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The article shares views on opportunities and challenges posed by big data (BD), mobile health and artificial intelligence to dentistry and craniofacial research. Topics discussed include concerns about privacy, security and data sharing in relation to the use of BD analysis, the Dental, Oral, Medical Epidemiological (DOME) electronic records-based BD study, and the role of combining electronic health record with mobile health tools in improving data sets and in advancing BD research.

Data collection is a fundamental process in any scientific investigation. This article outlines best practices for three general elements of the data-collection process: (1) determining the specific aim, (2) design, and (3) documentation. We discuss these elements in the style of a tutorial, using extended examples specific to dental research. Each section of the tutorial concludes with a bullet-point summary for ease of reference to the readers. The supplemental material for this article includes templates designed to assist dental researchers in initiating the data-collection process in their respective research efforts, and selected references are organized by topic. Although written for an audience of clinical scientists in dentistry, the principles outlined here could be generalized to other health science research contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to keep clinical norms aligned with evidence-based practices, dental researchers need to be equipped to read and evaluate meta-analyses. Moreover, clinician scientists in dentistry should be prepared to lead investigations that incorporate meta-analysis. This article provides an overview of the principles and practices that will equip dental researchers to engage in meta-analysis work. Six elements of meta-analysis are addressed: formulating a research question, searching the literature, collecting the data, aggregating the data, analyzing the data, and interpreting results and drawing generalizations. Readers are guided through each of these stages of research so that they can recognize and implement robust, reproducible meta-analysis work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study "Clinical, Microbiological, and Immunological, Effects of 3- or 7-Day Systemic Antibiotics Adjunctive to Subgingival Instrumentation in Patients with Aggressive (Stage III/IV Grade C) Periodontitis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial" by Raluca Cosgarea et al, which won 2023 Clinical Research Award. The award was presented by the American Academy of Periodontology and sponsored by Quintessence Publishing Company. An overview of the study is offered.

It is important for dental researchers to have a general idea of the different types of data that can be collected from a study and the available statistical tools that can be used with such data. By knowing about what is available, researchers will have an informed idea of the types of studies that should be conducted, the data that should be collected, and the proper statistical methods for analyzing collected data. In the first part of this general overview of statistical methods, we walked through the various types of data that traditional statistical techniques, such as t tests and linear regression, can handle. In this second part, we explore more complex types of data that traditional statistical techniques are unable to handle. Specifically, we discuss longitudinal and time-to-event data because both occur frequently in dental studies and require special modeling techniques in order to analyze correctly. Using two different simulated dental datasets, the proper application of techniques such as repeated measures ANOVA, linear mixed modeling, generalized estimating equations, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards models are discussed and illustrated in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate the performance of a Generative Pre‐trained Transformer (GPT) in generating scientific abstracts in dentistry.Ten scientific articles in dental radiology had their original abstracts collected, while another 10 articles had their methodology and results added to a ChatGPT prompt to generate an abstract. All abstracts were randomised and compiled into a single file for subsequent assessment. Five evaluators classified whether the abstract was generated by a human using a 5‐point scale and provided justifications within seven aspects: formatting, information accuracy, orthography, punctuation, terminology, text fluency, and writing style. Furthermore, an online GPT detector provided “Human Score” values, and a plagiarism detector assessed similarity with existing literature.Sensitivity values for detecting human writing ranged from 0.20 to 0.70, with a mean of 0.58; specificity values ranged from 0.40 to 0.90, with a mean of 0.62; and accuracy values ranged from 0.50 to 0.80, with a mean of 0.60. Orthography and Punctuation were the most indicated aspects for the abstract generated by ChatGPT. The GPT detector revealed confidence levels for a “Human Score” of 16.9% for the AI‐generated texts and plagiarism levels averaging 35%.The GPT exhibited commendable performance in generating scientific abstracts when evaluated by humans, as the generated abstracts were indistinguishable from those generated by humans. When evaluated by an online GPT detector, the use of GPT became apparent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractVirtual reality (VR) and three-dimensional (3D) digital technologies have significantly influenced various fields in recent years, including medicine and dentistry, as they retain depth and spatial information. This pilot study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental professionals in Gujarat regarding the effectiveness of VR and 3D digital tools in forensic dental education and research. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administered questionnaire consisting of 20 questions circulated among dental practitioners in Gujarat, India. Out of total 161 responses, 124 were from dental professionals and 37 were received from dental postgraduate students. The findings indicated limited knowledge of these technologies among both dental professionals and postgraduate students. The VR and 3D technologies were practiced by limited specialists, such as orthodontists, prosthodontists, forensic odontologist, oral-maxillofacial radiologist, whereas other specialists were not sensitized and trained in these technologies. With the ongoing development of technologies, there is no doubt that VR and 3D technologies can greatly aid in education and research, especially in this new era; encouraging new researchers to incorporate this high-potential modality and transform current practices in India and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In dentistry, there has been an increasing demand for aesthetics and biocompatible restorations with low plaque affinity. The success of any restoration is based on three main factors: marginal fit, fracture resistance, and aesthetics. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a polymeric material that has emerged as a novel thermoplastic material with wide applications. Aim: To evaluate the marginal fit and fracture resistance of PEEK and zirconia copings fabricated using Computer-aided Design (CAD)/Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, MM College of Dental Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India, from November 2022 to March 2024. The present study compared the marginal fit and fracture resistance of PEEK and zirconia copings fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. All-ceramic tooth preparations were performed on extracted maxillary first premolars, and the prepared teeth were scanned. Using three dimensional (3D) printing technology, 20 resin dies were obtained. These dies were divided into two groups: 10 for PEEK and 10 for zirconia. Ten copings for zirconia and PEEK were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology, and two reference points were marked on the copings. The copings were luted with resin cement on the dies, and marginal fit and fracture resistance were recorded. The observations were statistically analysed using a two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and a two-sample t-test. Results: The lowest mean marginal discrepancy values (18.469±6.55 μm for the palatal aspect and 17.116±6.34 μm for the buccal aspect) were observed for the zirconia copings. These values were significantly better compared to the PEEK copings (23.941±7.73 μm on the palatal aspect and 22.338±7.89 μm on the buccal aspect). In terms of fracture resistance, PEEK copings demonstrated a higher load-bearing capacity (523.11±117.27 N) and significantly better results compared to zirconia copings (395.4±150.93 N). Conclusion: The results revealed that, when comparing both PEEK and zirconia copings, zirconia copings demonstrated a better marginal fit compared to PEEK copings. However, for fracture resistance analysis, PEEK copings exhibited better load-bearing capacity than zirconia copings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peri-implantitis (PI), a pathological condition associated with plaque, affects the tissues around dental implants. In addition, peri-implant mucositis (PIM) is a precursor to the destructive inflammatory PI and