Awareness, attitude and ethical concern of dental practitioners about stem cells: a cross-sectional study / Consciência, atitude e preocupação ética dos dentistas sobre as células-tronco: um estudo transversal

Objective: To evaluate the level of awareness and attitude among dental practitioners regarding the use of stem cells in dentistry and to determine their knowledge of ethical concerns related to the recent therapy. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted at Taibah University Dental College and Hospital. Medina and at governmental and private dental clinics at the western region of Saudi Arabia. Responses of dental practitioners who completed the survey were recorded between March 2019 and July 2019 without containing any personal identifiers. Level of awareness and attitude and knowledge about ethical issues in relation to stem cell therapy was established. Results: A total of 214 male and female dental practitioners participated in this study and the majority were registered at the Saudi Commission for Health Specialists 128 (59.8%). Dental consultants reported the highest percentage of awareness about dental stem cells (96%, p= 0.005), whereas general dental practitioners (56.2%, p= 0.005) and specialists (52%, p= 0.005), respectively had a lower percentage. When ethical concerns were determined, dental consultants had the highest percentage of knowledge (56%, p= 0.005), whereas dental practitioners (71.2%, p= 0.005) with < 5 years of experience (69.1, p= 0.002) lacked information about related ethical issues. Conclusion: Ways to increase stem cell awareness among dental practitioners in this study recommended including stem cell topics in the dental curriculum and organizing frequent seminars and conferences on this subject. (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de consciência e a atitude dos dentistas em relação ao uso de células-tronco na odontologia, e determinar o conhecimento desses profissionais sobre as questões éticas relacionadas à terapia recente. Material e Métodos: Um estudo transversal baseado em pesquisa foi conduzido na Faculdade e Hospital de Odontologia da Universidade Taibah de Medina e em clínicas odontológicas governamentais e privadas na região oeste da Arábia Saudita. As respostas dos dentistas que responderam à pesquisa foram registradas entre março de 2019 e julho de 2019, sem conter nenhum identificador pessoal. Foi estabelecido o nível de consciência, atitude e conhecimento sobre questões éticas em relação à terapia com células-tronco. Resultados: Um total de 214 dentistas do sexo masculino e feminino participaram deste estudo, sendo 128 (59,8%) desses cadastrada na Comissão Saudita de Especialistas em Saúde. Os consultores em odontologia relataram o maior percentual de conhecimento sobre as células-tronco dentárias (96%, p = 0,005), enquanto os dentistas gerais (56,2%, p = 0,005) e especialistas (52%, p = 0,005) tiveram um percentual menor. Quando as questões éticas foram determinadas, os consultores em odontologia tiveram o maior percentual de conhecimento (56%, p = 0,005), enquanto os dentistas (71,2%, p = 0,005) com menos de 5 anos de experiência (69,1%, p = 0,002) tinham menos informações sobre questões éticas relacionadas. Conclusão: Formas de aumentar a conscientização sobre as células-tronco entre os dentistas deste estudo incluem tópicos sobre células-tronco no currículo de odontologia, além de frequentemente organizar seminários e conferências sobre o assunto. (AU)

Assessment the Knowledge and Attitude among the Adult Saudi Population at Saudi Arabia about Teeth Bleaching

This study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge and source of information about teeth bleaching among the adult population of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, to determine the level of satisfaction with the results after bleaching treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a self-administered online questionnaire. A simple random sample comprising of 1126 participants distributed across the five geographical regions of Saudi Arabia (middle, northern, southern, eastern and western). The data obtained was analyzed utilizing frequency distribution and Chi-square test (P ≤ 0.05). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in knowledge of bleaching in relation to geographical regions but the age and gender had a significant influence (p=0. 000), (p=0. 001) respectively. Respondents with age group (18- 24 years old) had a higher knowledge than other age groups. In addition, female participants have a higher knowledge than males. 52.6 % of these participants were satisfied with the results achieved after bleaching. Conclusion: There still exist certain doubts and misconceptions regarding the awareness of bleaching procedure and products, hence, more effort should be carried out to provide the public with proper information so that any decision made regarding teeth bleaching would be based on sound foundations.

A finite element study on the mechanical behavior of reciprocating endodontic files

To evaluate the mechanical behavior of reciprocating endodontic files, comparing nickel-titanium NiTi and stainless steel 316L St.St. 316L as manufacturing material for such instruments. METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element model was designed for this study. The simplified instrument model geometry was created on commercial CAD/CAM software. Real strain stress curves of St.St. 316L and NiTi were used in the analysis. Non-linear static analysis was performed to simulate the instrument inside root canal at an angle of 45° in the apical portion, and subjected to torsion of 0.3 N.cm. RESULTS: Non-linear NiTi material showed super elasticity and high functionality in such applications. Very high levels of stress appeared in the file at 3 mm from the tip close to yield point. CONCLUSIONS: St. St. 316L is not suitable for manufacturing reciprocating instruments. Modeling of the instrument with equivalent circular cross-sectional area did not affect results quality. Reciprocating instruments have short lifespan, thus manufacturers recommend using one file per tooth. Reciprocating instruments are recommended for less experienced dentist...