Lina Bahanan

Objective: This umbrella review aimed to evaluate the strength and consistency of evidence linking genetic variants to dental caries susceptibility. Methods: An umbrella review was conducted, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across six databases. Eligibility criteria included systematic reviews and meta-analyses of human subjects. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were performed systematically, with quality evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Multilevel meta-analyses were conducted to assess variant-specific and grouped genetic effects. Results: The search identified 29 eligible systematic reviews and meta-analyses for inclusion. The multilevel meta-analysis showed statistically significant associations for polymorphisms in TAS2R38 rs713598 (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09–0.73) and VDR Cdx-2 rs11568820 (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46–0.95), both indicating lower odds of dental caries, while MBL2 rs1800450 was associated with increased odds (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03–2.14). However, pooled effects across the main gene categories, including tooth development and mineralization, salivary composition and function, immune and inflammatory response, taste perception, and signaling, were not statistically significant. Findings were heterogeneous across studies. Conclusions: Current evidence on the association between genetic variants and dental caries susceptibility remains limited and inconsistent, providing insufficient support for the use of genetic markers in risk assessment or personalized prevention. The significant single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations identified in this review are hypothesis-generating and require validation in larger and more diverse populations using standardized caries definitions and gene–environment approaches.

This study aimed to assess and evaluate the canal shaping ability of two different Ni-Ti rotary systems, Vortex Blue (VB) and TruNatomy (TN), using micro-computed tomography in extracted premolars. A total of 20 extracted bifurcated maxillary first premolars with two separate canals were randomly divided into two groups and prepared with either VB 35/0.04 (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) or TN Medium 36/0.03 (Dentsply Sirona). Pre- and post-instrumentation micro-CT scans were analyzed to measure the following parameters: percentage of untouched canal surface area, changes in canal surface area, changes in canal volume, structural model index (SMI), changes in canal angulation, changes in dentin thickness, transportation, and centering ability. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level set at p-value < 0.05. Both VB and TN files showed a significant increase in the basic canal geometry parameters including canal surface area and canal volume. Both file systems showed no significant changes in SMI or dentin thickness after canal instrumentation (p > 0.05). Some degree of canal transportation and a similar centering ability ratio with no significant difference were observed in both file systems (p > 0.05). TN files showed less pre-cervical dentin removal when compared to VB files. A significant difference was found in the TN group regarding the dentin removal between coronal and apical thirds (p = 0.03). Both VB and TN files produced comparable root canal preparation with no considerable shaping mishaps and errors. Both files showed minimum canal transportation and minimum straightening of the canal curvature. TN files removed less pre-cervical dentin than apical dentin.

Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal therapy performed by senior dental students. Methods: Electronic records of patients treated by senior dental students at the comprehensive care clinic in King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Patients diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis who had undergone at least one session of scaling and root planing were included in this study. The following periodontal parameters were assessed: BOP, PI, PD and number of residual pockets. Results: A total of 618 patients were included in this study (60.2% females and 39.8% males). BOP reduced from a median of 40% (IQR: 26.0%–62.0%) at baseline to 13% (IQR: 9.0%–20.3%) at re‐evaluation in the gingivitis group ( p < 0.0005). Similarly, a significant reduction in BOP, from 45% (IQR: 28.0%–64.3%) at baseline to 14% (IQR: 9.0%–21.5%) after phase I therapy, was observed in the periodontitis group ( p > 0.001). In both groups, 31%–32% of patients had BOP < 10 at re‐evaluation. PD of ≥ 5 mm was observed in 50.8% of patients with periodontitis at baseline; however, 38% of these patients had no residual pockets at re‐evaluation. Conclusion: NSPT performed by senior dental students was effective in improving the periodontal status of the patients. Both gingivitis and periodontitis patients showed significant improvement in BOP and PI. Approximately, 32% of patients showed a reduction in BOP suggestive of a bleeding score associated with periodontal health. Moreover, patients diagnosed with periodontitis exhibited a significant reduction in the number of sites with deep probing (≥ 5).

Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions surrounding the use of fake snap-on veneers, as well as to evaluate the experiences of individuals who have used them. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. A questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms to individuals aged > 18 years in Saudi Arabia, which assessed their personal and sociodemographic information and perceptions and experiences with fake snap-on veneers. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple logistic regressions. Results: The study included 466 participants, with the majority being young adults, with an almost equal sex distribution. The study highlighted a general reluctance to use these veneers because of concerns about dental damage and esthetics. Women and younger individuals showed higher awareness, and regional variations indicated potential cultural influences on the perception of these dental devices. Most users experienced discomfort and did not recommend the fake snap-on veneers. Conclusion: This study sheds light on a cautious approach toward fake snap-on veneers, despite their esthetic appeal. This underscores the need for strict regulations, public awareness campaigns, and ethical dental practices to ensure informed decision-making and safeguard dental health. The concept of an ideal smile has led to various cosmetic dental procedures. Snap-on veneers offer a pain-free and affordable solution, but fake versions raise concerns about discomfort, unrealistic results, and oral health issues. User complaints emphasize the need for strict regulations and public awareness campaigns to ensure informed decisions.

Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry (JOCPD) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal, which is currently indexed in SCIE, etc., aming to provide clinically relevant information to enable the practicing dentist to have access to the state of the art in pediatric dentistry.

