Aim: To analyze the characteristics and visibility of the scientific production of monkeypox in dentistry. Materials and methods: A bibliometric study was carried out with the publications indexed in the Scopus database up to 22 September 2022. A search strategy was developed using Boolean operators “AND” and “OR,” in addition to the MeSH term “monkeypox virus” (MPXV) in the subarea of dentistry. The bibliometric indicators were measured objectively with the SciVal program. Results: Of the publications identified, 40% were indexed in first-quartile journals. India and Brazil are the countries with two published papers, while India has more views than the rest. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India are the institutions with the highest number of citations with respect to the world average (FWCI: 2.74). The International Dental Journal has a publication on monkeypox in the field of dentistry. India is the country with the most authors (06) who have published about the study. Samaranayake Lakshman Perera is the most productive and high-impact author. Conclusion: In the area of dentistry, scientific production on monkeypox is still scarce; however, the publications identified are mainly in high-impact indexed journals (Q1 and Q2). It is necessary to prioritize this disease as a line of research, in addition to articulating efforts between dental teams from different institutions. Clinical significance: It is necessary to demonstrate the characteristics of scientific publications on monkeypox in dentistry worldwide in order to have a panoramic view of the dynamics of scientific articles in this area.

Aim: This study was carefully designed to analyze the perceived psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among Roseman dental students. Students assessed their perceived changes in stress, self-esteem, and lifestyle behavior changes based on the impact of the pandemic. Materials and methods: A self-designed, anonymous, 18-item questionnaire was administered to Roseman dental students after being approved by the Institutional Review Board. Independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were utilized for comparison of psychological factors toward gender, as well as year of study. Chi-square correlations between stress and self-esteem, as well as lifestyle behavior, were also reported. Results: In total, 313 students with a mean age of 28.15 (SD:4.21) completed the survey. Statistically significant differences were shown between students based upon age and year of study, with regard to stress and lifestyle behavior changes. Cross-tabulations of stress with self-esteem and lifestyle behavior changes showed positive relationships, as students with higher levels of stress showed significant self-esteem problems and lifestyle behavior changes. The largest frequency of stress/anxiety and lifestyle behavioral changes was found in the age range of 25–34 years old, particularly in the Class of 2024 and 2025. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a significant psychological impact on dental students at Roseman. However, further studies are needed to assess the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic on University healthcare students as a whole. Clinical significance: The pandemic has not only affected the way in which dental students progress academically but also as healthcare providers now and into the future.

Aim: To assess the microleakage of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) repair high plasticity (HP), EndoSequence root repair material (ESRRM) putty, and Biodentine, when used as an apical plug in immature permanent teeth. Materials and methods: In an in vitro model, 55 extracted maxillary incisors were decoronated and resected 3 mm apically to obtain standardized 15-mm root blocks, which were then cleaned and shaped. All samples had a 1.1-mm standardized, prepared artificial open apex. The teeth were arbitrarily designated into three experimental groups (n = 15) and two control (positive/negative) groups (n = 5). In the experimental groups, orthograde 4-mm thick apical plugs of Biodentine (group I), ESRRM putty (group II), and MTA repair HP (group III) were placed. Positive control samples were left vacant while negative control samples were filled with Biodentine. The bacterial leakage method was used to appraise the sealing efficiency of the cements. Results: Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software, version 21.0, was used for data analysis. Post hoc Tukey's test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and repeated measures of ANOVA were used for intergroup and intragroup comparisons. On day 1, there was a significant difference between the groups, with group II showing the least and group 1 showing the maximum microleakage. No significant difference among the groups was seen at other observational periods. There was a tendency for leakage to increase significantly from day 1 to 7, then decrease till the end of the experimental period. Conclusion: It was concluded that the three materials evaluated, with time, exhibited comparable apical microleakage when treating teeth with open apices. Clinical significance: MTA repair HP can be used as an apical plug material in open apices with similar success as ESRRM putty and marginally better outcome than Biodentine.

