Transcriptome changes in humans acutely exposed to nanoparticles during grinding of dental nanocomposites.

Aim: Today, there is a lack of research studies concerning human acute exposure to nanoparticles (NPs). Our investigation aimed to simulate real-world acute inhalation exposure to NPs released during work with dental nanocomposites in a dental office or technician laboratory. Methods: Blood samples from female volunteers were processed before and after inhalation exposure. Transcriptomic mRNA and miRNA expression changes were analyzed. Results: We detected large interindividual variability, 90 significantly deregulated mRNAs, and 4 miRNAs when samples of participants before and after dental nanocomposite grinding were compared. Conclusion: The results suggest that inhaled dental NPs may present an occupational hazard to human health, as indicated by the changes in the processes related to oxidative stress, synthesis of eicosanoids, and cell division.

What is this article about? We searched for a possible impact of acute inhalation exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) released during the grinding of dental nanocomposites used for teeth reconstruction. The exposure design utilized in our study simulated the acute exposure of the dental staff to the NPs. Our research fills the gaps in knowledge in the field of acute human inhalation exposure to dental nanocomposites.What were the results? Results indicate that the impact of exposure to NPs is dependent on the style of working as well as on the interindividual biological variability among study subjects. Changes in expression levels of genes associated with an increase of oxidative stress, synthesis of eicosanoids (signaling molecules related to e.g., immune responses), and cell division were detected.What do the results of the study mean? All the observed changes may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, carcinogenesis, or problems during pregnancy. Occupational exposure to inhaled NPs, including those generated in dental practice can pose a significant health risk, and protective measures when working with these materials should be considered. More research is needed to compare our results with chronic (long-term) exposure to similar materials to show the hazards related to their inhalation.

Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin in the Management of Temporomandibular Symptoms Associated with Sleep Bruxism: A Systematic Review.

Sleep bruxism, characterized by involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep, poses significant challenges in management due to its potential to induce temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) and other related symptoms. The use of Botulinum toxin Type A (BoNT-A), also known as Botox®, has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BoNT-A in the management of sleep bruxism, focusing on pain reduction, improvement in jaw function, reduction in bruxism episodes, and the incidence of adverse effects. An exhaustive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to January 2024, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Nine randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving 137 participants were analyzed for efficacy and safety outcomes. The studies demonstrated a significant reduction in mean pain scores (from 7.1 to 0.2 at 6 months and 1 year post-treatment in one study) and a notable decrease in the number of bruxism events (from 4.97/h to 1.70/h in the BoNT-A group in another study). Additionally, improvements were observed in jaw stiffness and total sleep time. Adverse effects varied but were generally mild and transient, including injection site pain in 20% of participants in one study and cosmetic changes in smile in 15.4% of patients in another. These findings suggest that BoNT-A injections may provide some benefits for treating nocturnal bruxism, potentially reducing TMD symptoms like pain and improving jaw function. However, these findings are preliminary due to variability in study designs and the absence of detailed statistical analysis.

Oral cancer diagnosis communication: Impact of an educational intervention using the SPIKES protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of a single educational intervention on the perception and knowledge of strategies for communicating oral cancer diagnoses. METHODS: A educational intervention, 72 dentists and 41 dental undergraduates participated in the 'Maio Vermelho Project', a continuing education activity. Participants completed a 14-question online questionnaire concerning their experiences and perceptions of delivering difficult news. The educational intervention featured an interview illustrating the SPIKES protocol, broadcast on YouTube. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 40 years. A minority (21.2%) had encountered or experienced communicating an oral cancer diagnosis. Exposure to lectures on this topic during their education was uncommon (22.1%) but more prevalent among students. After the intervention, confidence in communicating a cancer diagnosis (29.2%) and addressing the patient's family (30.1%) in line with the SPIKES protocol increased. CONCLUSION: A training deficit persists in delivering cancer diagnoses, highlighting the need for educational interventions to empower students and professionals in this critical procedure. Integration of this topic into the dental undergraduate curriculum is imperative. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Effectively communicating a cancer diagnosis poses challenges to healthcare professionals, impacting treatment outcomes. Implementing educational interventions ensures that professionals are well prepared to navigate this complex task, ultimately improving patient care.

