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Background: Applying multifunctional coatings employing strontium (Sr) ions on titanium (Ti) surfaces is a useful and biocompatible method to improve osseointegration and prevent tissue infections through antimicrobial activity. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of Sr coating on the adhesion and viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) to Ti surfaces remains unclear. Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Sr coating on the adhesion and viability of HGFs to Ti surfaces. Materials and Methods: The Ti wafers were divided into two groups based on Sr coating: uncoated Ti (control) and Sr-coated Ti. The Magnetron sputtering technique was used for Sr coating on Ti surfaces. The HGFs were seeded onto the surfaces and cultured for 48 and 96 hours before the cell adhesion and viability of the attached HGFs were assessed. The adhesion of HGFs was analyzed using the attached cell numbers at 48 h and 96 h, and the morphology at 24 h and 72 h. The cytotoxic effect on HGFs was assessed after 24 and 72 hours of incubation using cell viability assay. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The number of cells attached to Sr-coated surfaces was significantly greater than those attached to uncoated Ti surfaces after 48 hours (P<0.0001) and 96 hours (P=0.0002). Sr-coated and uncoated Ti surfaces were not cytotoxic to HGFs, with the cell viability ranging from 92% to 105% of the untreated control HGFs. There were no significant differences in cell viability between Sr-coated and uncoated Ti surfaces at 24 hours (P=0.3675) and 72 hours (P=0.0982). Conclusion: Sr-coated Ti surfaces induce adhesion of HGFs compared to uncoated Ti surfaces. Further, Sr-coated and uncoated Ti surfaces show no cytotoxic effect on the attached HGFs.
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INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study focuses on dental students' proficiency in removing gutta-percha during fiber post space preparation, which is important for maintaining apical seal integrity in endodontically treated teeth. Emphasizing the significance of preventing further reinfection. The primary objective of this study was to assess the proficiency of undergraduate dental students in the manipulation of gutta-percha during fiber post preparation, specifically focusing on the psychomotor skills involved. In addition, the study aims to determine the predictive value of these skills on the ultimate clinical outcomes of the procedure, with particular emphasis on variations attributable to tooth type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis encompassed 290 periapical radiographs obtained from endodontically treated teeth, all of which had undergone fiber post placement by undergraduate students at the College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia. Postoperatively, the length of the remaining gutta-percha was measured by two experts in the field, and subsequent outcomes were classified into three categories: optimal, suboptimal, and inadequate, based on the extent of gutta-percha remaining. RESULTS: Students showed optimal removal rates ranging from 33.3% to 73.1%. Among the studied sample, upper anterior teeth were the highest included teeth (n=117, 40%). Remarkably, lower anterior teeth were more prone to suboptimal and inadequate gutta-percha remaining lengths (n=24, 33%). However, the chi-square test revealed no statistically significant difference in students' psychomotor skills while removing the gutta-percha and preparing the teeth to receive fiber posts across tooth types (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: With the limitations of this study, more than half of the included cases show that undergraduate students of the College of Dentistry at Taibah University, Saudi Arabia, possess an optimum level of psychomotor skills in removing gutta-percha while preparing the teeth for receiving fiber posts. This study suggests enhancing the preclinical training of students by considering more training on different tooth types in relation to dental arches.
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BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction is the ultimate goal in any healthcare system. Together with other traditional quality indicators, patient satisfaction must be addressed to improve the quality of health care. The strategic objectives of the Ministry of Health (MOH) formulated by the Saudi National Transformation Program are to improve the quality of healthcare services, expand privatization of governmental services, and create an attractive environment for both local and international investors. The objective of this study was to apply Kano model to determine quality attributes of patient care at primary healthcare centers in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) under the MOH in Saudi Arabia between October 2018 and February 2019. Study included all Saudi adult patients aged 18 years or older attending the selected PHCs of MOH. Patients who had difficulty in comprehending were excluded. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire based on the Kano model for the assessment of patients' expectations of the quality of care and provided services. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS. Chi-square test and t-test were used to test for statistical significance. RESULTS: The study included a total of 243 patients from 10 PHCs, 51% from consulting PHCs and 49% from nonconsulting PHCs. Response rate was 97.2%, and 44.9% respondents were males. Of the 18 attributes chosen for our study, 14 were one-dimensional, three belonged to the attractive type, and one was indifferent type. The top three one-dimensional attributes were "friendliness and respectfulness of the clinic receptionist," "friendliness and respectfulness of the nurses and laboratory staff," and "care and attention of the doctor". CONCLUSION: The investors and policymakers need to turn their attention to assisting in the privatization of governmental services by creating a good climate for both local and international investors.
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STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The current chemical solubility method in the International Standards Organization (ISO) 6872 (2015) specifies only the total surface area of specimens for testing (≥30 cm2) but does not describe the morphology or geometry. This could impact the reproducibility of the test outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the factors influencing the reliability of the ISO 6872:2015 "Dentistry-Ceramic materials" test for chemical solubility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chemical solubility analysis of a range of materials and specimen geometries was performed in accordance with ISO 6872:2015. Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP), VITABLOCS Mark II, IPS e.max Press, and IPS e.max ZirPress materials were formed into a range of cubic and spherical geometries to comply with the 30-cm2 minimum surface area requirement. The surface microstructure of the specimens was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to analyze the solutes, and surface hardness of the specimens was measured by using a Vickers hardness tester before and after testing. An optimized solubility test was devised, which eliminated specimen handling once the specimens had been ground and polished. This modified test was performed on VITABLOCS Mark II and Y-TZP. RESULTS: The results of the original chemical solubility method of ISO 6872:2015 showed significantly variable findings for each tested material, with a predictable relationship between geometry and chemical solubility. The hardness values decreased significantly after the solubility testing. The optimized method showed significantly improved reproducibility of the chemical solubility measurement compared with the original ISO 6872:2015 test. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current chemical solubility standard method can be manipulated while still complying with the ISO 6872:2015 standard.
