treatment were collected by the self-administrated questionnaire. Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory was also used. Smile aesthetics was assessed by each participant and dentist independently using an Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN AC). RESULTS: Self-esteem was higher in adolescents who rated their smile aesthetics equally to the dentist than in those who considered their aesthetics to be worse than the dentist (18.5 vs. 16; P = 0.011). The multiple linear regression revealed that the self-esteem of adolescents was positively related to undergone previous orthodontic treatment (ß = 1.286, P = 0.020) while negatively related to the female gender (ß = -2.531, P ≤ 0.001) and IOTN AC assessed by dentist (ß = -0.356, P = 0.015). It was not related to educational level or desire for orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSION: The self-esteem in adolescence is influenced the most by gender, but the orthodontic treatment and better smile aesthetics might also contribute.

Knowledge, Practice and Self-Reported Confidence Level of Croatian Dentists in the Use of Local Anesthesia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: To provide safe and effective local anesthesia, dentists must have knowledge of neuroanatomy, anesthesia agents, techniques, equipment, and proper use of local anesthetics. This study aims to explore the knowledge, practices, and confidence regarding local anesthetics and anesthetic techniques in dentistry. Material and Methods: The online cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted via social media, and yielded 441 responses from across the country (69.8% women and 30.2% men; 70.7% general dentists; and 29.3 specialists). The data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and practices pertaining to the usage of local anesthesia. The questionnaire also documents their self-assessed confidence level in applying different local anesthetic techniques and experiences with adverse reactions. The obtained data were processed by description and using a generalized linear model for regression. Results: The respondents had a median knowledge score of 6 out of a possible 14 points regarding local anesthetics in dental medicine, and their median self-confidence level in the successful application of various techniques of local anesthesia was 54 out of a maximum of 85 points. The results showed that a higher knowledge level was associated with the female gender (OR 1.83, CI 1.13-2.98, p = 0.014) and specialization in oral surgery (OR 7.04, CI 1.71-29.07, p = 0.007). In contrast, a lack of confidence in using various local anesthetic techniques was also associated with the female gender (OR 0.63, CI 0.41-0.99, p = 0.047) and specialization in orthodontics (OR 0.16, CI 0.03-0.88, p = 0.035). Of the respondents, 81.4% (n = 371) experienced a local complication, and 42.2% (n = 186) experienced a systemic complication during local anesthesia. The complications experienced cannot be associated with a lack of knowledge or self-confidence (p > 0.05). The majority of respondents (364 of the 441 total-82.5%) expressed interest in receiving further education on the topic of local anesthesia. Conclusions: The research results show that the dentists involved in the study have poor knowledge of local anesthetics and moderate self-reported confidence levels in using various local anesthetic techniques. Moreover, dentists' self-confidence in applying different techniques of local anesthesia is not related to their knowledge. Therefore, it would be necessary for dentists to undergo a continuing dental education program that enables them to enhance their skills and knowledge in local anesthesia.

Knowledge of traumatic dental injuries and mouthguard behavior among Croatian soccer players.

OBJECTIVES/AIM: Sports-related dental injuries occur frequently among athletes due to inadequate knowledge and prevention measures. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of active soccer players from all leagues in Croatia regarding traumatic dental injuries and the use of mouthguards. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 393 respondents completed a questionnaire-based online survey from March 2022 to April 2022. The questionnaire consisted of 37 questions divided in four sections: demographic characteristics, experience with orofacial injuries, knowledge of emergency therapeutic procedures for dental injuries, and behaviors related to the use of a mouthguard. RESULTS: Insufficient knowledge was confirmed by a total score of 2.8 ± 2.8 points, with a possible maximum of 11. Respondents' better knowledge can be associated with educational level (p = .002), playing position (p = .046), and personally experienced injuries to the face and jaw (p ≤ .001) and teeth (p = .022). Less than 40% of respondents suffered facial and jaw injuries while playing football and 18.6% suffered dental injuries. Although most respondents (93.9%) were familiar with mouthguards and 68.9% believed that they help prevent injuries while playing football, only 16% used them. CONCLUSION: The study revealed significant gaps in knowledge regarding dental injuries and the practice of mouthguard usage among Croatian soccer players. Therefore, it is evident that additional education is needed to prevent dental injuries and take proper procedures when taking care of them among the examined population.