Trends and patterns of antibiotic using from 2014 to 2018 in stomatology hospitals of China.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze trends of antibiotic consumption and expenditure in Chinese stomatology hospitals between 2014 and 2018 with a longitudinal study design, and show the impacts of the comprehensive policy on dental antibiotic use in China. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Consumption was quantified as the number of daily defined doses (DDDs) and expenditure as the procurement costs, using medical institutions' drug procurement data from the Chinese Monitoring Network for Rational Use of Drugs. Descriptive statistics was employed and the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was calculated to show the average annual growth rate. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2018, overall antibiotic consumption increased from 842.6 thousand DDDs to 1376.7 thousand DDDs (p < 0.001) and expenditure increased from 11.6 million RMB to 20.9 million RMB (p < 0.001), where other ß-lactam antibacterials accounted for the largest proportion of total consumption (37.1%-50.1%) and expenditure (52.9%-66.6%), and also increase the largest (CAGR = 18.4%, p < 0.001). The proportion of oral antibiotics was nearly 9 times of parenteral antibiotics in consumption (CAGR = 0.3%, p = 0.023) and only 2 times in expenditure (CAGR = -1.7%, p = 0.112). The non-restricted group accounted for more than 90% of consumption (CAGR = 0.6%, p < 0.001). In 2018, oral first-generation cephalosporins (22.8%), oral imidazole derivatives (22.3%), and oral second-generation cephalosporins (19.2%) were the most frequently used antibiotic classification, while parenteral second-generation cephalosporins were top one (19.8%) for expenditure. At chemical substance levels, the consumption of oral cefradine ranked top one (21.4%) and parenteral cefuroxime accounted for the largest proportion of expenditure (14.5%) in 2018. Oral cefradine, oral metronidazole, and oral cefaclor were the top three frequently consumed antibiotics throughout the five years. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the potential antibiotic overuse, the comprehensive antibiotic stewardship regulations of China got a satisfactory and better performance in dental practices. More effort is needed to establish more explicit guidelines to improve antibiotic stewardship, such as priority recommending amoxicillin and its derivatives for endodontic infections.

Equity and Prediction of Bed Allocation of the Department of Stomatology in Chinese Hospitals.

Objective: To analyze the equity of bed allocation of the department of stomatology in Chinese hospitals and predict the development in the next 5 years, so as to provide a scientific basis for promoting the development of oral health. Methods: Data on the beds of the department of stomatology in Chinese hospitals from 2017 to 2021 were obtained from the China Health Statistical Yearbook. The Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, Theil index and agglomeration degree were used to analyze the equity of the bed allocation, and the grey prediction model GM(1,1) was used to predict the development from 2022 to 2026. Results: From 2017 to 2020, the Gini coefficient of bed allocation of the department of stomatology in Chinese hospitals was below 0.2 by population. From 2017 to 2021, the Gini coefficient of beds was above 0.6 by geography and between 0.2 and 0.3 by economy. The Theil index of beds ranged from 0.022 to 0.056 by population, from 0.532 to 0.564 by geography, and from 0.042 to 0.047 by economy. The inequity in the allocation by population was mainly from between regions, and the inequity in the allocation by geography and economy was mainly from within regions. Health resource agglomeration degree (HRAD) was greater than 2 in the eastern and central regions and less than 1 in the western region. HRAD/ population agglomeration degree (PAD) was greater than 1 in the northeast, eastern, and central regions and less than 1 in the western region. According to the prediction, the number of beds of the department of stomatology in Chinese hospitals will continue to increase, reaching 47,862.485 in 2026. Conclusion: The equity of bed allocation was better by population and economy than by geography. The equity of beds in the western region is insufficient equity by population and geography, and the equity of beds in the eastern region is insufficient equity by economy.