is an inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the dental implant. It is challenging to eradicate and regulate the PI treatment due to its limited effectiveness. Currently, there is a significant interest in the development and research of additional biocompatible materials to prevent the failure of dental implants. Nanotechnology has the potential to address or develop solutions to the significant challenge of implant failure caused by cytotoxicity and biocompatibility in dentistry. Nanoparticles (NPs) may be used as carriers for the release of medicines, as well as to make implant coatings and supply appropriate materials for implant construction. Furthermore, the bioactivity and therapeutic efficacy of metal NPs in peri-implant diseases (PID) are substantiated by a plethora of in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, the use of silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc oxide, titanium oxide (TiO2), copper (Cu), and iron oxide NPs as a cure for dental implant infections brought on by bacteria that have become resistant to several medications is the subject of recent dentistry research. Because of their unique shape-dependent features, which enhance bio-physio-chemical functionalization, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility, metal NPs are employed in dental implants. This study attempted to provide an overview of the application of metal and metal oxide NPs to control and increase the success rate of implants while focusing on the antimicrobial properties of these NPs in the treatment of PID, including PIM and PI. Additionally, the study reviewed the potential benefits and drawbacks of using metal NPs in clinical settings for managing PID, with the goal of advancing future treatment strategies for these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Descriptive statistics (DS) play a crucial role in establishing a solid foundation for study analysis and are important for understanding the results of a study or data set. If the data from DS is used incorrectly, the study may be misinterpreted. Descriptive statistics summarizes and organizes data, making analysis easier and providing an overview of the characteristics of sampled data. This analysis is comprised of measures of central tendency, which includes the mean, median, and mode of a particular data set. Understanding how to use each metric is essential for basic statistical analysis. The purpose of this short report is to review descriptive statistics and describe how to best utilize them during data analysis. The authors aim to provide this short report as an educational resource to assist the dental hygiene research community in understanding statistical analysis through descriptive statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dental hygiene discipline, evidence-based practice serves as a cornerstone for delivering high quality patient care and moving professional standards forward. As practitioners delve deeper into research to inform clinical decision making, the integration of robust survey methodologies becomes imperative. However, the complexities of survey design, implementation, and analysis pose notable challenges, particularly in ensuring the reliability and validity of research outcomes. This short report provides brief practical guidance about the basics of survey research methodologies for dental hygiene professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Accelerated orthodontics represents a significant shift in dental practice aimed at reducing treatment times while maintaining optimal patient outcomes. This bibliometric analysis evaluated the research landscape of accelerated orthodontics from 2012 to 2023, focusing on publication trends, citation patterns, influential journals, leading institutions, and key contributors. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search in Scopus identified 600 relevant articles, with the top 50 most-cited papers encompassing systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and experimental studies. Key techniques, such as corticotomy and piezocision, have been frequently highlighted for their effectiveness in expediting tooth movement. Results: The analysis revealed fluctuating annual scientific outputs, with notable peaks driven by technological advancements and increased patient demand for quicker orthodontic solutions. However, the production of high-impact papers was hindered by delays in citation accumulation and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Keyword analysis identified critical themes, such as orthodontic tooth movement, malocclusion, and demographic factors, while a global collaboration map underscored extensive international research partnerships. Leading journals included the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and prominent institutions such as the University of California at Los Angeles played significant roles in advancing the field. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of accelerated orthodontics, emphasizing the need for continued research, particularly RCTs, to further refine and validate accelerated orthodontic techniques and improve clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mendelian randomization (MR) is a flexible analytical tool that has been widely applied to strengthen causal inference in observational epidemiology and is now gaining attention in many areas including periodontal research. The interpretation of results drawn from MR is based on a series of assumptions, which can be unrealistic or difficult to meet faithfully in some settings. However, we argue that with care, this does not necessarily prevent valuable deployment of the approach. We argue that clarity of presentation as well as careful assessment of specific analytical conditions is a fundamental part of all MR analyses. To that end, awareness of its limitations should also guide the design of MR investigations and the presentation of results rather than rule out its use altogether. Notably, considerations similar to those known to be important in conventional epidemiological settings apply to MR. While MR studies are valuable in their contrast to other study limitations, the application of this technique must be carefully cross‐examined. Specific considerations include possible confounders, recruitment strategy and phenotypic measurement and differential analysis properties across studies. In the case of periodontal research, current MR applications are limited by the available evidence base for genetic contributions to periodontitis; however, this sets a specific scene for the strategic use of MR and shines light on a need for greater research emphasis on the genetics of the condition and intermediaries. This article provides a perspective on the uses and inherent limitations of MR studies and the importance of adhering to basic epidemiological principles when designing them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since its establishment in 1999, the journal of Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research (CIDRR) has consistently disseminated notable clinical and translational research within the domain of oral implantology. As the journal approaches its milestone 25th anniversary, this study endeavors to systematically delineate the publication trends, level of evidence, and bibliometric indices characterizing the initial quarter‐century of CIDRR's scholarly activity. Notably, the investigation adopts a contemporary methodology by incorporating Altmetric analysis, thereby enriching the evaluation with an assessment of the broader societal and online impact of the published research. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in SCOPUS and PubMed to access the bibliographic data of all articles published in the journal from 1999 to 2024. Additionally, Altmetric database was used to obtain social media attention scores (AAS). Journal's overall performance via impact factor and quartile range was assessed. Most cited papers were identified and the most prolific authors, institutions and countries and the collaboration networks among those were assessed. The level of evidence of all articles was determined based on Oxford level of evidence scale. All articles were categorized based on their major topic in the field of implant dentistry. Results: Throughout its first 25 years of activity, CIDRR published 1912 articles with an annual growth rate of 2.67% and consistently being ranked at Q1 quartile in "Dentistry (miscellaneous)" and "Oral Surgery" journal categories. When clinical studies are considered, level I and II evidence constituted 22.82% and 11.82% of all articles, respectively. Sweden, the USA, and Italy as well as Göteborgs Universitet, Sahlgrenska Akademin. and Malmö Högskola were the most prolific countries and institutions respectively. "Implant system/design/characteristics," "Bone Augmentation," and "Implant Prosthesis" were the top most investigated topics. Conclusions: The examination of the journal's initial 25 years highlighted that CIDRR has surpassed similar dental research journals in publishing a greater number of high‐level evidence articles. It also showcased diverse country‐ and author‐collaboration networks. However, the journal's social media presence is still evolving. This article, presenting a comprehensive overview of the journal's scientometric and bibliographic