Understanding patient safety in dentistry: evaluating the present and envisioning the future-a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Patient safety is crucial in dentistry, yet it has received delayed recognition compared with other healthcare fields. This literature review assesses the current state of patient safety in dentistry, investigates the reasons for the delay, and offers recommendations for enhancing patient safety in dental practices, dental schools, and hospitals. METHODS: The review incorporates a thorough analysis of existing literature on patient safety in dentistry. Various sources, including research articles, guidelines and reports, were reviewed to gather insights into patient safety definitions, challenges and best practices specific to dentistry. RESULTS: The review underscores the importance of prioritising patient safety in dentistry at all levels of healthcare. It identifies key definitions and factors contributing to the delayed focus on patient safety in the field. Additionally, it emphasises the significance of establishing a patient safety culture and discusses approaches such as safety plans, incident management systems, blame-free cultures and ethical frameworks to enhance patient safety. CONCLUSION: Patient safety is vital in dentistry to ensure high-quality care and patient well-being. The review emphasises the importance of prioritising patient safety in dental practices, dental schools and hospitals. Through the implementation of recommended strategies and best practices, dental organisations can cultivate a patient safety culture, enhance communication, mitigate risks and continually improve patient safety outcomes. The dissemination of knowledge and the active involvement of all stakeholders are crucial for promoting patient safety and establishing a safe dental healthcare system.

Stem Cell Therapy for Treatment of Ocular Disorders.

Sustenance of visual function is the ultimate focus of ophthalmologists. Failure of complete recovery of visual function and complications that follow conventional treatments have shifted search to a new form of therapy using stem cells. Stem cell progenitors play a major role in replenishing degenerated cells despite being present in low quantity and quiescence in our body. Unlike other tissues and cells, regeneration of new optic cells responsible for visual function is rarely observed. Understanding the transcription factors and genes responsible for optic cells development will assist scientists in formulating a strategy to activate and direct stem cells renewal and differentiation. We review the processes of human eye development and address the strategies that have been exploited in an effort to regain visual function in the preclinical and clinical state. The update of clinical findings of patients receiving stem cell treatment is also presented.