Prevalence of Use and Knowledge about Tobacco Products and Their Harmful Effects among University Students in Southern Croatia.

Understanding students' attitudes toward smoking and tobacco products is essential for effective smoking prevention interventions. This questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey aims to determine the prevalence of use and knowledge about cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes and their harmful effects among university students. The survey was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire among 1184 students. Questions were related to the respondents' demographic characteristics, tobacco use patterns, and opinions about exposure to health warnings and tobacco product advertising messages. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and generalized linear regression analysis. The results showed that 30.2% of the students use tobacco products (74.5% smoked conventional cigarettes; 7.9% used electronic cigarettes; and 17.6% used heated tobacco products). The median (interquartile range) score of the students' knowledge (maximum = 27) was 16 (12-22). The results showed that students from technical, social, humanities, natural, and biotechnology scientific programs had lower levels of knowledge about tobacco products and their harmful effects than biomedical students (p ≤ 0.001). In addition, past and current use of tobacco products was significantly associated with higher overall knowledge of tobacco products and their harmful effects (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.90, % confidence interval (CI) 1.09-3.31, p = 0.023; OR 1.41, CI 1.08-1.84, p = 0.011). The research findings confirm the lack of knowledge and misconceptions about the harmful effects associated with tobacco product use. They also emphasize the need for better prevention and awareness of the harmful effects of smoking on human health.

Possible influence of styloid process length on isolated vertigo of unknown aetiology.

OBJECTIVE: Eagle syndrome or styloid process syndrome is a clinical condition of complex aetiology. Since, as a consequence of vascular compression,due to the length of the styloid process and its nearness to the internal carotid artery,it can lead to vertigo. Vertigo may be the only symptom of stylocarotid syndrome and it is extremely challenging diagnose.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that measures the lengths of styloid process on the Croatian population's,and possible influence of styloid process length on isolated vertigo of unknown aetiology. METHODS: This study included 829 subjects who were divided into two groups.The first group was the control group, consisting of 800 subjects.The second group, study group, consisted of 29 subjects who suffered from the vertigo of unknown aetiology. RESULTS: The statistically significant difference between the study and the control group was observed in the length of the styloid process, and in the closest distance of the styloid process from the carotid artery. CONCLUSIONS: The prolonged styloid process and its close association with the internal carotid artery may affect vertigo of unknown aetiology and should be clinically and radiographically investigated in cases of unexplained vertigo as an isolated and only symptom within stylocarotid syndrome.

Assessment of Color Change, Esthetic Perception, Treatment Satisfaction, and Side Effects Following the Use of Over-the-Counter Whitening Products.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of tooth whitening and the effects on satisfaction with whitening treatment and esthetic self-perception of over-the-counter tooth whitening products. Materials and methods: Fifty-six participants were randomly allocated to three groups based on the whitening product they used (toothpaste, pencil, or a combination of both). In this prospective study, alterations in tooth color were assessed using a spectrophotometer at three distinct time intervals (initial measurement, seven days, and 14 days after commencing the use of the whitening product). Simultaneously, the respondents were given the PIDAQ questionnaire to complete. Patient satisfaction with treatment characteristics (5-point Likert scale), and perception of side effects were assessed at the end of the study. Results: Participants who used the whitening pen either alone or in combination with whitening toothpaste showed significant improvements in tooth color and whiteness index at seven and 14 days compared to those who used whitening toothpaste alone (p≤0.001). No significant differences were found between products in overall satisfaction with treatment, perception of final tooth color, and treatment comfort. Furthermore, with the exception of the psychological influence factor after 14 days (p≤0.001), there were no significant differences in the PIDAQ questionnaire scores between the whitening products at the different time points. However, many respondents (16.6%) reported oral mucosal sensitivity and a higher percentage (27.8%) reported tooth sensitivity during whitening pen application. Conclusion: The combination of whitening toothpaste and whitening pen, as well as the whitening pen alone, showed effective objective color change results, but home whitening procedures did not significantly affect participants' self-perceived satisfaction or psychosocial outcomes depending on the product used.