Background It is crucial to recognize patients’ behavioral responses to improve oral healthcare delivery. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) is typically used to measure service user preferences. The purpose of this study was to examine the preferences of the Saudi population regarding primary dental care using a DCE. Materials and methods An online DCE survey was distributed among adults aged 18 years and older living in Saudi Arabia. An orthogonal design was used to reduce the number of combinations while maintaining the main effects that reflect patient preferences. Respondents were presented with a reduced set of 10 cards (tasks), and each of the cards had two concepts (offers). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the sample characteristics. The coefficients were calculated based on discrete choice results on the Qualtrics platform. Results A total of 532 participants completed the survey. Among patients seeking a preventive dental visit, the ability to get an appointment was rated the most important influence on their decision with a relative importance of 41%, followed by the dental care provider (29%) and the dental clinic in relation to the sector and the fees (20%). The least important attribute was the waiting time in minutes, with a relative importance of 10%. Conclusion The study findings revealed that patients make trade-offs when deciding to receive primary dental care. Policymakers can use the study’s findings to inform their decisions concerning dental clinic services. The study results suggest that it is possible to improve access to primary dental care by improving the accessibility of appointments.

Objective: It is well established that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) negatively affect health and are associated with health‐risk behaviors. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of the studies that examine the relationship between ACE exposure and oral health among adults aged 18 years and older.Methods: The following electronic databases were searched in January 2022: MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, CINAHL via EBSCOhost, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale.Results: Among the 292 articles identified, four met the eligibility criteria. All included studies were cross‐sectional and of satisfactory quality. The dental outcomes included: last dental visit, last dental cleaning, number of filled teeth, number of extracted teeth, and number of remaining teeth. The studies showed that exposure to ACE was negatively associated with oral health. The relationship between ACE score and oral health outcome measures was found to be directly proportional.Conclusion: There is an association between ACE and poor oral health. Moreover, the association was proven to have a dose–response relationship. Given that the studies in the literature were cross‐sectional, causality cannot be determined with certainty, therefore interpretation of the results should be cautious. Longitudinal follow‐up studies are needed to understand how ACEs contribute to oral diseases later in life.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 outbreak, dental professionals have demonstrated their importance in combating mass casualty incidents. This study aimed to understand dental students' perceptions of their potential roles in a bioterrorism attack. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered anonymous questionnaire, which was sent to all dental students and interns at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess dental students' willingness to provide care during a bioterrorism attack, knowledge regarding bioterrorism and total number of roles a dentist should play during an attack. Results: This study included 472 dental students and interns. The mean knowledge score regarding bioterrorism was 3.3 +/- 1.9 out of 5. A large majority of the respondents (83.8%) were willing to provide care during a bioterrorism attack. Students with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 4.5-5 were more likely to indicate that a dental professional should take on more roles during a bioterrorism attack than those with a GPA of 2.5-2.99. Fourth- and fifth-year dental students had lower knowledge scores regarding bioterrorism than dental interns (B: -0.71; SE: 0.30; 95% CI: -1.3-0.1 and B: -0.68; SE: 0.30; 95% CI: -1.3- -0.1, respectively). Conclusion: Despite the fact that dental curricula do not cover topics related to bioterrorism, most students would be willing to provide care under bioterrorism conditions. There is wide agreement among the students regarding the need to add bioterrorism-related educations to dental curricula.

Objective: The aim of this pilot study is to identify the main predictors and barriers that influence user intention to adopt teledentistry services among the Saudi population. Methods: A total of 426 respondents completed a questionnaire. Our study used the technology acceptance model to predict how users will adopt teledentistry. An analysis of the factors that influence patient users’ intention to utilize teledentistry was conducted using partial least square structural equation modeling. Results: Among the factors that influenced the intention to use teledentistry services, social influence positively affected the intention (β = 0.18, t = 2.19, p-value = 0.03), whereas perceived risk negatively affected it (β = −0.21, t = 2.69, p-value =0.01). Conclusion: The perception of risk was a major barrier to the adoption of teledentistry services, while social influence was a significant positive predictor. Using the findings of the study, policymakers and health service providers can gain a better understanding of the factors influencing the implementation of teledentistry.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess dental students’ perceptions and overall experiences regarding e-learning at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2020 through March 2021. A pre-structured, self-administered questionnaire was emailed to undergraduate dental students (second year through sixth year and dental interns). The final sample included 296 undergraduate dental students and interns. Univariate analysis was done to report the sample characteristics. Chi-square and Fisher exact with Monte Carlo were conducted to evaluate the preference of students regarding e-learning across characteristics of the study sample. Results: The majority of students preferred to integrate e-learning into traditional classroom lectures, although 51.7% did not favor it for clinical subjects. More than half of the sample believed that e-learning allowed excellent interactivity with the instructors. A higher percentage of second-year students preferred traditional learning (71%) than students in other years who preferred a combination of both traditional and online learning (P-value < 0.001). The mode of learning is not associated with marital status, though 36.4% of married students prefer e-learning (P-value = 0.4). Most dental students considered e-learning a positive experience. Conclusion: There were significant differences in the mode of learning preference between the preclinical and clinical years. Continuous monitoring of learners’ needs, challenges, and outcomes is crucial to effectively evaluate e-learning in dental education.