Saleh Ali Alqahtani

There is currently a limited studies regarding the application of analytic rubrics for assessing student’s performance in preclinical tasks. This study aimed to examine the use of a validated rubric structure to measure the performance outcomes of preclinical dental students conducting Class II composite restorations. Validated analytical rubric for evaluation of preclinical class II composite cavity preparation and restoration was used at preclinical phase by two male examiners, who were further calibrated before the assessments using the rubric. Scoring was based on a 4-point scale for assessment and evaluation of two parameters: cavity preparation (40 points) and restoration (20 points). Descriptive statistics were applied to calculate rubric parameters, while independent t-tests compared scores across examiners and between student genders and groups. The associations between Grade Point Average (GPA), evaluators, and the gender of participants, both Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the Kappa test were utilized. Overall mean scores were marginally elevated for female participants relative to their counterparts (54.71 vs 52.92) across cavity preparation (36.71 vs 34.87) and restoration parameters (18.00 vs 18.06). Among cavity preparation parameters, only the finishing of the cavity preparation rubric parameters demonstrated a significant difference (p<0.05). For the class II composite restoration parameter steps, we found no overall differences (p ≥ 0.050), except a gender significant difference in matrix band application and anatomy steps (p=0.022 and 0.034, respectively). Significant difference between gender was recorded by the first evaluator (p=0.006), with a significantly higher overall average (p=0.047). A strong and significant correlation was documented between participant GPA and specific evaluated parameters (p=0.000). Within this preclinical setting, gender-based variations were evident across all assessed procedural parameters. Additionally, variability was observed between the two examiners, with agreement levels ranging from fair to moderate, and in some instances, reaching perfect agreement.

Preserving dental pulp vitality is a key goal in minimally invasive dentistry. Conventional materials such as calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) are effective but limited in bioactivity and mechanical strength. This systematic review evaluated the biological efficacy of chitosan-based nanoparticles and biomaterials for pulp capping and regeneration. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, electronic searches were conducted across five databases up to April 2025. Controlled in vitro and animal studies using chitosan-based nanoparticles, hydrogels, or composite scaffolds were included. Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE (animal) and ToxRTool (in vitro), and certainty of evidence was rated via the GRADE-Preclinical framework. Due to methodological heterogeneity, data were synthesized using direction-of-effect coding and visualized through Albatross and heatmap plots. Sixteen studies met the criteria, consistently demonstrating enhanced cell viability, mineralization, and upregulation of odontogenic and angiogenic markers (BMP-2, TGF-β₁, VEGF, DSPP) compared with MTA or calcium hydroxide. Animal models confirmed improved angiogenesis, reparative dentin formation, and pulp vitality preservation. Despite uniformly positive biological outcomes, the overall certainty was rated Low to Very Low owing to small samples and unclear randomization. Chitosan-based biomaterials show promising regenerative potential, warranting well-designed preclinical and clinical studies for translational validation.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in late December 2019, has significantly altered the dietary and oral health-related habits and lifestyles of nearly every age group within the global population. The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dietary behaviors, daily oral hygiene practices and caries risk among children, adolescents, and young adults from diverse regions within Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional analytical study spanning multiple regions of Saudi Arabia was carried out to assess the effects of COVID-19 on dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and caries risk across various age groups within the Saudi population. A total of 655 participants were included in the study after providing informed consent. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire divided into four sections: personal and demographic information, socioeconomic information, oral hygiene practices, and dietary habits, both prior to and during the COVID-19 lockdown. There was a notable increase in the caries experience rate, which escalated from 26.1% before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to 45.0% during the pandemic (P < 0.001). The findings suggest a significant shift in the dietary practices of children and adolescents when comparing the two timeframes. Specifically, there was a marked rise in meal frequency (P < 0.001), snacking patterns (P < 0.001), and the consumption of sugary products like candies, chocolates, milk, and coffee (P < 0.001) during the pandemic. Furthermore, the percentage of children and adolescents brushing their teeth three times a day plummeted from 47.8% before the pandemic to a mere 4.3% during it (P < 0.001). The proportion of individuals using fluoride toothpaste also experienced a decline, falling from 15.9% before the pandemic to 5.2% during this crisis (P < 0.001). The study illustrates that the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially changed the dynamics of dental caries and oral health, resulting in an increased risk of caries and a worrying decline in daily oral hygiene practices. Additionally, there has been a significant drop in the application of topical fluoride via toothpaste. These findings point to the critical importance of personalized dental care during public health crises to alleviate negative effects and ensure the maintenance of oral health.

