Syed Murtaza Raza Kazmi

Implant dentistry is an evolving field. Variability in study designs, outcome measures and reporting standards among the implant dentistry research papers create challenges for the comparability and reproducibility of research findings. To mitigate these challenges, a Preferred Reporting of Variables in Implant Dentistry Education and Research Studies checklist is being proposed, which provides identifying the variables that are essential in the reporting of dental implant-based studies. The objective is to propose comprehensive recommendations to enhance transparency, quality and consistency in reporting dental implant-related research. This checklist will not only standardise the key methodological details across studies and post-implant care, but will also facilitate an easier data synthesis for meta-analyses in the future by addressing potential challenges related to inconsistency in the ‘effect size measures’, making it invaluable for the researchers and clinicians. The proposed checklist would function as a teaching tool in educational settings, fostering evidence-based practice and improving the reproducibility of research in implant dentistry. Key Words: Dental implants, Education, Research.

Objectives: The primary objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of electric toothbrushing compared to manual toothbrushing in improving oral hygiene among people with special health care needs, including individuals requiring caregiver assistance as well as those capable of independent brushing with or without supervision, using an evidence‐based approach. Data/Sources: In April 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted across Medline (PubMed), the Cochrane Library and Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source (DOSS), targeting studies from January 1985 to January 2023. Data was collected using a custom form focusing on study characteristics, population attributes and key outcomes. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Tool‐2 (RoB‐2) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a descriptive analysis was performed according to SWiM guidelines. Study Selection: Titles and abstracts were screened to exclude duplicates and irrelevant studies, followed by a full‐text review of potentially eligible articles. Two independent reviewers assessed each study against predefined criteria. Studies were selected based on their design (RCTs), population (people with special health care needs, including those requiring caregiver assistance or supervision) and outcomes (oral hygiene measures such as plaque index, gingival index, biofilm reduction, microbial salivary count, pocket depth, bleeding on probing, patient and caregiver‐reported outcomes). From 3862 studies identified, 14 were included in the final review. Conclusion: Both electric and manual toothbrushes can maintain or improve oral hygiene for patients with special health care needs. Although some studies show electric brushes often lead to better plaque reduction and gingival health, others report comparable outcomes when manual brushing is well supervised. Future research should assess the impact of caregiver training, cost and evolving brush technologies to optimise long‐term oral care for individuals with physical or cognitive impairments.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are characterized by pain and functional impairment of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. Although postural factors have been increasingly implicated, evidence supporting an association between posture and TMD in children and adolescents is limited. Aim: To determine the frequency of TMD in children and adolescents and evaluate its association with body posture, musculoskeletal symptoms, including back and neck pain, and mandibular function. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in private schools, among children aged 10–17 years. TMD was assessed using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Posture was evaluated using the BackPEI‐CA questionnaire, and mandibular function was assessed using the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS‐20). Results: The study enrolled 83 participants (mean age: 13.34 ± 2.27 years), with equal gender distribution. TMD was identified in 28.9% of the sample. Although 87.5% of TMD‐positive participants exhibited inadequate posture, the association was not statistically significant ( p = 0.714). TMD‐positive individuals reported notable functional impairments in activities, including chewing, yawning, swallowing, and expressing emotions. Conclusion: TMD was observed in 28.9% of children and adolescents and was associated with significant mandibular functional impairment. However, no statistically significant association was identified between body posture and TMD in this cohort.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are multifactorial conditions influenced by biological, behavioral, and psychological factors. This study aimed to determ

Retrograde peri-implantitis (RPI) represents an infrequent yet clinically consequential postoperative complication characterized by apical pathology around an implant exhibiting otherwise intact coronal osseointegration. This case report details the diagnosis and management of active RPI in a 66-year-old female with history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, presenting with persistent postoperative pain, swelling, and sinus tract formation one month after delayed implant placement in a site previously affected by apical periodontitis. Radiographic and CBCT evaluation revealed a well-defined periapical radiolucency with preservation of marginal bone levels. Initial conservative therapy resulted in transient symptom relief, with recurrence following prosthetic rehabilitation. Definitive management involved surgical access, thorough mechanical debridement, chemical surface detoxification, and guided bone regeneration using combined autogenous and allogeneic grafting beneath a resorbable membrane. The intervention yielded uneventful healing, progressive radiographic bone regeneration, and complete lesion, without compromising implant stability. This case highlights the critical importance of early recognition, comprehensive diagnostic assessment, and timely regenerative surgical intervention for achieving predictable outcomes in RPI, particularly in sites with prior periapical pathology.

Introduction: Environmental degradation from pollution, global warming, and industrialization, is alarming with dentistry significantly contributing through mercury and plastic toxicity from improper waste handling. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Dental professionals towards “Green Dentistry” working in the public and private sectors of Karachi city. Design: A cross-sectional survey. Setting: Karachi, Pakistan (Online). Materials and methods: An online questionnaire was conducted among dentists of Karachi, Pakistan, from January to June 2023 collecting participant’s demographic data and assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice of eco-friendly dentistry. Results: With a 61% response rate, most respondents (48.5%) were General Dental Practitioners (GDPs). Dental consultants (DC) exhibited higher awareness of green dentistry (29%) with 50% of DCs favoring digital radiography as environmentally friendly ( p < 0.05). Green dentistry practices were more prevalent among DCs with 42.8% ( p < 0.05) eliminating amalgam usage, while more GDPs (72.2%, p < 0.05) adopted re-usable lab coats and patient drapes. Discussion and conclusion: Awareness of “Green Dentistry” is generally lacking among participants. Both GDPs and DCs are inclined towards adopting environment-friendly dental practices. Education on energy conservation and materials is essential to reduce waste in the dental industry.

Introduction: Journal clubs (JCs) play an important role in medical education by promoting critical appraisal and evidence‐based practice. However, residents often face barriers to effective participation. Some of the issues that are commonly faced include limited time and difficulty understanding complex concepts and statistics. Methods: This study was conducted during March–September 2024 and explored the use of a custom‐trained Large Language Model (LLM) as a supportive tool for JC preparation and participation among postgraduate dental residents. Using a design‐based research approach, researchers implemented the LLM integrated with relevant literature. Six JC sessions were conducted with sixteen residents across two subspecialties, accompanied by structured observations, feedback forms, and pre‐/and post‐focus groups with residents and faculty ( n = 16). Results: Findings revealed that the LLM improved residents' comprehension of complex content, enhanced confidence, and increased engagement during discussions. Residents used the tool for summarizing articles, clarifying statistical methods, and generating discussion points. Fiftythree percent reported a positive experience of using the LLM for JC preparation, Forty‐three percent were neutral, and only one response was negative. However, challenges included the need for precise prompt construction, occasional content inaccuracies, and limited depth in some specialized areas. Faculty observed enhanced participation but stressed the need for critical evaluation of LLM outputs. Both groups identified prompt‐writing skills, critical thinking, and AI literacy as key competencies for effective LLM use. Conclusions: LLMs can complement traditional teaching by supporting deeper engagement in JCs. As generative AI evolves, further research should examine its broader implications on learners’ cognitive processes, epistemic trust, and educational equity.