NCK1 antisense RNA 1 (NCK1-AS1) exerts pro-fibrosis property in oral mucosa through modulation of miR-137/NCK1 axis.

Background/purpose: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a premalignant condition of the oral cavity, and its pathogenesis remains largely unknown. A multitude of non-coding RNAs are aberrantly expressed in OSF, and their implication for the development of OSF is a matter meriting investigation.

Materials And Methods: The functional role of long non-coding RNA NCK1-AS1 in myofibroblast activation of fibrotic buccal mucosal fibroblasts (fBMFs) derived from OSF tissues was assessed.

Soft coral Lobophytum crassum extract inhibits migration and induces apoptosis capabilities in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Background/purpose: The extract of the soft coral has shown an anti-cancer activity in various cancer cells. However, its effect on the oral squamous cell carcinoma cell (OSCC) lines remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-cancer effects of the extract of (C127) on the OSCC cells.

Digital integration in dental education: A novel self-directed learning model using intraoral scanners for tooth preparation training.

Background/purpose: Traditional dental education faces challenges, such as high student-to-faculty ratios and disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, which limit hands-on learning opportunities. Digital technologies, including intraoral scanners, offer potential solutions by improving accuracy and efficiency in clinical practice. This study explored the integration of digital tools in a self-directed learning model for the fixed prosthodontic tooth preparation.

Analysis of trends and disparities in domiciliary dental care distribution in Taiwan from 2018 to 2023.

Background/purpose: Domiciliary dental care (DDC) is essential for maintaining oral health in disabled and homebound patients who face barriers to accessing dental services. With Taiwan nearing super-aged society status, the demand for DDC is rising. However, comprehensive data on DDC availability and distribution across Taiwan are lacking.

From microscope to masterpiece: Validating the role of artistic competition in enhancing dental students' engagement in histological study.

Background/purpose: Our previous study found that the integration of arts into the dental education through an innovative photomicrograph competition can increase the dental students' interests in learning microscopic lessons. This study aimed to validate whether the same photomicrograph competition still had its effectiveness to promote the students' interests in learning microscopic lessons.

Materials And Methods: A photomicrograph competition was organized for the 477 dental students.