activities, serves as a valuable reference for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders, offering insights into both traditional and contemporary perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of childhood has evolved over the years, inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, shifting from developmental models to a conception of childhood that recognizes children as moral agents. This evolution highlights the importance of respecting children's agency and their right to be heard in matters that are related to them. In conventional health research, however, children's voices are often inadequately accessed. In this commentary, we discuss the imperative to recognize children's agency in dental research and a shift from research on children to research with and by children. Moreover, we underscore the importance of actively seeking and listening to children's voices and recognizing their agency in shaping research and healthcare practices in the field of dentistry. Further, we explore the application of participatory research approaches in dental research and provide examples of studies that have involved children in various capacities. We conclude this commentary by emphasizing the potential benefits of participatory research in both qualitative and quantitative dental studies to promote deeper understanding, clearer communication, and stronger advocacy regarding children's interests. Primarily, we call for greater recognition of children's agency in dental research and advocate for more inclusive and child‐centred research methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the release of Canada's first National Oral Health Research Strategy, introduced at the Canadian Oral Health Summit in June 2024. Topics include collaborative efforts to address priority oral health issues, the integration of research into policy and practice, and the establishment of goals and timelines to improve access and reduce health inequities across Canada.

The paper presents the results of metrological tests and measurements of dimensional accuracy of models manufactured using the photo-curing additive technology of POLYJET MATRIX - PJM. The material from which the samples were manufactured was a liquid polymer resin with the commercial name MED610, which is characterized by a high degree of biocompatibility, which increases the validity of the research in medical and dental applications. The key parameter considered was the location of digital CAD models in selected places of the virtual building platform and it influence of dimensional accuracy. The research results showed a clear impact of the arrangement of models on the building platform on the accuracy of the produced models, both in terms of external and internal diameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence systems (AISs) gain relevance in dentistry, encompassing diagnostics, treatment planning, patient management, and therapy. However, questions about the generalizability, fairness, and transparency of these systems remain. Regulatory and governance bodies worldwide are aiming to address these questions using various frameworks. On March 13, 2024, members of the European Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), which emphasizes trustworthiness and human-centeredness as relevant aspects to regulate AISs beyond safety and efficacy. This review presents the AIA and similar regulatory and governance efforts in other jurisdictions and lays out that regulations such as the AIA are part of a complex ecosystem of interdependent and interwoven legal requirements and standards. Current efforts to regulate dental AISs require active input from the dental community, with participation of dental research, education, providers, and patients being relevant to shape the future of dental AISs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate and transparent reporting is necessary for critically appraising published research. Yet, ample evidence suggests that the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of oral health research could be greatly improved. Accordingly, the Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research—statisticians and trialists from academia and industry—identified the minimum information needed to report and evaluate observational studies and clinical trials in oral health: the OHStat Guidelines. Drafts were circulated to the editors of 85 oral health journals and to Task Force members and sponsors and discussed at a December 2020 workshop attended by 49 researchers. The guidelines were subsequently revised by the Task Force's writing group. The guidelines draw heavily from the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT), Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE), and CONSORT harms guidelines and incorporate the SAMPL guidelines for reporting statistics, the CLIP principles for documenting images, and the GRADE indicating the quality of evidence. The guidelines also recommend reporting estimates in clinically meaningful units using confidence intervals, rather than relying on P values. In addition, OHStat introduces 7 new guidelines that concern the text itself, such as checking the congruence between abstract and text, structuring the discussion, and listing conclusions to make them more specific. OHStat does not replace other reporting guidelines; it incorporates those most relevant to dental research into a single document. Manuscripts using the OHStat guidelines will provide more information specific to oral health research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the present parallel clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy of 3D-printed biopolymers compounded with osteoconductive material (beta-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite) for soft tissue closure after tooth extraction. Materials and Methods: this study followed the CONSORT reporting guidelines; 39 patients were treated with socket preservation using 3D-printed biopolymers and randomly divided into 3 groups (Test 1, Test 2, and Control). All cases were treated without flap elevation, careful cleaning and debridement of the sites, and then randomly sealed as follows: In T1, with a 3D-printed disk of poli-D-lactic acid with 10% of hydroxyapatite; in T2, using a 3D-printed disk of poli-ε caprolactone with 20% of β-tricalcium phosphate; and in T3, the socket was left open to heal. At baseline (extraction time) and 6 weeks after extraction, the rate of exposure was evaluated and stratified according to the site (anterior, posterior). Results: No dropouts were observed during the 6 weeks follow-up. All sites underwent uneventful healing with no complications. For posterior teeth, Test 1 and Test 2 showed full healing of the soft tissues with a reduction of the exposed area from 46.5 ± 8.25 mm2 to 0.6 ± 0.84 mm2 and from 47.1 ± 8.67 mm2 to 0.6 ± 0.7 mm2, respectively. The Control group exhibited a reduction from 45.6 ± 7.25 mm2 to 1.2 ± 0.9 mm2. Both Tests 1 and 2, when compared to the Control group, showed statistically significant better healing (p < 0.05). Anterior teeth showed a complete closure of the socket 4 weeks after the extraction with no noticeable differences between Test and Control. Conclusions: Both materials used in this study showed evidence to achieve the purpose. Ethical Guidelines: written informed consent was obtained from the participants of the study, as requested by the Ethics Committee for Health Research Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, with the following number: 641/S3/KEPK/FKG/5/2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides the foundation for employing nonparametric testing in dental clinical research. To make wise judgments in their research, investigators should learn more about the main nonparametric tests and their particular uses. Biostatistical analysis is essential in dental research; dental research frequently deviates from the assumptions that underpin traditional parametric statistics. Nonparametric statistics are useful for studies with small sample sizes, nominal- or ordinal-level data, and non-normally distributed variables. These statistical tests make no assumptions about the sampled population. Nonparametric tests are statistical methods based on signs and ranks. For dental research to be conducted effectively and accurately, statistical approaches must be applied correctly. Therefore, dental researchers must understand the many statistical methods at their disposal and know when to use them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since 2015, the Guanghua School of Stomatology has established an elective dental basic research course (EDBRC). To make all students benefit from the dental basic research course without causing excessive academic burden, the "flexible" compulsory dental basic research course (CDBRC) was settled in 2020. This study intends to introduce the "flexible" compulsory teaching module and assessment system of CDBRC, and analyze its effectiveness over 3 years. Materials and methods: The grade point average (GPA), course pressure, level of basic research knowledge and skills, and students' research achievements were collected and analyzed between EDBRC and CDBRC. The unpaired t test was used to analyze the difference. Results: The "flexible" CDBRC has been successfully constructed with compulsory teaching module and hierarchical