This study explores the toothbrushing frequency and its association with sociodemographic factors, health status, and dietary habits in Saudi Arabia. Using data from the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey by the Ministry of Health, we analyzed responses from 44,779 individuals aged five and older. Statistical analysis using SPSS and multinomial regression revealed that 57.3% of the population brushed their teeth less than once a day. Differences were noted across regions, ages, and genders. Key factors associated with increased brushing frequency included age (45–54 vs. older than 60), nationality (Saudi vs. non-Saudi), region (Western vs. Central), and marital status (married vs. non-married). Conversely, individuals with co-morbidities, disabilities, smokers, and those without prior dental treatment were less likely to maintain recommended oral hygiene practices. Our findings suggest that toothbrushing practices fall short of professional recommendations, highlighting a need for enhanced educational efforts. Oral health care providers in Saudi Arabia are encouraged to implement regular awareness programs to improve brushing habits and overall oral hygiene.

Dental caries is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in humans. Various interventions are available for the management, of which microinvasive techniques such as infiltration, sealants, glass ionomers, are novel and convenient. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare microinvasive techniques with noninvasive or invasive treatment modalities in terms of effectiveness in halting interproximal caries lesion progression radiographically assessed. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024557636). Three electronic databases, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trial Register, were searched for the randomized controlled trials comparing any of the microinvasive techniques with either non- invasive or invasive treatments for non-cavitated proximal lesions both in primary and permanent teeth. The radiographic lesion progression was set as primary outcome. Rayyan and EndNote X9 were used for screening and full text review respectively. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We performed analysis with the help of RevMan5.4 and calculated odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for evaluation of efficacy. The quality of evidence was assessed with the help of GRADEpro. A total of 185 studies were recruited after initial search, of which 18 were recruited after screening. Finally, 13 studies were included, and all were split mouth randomized controlled trials comparing various microinvasive techniques with non-invasive techniques. Five of the included trials studied primary teeth in children ranging from 3 to 9 years and seven trials assessed permanent teeth in children and adults ranging from 11 to 45 years while one trial included children having lesions on both primary and permanent teeth. The risk of bias assessment showed that 2 of the included studies had unclear risk of bias whereas 11 were at low risk of bias. Tau2, I2, and Chi-Square tests (0.04, 10% and 7.50 respectively) showed minimum level of heterogeneity. The overall odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.29 (95% CI 0.19–0.38) showed that microinvasive techniques were superior as compared to noninvasive techniques for the management of proximal lesions. The subgroup analysis was also performed for types of dentitions, various microinvasive interventions and levels of caries depth. All showed improved outcomes in case of microinvasive interventions as compared to noninvasive techniques. The publication bias was assessed using forest plot and there was no significant publication bias. The quality of evidence assessed by GRADEpro came out to be moderate. This review concludes that microinvasive techniques are superior to noninvasive interventions for the treatment of non-cavitated proximal lesions in both primary and permanent dentition. However, cost effectiveness, feasibility, durability, and long-term effects of microinvasive techniques need to be explored further.