The Attitude of the General Dentist in the Republic of Croatia toward Treating Children.

The aim of this study was to determine the attitude of general dentists in the Republic of Croatia toward working with children. The questionnaire survey involved 361 general dentists. The questionnaire was divided into three parts and contained 34 questions. The first part of the questionnaire survey contained demographic data questions. In the second part, dentists answered questions about the characteristics of the dental offices where they work, the materials that they mostly use, and how they work with children. The third part of the questionnaire referred to attitudes about working and treating young children and consisted of 12 statements, to which the answers were offered on a Likert scale from one to five. This study showed that only 12.46% of dentists have a positive attitude toward treating children and 30.19% of dentists have a negative attitude toward treating children. In addition, the attitude toward working with children correlates with both the knowledge they acquired during dental studies (R = 0.355; p ≤ 0.001) and gender (R = -0.103; p = 0.035). This study confirmed that women have a more often positive attitude toward treating young children. There was a major correlation between the level of education and positive attitudes toward treating children. The child's non-cooperative behavior was the main reason why general dentists refuse to work with children.

Clinical Prospective Assessment of Genotoxic Effects of Dental Implants in Gingival Epithelial Cells.

Objectives: Although titanium-based implants are considered bioinert, it has been found that they are subject to corrosion and wear. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of two implant systems in gingival epithelial cells. Material and methods: Gingival swabs were taken three times from 91 subjects. The first swab was taken before dental implant placement, the second swab 90 days after dental implant placement and the third swab 21 days following the healing abutment placement. DNA damage was analyzed using the micronucleus test. Tested dental implants with corresponding healing abutments were Ankylos and Dentium SuperLine. Results: Of all scored forms of cytogenetic damage in gingival cells of individuals after implementation of tested dental implant systems, only an increase in the number of binucleated cells (P ≤ 0.001) was significant in contrast to control values for both tested implant systems, 90 days after dental implant placement and 21 days following the healing abutment placement. Conclusion: It may be concluded that there are no titanium-based implant dependent cytogenetic damage in gingival epithelial cells. A slight increase in cytogenetic damage has been observed but it is of no biological relevance and might be associated with healing abutment induced effect.

Clinical Prospective Assessment of Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash in Buccal Mucosal Cells.

BACKGROUND: Fluorides are an essential component of oral hygiene products used to prevent dental decay. Therefore, a question arises about the potential harms of joint use of fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwashes regarding the increased amount of fluoride in the oral mucosa. METHODS: This prospective, double-blinded parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted using a buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt assay). Forty-one participants were randomly assigned to the two groups. All participants used the same kinds of toothpaste for 12 weeks, designed explicitly for this study (non-fluoride, 1050 ppm F, and 1450 ppm F each for 4 weeks). Simultaneously, during the 3 months of the research, one group used mouthwash with fluoride (450 ppm) and another without fluoride. The buccal mucosal sampling was taken before using the tested products and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of their use. RESULTS: The frequency of micronuclei and the majority of other scored endpoints from the BMCyt assay showed no statistically significant differences within and between the studied groups. Comparing two groups, only statistically significant increases in the number of cells with nuclear buds (p = 0.048) and karyorrhexis (p = 0.020) at four weeks of usage were observed in the group that used mouthwash with fluoride. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that simultaneous application of fluoridated toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash does not lead to cytogenetic damage in buccal mucosal cells.

Correlation between Body Mass Index and the Occurrence of Postoperative Complications after Surgical Removal of the Lower Third Molar.