assessment system. The CDBRC has not caused significant course pressure to students compared with the EDBRC. Besides, the "flexible" CDBRC can improve the students' GPA, basic research knowledge, and research achievements. Conclusions: The "flexible" CDBRC can improve students' academic performance and basic research abilities without causing significant course pressure, which can be conducted in dental schools with similar backgrounds. Trial registration: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of dental misconceptions is significant in modern day. This can be attributed to the contrasting cultural, social and educational exposure of the public. Previous research on dental myths has primarily employed cross-sectional and closed-ended questionnaire methods. However, this study was planned as a qualitative research utilizing open-ended interviews enabling the participants to a greater degree of expression of their opinions and to explore the broader scope of dental myths in practice. Twenty-five participants above the age of 18 years were probed through one-to-one unstructured interviews. The interviews were audiotaped with consent and the transcribed texts were analyzed to identify categories and themes. Manifestations of common dental myths were grouped into five themes namely caries, tooth brushing, extraction, aesthetic care, and primary teeth. This study validated the wide prevalence of dental misconceptions among the public and calls for a combined effort from both patients and dentists to debunk baseless myths and facilitate good oral health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to systematically review the existing literature and critically appraise the evidence of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on periodontitis. This study also aims to synthesise the findings of genetic risk variants of periodontitis from included GWAS. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, GWAS Catalog, MEDLINE, GLOBAL HEALTH and EMBASE via Ovid for GWAS on periodontitis. Only studies exploring single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) associated with periodontitis were eligible for inclusion. The quality of the GWAS was assessed using the Q-genie tool. Information such as study population, ethnicity, genomic data source, phenotypic characteristics(definition of periodontitis), and GWAS methods(quality control, analysis stages) were extracted. SNPs that reached conventional or suggestive GWAS significance level(5e-8 or 5e-06) were extracted and synthesized. Results: A total of 15 good-quality GWAS on periodontitis were included (Q-genie scores ranged from 38–50). There were huge heterogeneities among studies. There were 11 identified risk SNPs (rs242016, rs242014, rs10491972, rs242002, rs2978951, rs2738058, rs4284742, rs729876, rs149133391, rs1537415, rs12461706) at conventional GWAS significant level (p<5x10-8), and 41 at suggestive level (p<5x10-6), but no common SNPs were found between studies. Three SNPs (rs4284742 [G], rs11084095 [A], rs12461706 [T]) from three large studies were from the same gene region–SIGLEC5. Conclusion: GWAS of periodontitis showed high heterogeneity of methodology used and provided limited SNPs statistics, making identifying reliable risk SNPs challenging. A clear guidance in dental research with requirement of expectation to make GWAS statistics available to other investigators are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of research in undergraduate dental education, limited studies have explored the nature of undergraduate research activities in dental schools in the Middle East region. This study aimed to evaluate the research experience of final year dental students from three dental schools in the Middle East. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among final-year dental students from three institutions, namely Jordan University of Science and Technology, University of Sharjah (UAE), and Oman Dental College. Participants were asked about the nature and scope of their research projects, the processes involved in the research, and their perceived benefits of engaging in research. Results: A total of 369 respondents completed the questionnaire. Cross-sectional studies represented the most common research type (50.4%), with public health (29.3%) and dental education (27.9%) being the predominant domains. More than half of research proposals were developed via discussions with instructors (55.0%), and literature reviews primarily utilized PubMed (70.2%) and Google Scholar (68.5%). Regarding statistical analysis, it was usually carried out with instructor's assistance (45.2%) or using specialized software (45.5%). The students typically concluded their projects with a manuscript (58.4%), finding the discussion section most challenging to write (42.0%). The research activity was considered highly beneficial, especially in terms of teamwork and communication skills, as well as data interpretation skills, with 74.1% of students reporting a positive impact on their research perspectives. Conclusions: The research experience was generally positive among surveyed dental students. However, there is a need for more diversity in research domains, especially in qualitative studies, greater focus on guiding students in research activities s, especially in manuscript writing and publication. The outcomes of this study could provide valuable insights for dental schools seeking to improve their undergraduate research activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nash equilibrium is arguably the most fundamental concept in game theory, which is used to analyze and predict the behavior of the players. In many games, there exist multiple equilibria, with different expected payoffs for the players, which in turn raises the question of equilibrium selection. In this paper, we study the NP -hard problem of identifying a socially optimal Nash equilibrium in two-player normal-form games (called bimatrix games), which may be represented by a mixed integer linear program (MILP). We characterize the properties of the equilibria and develop several classes of valid inequalities accordingly. We use these theoretical results to provide a decomposition-based reformulation of the MILP, which we solve by a branch-and-cut algorithm. Our extensive computational experiments demonstrate superiority of our approach over solving the MILP formulation through feeding it into a commercial solver or through the "traditional" Benders' decomposition. Of note, our proposed approach can find provably optimal solutions for many instances. History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms. Funding: This work was supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [Grant R01DE028283]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. The funding agreements ensured the authors' independence in designing the study, interpreting the data, writing, and publishing the report. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information (https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0072) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository (https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0072). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During World War II, millions of people were mistreated and imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps. Due to the antisemitic pressure applied by the Nazi regime, many scientists had to leave Germany, and they immigrated to the United States, Switzerland, Turkey or South America. Alfred Kantorowicz was among those highly educated people who were forced out of their professional career. For a certain period, he had to stay away from the world of research and academia, which were his favorite occupations. However, these unexpected difficulties did not prevent him to pursue his success story with many awards, books, and scientific studies. Professor Kantorowicz was saved from a concentration camp upon the efforts of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to modernize the university education system in Turkey. Prof. Kantorowicz worked from 1933 until his retirement in 1948 and acted as the "father of dentistry" in Turkey. His vision of preventive dentistry and his entrepreneurial approach should set an example for today's young dentists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to examine publication bias associated with a failure to report research results of studies that were initially posted on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry and to examine factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: A search was conducted in the ClinicalTrials.gov registry using six dental-related topics. Corresponding publications for trials completed between 2016 and 2019 were then searched using PUBMED, EMBASE and Google Scholar. For studies lacking matching publications, we emailed the primary investigator and received some additional data. For included studies, we recorded additional variables: industry funding, site setting (academic, private research facilities or private practice), design (single or multi-center), geographical location and commencement date vis a vis registration and publication dates. Results: A total of 744 entries were found, of which 7 duplicates were removed; an additional 67 entries just recently completed were removed. An additional 7 studies were in different fields and thus removed. Thus, 663 trials were included; of these, only 337 studies (50.8%) were published. The mean registration to publication interval was 29.01 ± 25.7 months, ranging from +142 to −34 months (post factum registration). Less than 1/3 of the studies were posted prior to commencement, of which much smaller proportions were published (37.3%). Studies that were posted after commencement (n = 462) had a much higher publication rate (56.7%), p < 0.001. Multi-center studies and those conducted in commercial facilities had much higher, though non-significant, publication rates (56.5% and 58.3%, respectively). Conclusions: With only half of the studies registered being published, a major source for publication bias is imminent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of research in undergraduate dental education, limited studies have explored the nature of undergraduate research activities in dental schools in the Middle East region. This study aimed to evaluate the research experience of final year dental students from three dental schools in the Middle East. