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Background: Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being. However, students with disabilities (SWDs) face unique challenges in maintaining oral hygiene and accessing dental care. This study aims to explore oral health behaviours, dental care utilisation, and barriers to accessing dental care among SWDs in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from the perspectives of their parents. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of SWDs in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering oral health behaviours, dental care utilisation, and barriers to care. The sample size was determined based on the SWDs population in the region. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics, with significant associations identified at p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that 45.7% of SWDs brushed irregularly, with only 16.8% brushing twice a day or more. Dental flossing was reported by just 4.3% of SWDs. Emergency-based dental visits were common (51.9%), and 29.5% of SWDs had never visited a dentist. Significant associations were found between maternal education and tooth brushing frequency (p = 0.004) and between parental education and the frequency of dental visits (p = 0.035). The most reported barriers included fear of treatment (47.1%), difficulty finding willing dentists (45.5%), and long wait times for appointments (44.7%). Conclusions: The study emphasises the pressing need for targeted interventions to improve oral hygiene practices and enhance accessibility to dental services for SWDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tanaka and Johnston mixed dentition analysis is a widely used method to predict the size of unerupted permanent canines and premolars. The aim of the present study was to determine the applicability of the Tanaka and Johnston analysis to Western Australian adolescents and develop a new regression equation.

Background: Persons with disabilities (PWDs) face significant barriers in accessing dental care, resulting in poorer oral health outcomes compared to the general population. To reduce dental healthcare disparities, dental professionals must develop positive attitudes and acquire the necessary skills to treat PWDs effectively. This study aimed to assess the experiences, education, training levels, and attitudes of dental students and interns toward PWDs, and to explore the relationships between their exposure to PWDs, their education/training regarding managing PWDs, and their attitudes toward PWDs. Methods: Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. From May to June 2023, a pretested, validated online questionnaire (developed based on existing survey instruments and modified to fit the study context) was distributed to 98 eligible dental students and interns at King Faisal University. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for analysis. Results: The response rate was 88.78%. There was a statistically positive correlation between students' exposure to PWDs and their attitudes (p < 0.05). Statistically significant relationships were found between students' education/training and their attitudes towards educational experiences and instructors (p < 0.01) and interpersonal interactions with PWDs (p < 0.05). No statistically significant relationship existed between the year of study and future encounters with PWDs (p = 0.176). Additionally, 42.5% of students felt inadequately prepared to treat PWDs, and 88.5% expressed a desire for further education. Notably, 20.7% reported no training on PWDs, while 70.1% preferred clinical education. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of exposure and training in shaping dental students' attitudes toward PWDs. Dental schools should prioritize structured teaching, greater contact with the disabled community, and hands-on experiences to ensure dental professionals are both well prepared and positively inclined to treat PWDs. These findings have significant implications for improving dental education curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral cancer is a malignant neoplasia that can originate in the oral cavity or lips. It is a serious global health problem and one of the ten most common cancers worldwide. Over the years, changes in the trends of the oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers have been observed. The management of oral cancer is complicated due to the functional and cosmetic consequences of treating malignancies at these anatomical locations. The tumor and its treatment can affect a variety of functional activities, including smell, sight, speaking, respiration, taste, jaw function, and mastication, either temporarily or permanently. Based on the importance of this tumor, screening oral cancer for early detection and finding the best biomarkers for diagnosis is a crucial concern. In this review of literature, the etiology, risk factors, treatment, and diagnosis of oral cancer will be reviewed with a focus on the most important biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]