Aim: To evaluate the perspectives of parents and children on the impact of early childhood caries (ECC) on the oral health-related quality of life (OHQoF). Materials and methods: About 400 children aged 3–5 years were recruited for the study. About 200 children who were caries-free were the controls for the study. The remaining 200 consisted of children who were diagnosed with ECC and required dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. Oral health-related quality of life was recorded at baseline and 6 months after intervention using the Michigan oral health-related quality of life scale. Data were analyzed and evaluated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. Results: Children with ECC were found to have a significantly lower oral health-related quality of life compared with caries-free children, and a statistically significant difference was seen between both groups. The main concern for both parents and children at baseline was pain at the first visit when the evaluation was done. After the intervention, a significant improvement in the oral health-related quality of life was seen. Conclusion: Early childhood caries was found to have detrimental effects on the oral health-related quality of life. Full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia was found to bring a significant improvement in the oral health-related quality of life. The perspectives of both parents and children were found to be similar. Clinical significance: Early childhood caries has an impact on the lives of children and their parents. Oral health-related quality of life was low with children suffering from ECC. Full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia can significantly improve the OHRQoL of children. Continuous monitoring of the children with regular follow-ups and parental education should be enforced to prevent the relapse of ECC.

Aim: To study the impact of three different surface treatments namely sandblasting, silane-coupling agent, and laser on the retention of zirconia prosthesis and bond strength of zirconia to a resin-luting agent. Materials and methods: Sixty zirconia crowns were fabricated and were divided into four groups of 15 samples each on the basis of surface treatments. A control group with no surface treatment (group A), laser-treated (group B), treatment with silane-coupling agent (group C), and sandblasting with aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) particles (group D). Testing was then carried out using a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min crosshead speed). At a point where the crown got separated from the tooth, the reading in kilogram force (kgF) was recorded. The data were collected and analyzed statistically. Results: Group D produced the highest mean bond strength (17.5233 kgF) followed by group B (10.0067 kgF), group C (8.6907 kgF), and group A (3.3773 kgF). One-way ANOVA test showed a p-value more than 0.05, concluding no significant difference among the groups. Tukey's HSD post hoc test gave the p-value corresponding to the F-statistic of one-way ANOVA lower than 0.01 when intergroup comparison was done confirming a significant difference among the groups. Conclusion: The bond strength significantly increased in the samples treated by sandblasting compared with those treated with laser and silane-coupling agents. Clinical significance: The success of a zirconia prosthesis lies on its bonding with the tooth structure. Bond failure leads to loss of function and hence ends up in failure. Selection of the proper surface treatment will not only improve the bond strength but also amplify the retention of zirconia-based prosthesis, thereby reducing the failure of the final prosthesis. It also improves the longevity of the prosthesis and restores the lost function which is the basic clinical aim of a prosthodontic treatment.

Objective: A great number of patients are completely satisfied with a regular denture, on the other hand, numerous patients are still not satisfied with their denture functions despite proper denture manufacture in relation to prosthetic standards. Aim: To estimate the parameters of satisfaction for patients to improve the health care quality of patients and evaluate the effect of the adaptation period. Materials and methods: A total of 136 patients who participated in this study were patients with complete dentures (CD), after placement of the CD, the patients were asked some questions (about esthetics, phonetics, comfort, quality of fit, and the masticatory efficiency) and the satisfaction of patients was evaluated by using Likert's scale, then recorded four readings, first at the placement visit, second after 1 month, third after 45 days, and last after 2 months. Results: The female patients satisfaction related to phonetics was about 37.8% at the placement visit, but about 91.2% after 2 months; the male patients satisfaction related to phonetics was about 44% at the placement visit, then 94.6% after 2 months; the female patients satisfaction as related to esthetics was about 56.6% at the placement visit, but was about 89.8% after 2 months; the male patients satisfaction as related to esthetics was about 68% at the placement visit, but about 89.4% after 2 months. Conclusion: The satisfaction of the patient with their CD is affected by many factors such as phonetics, esthetics, comfort levels, the quality of fitness of the denture, and the mastication. The differences between gender in satisfaction in all parameters were non-significant, that is, p > 0.001. The adaptation period has an effect on the satisfaction rate of the completely edentulous patient with their CD.