Evaluating the Therapeutic Properties of Natural Products in Orthodontic and Surgical Treatment of Dentofacial Deformities: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

The use of natural products as alternatives to traditional pharmacological treatments in orthodontics is gaining interest due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of natural products in reducing inflammation and bacterial presence in orthodontic and orthognathic treatment settings. The database search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to January 2024. The review focused on randomized controlled trials only. The selected studies centered on the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects of natural products, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for data extraction. Nine studies, totaling 358 participants, were included. Significant findings demonstrated a reduction in gingival inflammation by over 40% with the use of Aloe vera compared to chlorhexidine. Another study noted a decrease in bleeding on probing by 13.6 points in the treatment group over placebo. Additionally, honey showed a rapid modulation of plaque pH and significantly reduced bacterial counts of Streptococcus mutans. Furthermore, the use of resveratrol emulgel was linked to substantial improvements in gingival health, with a reduction in the gingival index and probing pocket depth. The results indicate that natural products can significantly enhance orthodontic treatment outcomes by reducing inflammation and bacterial levels. These products offer effective alternatives to traditional treatments and show potential for integration into routine orthodontic care protocols. Further research is encouraged to standardize application methods and dosages to maximize clinical benefits and patient satisfaction.

Genetic alteration profiling in middle-aged women acutely exposed during the mechanical processing of dental nanocomposites.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have become an important part of everyday life, including their application in dentistry. Aside from their undoubted benefits, questions regarding their risk to human health, and/or genome have arisen. However, studies concerning cytogenetic effects are completely absent. A group of women acutely exposed to an aerosol released during dental nanocomposite grinding was sampled before and after the work. Exposure monitoring including nano (PM0.1) and respirable (PM4) fractions was performed. Whole-chromosome painting for autosomes #1, #4, and gonosome X was applied to estimate the pattern of cytogenetic damage including structural and numerical alterations. The results show stable genomic frequency of translocations (FG/100), in contrast to a significant 37.8% (p<0.05) increase of numerical aberrations caused by monosomies (p<0.05), but not trisomies. Monosomies were mostly observed for chromosome X. In conclusion, exposure to nanocomposites in stomatology may lead to an increase in numerical aberrations which can be dangerous for dividing cells.

A cross-sectional mental-health survey of Chinese postgraduate students majoring in stomatology post COVID-19 restrictions.

Background: The psychological status of Chinese postgraduate students majoring in stomatology after the COVID-19 restrictions still remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the mental status through a cross-sectional survey and gather related theoretical evidence for psychological intervention on postgraduate students majoring in stomatology. Methods: An online survey was administered, and subjective well-being, anxiety, stress and depression symptoms were assessed using the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively, wherein suicidal ideation and sleep-related problems were measured with PHQ-9 and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results: A total of 208 participants who completed one questionnaire were considered as valid. It was found that female respondents generally exhibited significantly higher levels of PSS-10, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scores and shorter physical activity hours than male students. Students from rural areas demonstrated significantly higher levels of PHQ-9, suicidal ideation, and less portion of good or fair family economic support. Additionally, individuals from only-child families reported increased levels of activity hours (1.78 ± 2.07, p = 0.045) and a higher portion (55.10%, p = 0.007) of having clear future plan as compared with multiple-child families. The risk factors for anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score) were higher scores of PSS-10 (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09-1.22), PHQ-9 (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.22-1.49), and ISI-7 (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.06-1.23), while owning a clear graduation plan was the protective factor (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.31-0.98). Moreover, the risk factors for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) included PSS-10 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04-1.16), GAD-7 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.25-1.52), suicidal ideation (OR = 5.66, 95% CI = 3.37-9.51), and ISI-7 (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.09-1.25). Approximately 98.08% of Chinese postgraduates studying stomatology reported experiencing at least moderate stress after the COVID-19 restrictions. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, senior students were more inclined to stress, while anxiety symptoms were related to severer levels of stress, depression, and insomnia. Depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, insomnia, suicidal ideation, and lower levels of self-reported well-being. Thus, psychological interventions for postgraduates should be timely and appropriately implemented by strengthening well-being, reasonably planning for the future, and good physique, thereby mitigating the psychological issues after COVID-19 restrictions.

