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Aim of the StudyThe aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the resin infiltration technique and remineralization of induced enamel caries with fluoride solution on the color masking of white spot lesions and surface roughness. Materials and MethodsA total of 45 sound teeth were used in this study. All the teeth were sectioned along the long axes into two halves, lingual and buccal to get 90 specimens. All specimens were immersed in a demineralized solution for 7 days. The specimens were divided randomly into three equal groups (n = 30) according to the type of treatment; Group 1 (n = 30) was treated with fluoride varnish (Clinpro); Group 2 (n = 30) was treated by resin infiltration (Icon); and Group 3 (n = 30) was used as a control group with no treatment. The color and surface roughness were measured three times at baseline (T1), directly after induction of artificial white spot lesions (WSLs) (T2), and directly after application of the treatment options (T3). The colors were measured using a portable reflective spectrophotometer and the 3D surface roughness was measured using a Light Sectioning Vision System. Data were collected and statistically analyzed using T test and Mann–Whitney U test. The ResultsSurface roughness was almost equal in the study groups with no statistically significant differences reported. Icon showed slightly higher color scores than that of ClinPro. ConclusionsThe Icon produced favorable esthetic results compared to the fluoride therapy while no significant differences were reported regarding the surface roughness.

Background and objectives: Aim of the current study was to assess the perception, preference, and practice of endodontists and restorative dentists at different locations around the world about dental magnification instruments. Materials and methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was ethically approved from the local committee of bioethics. After thorough literature search, a questionnaire was designed and validated. Later, the questionnaire was distributed to 10% (53 participants) of the total planned participants to conduct a pilot study. Based on the feedback from these participants, any ambiguities or discrepancies observed in the items and content of the questionnaire was modified. The questionnaire was assessed for its internal consistency as part of validating the items with Cronbach's alpha of 0.80. The completed questionnaire with an informed consent form for the participant was administered to the endodontists and restorative dentists in three different geographical regions namely MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa), British-Isles, and Indian Sub-continent using WhatsApp through the snowball convenience sampling technique. Results: Majority of the participants were male (56.5%) and in the age group of 25–35 years (30.3%). About 68.9% were from Indian sub-continent, followed by the British-Isles (16.5%) and the least (14.6%) were from the MENA region. By large, the participants of the present study, strongly agreed that dental magnification devices improved ergonomics, quality of work, and should be considered as standard of care in modern endodontic. Flip-up magnifiers (51.1%) and medium (8x-16x) magnification were preferred by majority of the participants. About 46.3% of specialist reported that they always used devices for all operative and endodontic procedures, especially while locating hidden and canals and negotiating calcified canals. Participants practicing in British-Isles have 2.42 times (P<0.05) higher adequate perception with reference participants in Indian sub-continent. Additionally, participants with fellowship have 2.77 times more (P<0.01) adequate perception with reference to their counterparts with a master's degree. Conclusions: Most of the participants believe that dental magnification devices enhance the prognosis and quality of treatment of possibly all operative and endodontics procedures. Thus, emphasized on the inclusion of devices in the postgraduate curriculum and signifies the role of continuing dental education for specialist and dental assistant handling devices. However, multicenter studies with larger sample is required for generalizing the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artificial intelligence is an innovative technology that mimics human cognitive capacities and has gathered the world's attention through its vast applications in various fields. Aim: This study is aimed at assessing the effects of ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4 on the validity, reliability, and authenticity of standard assessment techniques used in undergraduate dentistry education. Methodology: Twenty questions, each requiring a single best answer, were selected from two domains: 10 from operative dentistry and 10 from endodontics. These questions were divided equally, with half presented with multiple choice options and the other half without. Two investigators used different ChatGPT accounts to generate answers, repeating each question three times. The answers were scored between 0% and 100% based on their accuracy. The mean score of the three attempts was recorded, and statistical analysis was conducted. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4 in the accuracy of their responses. Additionally, the analysis showed high consistency between the two reviewers, with no significant difference in their assessments. Conclusion: This study evaluated the performance of ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4 in answering questions related to endodontics and operative dentistry. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two versions, indicating comparable response accuracy. The consistency between reviewers further validated the reliability of the assessment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical education is an ever-evolving realm, continuously striving for innovative methods to improve learning outcomes and nurture competent healthcare practitioners. Concept mapping has emerged as a valuable tool in this drive, aiding in the organization and synthesis of intricate information. This review delves into the infusion of Islamic teachings into concept map teaching and curriculum development within medical education. By drawing on Islamic principles related to knowledge acquisition, ethics, and comprehensive healthcare, this examination offers strategies for integrating Islamic perspectives into concept map-based teaching approaches. Through harmonizing educational practices with Islamic ethos, medical educators can cultivate an environment that is culturally attuned and ethically rooted, fostering the development of healthcare professionals who embody compassion and integrity in serving their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to furnish evidence-based recommendations for the utilization of bioceramic-based and resin-based sealers in clinical endodontics, with a focus on reducing postoperative discomfort. Methods: The investigation's methodology was registered on the International Prospective Database of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022355506) and executed using the 2020 PRISMA protocol. Articles were selected utilizing the PICO technique and applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles published between January 2000 and August 2022, PubMed, MEDLINE, and DOAJ were utilized as primary data sources. After the identification of studies, two autonomous reviewers evaluated the titles and abstracts, and data from qualifying studies were extracted. Results: Nine published studies were included in this analysis. The findings indicate that there were no significant differences in the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores between resin-based and bioceramic root canal sealers at intervals of 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after treatment. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that after the utilization of bioceramic sealers during root canal therapy, the pain and discomfort levels were not significantly different from those experienced pain after the use of resin-based sealers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral health education is essential for adolescents, yet traditional methods face challenges in engaging this demographic. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a multimedia-based dental education program among high school students. This study was carried out to assess the impact of a comprehensive multimedia-based dental education program on oral health knowledge and practices among high school students. Methods: A total of 228 students were recruited and randomly assigned to experimental (n=114) and control (n=114) groups. The experimental group received a four-week multimedia program, while the control group followed the standard curriculum. Outcome measures included oral health knowledge scores, brushing frequency, flossing habits, dietary choices, and observational assessments. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The multimedia-based program led to a significant increase in oral health knowledge scores in the experimental group compared to the control group (Mean Change: 14.6, p < 0.001). Moreover, the experimental group demonstrated higher brushing frequency (p < 0.001), increased flossing habits (p < 0.001), and improved dietary choices (p < 0.05). Observational assessments showed higher adherence to oral hygiene practices in the experimental group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The multimedia-based dental education program effectively improved oral health knowledge and practices among high school students. This approach holds promise for scalable and engaging oral health education strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]