OBJECTIVE: To test the association between socioeconomic and sociodemographic status of Brazilian dental students with discriminatory experiences suffered by them.
METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with 531 undergraduate dental students from four different Brazilian states. The Explicit Discrimination Scale (EDS) was used to measure the experience of discrimination in several daily situations. A questionnaire about sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, form of admission, and permanence in dental schools was developed and validated by experts and six dental students through cognitive interviews. The EDS and questionnaire were sent to students by an online platform using snowball sampling. Descriptive analysis, bivariate tests, and multiple Poisson regression were performed.
RESULTS: Among the participants, most were female, white, heterosexual, and cisgender. The mean EDS total score was higher among those students who used Brazilian Affirmative Actions for higher education access and permanence (p < 0.005). The multiple analysis indicated that students who were black (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.484; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.291-1.705), women (PR = 1.227; 95%CI: 1.030-1.462), had lower monthly income (PR = 1.212; 95%CI: 1.043-1.409) and were lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, pansexual, and plus (LGBTQIAP+) (PR = 1.466; 95%CI: 1.238-1.735) showed a higher probability of discriminatory experiences when compared to white, male and heterosexual students with higher monthly income.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a racial and social class pattern among dental students. The exclusionary factors such as black race, female gender, lower monthly income and being LGBTQIAP+ make students more vulnerable to discriminatory experiences.

BACKGROUND: Fear and anxiety are common psychological responses to unpleasant stimuli, with dental fear being the fourth most prevalent type of fear or phobia. However, not all dental procedures cause the same level of anxiety, with dental surgery and tooth extraction being among the top five most frightening procedures in the field. Tooth extractions are also the most common surgical procedure in dental surgery. It is important to manage anxiety in the dental office by identifying the main factors.
METHODS: The study was conducted on a group of 250 patients. The survey technique and the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) were used in the study. Pain and stress intensity on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured in each patient before and after tooth extraction procedures.
RESULTS: Young women and people from small towns had the highest levels of anxiety. The factor causing the highest level of anxiety was fear of complications. Patients undergoing extraction of retained teeth were characterized by higher levels of anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative stress is strongly dependent on numerous factors. For patient comfort, it may be crucial for dentists to have knowledge about these factors and the ability to utilize them to reduce stress before and after tooth extractions.

The purest and unrestricted source of stem cells is the enamel of the teeth. Dental stem cells (DSCs), which are simple to get, quick to use, and reasonably priced, have the potential to be used in a variety of promising therapeutic applications. Due to their capacity for self-renewal, they are employed to treat significant flaws brought about by diseases, injuries, or surgical procedures. However, they are constrained by moral and ethical issues, as well as challenges with isolation, culturing, and implantation. DSCs are used in the rebuilding of orofacial structures because they retain the ability to differentiate into neurogenic, adipogenic, and odontogenic components. Before stem cell implantation, scaffolding that has been treated with growth hormones and bone morphogenic proteins is crucial. A self-administered questionnaire was used for a cross-sectional study (n = 200) that collected data on demographics, knowledge of stem cells, and attitude statements. Statistical Package for Social Software version 20.0 was used to analyze the data. This study seeks to learn more about professional groups\' perceptions of stem cell research in Tamil Nadu and their knowledge and awareness of DSCs.

Background Knowledge of the mental foramen (MF) characteristics is crucial for avoiding iatrogenic injuries during dental implant placement, root canal treatment, orthognathic surgery, and other dental and surgical interventions. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a valuable tool for evaluating the MF characteristics with its precise anatomical details. The current study investigates the horizontal and vertical position variations in addition to the exit angle of MF within the Syrian adult population. Materials and methods The sample included CBCT scans of 42 subjects with an equal number of males and females (21 males, 21 females), with no underlying pathology in the investigated region, mean age was 24.7 years (SD: 7.2 years). CBCT scans were retrospectively analyzed in terms of the vertical, horizontal, and exit angle direction of MF. The chi-square test was conducted to investigate statistical differences in terms of MF horizontal and vertical positions. A T-test was conducted to investigate statistical differences in terms of exit angle direction. Comparisons were conducted between males and females groups, and between the left and right sides in the total sample group. Results The most frequent horizontal position was position 3 (MF between the first and second premolars) on the right side (n=20, 47.61%), and on the left side (n=21, 50%). The most frequent vertical position was position 3 (MF below the apices of the premolars) on the right side (n=29, 69.04%), and on the left side (n=27, 64.28%). The exit angle of the MF was in a backward direction, with a mean value of 118.42° (SD: 6.45 degrees), and 115.97° (SD: 7.29 degrees) on the right and left side, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found in terms of the right vertical position between males and females (P value < 0.05). Conclusion Variations in MF characteristics exist in the Syrian population. Statistically significant differences were found in the right vertical position of MF. The current study findings necessitate precise preoperative three-dimensional imaging for dental interventions among this population. By establishing normative values for the Syrian population, the results can contribute to improved surgical planning and patient care, and can be used for comparative studies for more understanding of the human anatomical variations.

