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Abstract Background The traditional teaching methods of dental education are gradually being replaced with futuristic education methods based on the usage of educational tools such as mannequin-based simulation models and virtual reality. However, the effectiveness of mannequin-based simulation models as a learning method in the field of oral surgery remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of training on a tooth extraction model (TEM) in view of undergraduate dental students’ experience and perception of their education. Methods A quasi-experimental trial was implemented with two consecutive year classes, totaling 136 students at the Dentistry Faculty of Altinbas University, Turkiye. Two cohorts were created from dental students in the classes of 2023 and 2022 graduates. Cohort 1 (n = 71) received 14 h of theoretical education followed by 10 h of preclinical education on TEM. Cohort 2 (n = 65) received only 14 h of theoretical education. An anonymous questionnaire was prepared with four main sections including the preferences of learning style, participants’ perceptions of the preclinical training methods, the students’ competency and free text comments. Students’ opinions were quantified with both 7-point Likert scales and thematic analysis. Anxiety levels were measured with the interval scale of anxiety response (ISAR). Descriptive statistics, inferential statistical and thematic analyses were conducted according to survey responses. Student characteristics were summarized and compared for two cohorts using a t-test. For all statistical analyses, the significance level was set atP ≤ 0.05. Result Cohort 1 was more comfortable with sequential motions performed with the forceps (P = 0.033) and felt more ready for their first clinical tooth extraction experience (P = 0.028). Cohort 2 showed a significantly higher preference for textbooks among supplementary materials (P = 0.04); however, they tended to exhibit lower self-confidence and higher anxiety levels, though without any statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusion It is clear that the students who have yet to start seeing patients benefit from increased practice with training models, which adequately reflect and represent real-life situations encountered in everyday practice.

This in vitro study aimed to investigate if different bioactive root-end filling materials can promote osteo/odontogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and support their viability. MSCs from porcine tooth germs were isolated. Cells were exposed to extracts from MTA Angelus, BIOfactor MTA, Medcem MTA, Well-Root ST, and Pure Portland Cement for 7 days. Viability was determined with MTS and live/dead assay. Osteo/odontogenic differentiation was evaluated with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and quantitative real-time PCR (RUNX2, DMP-1, and DSPP genes) which were compared with osteo/odontogenic-induced MSCs and non-treated cells. All the tested materials supported cell proliferation and cells maintained their viability after 7 days. Osteo/odontogenic differentiation of MSCs was promoted by the tested materials in varying levels as demonstrated by increased ALP activity and upregulation of related gene markers in comparison to the control group. Pure Portland Cement demonstrated a continuous high ALP activity on day 7, showing the highest value among all materials and significantly increased in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). Significant RUNX2 expression and high ALP activity (p < 0.001) similar to that of osteogenically induced cells was detected for Pure Portland Cement after 7 days. Tested MTA-based cement materials are biocompatible and induce osteo/odontogenic differentiation in vitro. MTA materials performed similarly to Pure Portland Cement regarding osteo/odontogenic differentiation.

Background: Charcoal-containing mouthwashes have become popular in society; however, there is inadequate evidence of their effect on composite restorations’ color stability. This study evaluates the effect of two charcoal-containing mouthwashes on the color stability of two composite resins. Methods: Disk-shaped (6×2 mm) composite resins (Filtek Universal Restorative (FU) and G-ænial Anterior (GC)), each (n=30), were prepared. Baseline color values were measured using a spectrophotometer. After six months of storage in distilled water, randomly assigned samples were subjected to a 12 h immersion in either distilled water (control group), Natural Mouthwash Charcoal, or Colgate Plax White+Charcoal (n=10). Then, color values were re-measured, and color change (∆E00) values were computed. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) multiple comparison tests were used to compare mean ∆E00 values of composite resin materials (P < .05). Results: ∆E00 values of FU exposed to Natural Mouthwash Charcoal were significantly lower compared with other mouthwash groups and the controls. There were no significant differences in ∆E00 values among the GC specimens placed in different immersion media (P > .05). No statistically significant difference was observed regarding color change between composite restorative materials. ∆E00 values for the restorative materials were above the acceptability threshold of 1.8 for all groups. Conclusion: Charcoal-containing mouthwashes caused unacceptable color changes in aged composites. In most groups, the color change was not significantly different from that in distilled water. The color change of FU immersed in Natural Mouthwash Charcoal was less than that in distilled water. Charcoal-containing mouthwashes can be considered part of daily oral hygiene practices.