A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Caries in the Permanent Teeth of Children and Adolescents.

This systematic review critically evaluates the association between serum Vitamin D levels and dental caries incidence in the permanent teeth of children and adolescents. The search strategy comprised three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase), up to November 2023, targeting studies on the correlation between Vitamin D and dental caries in permanent dentition. The eligibility criteria focused on observational studies involving children and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years with permanent dentition. The screening process, guided by the PRISMA guidelines and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quality assessment, resulted in the inclusion of eight studies conducted across various global regions from 2013 to 2023. The analysis revealed that Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were prevalent among the study populations, ranging from 17.3% to 69.4%. Specifically, children and adolescents with Vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) were found to have significantly higher odds of developing caries, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.13 to 2.57. Conversely, two studies indicated a protective effect of higher Vitamin D levels, with an OR of 0.80 and 0.59, respectively, for caries among children and adolescents with serum levels ≥ 50 nmol/L, suggesting an inverse relationship between Vitamin D status and caries risk. The results indicate both the protective role of adequate serum levels of Vitamin D above 20 ng/mL and the increased risk associated with insufficient levels below this threshold. However, the variations in study quality, methodologies and geographic settings underscore the challenges in drawing universal conclusions. Despite these limitations, our review suggests that improving Vitamin D status could be a beneficial component of preventive strategies against dental caries in children and adolescents, warranting further research to clarify the clinical significance of our findings.

Contributions of University of Toronto Dentistry Alumni to China's Early Dental Education.

University of Toronto Dentistry alumni have made valuable contributions to the evolution of dentistry and the dental profession not only in Canada but also internationally. The founder and some of the early faculty members of West China College of Stomatology at Sichuan University (formerly the Dental School of West China Union University), known as the birthplace of China's modern dental science education, were alumni from the University of Toronto. With their excellent dental background, skills, and dedication, those pioneers laid a firm foundation for modern dental education in China and their contributions to this effort will be addressed in this paper.

Application of lecture-and-team-based learning in stomatology: in-class and online.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate stomatological students' learning efficacy and their attitude towards Lecture-Team-Based Learning (LTBL) on topics regarding the design of removable partial dentures via in-class, online, and both in combination. METHODS: Students from seven distinct grades participated in the course in their fourth academic year (Years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021). Students of Years 2015-2019 attended in-class LTBL, students of Year 2020 attended online LTBL, and students of Year 2021 attended the combination mode. The scores of three examinations were compared, namely, individual readiness assessment test, team readiness assurance test, and individual application test. Visual Analog Scales (VAS) were used for students to self-assess their mastery of prosthodontics knowledge before and after the course. Anonymous questionnaires were delivered to evaluate their satisfaction with LTBL via a Likert scale. RESULTS: In each academic year, the three exam scores were significantly improved as the course progressed and VAS-post scores were significantly higher than VAS-pre scores. The three examination and VAS scores of students in Year 2020 were significantly lower than those in Years 2019 and 2021. Students were highly satisfied with the LTBL course based on the three parameters of knowledge acquisition, teamwork, and classroom atmosphere. CONCLUSION: Students were highly satisfied with the LTBL course and their learning performance was improved as the course progressed both in-class and online. Online LTBL could be adopted when students have to study online, while in-class LTBL could perform better when combined with video records of an online LTBL course.

Ergonomic interventions and endodontic treatment outcomes: An analysis of dentist working posture and error rates.

Purpose: Dentists spend a long time the day in the position. It is possible that this leads to discomfort that may translate to procedural errors during treatment, such as root canal treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship of working posture and procedural errors in endodontic manipulations. Materials and Methods: 32 dentists (17 men, 53.13%, and 15 women, 46.88%) from the University Dental Polyclinic of Uzhhorod National University (Uzhhorod, Ukraine) were included in the study. REBA, RULA, frequency of procedural errors were analysed using regression. Results: This study revealed a surprising trend where a decrease in errors during endodontic treatment was associated with higher RULA and REBA scores, contrary to the expected increase in errors with higher ergonomic stress. Additionally, the research highlighted the significant impact of a dentist's handedness and tooth position in the dental arch on treatment ergonomics and efficiency, as observed and analyzed through ergonomic assessments and statistical methods. Conclusions: The study conclusively demonstrated that optimal positioning and alignment during dental procedures significantly contribute to a reduction in procedural errors, underscoring the importance of ergonomics in clinical dentistry.