BACKGROUND: Root canal treatment (RCT) is a vital dental procedure aimed at preserving tooth function and minimizing infection. Access to accurate and comprehensive information about RCT is crucial for informed decision-making. With the increasing reliance on the Internet for health-related information, it is essential to evaluate the quality and readability of web-based RCT content, particularly in Arabic-speaking regions.
METHODS: This study conducted an extensive web search using three major search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) to identify Arabic-language websites providing information on RCT. Inclusion criteria required websites in Arabic with comprehensive RCT content. Quality assessment employed the DISCERN instrument, JAMA benchmarks, and Health on the Net (HON) assessment tools, while readability was assessed using Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) metrics.
RESULTS: Out of 152 websites included, the majority were affiliated with university/medical centers (56.58%) and non-profit organizations (28.29%). Quality assessment revealed that the mean DISCERN score was 2.82, indicating moderate quality. Only one website achieved a high DISCERN score. JAMA benchmarks showed limited compliance, with only two websites meeting all criteria. The HON code was found on only five websites. Readability analysis indicated that most websites were reasonably easy to read by the general population.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significant gap in the quality and reliability of web-based health information related to RCT in Arabic. While the majority of websites examined in this study did not meet established quality standards, there is a clear need for improvements in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of online resources. Patients seeking information on RCT should exercise caution and consider consulting healthcare professionals for trustworthy guidance. Further research should explore strategies to enhance the quality of web-based health information and expand the scope of evaluation to ensure that individuals have access to reliable resources for making informed decisions about their dental health.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the sorption and solubility of two different core buildup materials in different pH media for periods of one day, one week, and one month.
METHODS: Sixty samples were prepared and divided into Group A (30 resin-based samples) and Group B (30 glass ionomer cement (GIC)-based samples). The sorption and solubility of the different materials were calculated by weighing the samples before and after desiccation and media immersion for periods of one day, one week, and one month. Groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, and for different media, the intragroup significance of the mean difference was performed using the Friedmann test and Wilcoxon signed rank test at a significance level of p<0.05.
RESULTS: After immersion for different time periods, the resin-based core buildup material (Core X flow) showed less sorption and solubility as compared to the glass ionomer-based core buildup material (Secure Core Z) for all time periods, with a significant difference seen for a time period of one week and one month and being nonsignificant for a time period of one day.
CONCLUSIONS: Core X flow had lower sorption and solubility values when compared to Secure Core Z, as per the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4049 standards, except for a one-month time period in alkaline media.

BACKGROUND: To explore the perceptions and experience of oral health management among rural older people in China.
METHODS: Qualitative methodologies were used in this study. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thirteen older adults in rural areas were purposively sampled at two metropolitan hospitals in Hunan, China. The data were transcribed and thematically analyzed, and MAXQDA software was used to assist with coding.
RESULTS: Three overarching major themes and ten sub‑themes capturing the perceptions and experience of oral health management among rural older people were identified. Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis: oral health cognitive bias, poor management behaviors, and limited oral health services. Oral health management as a whole is negative, oral health behaviors are poor, oral health service utilization is limited.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, there is great scope here for improving the current status of oral health for rural older people around awareness, behavior, and access. Oral health education, improved oral health services and primary oral health promotion are warranted.