Background: Evaluating the prolonged efficacy of restorative materials hinges significantly on their ability to resist discoloration. This study aims to assess the discoloration resistance of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing restorative materials featuring distinct chemical compositions. Methods: A1-colored samples from 4 diverse CAD/CAM restorative materials (Lava Ultimate, Tetric CAD, Vita Enamic, and IPS e.max CAD), each with a 2 mm thickness (n=12), were meticulously prepared. Baseline CIE L*a*b* values were measured using a spectrophotometer, and randomly assigned samples were subjected to a 28-day immersion in either distilled water (control group) or coffee (n=6). After the designated period, CIE L*a*b* values were reevaluated, and ΔEab values were computed. A 2-way analysis of variance test was employed to scrutinize the influence of both the restorative material type and solution type on quantitative variables (P < .05). Results: In the comparison of samples immersed in coffee, IPS e.max CAD demonstrated significantly less staining than other samples, while Lava Ultimate exhibited significantly more staining (P < .05). No significant difference in ΔEab was observed among CAD/CAM restorative materials kept in distilled water. Although the ΔEab values of specimens immersed in distilled water remained below the CIELAB 50:50% acceptability threshold (ΔEab=2.7), samples immersed in coffee exceeded this threshold. Conclusion: The resistance to discoloration is influenced by both the restorative material and the nature of the solution. Consequently, clinicians may opt for restorative materials displaying heightened discoloration resistance or provide comprehensive guidance to patients regarding staining beverages and effective oral hygiene practices.

Objective:The objective of this study is to examine the perceived sources and levels of stress reported by three different dental faculty students from Turkey. This study also aims to compare stress sources among these students with respect to the role of faculties, specific curricula and institutional differences.Methods:In total, 1,294 students participated in a survey in 2015. This survey used Modified Dental Environmental Stress questionnaire comprising 47 items that were grouped into 6 categories: academic performance; preclinical and clinical training; patient treatment; faculty administration and education staff; personal life issues; and professional identity after graduation. Responses were recorded on a four-point rating scale ranging from not stressful (1 point) to very stressful (4 points).Results:The response rate of the study was 63.3% (1,294/2,045). The “concern about failing the course or year due to the inability to finish clinical schoolwork” (clinical score) was found as the highest stress item (mean score =3.57). More than one-third of questionnaire items showed the presence of moderate-to-severe stress with mean scores between 3.57 and 3.06. The preclinical and clinical training category showed the highest mean stress score (3.09) than other categories. In most of the stress items and six stress categories, females showed significantly more stress than males. A significant difference was found among at least two or more faculties for each stress category.Conclusion:The modification of curricula, establishment of student counselling, assignment of student advisors and studentoriented programmes may be considered as stress reduction methods. However, further studies are warranted to examine the success of these methods.

Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficiency of different surface treatments on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of aged bulk-fill composite.Materials and Methods: Sixty bulk-fill resin-based composite (RBC) specimens in 5 x 5 x 5 dimensions were prepared. After the aging by thermal cycling for 5000 times between 5 and 55°C, substrate surfaces were abraded with SiC abrasive papers. Specimens were divided into 6 groups according to the surface treatment protocol: no surface treatment (control), control + Single Bond Universal (SBU; 3M ESPE) application, phosphoric acid etching (PA) + SBU, hydrofluoric acid etching (HF) + SBU, aluminum oxide air abrasion (AlO) + SBU, and tribochemical silica coating (TSC) + SBU. Surface roughness values were measured in five different directions using a contact profilometer (n=10). Then, specimens were repaired with a conventional RBC. After the repair, bonded specimens were cut into 1 mm2 beams and µTBS values were determined until failure at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Specimen surfaces after surface treatments were observed by SEM. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (p AlO > HF > PA = Control. Conclusions: Aged bulk-fill RBCs can be successfully repaired if effective and safe repair protocol is chosen. The highest µTBS values were obtained for the AlO and TSC. The use of universal adhesive alone is promising to facilitate the repair of bulk-fill RBCs.