Research hotspots and trends of nanomaterials in stomatology: A bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023.

Background: Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as highly promising candidates for stomatology due to their excellent quality and remarkable progress in recent years. However, with the rapid expansion of the research scale, challenges arise in the technological decision-making and research management processes, and therefore difficulty for researchers to understand the knowledge structure and research hotspots has increased significantly. This study aims to make a comprehensive summary of authors, institutions, journals, research topics, development trends, and research hotspots of NMs in stomatology through bibliometric analysis for the sake of providing references for scientific decision-making, research management, and academic exploration in this filed. Methods: Studies on research and application of NMs in stomatology were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from January 1, 2000 to April 27, 2023. Bibliometric analysis and visualization were conducted using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Results: A total of 620 articles were included in this study, showing a gradual increase in the number of publications focusing on NMs in stomatology. Globally, China ranked first with 130 publications, and the United States (US) enjoyed the highest citation count (n = 5218) and average citation per paper (ACP) (n = 52.18). The top three institutions with the highest publication output were the University of Sao Paulo (n = 22), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (n = 20), and Shanghai Jiaotong University (n = 13). The journals MATERIALS and NANOMATERIALS emerged as the most popular in this field (n = 20), and BIOMATERIALS had the highest co-citations (n = 1597). The most prolific author was Dos Reis and Andrea Candido (n = 7), while Thomas J. Webster enjoyed the highest co-citations (n = 94). Burstness analysis of the references revealed a prominent research focus on nanoparticle drug delivery systems (specifically lipid nanoparticles). Keyword burstness analysis identified "oxide nanoparticle" as the primary frontier keyword in this field. Conclusion: This is the first study of using bibliometric analysis to summarize the research trends and frontiers of NMs in stomatology. With progressive advancements in the research and application of NMs in oral healthcare, their academic impact is steadily increasing. China and the US maintain a leading position in this field. Future directions could primarily focus on the development and application of nanoparticle drug delivery systems (especially lipid nanoparticles) and metal oxide nanoparticles (especially in antibacterial aspects). We hope that this bibliometric analysis could provide researchers with a panoramic view and useful references for future research, thus promoting the development of NMs in stomatology.

The scientometric characteristics of cheilitis researched by multidisciplinary specialists: A comparative study.

Background/purpose: Cheilitis is a relatively common lip disease with many etiologies and causes including concomitant mucocutaneous or systemic diseases, which needs multidisciplinary communication. The purpose of this study was to compare the scientometric characteristics of cheilitis publications by multidisciplinary specialists. Materials and methods: All the papers on cheilitis were comprehensively retrieved from the Scopus database, and divided into three groups (dermatologists, stomatologists, and other scholars). Results: There were 478 and 241 papers on cheilitis published by dermatologists and stomatologists, respectively. The total citation count was 5838 and the h index was 36 for cheilitis publications by dermatologists, and the total count was 2983 and the h index was 27 for cheilitis publications by stomatologists. Interestingly, we observed that dermatologists preferentially concerned contact cheilitis/dermatitis and plasma cell cheilitis, while stomatologists preferentially concerned cheilitis-related lip neoplasms including squamous cell carcinoma, dysplasia, and precancerous conditions. The most common disorder researched by both dermatologists and stomatologists was actinic cheilitis. The keywords such as patch test, cosmetic, edema, drug efficacy, toothpaste, lipstick, allergens, and granulomatous inflammation were common in dermatologists' publications; while the keywords such as protein expression, metabolism, risk factor, prevalence, malignant transformation, and carcinogenesis were common in stomatologists' publications. Conclusion: This study for the first time reported the scientometric characteristics of cheilitis as an interdisciplinary disease researched by specialists. It highlights that cheilitis-related specialists through reciprocal collaboration and communication will improve the patients' outcomes.