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of thioglycosides has already been established. This study investigates the effects of thioglycosides extracted from white mustard, specifically the \"Bamberka\" variety, in the context of oral hygiene. The aim of the study is to clarify an evidence-based link between the documented antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects attributed to thioglycosides and their practical application in oral care. A randomized, single-blinded (patient-blinded) clinical study was performed on 66 patients using mustard-based toothpaste for oral hygiene. The patients were examined at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The values of the Approximal Plaque Index (API), the Plaque Index (PI), and Bleeding on probing (BOP) were taken into consideration. The results show a significant reduction in plaque accumulation, especially after 6 months of using mustard-based toothpaste in all examined parameters. This suggests that thioglycosides from mustard contribute to a considerable decrease in dental plaque accumulation, confirming their potential in natural oral care solutions, which is indicated in the main conclusions or interpretations.

Safe delivery of care is a priority in dentistry, while basic epidemiological knowledge of patient safety incidents is still lacking. The objectives of this study were to (1) classify patient safety incidents related to primary dental care in Denmark in the period 2016-2020 and study the distribution of different types of dental treatment categories where harm occurred, (2) clarify treatment categories leading to \"nerve injury\" and \"tooth loss\" and (3) assess the financial cost of patient-harm claims. Data from the Danish Dental Compensation Act (DDCA) database was retrieved from all filed cases from 1st January 2016 until 31st December 2020 pertaining to: (1) The reason why the patient applied for treatment-related harm compensation, (2) the event that led to the alleged harm (treatment category), (3) the type of patient-harm, and (4) the financial cost of all harm compensations. A total of 9069 claims were retrieved, of which 5079 (56%) were found eligible for compensation. The three most frequent categories leading to compensation were \"Root canal treatment and post preparation\"(n = 2461, 48% of all approved claims), \"lack of timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment\" (n = 905, 18%) and \"surgery\" (n = 878, 17%). Damage to the root of the tooth accounted for more than half of all approved claims (54.36%), which was most frequently a result of either parietal perforation during endodontic treatment (18.54%) or instrument fracture (18.89%). Nerve injury accounted for 16.81% of the approved claims. Total cost of all compensation payments was €16,309,310, 41.1% of which was related to surgery (€6,707,430) and 20.4% (€3,322,927) to endodontic treatment. This comprehensive analysis documents that harm permeates all aspects of dentistry, especially in endodontics and surgery. Neglect or diagnostic delays contribute to 18% of claims, indicating that harm does not solely result from direct treatment. Treatment harm inflicts considerable societal costs.

UNASSIGNED: Patients with disabilities experience oral health inequalities, including increased disease prevalence and unmet healthcare needs. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated to the perceived management of patients with physical disabilities among dental interns and professors at a university located in the capital city and a branch in a province in Peru.
UNASSIGNED: This cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study included 100 dental interns and 75 Peruvian dental professors and was conducted from January to April 2022. A validated perception scale was used to evaluate the management of disabled patients. For the statistical analysis, the study employed Pearson\'s chi-square test and Fisher\'s exact test, along with a Poisson regression model that used robust variance. The adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) was utilized to evaluate perception while taking into account factors such as gender, age, marital status, origin, professional experience, previous treatment of a patient with physical disability, and previous cohabitation with a disabled patient. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.
UNASSIGNED: The 86 % of dental interns and 88 % of dental professors had a poor perception of managing disabled patients, with no significant association between them (p = 0.698). Male and female dental interns displayed significant differences in perception (p = 0.004), while no other variables showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Conversely, dental professors displayed significant differences in all variables analyzed (p < 0.05). In dental interns, gender was found to be the only influential variable, with females having a 41 % higher likelihood of perceiving disabled patient management poorly compared to males (APR = 1.41; 95 % CI: 1.04-1.91) (p = 0.028). However, gender was not found to be a significant factor for dental professors (p = 0.449).
UNASSIGNED: The majority of dental interns and professors had a poor perception of managing disabled patients, with no significant differences observed between them. Moreover, gender significantly influenced the perception of managing patients with physical disabilities among dental interns specifically. On the other hand, neither age, marital status, origin, professional experience, previous treatment of a patient with physical disability, nor previous cohabitation with a disabled patient were found to be associated factors among dental interns and professors.