Aim: The aim of this research was to assess the binding of fibrin clot to the teeth affected by periodontal disease following exposure to different root conditioning agents. Materials and methods: A total of 60 human teeth with a solitary root that were subjected to extraction following severe periodontal disease were used as study samples in this research. Two analogous grooves were prepared on the proximal radicular surface of every sample employing a diamond-tapered fissure bur using an aerator handpiece beneath abundant irrigation. Every sample was assigned to one of the following groups: • Group I: Tetracycline hydrochloride solution • Group II: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) gel • Group III: Biopure MTAD™ Subsequent to conditioning, the samples were rinsed for 3 minutes with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and permitted to air-dry for 20 minutes. A drop of fresh human whole blood procured from a hale and hearty volunteer was coated onto the dentin blocks in all three groups. A scanning electron microscope under 5000× magnification at 15 kV was used to examine the samples. Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were performed to procure the inter- and intragroup assessments. Results: The greatest fibrin clot union was noted in the EDTA gel group at 2.86 ± 0.14 in pursuit by Biopure MTAD™ group at 2.39 ± 0.08 as well as tetracycline hydrochloride solution group at 1.82 ± 0.10. A statistically significant difference was noted between the investigational groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This research arrived at a conclusion that the dentinal surfaces subjected to conditioning with EDTA gel group as well as coated with human whole blood resulted in appreciably superior fibrin clot bonding to dentin vs Biopure MTAD™ as well as the tetracycline hydrochloride solution group. Clinical significance: Connective tissue attachment subsequent to surgical procedures causing the adhesion of a fibrin clot to the radicular surface as a result of initial wound healing processes is directly related to periodontal regeneration. It depends on biocompatibility for the fibrin clot and the periodontal pathosis-affected radicular surface to stick together, which can be procured with the aid of a variety of root conditioning measures in course of periodontal treatment.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets with primer pre-curing and co-curing using three light cure adhesive systems. Materials and methods: In this in vitro study, 102 extracted premolar teeth mounted on self-cure acrylic resin blocks were separated into six groups based on primer pre-curing and co-curing with each group receiving stainless steel orthodontic premolar brackets bonded to the buccal surfaces. The following adhesives were used: Transbond XT (3M Unitek, CA, USA), Orthofix (Anabond Stedman, India), and Enlight (Ormco, India). In the groups with pre-curing, the primer was pre-cured for 20 seconds while in the groups with co-curing, the primer and adhesive were cured together. Shear bond strength tests and Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) were assessed followed by an scanning electron microscope (SEM) view (×3000) of the enamel surface after debonding. Statistical analysis was done using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results: The descriptive statistics in the pre-cured groups showed a statistically significant difference. The highest mean SBS was observed for group I, i.e., Transbond XT with primer pre-curing (20.56 ± 3.22 MPa). The lowest mean SBS was for group IV, i.e., Orthofix with primer co-curing (7.57 + 0.49 MPa). The results of ANOVA revealed a significant difference among the groups. The ARI scoring and the SEM analysis also confirmed this finding. Conclusion: Shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets with primer pre-curing showed a better bond strength than brackets with co-curing. The ARI data suggested that the majority of bracket failure happened at the resin–bracket interface. Scanning electron microscope analysis also confirmed the ARI and SBS findings. Clinical significance: During the bonding of orthodontic brackets, the primer can be co-cured where the primer and adhesive resin are cured simultaneously or pre-cured where the primer is cured separately. Most orthodontic clinicians to save time co-cure primer. Both these methods affect the SBS of brackets.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the most common shades of maxillary central incisor, canine and first molar and to confirm the shade difference between maxillary central incisor and canine in a young population of 18–25 years. Materials and methods: The shade of the maxillary central incisor, canine, and first molar of 100 study participants in a young population between 18 and 25 years were measured by digital spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade). The shade of each tooth was assessed thrice with a digital spectrophotometer at the center of the tooth. Statistical analysis was performed; Chi-squared test was applied to assess the difference in shades. Results: For the age-group of 18–25 years, the most common shade of maxillary central incisor is A1 and