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among final-year dental students from three institutions, namely Jordan University of Science and Technology, University of Sharjah (UAE), and Oman Dental College. Participants were asked about the nature and scope of their research projects, the processes involved in the research, and their perceived benefits of engaging in research. Results A total of 369 respondents completed the questionnaire. Cross-sectional studies represented the most common research type (50.4%), with public health (29.3%) and dental education (27.9%) being the predominant domains. More than half of research proposals were developed via discussions with instructors (55.0%), and literature reviews primarily utilized PubMed (70.2%) and Google Scholar (68.5%). Regarding statistical analysis, it was usually carried out with instructor’s assistance (45.2%) or using specialized software (45.5%). The students typically concluded their projects with a manuscript (58.4%), finding the discussion section most challenging to write (42.0%). The research activity was considered highly beneficial, especially in terms of teamwork and communication skills, as well as data interpretation skills, with 74.1% of students reporting a positive impact on their research perspectives. Conclusions The research experience was generally positive among surveyed dental students. However, there is a need for more diversity in research domains, especially in qualitative studies, greater focus on guiding students in research activities s, especially in manuscript writing and publication. The outcomes of this study could provide valuable insights for dental schools seeking to improve their undergraduate research activities.

One of the most important parts of any research project is the statistical analysis through which results are described and deemed significant or otherwise. Given this role of statistical analyses, it is imperative to understand what statistical tests are available and, most importantly, when they are appropriate. This is because choosing an improper statistical test can lead to inaccurate results and meaningless conclusions. We have written this data analysis guide to assist dental researchers with carrying out a proper analysis plan in consultation with a statistician. In this first part, we detail common types of outcome and predictor variables and include some common tests that can be used for each scenario. Using different simulated datasets, we also provide examples of common data visualization techniques and how a proper statistical test can be applied. We hope this guide provides some general background knowledge on common statistical techniques and allows for easier and more effective conversations with your statistician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to their exceptional diversity, teeth are among the most distinctive features of vertebrates. Parameters such as tooth size, shape, number, identity, and implantation can have substantial implications for the ecology and certain social behaviors of toothed species. Despite decades of research primarily focused on mammalian dentition, particularly using the laboratory mouse model, squamate reptiles ("lizards" and snakes) offer a wide array of tooth types and dentition variations. This diversity, which includes differences in size, shape, function, and replacement capacity, provides invaluable opportunities for investigating these fundamental properties. The central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), a popular pet species with well-established husbandry practices, is of particular interest. It features a broad spectrum of morphs and spontaneous mutants and exhibits a wide range of heterodont phenotypes, including variation in the size, shape, number, implantation, and renewal of teeth at both posterior and anterior positions. These characteristics position the species as a crucial model organism for developmental studies in tooth research and for gaining deeper insights into evolutionary patterns of vertebrate dentitions. In this article, we provide an overview of the current understanding of squamate dentition, its diversity, development, and replacement. Furthermore, we discuss the significant advantages offered by squamate species as model organisms for investigating the evolutionary and developmental aspects of vertebrate dentition. [Display omitted] • Teeth are a hallmark features of vertebrates • Large ecomorphological diversity of squamate dentitions remains largely unexplored • Central bearded dragon is an emerging model for evo-devo and dental research • Squamate dentition: diversity, development, and replacement importance • Squamate models offer crucial insights into vertebrate tooth evolution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dental research, it is particularly common for studies to collect data that are fundamentally correlated. Some common dental situations in which correlation arises include patients being observed across multiple teeth and/or across multiple time points, such as before and after treatment, or groups of patients being clustered (ie, familial units). For a number of traditional statistical tests and modeling techniques, the assumption of independence between observations is imperative in order to receive valid results and make accurate conclusions. This article describes how ignoring inherent correlations in data can lead to erroneous results when using traditional methods as well as the types of modeling techniques that are available to handle correlated data. Furthermore, two simulation studies are performed to further illustrate and prove the advantages of adequately handling correlated data in statistical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-to-event (survival) analysis is an integral tool in the wheelhouse of the dental researcher. While there are many references available for the study of time-to-event analysis, they tend to be written for audiences trained in statistical methodology. Moreover, the canonical examples offered by most time-to-event analysis references are focused on outcomes that do not translate directly to dentistry. This article provides a tutorial of time-to-event analysis for the specific context of dental research. Our tutorial assumes no statistical training or computing experience. Using real data from a dental study as our extended example, we explain foundational concepts, including median survival, Nth-year survival, the log-rank test, and the Cox model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Accelerated orthodontics represents a significant shift in dental practice aimed at reducing treatment times while maintaining optimal patient outcomes. This bibliometric analysis evaluated the research landscape of accelerated orthodontics from 2012 to 2023, focusing on publication trends, citation patterns, influential journals, leading institutions, and key contributors. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search in Scopus identified 600 relevant articles, with the top 50 most-cited papers encompassing systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and experimental studies. Key techniques, such as corticotomy and piezocision, have been frequently highlighted for their effectiveness in expediting tooth movement. Results: The analysis revealed fluctuating annual scientific outputs, with notable peaks driven by technological advancements and increased patient demand for quicker orthodontic solutions. However, the production of high-impact papers was hindered by delays in citation accumulation and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Keyword analysis identified critical themes, such as orthodontic tooth movement, malocclusion, and demographic factors, while a global collaboration map underscored extensive international research partnerships. Leading journals included the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and prominent institutions such as the University of California at Los Angeles played significant roles in advancing the field. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of accelerated orthodontics, emphasizing the need for continued research, particularly RCTs, to further refine and validate accelerated orthodontic techniques and improve clinical outcomes.

