Andreea Mihaela Băluța

Background: The transition from dental education to professional practice represents a critical stage in career development, influenced by individual expectations, labor market conditions, and institutional support mechanisms. This study aimed to explore final-year dental students’ perceptions of professional transition and the role of public authorities in facilitating early-career integration. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 final-year dental students from a single Romanian university using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Most students reported feeling insufficiently prepared for professional practice and identified lack of clinical experience as the main barrier to employment. A strong preference for private sector employment was observed, while interest in the public sector was limited. Students expressed a clear need for structured support, including mentorship, practical training, and career guidance. A significant association was identified between intention to work abroad and the types of support expected from authorities (χ²(2) = 14.7, p < 0.001, moderate effect size). Conclusions: The findings highlight important challenges in the transition to professional practice and emphasize the need for coordinated interventions involving educational institutions and public authorities. Strengthening structured support mechanisms may facilitate professional integration and contribute to improved workforce retention.

Background/Objectives: External root resorption is an undesirable complication of orthodontic treatment, characterized by the loss of dental root structure. The aim of this study was to identify the biological and dental risk factors involved in the development of external root resorption at the end of orthodontic treatment. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on a sample of 120 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment. External root resorption was assessed using pre- and post-treatment panoramic radiographs. Correlations were established between the severity of external root resorption and various biological and dental risk factors. Results: Out of a total of 2639 teeth analyzed, 52.14% exhibited external root resorption, with most cases being mild to moderate (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in relation to gender, facial growth pattern, or type of dento-maxillary anomaly. Conclusions: External root resorption is a common consequence of orthodontic treatment, most often presenting with low severity. The type of tooth and the patient’s age influence the severity of root resorption, while factors such as gender, facial growth pattern, and type of dento-maxillary anomaly did not prove to be significant in this context.

The aim of this article was to establish the prevalence of root resorption in endodontically treated teeth, by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and method. We analysed 609 endodontically treated teeth from patients who visited two private dental offices over a period of 3 years (2020-2023). We searched for any sign of root resorption, internal, external and apical. Results. The overall prevalence of root resorption in root canal treated teeth was 6.57%. Of these, 82.5% had apical periodontitis (AP). 67.57% were external apical inflammatory resorption, 21.62% were external cervical resorption and 18.92% were internal resorption. Conclusions. Root resorption of permanent teeth is an unfavourable condition, which can involve endodontically treated teeth. The most frequent form of resorption was external apical. Posterior teeth presented the highest percentage of resorptions. From the prognosis point of view, it is crucial that they are diagnosed in the early stages. CBCT has an invaluable role in accurately diagnosing this condition.

Background: The development of the dento-maxillary apparatus is governed by complex genetic and environmental interactions, which are crucial for the normal formation of orofacial structures. This review synthesizes current global research on the molecular genetics influencing non-syndromic orthodontic phenotypes, highlighting the importance of genetic insights in enhancing diagnostic and treatment methodologies. Methods: This narrative review compiles findings from genealogical studies, twin studies, and experimental models to explore the genetic and molecular bases of dento-facial variations and dental malocclusions. Focus is placed on transcription factors, growth factor signaling pathways, and the role of cranial neural crest (CNC) cells in craniofacial development. Results: Research identifies key transcription factors and signaling pathways that regulate embryonic craniofacial development. Over 90 specific genes have been implicated in severe craniofacial malformations, underscoring the polygenic and multifactorial nature of these conditions. CNC cells play a pivotal role in both the development and phenotypic outcomes of craniofacial tissues, influencing everything from bone formation to tooth development. Advances in genomics and biotechnology offer potential for novel diagnostic and regenerative treatments in orthodontics. Conclusion: Enhanced understanding of the molecular genetics of dento-maxillary anomalies provides critical insights into their etiology and unveils new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Ongoing research and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to translate these genetic insights into clinical practice, ultimately aiming to improve patient care through personalized medicine approaches. The integration of genomic data into dental research and practice heralds a new era of precision medicine in orthodontics, emphasizing the need for continued innovation and ethical consideration in genetic research.

Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the endodontic morphology of mandibular bicuspids in a Romanian population, by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and method. 507 mandibular premolars were analysed on CBCT scans. We observed: number of roots and prevalence of C-shaped configurations, number and configuration of root canals, position of the bifurcation. Results. For first premolars, Vertucci I (1-1) was the most frequent configuration 66%; 32.8% had 2 canals and 1.2% presented 3 canals; C-shaped first premolars was found in 12.8% of the cases. For second premolars, Vertucci I was prevalent, in 94.55%, two canals were in 5.06% and 3 canals in 0.39% of the cases; C-shaped in 3.11%. The average bifurcation depth was 12.88 mm. Conclusions. Our study found that mandibular premolars are mainly single-rooted and most of the cases present Vertucci type I canal morphology. The finding of variations in this study was not low, compared with other studies. Knowledge and understanding of root canal morphology is paramount for a successful endodontic treatment.