Literature review and prospect on oral cognition and disease diagnosis and treatment between Han and Tang dynasties.

Chinese medicine entered a significant period from foundation to maturity between Han and Tang dynasties when the Chinese traditional stomatology was a key stage. Sorting and analysis of existing literature and research outcomes have showed that current research on stomatology between Han and Tang dynasties focuses on oral physiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment, and health care. It also involves stomatology history and explanation of termino-logies related to mouth and teeth recorded in medical books, use of simple methods, and thinking with citation and analysis of literature simply listed and reasoning preliminarily deducted. From the macro perspective, current research has not unveiled the whole picture of stomatology between the two dynasties and left a series of key issues unresolved. Thus, new methods should be developed and employed to carry out medical research on stomatology between Han and Tang dynasties given that is has a prosperous future.

Current status and future prospects of stomatology research. / å£è ”åŒ»å­¦ç ”ç©¶çŽ°çŠ¶ä¸Žå±•æœ›.

Research in stomatology (dental medicine) continues to expand globally and is oriented towards solving clinical issues, focusing on clarifying the clinical relevance and potential mechanisms of oral|-|systemic connections via clinical epidemiology, oral microecological characterization, and the establishment of animal models. Interdisciplinary integration of materials science and tissue engineering with stomatology is expected to lead to the creation of innovative materials and technologies to better resolve the most prevalent and challenging clinical issues such as peri-implantitis, soft and hard tissue defects, and dentin hypersensitivity. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), 5th generation mobile communication technology (5G), and big data applications, "intelligent stomatology" is emerging to build models for better clinical diagnosis and management, accelerate the reform of education, and support the growth and advancement of scientific research. Here, we summarized the current research status, and listed the future prospects and limitations of these three aspects, aiming to provide a basis for more accurate etiological exploration, novel treatment methods, and abundant big data analysis in stomatology to promote the translation of research achievements into practical applications for both clinicians and the public.

La Bioseguridad en los Servicios de Estomatología. Una Revisión Sistemática / Biosecurity in Stomatology Services, A Systematic Review

La odontología frente al virus SARS-CoV-2 ha sido calificada como la práctica que conlleva más riesgo comparado a otras profesiones en el ámbito de la salud, sobre todo porque el campo de trabajo es la cavidad oral, exponiéndose a diferentes agentes patógenos que podrían poner en riesgo la vida de los odontólogos, y ante el COVID-19 se expone esta preocupante realidad, por lo que a nivel internacional y local se han restructurado los protocolos de atención odontológica. El objetivo del presente estudio fue para concientizar la necesidad de prevenir la morbimortalidad por las infecciones cruzadas, mediante un espacio seguro, con la aplicación estricta de la bioseguridad para todos los que participan en la consulta estomatológica. La presente revisión ha encontrado coincidencias de criterios, así como, recomendaciones universales en la prevención de las infecciones cruzadas y manejo de la seguridad ante el riesgo de contagio.

Dentistry against the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been classified as the practice that carries more risk compared to other professions in the field of health, especially since the field of work is the oral cavity, exposing itself to different pathogens that could putting the lives of dentists at risk, and in the face of COVID-19 this worrying reality is exposed, so at the international and local level dental care protocols have been restructured. The objective of this study is to raise awareness of the need to prevent morbidity and mortality due to cross infections, through a safe space, with the strict application of biosafety for all those who participate in the stomatological consultation. The present review has found coincidences of criteria, as well as universal recommendations in the prevention of cross infections and management of safety in the face of the risk of contagion.

Neuroticism and Psychological Stress in Patients Suffering Oral Lichen Planus: Research Evidence of Psycho-Stomatology?