Background Methods Conclusion Practice‐Based Research Network (PBRN) studies typically assess the effectiveness of clinical interventions in settings that match real‐world conditions. Dental PBRNs have the capacity to amass, identify, and analyze vast amounts of data from patient populations that include diverse racial, ethnic, socio‐economic, and geographic backgrounds. These dental studies encompass a broad spectrum of healthcare aspects, including prevention, diagnosis, symptom and disease treatment, quality enhancement, and care coordination.An extensive range of research methodologies can be employed within dental PBRNs to investigate these topics, including randomized controlled trials. Dental PBRNs have evolved from primarily focusing on case observations to leveraging advanced network infrastructure and collaborating across multiple regional and national sites. In addition to producing numerous high‐impact peer‐reviewed publications, study results have led to improved clinical care. However, PBRNs encounter challenges, such as the sustainability of research capacity (relying heavily on ongoing support from funding agencies), diverse research cultures, and an imperative to design studies that are both feasible and relevant to everyday clinical practice. Recognizing the pivotal role of real‐world evidence, it is important to have sustained investment in dental PBRN infrastructure and feasible opportunities for practitioners to participate in network activities nationwide.Practice‐Based Research Network studies capitalize on an important research context within which to investigate a range of clinical topics that can employ multiple research methodologies. However, sustaining productive networks requires strategic effort, ongoing financial support, and customized organizational skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental implants offer an effective solution for partial and total edentulism, but mechanical and biological complications exist. Furthermore, high occlusal loads challenge implants and lead to potential failures. This review focuses on impact testing in contrast to incremental and static tests, an underexplored aspect of assessing daily loads on implants, bringing to light potential complications. The review examines studies employing impact forces to assess implant-supported prostheses and natural teeth properties, highlighting their significance in dental research. A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines identified 21 relevant articles out of 224, emphasizing studies employing impact forces to evaluate various aspects of dental implant treatments. The diverse applications of impact forces in dental research were categorized into tooth structure, restorative materials, interface evaluation, implant properties, and finite element models. Some studies showed the significance of impact forces in assessing stress distribution, shock absorption, and biomechanical response. Impact testing is a critical tool for understanding the daily forces on implants. Despite diverse experimental approaches, a lack of standardized protocols complicates the systematization of the results and, therefore, the conclusions. This review highlights the need for consistent methodologies in impact testing studies for future research on implant-supported prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to map the current research landscape and forecast emerging trends within the domain of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Materials and methods: A comprehensive review of literature related to BMS was conducted, drawing from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 2008 to 2023. The analysis included both publication types "Article" and "Review Article." Advanced quantitative techniques and visual analytics tools, including CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Tableau, and the Map Equation online platform were utilized to analyze the academic publications within this domain. Results: Our analysis incorporated 497 articles on BMS. The data exhibit a progressive increase in the annual volume of publications from 2008 to 2023. In terms of geographic and institutional contributions, the United States of America (with 80 publications) and Nihon University (with 26 publications) emerged as leading entities in BMS research, while the Netherlands and England were identified as central to international collaboration efforts. Prominent researchers in this field include Adamo Daniela (18 publications) and Sun Andy (16 publications). Furthermore, the most cited works were authored by Jääskeläinen SK. An examination of the journals in which these articles were published showed a dominance of dental journals, highlighting significant interest and research efforts in BMS within the dental research community. Conclusion: The steady growth in BMS research signifies the formation of a robust core of researchers and demonstrates the maturation of the field. Despite this progress, the findings highlight a notable deficiency in cross-institutional and cross-regional collaborative efforts. Keyword cluster analysis has revealed "management" as a persistently relevant theme, with "pain modulation" emerging as the current focal interest. Additionally, "blood profile," "pernicious anemia," and "folate" have been identified as prospective areas of growing interest, suggesting important directions for future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qualitative research is a relatively new approach for conducting studies in health disciplines. The value of this research approach is to explore peoples' experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of their experiences. Qualitative inquiries answer research questions about what, why and how by implementing various research designs such as qualitative descriptive, qualitative case study, ethnological, phenomenology, or grounded theory designs. Purposive and snowball sampling methods are commonly used to recruit participants followed by personal interviews or focus group discussions to collect data. Data analysis requires several coding procedures performed by the researcher or an alternative is using a coding software program. Preparing a manuscript for dissemination of the results can be challenging, although achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural compounds have been used since the earliest civilizations and remain, to this day, a safer alternative for treating various dental problems. These present antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antimutagenic effects, making them useful in the prophylactic and curative treatment of various oral diseases such as infections, gingivitis, periodontitis, and even cancer. Due to the high incidence of unpleasant adverse reactions to synthetic compounds, natural products tend to gradually replace conventional treatment, as they can be just as potent and cause fewer, milder adverse effects. Researchers use several methods to measure the effectiveness and safety profile of these compounds, and employing standard techniques also contributes to progress across all medical disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review elucidates the mechanisms underpinning intrafibrillar mineralization, examines various amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) stabilizers employed in dentin's intrafibrillar mineralization, and addresses the challenges encountered in clinical applications of ACP-based bioactive materials. The literature search for this review was conducted using three electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with specific keywords. Articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, allowing for a detailed examination and summary of current research on dentin remineralization facilitated by ACP under the influence of various types of stabilizers. This review underscores the latest advancements in the role of ACP in promoting dentin remineralization, particularly intrafibrillar mineralization, under the regulation of various stabilizers. These stabilizers predominantly comprise non-collagenous proteins, their analogs, and polymers. Despite the diversity of stabilizers, the mechanisms they employ to enhance intrafibrillar remineralization are found to be interrelated, indicating multiple driving forces behind this process. However, challenges remain in effectively designing clinically viable products using stabilized ACP and maximizing intrafibrillar mineralization with limited materials in practical applications. The role of ACP in remineralization has gained significant attention in dental research, with substantial progress made in the study of dentin biomimetic mineralization. Given ACP's instability without additives, the presence of ACP stabilizers is crucial for achieving in vitro intrafibrillar mineralization. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and exhaustive reviews on ACP bioactive materials under the regulation of stabilizers. A detailed summary of these stabilizers is also instrumental in better understanding the complex process of intrafibrillar mineralization. Compared to traditional remineralization methods, bioactive materials capable of regulating ACP stability and controlling release demonstrate immense potential in enhancing clinical treatment standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate and transparent reporting is necessary for critically appraising research. Yet, evidence suggests that the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of oral health research could be greatly improved. Accordingly, the Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research—statisticians and trialists from academia and industry—empaneled a group of authors to develop methodological and statistical reporting guidelines identifying the minimum information needed to document and evaluate observational studies and clinical trials in oral health: the OHstat Guidelines. Drafts were circulated to the editors of 85 oral health journals and to Task Force members and sponsors and discussed at a December 2020 workshop attended by 49 researchers. The final version was subsequently approved by the Task Force in September 2021, submitted for journal review in 2022, and revised in 2023. The checklist consists of 48 guidelines: 5 for introductory information, 17 for methods, 13 for statistical analysis, 6 for results, and 7 for interpretation; 7 are specific to clinical trials. Each of these guidelines identifies relevant information, explains its importance, and often describes best practices. The checklist was published in multiple journals. The article was published simultaneously in JDR Clinical and Translational Research, the Journal of the American Dental Association, and the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Completed checklists should accompany manuscripts submitted for publication to these and other oral health journals to help authors, journal editors, and reviewers verify that the manuscript provides the information necessary to adequately document and evaluate the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate and transparent reporting is necessary for critically appraising published research. Yet, ample evidence suggests that the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of oral health research could be greatly improved. Accordingly, the Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research—statisticians and trialists from academia and industry—identified the minimum information needed to report and evaluate observational studies and clinical trials in oral health: the OHStat Guidelines. Drafts were circulated to the editors of 85 oral health journals and to Task Force members and sponsors and discussed at a December 2020 workshop attended by 49 researchers. The guidelines were subsequently revised by the Task Force's writing group. The guidelines draw heavily from the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT), Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE), and CONSORT harms guidelines and incorporate the SAMPL guidelines for reporting statistics, the CLIP principles for documenting images, and the GRADE indicating the quality of evidence. The guidelines also recommend reporting estimates in clinically meaningful units using confidence intervals, rather than relying on P values. In addition, OHStat introduces 7 new guidelines that concern the text itself, such as checking the congruence between abstract and text, structuring the discussion, and listing conclusions to make them more specific. OHStat does not replace other reporting guidelines; it incorporates those most relevant to dental research into a single document. Manuscripts using the OHStat guidelines will provide more information specific to oral health research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is vital for understanding dental traumatology (DT) biomechanics, aiding diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome prediction. This review explores FEA applications in DT research, evaluates their quality and outcomes, and assesses methodological aspects. Accordingly, recommendations for future researchers are provided. The study adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines for scoping reviews and registered in Open Science framework. A comprehensive search using relevant text‐words and MeSH terms was performed in established databases. The inclusion criteria encompassed all Finite element analysis (FEA)‐based Dental traumatology (DT) studies without language or publication year restrictions. Risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of bias tool for the use of finite element analysis in dentistry (ROBFEAD) tool. Forty‐six studies published from 2001 to 2023 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The studies were categorized into five domains and six subdomains based on objectives. Maxillary central incisors and surrounding structures were commonly modelled (n = 27). Most studies utilized Computed tomography (CT), Cone Beam CT, or micro CT. Traumatic injury forces ranged from 100 N to 2000 N, and occlusal forces ranged from 150 N to 350 N. All studies were rated as high risk of bias. Fory‐six studies were categorized, with most focusing on stress distribution and fracture patterns in dento‐alveolar structures under various conditions, while few assessed displacements. Methodological quality lacked robustness in model development and substructure properties. Future studies should address these limitations and enhance reporting practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review highlights the recent contributions of qualitative research in advancing understanding of dental trauma injury and the barriers and enablers to guide policy for improved patient‐centred care including transitional care. It summarises the common approaches and methods used and outlines the key factors that guide the appraisal of qualitative studies. It highlights the importance of the application of qualitative research methods in dental research to generate rich and detailed data to provide explanations and insights into people's experiences, beliefs and attitudes and the complexity of human decision‐making and behaviour. In the past decade while there have been a growing number of publications of qualitative studies in dental journals, qualitative studies remain a small percentage of the published dental traumatology research. This may be because of limited understanding about the background, methods and rigour of qualitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate the trends of oral implant–related research in design and topics between the range of 2016 to the end of 2022. The electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE via Pubmed. Papers published in Clinical Oral Implant Research, Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, and International Journal of Oral Implantology as well as previously European Journal of Oral Implantology, International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, and Journal of Oral Implantology between January 1, 2016, and December 30, 2022, were retrieved. Articles were classified according to their study design and major subjects. The Joinpoint regression model was used to determine changes in the trends of study designs and topics. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value <.05. A total of 3382 articles were analyzed in this study. In the specified period, in vivo, prospective cohort, retrospective case control, randomized clinical studies in the design and prosthetic complications, peri-implant hard tissue studies in the topic experienced a significant decreasing pattern in the number of published articles as well as the total number of articles. Case reports and series, retrospective cohort, nonrandomized clinical studies in the design and outcomes of implant-related treatment plans, immediate implant placement, and peri-implantitis in the topic experienced a significant decreasing pattern followed by a significant increasing pattern with a turning point between 2017 and 2020. Considering the limitations of this scientific topical trend analysis, it can be concluded that the recent pandemic affected the research path in oral implantology in many ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a four-item questionnaire using a face rating scale to measure dental trait anxiety (DTA), dental trait fear (DTF), dental state anxiety (DSA), and dental state fear (DSF). MATERIALS AND METHODS. Participants were consecutively selected from patients undergoing scaling (S-group; n = 47) and implant placement (I-group; n = 25). The S-group completed the questionnaire both before initial and second scaling, whereas the I-group responded on the pre-surgery day (Pre-day), the day of implant placement (Imp-day), and the day of suture removal (Post-day). RESULTS. The reliability in the S-group was evaluated using the test-retest method, showing a weighted kappa value of DTA, 0.61; DTF, 0.46; DSA, 0.67; DSF, 0.52. Criterion-related validity, assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory's trait anxiety and state anxiety, revealed positive correlations between trait anxiety and DTA/DTF (DTA, ρ = 0.30; DTF, ρ = 0.27, ρ: correlation coefficient) and between state anxiety and all four items (DTA, ρ = 0.41; DTF, ρ = 0.32; DSA, ρ = 0.25; DSF, ρ = 0.25). Known-group validity was assessed using the initial data and Imp-day data from the S-group and I-group, respectively, revealing significantly higher DSA and DSF scores in the I-group than in the S-group. Responsiveness was gauged using I-group data, showing significantly lower DSA and DSF scores on post-day compared to other days. CONCLUSION. The newly developed questionnaire has acceptable reliability and validity for clinical use, suggesting its usefulness for research on dental anxiety and fear and for providing patient-specific dental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For dental graduates, internships are a vital transitional phase that gives them the invaluable opportunity to close the gap between their academic studies and the reality of professional dentistry. Research on dental internships remains limited and most of the existing studies focus on the clinical aspects of dental internships with little attention given to dental interns' experiences overall. This study aims to bridge this gap in the literature by gaining an in-depth understanding of Saudi dental graduates' range of experiences as dental interns. Methods: To achieve the research objective, this study adopted a qualitative approach. Using purposive and snowball sampling, the study recruited 23 dental interns from Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia, who had completed at least nine months of their internship. Data was gathered across three months via diaries and virtual semi-structured interviews based on participants' preferences. The data was then analysed thematically using an inductive analytical strategy. Results: The data analysis revealed three major themes and four sub-themes regarding the experiences of dental interns. The core three themes were "activities", "autonomy" and "transitioning to a balanced life" whereby interns have the time and freedom to explore their interests, rekindle their social lives and focus on self-care, resulting in a better work-life balance. Conclusion: This study suggests that dental interns will benefit from the retention and strengthening of key internship activities such as research, community work and clinical rotations. Additionally, the experiences of dental interns can be improved by encouraging interns to progress in their clinical training with a high level of autonomy. Also, due to the limited research in this area, further studies are required to improve our understanding of the lived experiences of dental interns and dental internships in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Altmetrics"is an alternative metric that quantifies the public engagement of research articles on social media and news platforms. This study aims to analyze articles with the highest altmetric attention score (AAS) related to dental implants and assess their association with citation counts and other publication characteristics Altmetric explorer was used to identify the articles with the highest 100 altmetric scores. 116 articles were selected and analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics. A total of 4447 articles were identified. Topics were mostly discussed on Twitter, news outlets, and Mendeley. The top 116 articles that generated the highest online attention discussed mainly topics related to risk factors of implant survival (n=25) and implant design and material (n=17). The article with the highest AAS (501) was an observational study published in 2016 in the journal of oral implantology regarding the use of ringbone allograft to restore atrophic implant site. Regarding the first author's country and affiliation, more than half were from Europe and more than 80% were university-affiliated.; journals with a social media account did not have significantly higher Altmetric scores for their articles compared to those without an account. Similarly, we found no difference between open access and closed access journals in AAS. No significant correlation between articles' AASs and their citation counts on Scopus (r = -0.083, P= 0.38), Dimensions (r = -0.084, P = 0.37), and Google Scholar (r = -0.087, P = 0.36). Articles that rank high on conventional research metrics did not necessarily receive equivalent attention from the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to explore the integration of ChatGPT, an advanced conversational artificial intelligence model, in the field of dentistry. The review primarily consists of information related to the capabilities and functionalities of ChatGPT and how these abilities can aid dental professionals. This study includes data from research papers, case studies, and relevant literature on language models, as well as papers on dentistry, patient communication, dental education, and clinical decision-making. A systematic approach was used to select relevant studies and literature. The selection criteria focused on papers that specifically discussed the integration of language models, ChatGPT in particular, in dentistry and their applications. The study findings revealed that ChatGPT has significant potential to revolutionize dentistry by offering various applications and benefits. It can enhance patient engagement and understanding through personalized oral health information and guidance. In dental education, ChatGPT can provide interactive learning, case studies, and virtual patient simulations. ChatGPT can also assist researchers in analyzing dental literature, identifying patterns, and generating insights. Moreover, it supports dentists with evidence-based recommendations, treatment options, and diagnostic support. Integrating ChatGPT in dentistry can be highly beneficial, but it is crucial to address ethical considerations, accuracy, and privacy concerns. Responsible implementation and continuous improvement of its functionalities are necessary to ensure that patient care and outcomes are improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]