Background: To evaluate the radiant power of the light cure units (LCUs) in relation to their type, radiant exitance, number of years in clinical use, and condition of LCUs tips in governmental and public clinics in Dental Faculties in Sana’a City. Materials and Methods: LCUs were collected from different colleges at Sanaa City, Yemen, then LCU data as type, clinical age (< 1 year, between 1– 5 and ˃ 5-years), tip condition was visually inspected for damage and adhering debris, and the radiant exitance values of the tested LCUs. Radiant exitance values were subcategorized into three groups: < 400, 400– 850, and > 850 mW/cm², labeled as inadequate, marginal, and adequate radiant exitances, respectively. A Woodpecker radiometer was used with a mode lasting of 20 seconds was used with each LCU. Descriptive statistics of the different parameters were evaluated with SPSS version 25. One-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney tests were performed to determine the mean difference between the groups with a significance value of ˂ 0.05 was considered. Results: Two hundred twenty-three LCUs were surveyed, and the majority were Light–emitting diode (LED). Forty-nine (21.9%), 117 (52.4%), 57 (25.6%) recorded lesser than, 400– 850, and more than 850 mW/cm², respectively. Radiant exitances of < year-old units were found to be higher than those of units used for ˃ 5 years with significant differences (p=0.001). The ANOVA test showed significant differences between the radiant exitance with clinical age and LCU tip conditions and a strong correlation p ˃ 0.050. Conclusion: LED curing lights were the most used in the tested Dental Faculties. More than half of the used LCU offered sufficient radiant exitance. Clinical age, the presence or absence of composite buildups, and damage to curing tips showed significantly affect radiant exitance values.

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a self-adhesive dental restorative material composed of a polyacrylic acid liquid and fluoro-aluminosilicate glass powder. It is commonly used for cementation during dental restoration. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature regarding the clinical performance of GIC in load-bearing dental restorations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in EBSCO, PubMed, Embrace, and Cochrane databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the search, and a broad search technique was used, where inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. After a thorough evaluation, 12 RCTs were extensively reviewed, and whether GIC is suitable for load-bearing restorations was determined. Significant variations in staining surface or margin, color match, translucency, esthetic anatomical form, retention, material fracture, marginal adaptation, surface luster, occlusal contour, wear, and approximal anatomical form indicated the unsuitability of GIC. By contrast, significance differences in patient view and periodontal response indicated that GIC is suitable. No significant differences in postoperative sensitivity, recurrence of caries, or tooth integrity were observed. Nevertheless, the results of the review demonstrated that the clinical performance of GIC is comparable to that of traditional restorative materials with regard to the parameters analyzed. GIC is a suitable restorative material for load-bearing restorations regarding surface margin, esthetic anatomical form, material retention and fracture, marginal adaptation, occlusal contour, wear, and approximal anatomical form. It reduces other parameters, such as postoperative sensitivity, recurrence of caries, and tooth integrity.

This current paper aims to review the literature on the root canal configuration (RCC) and root structure of permanent mandibular premolars. To find the published scientific literature on the RCC of mandibular premolars up to July 2022, a systematic search of four electronic databases was performed. The studies were selected, rendering to a predetermined point of reference: “mandibular 2nd premolar”, “root and canal system”, “morphology of root and canal”, “root and canal configuration”, and “morphology”, along with “anatomy” and “mandibular premolars”. Cross-referencing along with screening through the bibliographies of the chosen articles resulted in the identification of further studies. In the current study, we examined 30 different articles, and we chose them based on the quality of research investigations. From 3471 retrieved studies, a total of 15981 mandibular 2nd premolars were observed in 30 studies. The mean JBI score for studies assessing the structure of the root, as well as the root canal of the mandibular 2nd premolar, was 7.78 ± 0.81. We have found a pooled prevalence of 91.82% for Vertucci class I root canal morphology and 78.63% pooled prevalence of single-rooted mandibular second premolar. A total of 8677 mandibular 1st premolars were observed in 22 studies. The mean JBI score for studies assessing the structure and anatomy of the root, as well as root canal of mandibular 1st premolar, was 7. 95 ± 0.85. We have found a pooled prevalence of 74.34% for Vertucci class I root canal morphology and 85.20% pooled prevalence of single-rooted mandibular 1st premolar. Mandibular first and second premolars were mostly single-rooted teeth (89.5–100%). The most frequently seen RCC is a 1-1-2-/2 (type V–Vertucci’s), followed by 1-1-2-/1 (type IV– Vertucci’s; type III–Weine’s), and finally RCC 2-2-2-1 (type IV–Vertucci’s; type III–Weine’s). Presently, the imaging of CBCT is the most used research approach for studying Mn2Ps’ structural characteristics.