Objectives: Swelling, pain and trismus after the surgical removal of the mandibular third molars are the most common and expected postoperative complications. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association of those postoperative complications and BMI after surgical removal of the mandibular third molars. Material and methods: 84 patients who required the surgical removal of their lower third molar were enrolled in this study and were divided into 4 groups dependent on their BMI. Data were tested by one-way analysis of variance (Welch's ANOVA). The differences were tested by the intragroup using the Games-Howell test. Results: The effect of BMI on pain had a statistically significant difference within the first 24 postoperative hours: 4 hours (p=0.014), 6 hours (p=0.034, p=0.049), 12 hours (p= 0.00.P=0.023), and 24 hours (p=0.010). For swelling and trismus in the exception on first postoperative day between underweight and normal weight groups (p=0.026), and underweight and overweight groups (p=0.014) no statistically significant correlation was found. Conclusion: BMI has an impact on a patient's early postoperative recovery.

Attitudes and knowledge of pregnant women about oral health.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate attitudes and knowledge regarding oral health and infant oral health among pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 325 pregnant women in the Republic of Croatia who completed an anonymous online questionnaire (Google forms) from January to June 2019. The questionnaire was divided into three parts. The first part contained questions about the demographic data experience about oral health in pregnancy. The second part was related to the knowledge of the relationship between oral health and pregnancy. The third section consisted of questions related to knowledge about the oral health of children at the earliest age. The results were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, and Chi-square test. RESULTS: The women are mostly informed about oral health in pregnancy from their dentists (53.54%) and least from their general doctors (4%). In pregnancy, gingival bleeding was observed by 52.31% of respondents and tooth mobility by 12.31%. The Chi-square test found that there was a difference in attitude regarding the age at which they should stop breastfeeding between respondents who had their first pregnancy and those who already had children. Only 9.23% of respondents are aware that breastfeeding can cause tooth decay. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women in the Republic of Croatia do not have sufficient knowledge, and they are neither aware of the importance of oral health during pregnancy nor infant oral health.

Oral Hygiene Practices and Oral Health Knowledge among Students in Split, Croatia.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of oral health is a fundamental prerequisite for healthy behavior, allowing individuals to take measures to protect their overall health. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the knowledge of oral health as well as to assess the oral hygiene habits among healthcare and non-healthcare students. METHODS: The study was based on a questionnaire and was conducted among 1088 students. Most of the students, 67.6% were non-healthcare students. Data were processed by Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: The correct median score and interquartile range were 11 (9-13) for all surveyed students, 11 (9-12) for students in non-healthcare programs and 13 (11-14) for students in healthcare programs. Students did not significantly differ in the knowledge of oral health by gender (p = 0.082) but did differ by age, study program, and year of study (p ≤ 0.001). Students whose family members work in the field of dental medicine also showed better oral health knowledge (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed good oral health knowledge among tested university students. However, it is important to emphasize that students who showed better knowledge more often used additional aids to maintain oral hygiene; therefore, the obtained data underline the importance of students' further education in order to better understand and maintain oral health.

In vivo evaluation of whitening toothpaste efficiency and patient treatment satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the whitening efficiency and patient satisfaction after usage of commercially available toothpastes with the different whitening ingredients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial study comprised 161 participants who were randomly divided into eight groups based on used whitening or control/conventional toothpaste (Colgate Max Expert White [CMEW], n = 20; Signal Daily White [SDW], n = 20; Himalaya Sparkly White Herbalis [HSWH], n = 20; Signal White System [SWS], n = 20; Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide [RDWP], n = 20; Splat Extreme White [SEW], n = 20; Splat White Plus [SWP], n = 21; and Kalodont Multi Repair [control], n = 20). Tooth color and color change were evaluated using a spectrophotometer (CIELAB coordinates, ΔEab*, ΔE00, whiteness index change [ΔWID]). Measurements were performed at baseline, 30 days and 60 days after the beginning of treatment, and 30 days after completing treatment - follow-up. Side effects and satisfaction with the whitening outcome were reported throughout the questionnaire. RESULTS: The results for ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* showed an increase in lightness and decrease in yellowness for all tested whitening toothpastes compared to the control group after 30 days of use (p ≤ 0.05). Also, significant tooth color difference (ΔEab*, ΔE00) and whiteness index change (ΔWID) were recorded for all tested whitening toothpastes 30 days and 60 days from the beginning of use (p ≤ 0.05). Toothpaste containing a combination of urea peroxide and enzyme ingredients (SEW) demonstrated the highest and the longest whitening effect. CONCLUSIONS: Whitening toothpastes can show perceptibly whitening effect after a short time of usage, but without a long-lasting impact. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Toothpaste containing a combination of enzymes and peroxides showed the best whitening performance compared to those containing only enzymes, peroxides, or abrasives. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04460755.