for canine and first molar the most common shade is B3. A highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between teeth, suggesting a definitive shade difference between teeth. Conclusion: A definitive shade difference exists between the maxillary central incisor and the canine, with the canine being darker in shade than the central incisor. This result can be implied clinically while restoring maxillary anterior teeth to yield a better esthetic outcome. Clinical significance: This study reveals that there is a definitive shade difference between the Anterior teeth which should be considered while smile designing to replicate the natural appearance in a patient. Using a digital spectrometer makes the process of shade selection objective thereby eliminating any subjective variations.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the demand for orthodontic appointments on weekends and the level of commitment the patients have for those appointments. Materials and methods: A survey of 17 questions was created and given to 199 adult patients. The first six questions addressed demographic information, followed by three questions addressing whether coming to their orthodontic appointments required taking time off of work. The remaining questions asked if they would prefer to attend orthodontic appointments on Saturday if they would take advantage of a Saturday appointment, and what their preferred time and level of commitment would be for this appointment. The data were analyzed using the logistic-regression Chi-square test. Results: About 77.4% of the participants indicated that they would take advantage of appointments on Saturdays if available. The most preferred time for Saturday appointments was 7:00 am–10:00 am, followed by 10:00 am–12:00 pm. About 60.6% of the participants reported that they would be willing to sign up for AutoPay in order to be seen on Saturday. Among those who would take advantage of weekend appointments, 82.6% reported that they would likely never miss or reschedule a Saturday appointment, and 75.3% would choose an orthodontist who is open on Saturday over another orthodontist who is not. Among participants who work more than 40 hours per week, 86.1% (106) wanted to take advantage of Saturday appointments. Participants with a high household income are less inclined to take advantage of Saturday appointments compared with those with a low household income. Participants who need to take time off of work are more inclined to take advantage of Saturday appointments [93% (106) favorable vs 7% (8) unfavorable]. Participants who need to take their child out of school early for their orthodontic appointments during the week are more inclined to take advantage of Saturday appointments [87% (97) favorable vs 13% (15) unfavorable] than those who do not need to. Conclusion: There is a demand for Saturday orthodontic appointments with a very high commitment level among the majority of those patients. The Saturday demographic tends to be participants with a low household income who work 40 or more hours per week. Clinical significance: Orthodontic offices may consider working at least one Saturday per month to satisfy patient needs. They can use this survey to explore their own market for Saturday clinical practice.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate dental healthcare workers knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward hepatitis B infection. Materials and methods: This study was a cross-sectional self-administered, structured questionnaire survey that was conducted in Khartoum/Sudan. The questionnaire was completed by 177 dental healthcare providers who practice in public dental clinics in Khartoum state. The completion rate was 100%. Results: The study participants showed relatively acceptable knowledge of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The majority (98.3%) were familiar with hepatitis B infection. About 93% answered correctly that blood, blood products, and needles/sharps are the route of transmission of HBV. About 65.5% completed HBV vaccination. About 59.3% had a history of needle sticks and only 16% reported their injury. Dentists and nurses almost had the same knowledge, but dentists were slightly having better knowledge in some aspects. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between categorical variables. Conclusion: Most of the study participants were aware of HBV infection, routes of transmission, prevention, and necessity of vaccination, but they are deficient in some areas, like needle-stick injury protocol and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The study revealed a low level of HBV vaccination coverage rate. Further strategies for preventing workplace exposure, training programs on HBV infection, including PEP, and increasing the vaccination coverage rate of all healthcare workers are highly recommended. Clinical significance: Dental healthcare workers are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection. The majority of exposure in dentistry is preventable. Understanding the knowledge and awareness of dental health toward hepatitis B is crucial to design and apply preventive measures to control transmission and potential complications.