Psychosocial factors influence the development, exacerbation, or aggravation of some oral diseases. However, the possible relationship between personality traits, affective disorders, and psychological stress in oral diseases, and their impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), has not been fully clarified. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of neuroticism and stress with the presence of oral lichen planus (OLP), and to discover whether or not these factors impact OHRQoL. This is a case-control study matched for age and sex. The case group (OLP group) was composed of 20 patients diagnosed with OLP, while 20 people with a diagnosis of lesions not associated with stress formed the control group. Three instruments were used: the Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Scale, the Five Factor Personality Model, and the OHIP-49. Neuroticism obtained a score of 25.5 (±5.4) in the OLP group, which was higher than the control group value (21.7) (±5.1) (p = 0.03). The OLP group showed a worse quality of life (p < 0.05); the most affected dimensions were psychological discomfort and physical disability. It is important to include a psychological profile to establish a comprehensive treatment for these patients. We propose the recognition of a new area of clinical oral medicine: psycho-stomatology.

WAYS OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF PROSTHETICS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Justify the choice of the construction material of dental prostheses, taking into account the clinical picture and concomitant diseases in military personnel and the study of the dynamics of military personnel seeking orthopedic dental care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 185 military personnel were examined and fitted with prosthetics in the period from March 2022 to March 2023. Methods: general clinical, content analysis, bibliosemantic, medical and statistical. RESULTS: Results: All patients who came to us for dental care had previously been replaced with fixed metal structures. Of them, 121 people indicated problems related to the use of metal prostheses. From these patients, a risk group of intolerance to prosthesis materials was formed and a search was made for base materials that would be biologically indifferent. For the manufacture of partial removable prostheses, we chose the basic thermoplastic material Acron, manufactured by Roko (Poland), which has high biocompatibility with the tissues of the prosthetic bed. When choosing the structures of partial removable prostheses in patients with various defects of the dentition, we were guided by a small number of clinical visits, which is relevant for military personnel who are on rotation and treated in the hospital. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Our careful selection of structural material made it possible to prevent complications and produce high-quality removable prostheses in a short period of time. An analysis of the reasons for orthopedic care showed low awareness of the servicemen regarding the need for timely orthopedic treatment.

[Application of Animal Model Training in Preclinical Skills Teaching for Graduate Students of Dentistry].

Objective: To explore the potential application value of animal model training in improving the comprehensive clinical ability of postgraduate students of dentistry and to provide reference for new methods of preclinical skills teaching. Methods: A total of 40 postgraduate students of dentistry were assigned to two groups, an experimental group and a control group. The control group took the routine teaching course on root canal treatment for the right mandibular first molar, using a simulated model of human head. The experimental group also took a teaching course on root canal therapy for the right mandibular first molar, but an animal model was used for the group. After the course was completed, the instructor conducted comprehensive evaluation of the students' psychological quality, patient communication skills, diagnosis and treatment logic, speed of performing procedures, and treatment plan design. A questionnaire survey was conducted to examine the students' attitudes toward and evaluation of animal model training. Results: The scores for psychological quality (0.430±0.024 vs. 0.115±0.036), patient communication skills (0.878±0.065 vs. 0.115±0.036), diagnosis and treatment logic (0.630±0.066 vs. 0.372±0.033), speed of performing procedures (0.8975±0.019 vs. 0.055±0.080), and treatment plan design (0.539±0.036 vs. 0.396±0.017) of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P<0.0001). The total score of the experimental group (3.374±0.184) was significantly higher than that of the control group (1.053±0.082) and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). 95% of the students in the control group and 100% of those in the experimental group were willing to participate in animal model training to improve their level of diagnosis and treatment skills for dental and endodontic diseases, showing no statistically significant difference ( χ 2=1.026, P=0.3112). In the experimental group, 30% of the students believed that their psychological qualities had been improved, 50% believed that their procedure skills had been improved, and 20% believed that animal model training had expanded the scope of their theoretical knowledge. Conclusion: Adding animal model training can improve dentistry graduate students' comprehensive abilities, including their psychological quality, patient communication skills, diagnosis and treatment logic, speed of performing procedures, and treatment plan design. In addition, it helps students familiarize themselves in advance with animal experimental operations for basic research, thus helping them acquire dual professional skills.