Relationship Between Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale, Child's Dental Status and Parental Psychological Profiles.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a child's dental status and parental psychological profiles on parental perception of their child's oral health. MATERIALS: This study involved 164 parents of children under five years of age, who filled out the life quality assessment test regarding oral health (ECOHIS test), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire. The child's oral status was also examined and recorded. RESULTS: Results of the ECOHIS appeared to correlate positively with the number of active caries (R = 0.457; P <0.001). In addition, the ECOHIS showed a significant correlation with the DASS test results (R = 0.356; P <0.001 for depression, R = 0.247; P <0.001 for anxiety and R = 0.235; P <0.001 for the stress result). CONCLUSION: The dental health of a child affects his/her quality of life and the parental quality of life including their psychological status.

University Students' Satisfaction with the Quality of Primary Dental Healthcare Services and Dentists in Croatia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Measuring satisfaction can be an essential method for evaluating and improving healthcare quality. Therefore, this survey aimed to determine university students' satisfaction with dental care at the primary healthcare level and the factors that influence students' decisions when choosing a dental provider. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered electronic questionnaire that assessed satisfaction with various aspects of dental care (patient-staff interaction, professional and technical competence, and administrative efficiency) on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 806 students participated in the survey, of whom 56.6% were from a biomedical science background, and 43.4% from other scientific fields. Near-minimal differences were found between respondents studying in biomedical fields and those from other scientific fields, when evaluating satisfaction with dental services. More significant differences were found in the factors influencing their choice of dentist. The dentist's experience (p = 0.031), cost of service (p ≤ 0.001), office location (p = 0.034), waiting time (p = 0.029), qualifications (p = 0.033), and gender (p = 0.007) were more important for students pursuing one of the non-health-related majors. Overall, respondents were very satisfied with their dentists and the services provided. The highest satisfaction score was found on the "professional and technical competence" and "administrative efficiency" subscales, while the lowest satisfaction score was found on the "patient-staff interaction" subscale.

Pediatricians' Knowledge of Emergency Management of Dental Injuries and Use of Mouthguards: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

AIM: Dental injuries are one of the most frequent oral health problems in children and adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate Croatian pediatricians' knowledge and practice regarding dental injuries management and the use of mouthguards as means of protection against traumatic injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey conducted among 186 pediatricians examined their demographic characteristics, knowledge and experience with dental injuries. Student t-test or one-way ANOVA, with Tukey's post-hoc were used to analyze obtained data (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The overall mean score of knowledge on the management of dental injuries was 3.6 ± 1.53 points. Male pediatricians (p = 0.016), those who witnessed dental injuries (p = 0.003), and those who had more than ten years of pediatric practice (p = 0.027) showed better knowledge. The results of multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated impact between pediatricians' knowledge in the emergency treatment of traumatic dental injuries concerning the level of health care (practice settings) (ß = -0.254, p = 0.002) and the number of patients treated by a pediatrician per day (ß = -0.187, p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Pediatricians have a low level of knowledge regarding the primary care of traumatic dental injuries. An additional course on dental injurie management should be recommended as part of the physician and pediatricians' educational training.