Aim: To analyze the bibliometric characteristics of the global scientific production indexed in Scopus on oral health during pregnancy. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with bibliometric methodology, using scientific publications indexed in Scopus as a unit of analysis. For the search, MESH terms, Boolean operators (“AND” and “OR”), and search topics (TITLE and ABSTRACT) were used. SciVal was the tool selected for the analysis of bibliometric parameters. Results: Most of the articles were published in Q1 (30.2%) and Q2 (29.6%) quartile journals. The country with the most scientific publications was the United States (451 articles), while Spain had only 14 publications. The University of Sydney, with 16 articles, was the most productive institution and the one with the most citations per publication was Saveetha University (19.7). The author with the most articles and citations related to the topic was George Ajesh with 13 and 136, respectively. Johnson Marre had the highest impact (15.1) and expected citations with respect to the global average (FWCI: 2.49). Conclusions: The scientific production on oral health in pregnancy has increased, with a greater preference by authors for scientific journals in the Q1 and Q2 quartile. The United States is the country with the most publications, although Australia has a greater number of institutions among the most productive. Clinical significance: The clinical relevance could be addressed later in relation to oral health during pregnancy, however, analyzing the bibliometric characteristics of the global scientific production is essential to understand the dynamics of scientific publications on this topic.

Aim: To evaluate the factors that affect the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among children with early childhood caries (ECC). Materials and methods: A total of 340 children aged between 3 and 6 who were diagnosed with ECC were enrolled in the study. Parents accompanying the children completed a questionnaire on the sociodemographic status and filled out the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) for the evaluation of OHRQoL. Data were recorded, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Results: The study population consisted of 189 (55.6%) boys and 151 girls (44.4%). A total of 96.4% had cavitated lesions; 31.2% of the children had pain at the time of evaluation. A significant association was seen between the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) score of the child (p < 0.001). Pain at the time of evaluation and DMFT status had a significant association with the ECOHIS (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Early childhood caries was found to impact the OHRQoL. Pain, visible dental plaque, family income, and parental education were found to be determinants that affect the OHRQoL. Clinical significance: Early childhood caries significantly reduces the OHRQoL of children and their families. Pain, visible dental plaque, family income, and parental education were found to influence the OHRQoL. Teaching parents the importance of oral health and preventive treatment will help prevent the occurrence of ECC.

Aim: This narrative review aims to explore and elicit the newer endodontic file systems used for root canal treatments._x000D_ Background: The primary goals of endodontic therapy continue to be the mechanical enlargement and shaping of the intricate endodontic root canal systems to aid in disinfection. Nowadays endodontists have access to a wide range of endodontic file systems for root canal preparations with various design characteristics and benefits._x000D_ Review results: ProTaper Ultimate (PTU) files tip have a parallelogram convex cross-section, an offset mass of rotating design, a maximum flute diameter of 1.0 mm, and are constructed of gold wire, hence, commonly applied in conditions with restricted accessibility or an extremely curved canal. TruNatomy shaping files have a slim 0.8 mm maximum flute diameter, allowing for dentin preservation, and feature an off-centered crosssection with a regressive taper for superior efficiency. In comparison to PTU files, ProTaper Gold (PTG) files are noticeably more elastic and fatigue-resistant. Compared to files in the F1–F3 range, size S1 and S2 files have a significantly longer fatigue life. MicroMega One RECI is more resistant to cyclic fatigue because of its heat treatment and reciprocating action and the C-wire heat treatment of the former gives it flexibility and controlled memory, enabling the prebending of the file. The RECIPROC blue demonstrated enhanced flexibility, increased fatigue resistance, and lower microhardness while maintaining the same surface qualities._x000D_ Conclusion: As per the necessity and requirement on case to case basis, every endodontic file system has advantages and disadvantages as mentioned in this narrative review. According to the need, an endodontist can select the file system which is required specifically. Although several studies are comparing these various systems in the literature, this narrative review aims to give the clinician a summary of some recently launched endodontic rotary file systems available in the market and their clinical uses._x000D_ Clinical significance: As per the priority and need of the case, whether removal and extrusion of debris, reduction of micro-organisms, keeping canal anatomy, and cutting efficiency, a specific required file system can be utilized.

Aim: The aim of this article is to discuss the infection control measures with focus on those related to prosthodontic work. Background: The risk of transmission of several infectious microorganisms during dental procedures and the increased awareness and knowledge of infectious diseases have led to an increased attention to the importance of infection control. Prosthodontists and dental personnel are exposed directly or indirectly to a significant risk of acquiring healthcare-associated infections. Review results: High standards of occupational safety and dental infection control must be applied by dental personnel for the safety of patients and dental healthcare workers. All reusable items (critical and semicritical instruments) that come in contact with the patient's saliva, blood, or mucous membranes must be heat-sterilized. Proper disinfectants should be used to disinfect nonsterilizable instruments (e.g., wax knifes, dental shade plastic mixing spatula, guides, fox bite plane, articulators, and facebows). Conclusion: In prosthodontics, items potentially contaminated with patient's blood and saliva are transported between dental clinics and dental laboratories. Such fluids may contain microorganisms with high potential for transmission of several diseases. Therefore, sterilization and disinfection of all items used during prosthodontic work should be part of infection control protocol in dental care setting. Clinical significance: In prosthodontic practice, a strict infection prevention plan should be implemented to minimalize the risk of infectious diseases transmission among prosthodontists, dental office, dental laboratory personnel, and patients.