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Pediatric dentistry plays a critical role in ensuring the oral health and well-being of children and adolescents. The quest for effective dental materials that are safe, biocompatible, and capable of promoting natural remineralization has led to the emergence of biosilicate cements as a promising advancement in this field. Biosilicate cements are bioactive materials composed of amorphous silica, calcium oxide, phosphorus pentoxide, and other trace elements. The bioactivity of biosilicate cements allows them to interact with living tissues, promoting remineralization and stimulating the formation of hydroxyapatite, a vital component of teeth and bones. Their ability to release essential ions, such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, supports the natural healing processes, aiding in the preservation of pulp vitality and reducing the risk of secondary caries. Biosilicate cements offer versatility in pediatric dentistry, finding application indirect pulp capping, indirect pulp capping, and small-sized restorations. Their rapid setting time proves advantageous when treating young patients with limited cooperation. Furthermore, the continuous release of fluoride contributes to caries prevention and enhances the long-term oral health of children. While the advantages of biosilicate cements in pediatric dentistry are promising, this manuscript also discusses the limitations and challenges associated with their use. Some biosilicate cements may have different handling characteristics compared to traditional materials, necessitating adaptations in clinical techniques. In addition, long-term clinical data on the performance of these materials in pediatric patients are still limited, requiring further research to establish their efficacy and longevity. This manuscript explores the potential of biosilicate cements in pediatric dentistry.

It is essential for a dental student about to graduate to possess robust fundamentals in both basic and clinical dental science. There should be a perfect harmony and blend of basic and clinical science integration and application among final year graduating students. They should also demonstrate readiness and competence in performing various clinical skills independently, after correctly interpreting and diagnosing a dental disorder. Besides the clinical aspects of dentistry, the newly graduating dental student should understand the principles of professionalism and ethos. The main aim and objective were to conduct a study to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on practice readiness among the fifth‐year dental students at Oman Dental College (ODC). A study was conducted to measure self‐preparedness among graduating students, especially during the challenging times of the COVID‐19 pandemic when education was significantly impacted. This study used a validated Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU‐PAS). The DU‐PAS consists of 50 items, including 24 items related to clinical skills (part A) and 26 items related to scientific knowledge and affective skills (part B). Each item in part A was scored on a three‐point scale ranging from no experience (0), with verbal and/or practical input from a colleague (1), to independently (2). Items in part B of the DU‐PAS are scored on a three‐point scale: no experience (0), mostly (1), and always (2). The maximum score for the 50 items on the DU‐PAS is 100. Interestingly, the current study showed that the ODC final‐year students were confident in performing several clinical procedures and had a good understanding of various professional aspects of clinical dentistry. The didactic online classes and preclinical sessions conducted while adhering to social distancing and other safety norms during the COVID‐19 pandemic, were positively received by the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]