ASSESSMENT OF CYTOGENETIC DAMAGE TO EXFOLIATED GINGIVAL CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities through the frequency of micronuclei and other genomic damage markers in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis and without periodontal disease. Micronucleus assay was performed in exfoliated gingival epithelial cells of 35 patients with generalized chronic periodontitis and 30 control subjects with healthy periodontium. Full mouth clinical examination was performed to define periodontal condition. The mean number of cells with micronuclei observed in chronic periodontitis and control groups was 1.8 (±1.49) and 2.0 (±1.34), respectively. Differences between the groups were not significant (p=0.574). Compared to control subjects, patients with chronic periodontitis showed a significant increase in the number of binucleated cells (p≤0.001) and number of cells with nucleoplasmic bridges (p=0.042). Study results indicated that chronic periodontitis was not associated with higher occurrence of chromosomal damage in gingival cells compared to individuals with healthy periodontium.

Comparison of Different Methods of Education in the Adoption of Oral Health Care Knowledge.

AIM: The scope of this study was to determine if there is a critical distinction in the usage of lectures, videos, and pamphlets as educational material utilized in the adoption of oral health care knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-hundred and thirty children from ages 11 to 13 from the city of Split, Croatia completed the questionnaire on oral health care knowledge. Consequently, they were educated by randomly using a method: lecture, pamphlet, or video. Finally, after education, their knowledge was tested again. RESULTS: Different statistical tests were used for comparison of different sets of data. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a statistically significant difference (p ˂ 0.001) compared to the results before and after education. The Kruskal-Wallis test comparing knowledge outcomes after three different types of education: video, lecture, and pamphlet, showed a statistically significant difference in the final knowledge between groups (p ˂ 0.05). A pairwise comparison between different types of education showed a significant statistical difference between education conducted by pamphlet and video material (p = 0.003) and pamphlet and lecture (p = 0.006). No difference was observed between the level of knowledge acquired through video material education and lectures (p = 0.928). CONCLUSION: Videos and lectures as means of education showed equal effectiveness in the adoption of oral health care knowledge, while the pamphlet was a method that proved to be less effective.

Assessment of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effect of Fissure Sealants in Buccal Epithelial Cells.

AIM: The main purpose of this study was to assess the genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of fissure sealants on buccal epithelial cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 45 patients (27 girls and 18 boys), seven to 16 years of age (age mean 12.09 ± 2.20). Buccal swabs were collected before (T0), seven (T1), 30 (T2) and 90 days (T3) consequently after fissure sealant placement (Helioseal F®, Equia Fil®, Constic®). Patients or legal guardians filled in the questionnaire regarding the demographic data (age, gender), dietary habits, health status, medication usage, and recent X-ray exposure. DNA damage was analyzed using the micronucleus test. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference in the number of buccal cells with condensed chromatin was found between T0 (time before fissure sealant placement) and T3 (90 days after fissure sealant placement) period for Helioseal F® (P = 0.025). For the other two analyzed materials, no difference was observed during the tested period. There was no difference between materials in the same sampling time. CONCLUSION: Apart from an increase in cells with condensed chromatin 90 days after the placement of Helioseal F®, no other nuclear abnormalities were observed for tested fissure sealants. Although these sealants have now largely been used, it is of high importance that their biocompatibility is checked continuously, especially in in vivo clinical studies.

Dentists' Opinions in Providing Oral Healthcare to Elderly People: A Questionnaire-Based Online Cross-Sectional Survey.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the factors in dentists' opinions related to oral health and the treatment management of the elderly. An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the dentist population (n = 463). Respondents were divided depending on whether they attended the geriatric dentistry course during their education, and 15 questions on the Likert scale demonstrated the difference in their attitudes. The majority of respondents (61.9%) agree that dental studies should pay more attention to acquiring sufficient knowledge and skills in the treatment of the elderly, and 56.2% would like to attend a course on that subject. Compared to those who participated in the geriatric dentistry course, those who did not consider providing oral healthcare to older people find it more difficult because of its complexity and practical obstacles (37.3% vs. 54%, p ≤ 0.001). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that there are differences in opinion about the provision of oral healthcare to the elderly between dentists who have and who have not attended a geriatric dentist course during their education. During the dentist's education, geriatric dentistry courses should have a significant role in providing knowledge for working with the elderly population.