Secretome analysis and virulence assessment in .

Background: Abiotrophia defectiva, although infrequently occurring, is a notable cause of culture-negative infective endocarditis with limited research on its virulence. Associated with oral infections such as dental caries, exploring its secretome may provide insights into virulence mechanisms. Our study aimed to analyze and characterize the secretome of A.

In vitro investigation of the impact of contemporary restorative materials on cariogenic bacteria counts and gene expression.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial effect of different fluoride-containing and bioactive restorative materials, and their effect on the expression of specific biofilm-associated genes and therefore the caries process.

Materials And Methods: The restorative materials utilized in this study included: 1. Filtek Z250, 2.

The Dental Educational Environment of Online and Blended Learning during COVID-19, and the Impact on the Future of Dental Education.

Unlabelled: Blending face-to-face and online learning should create a focused environment that supports deep and meaningful teaching and learning that engages learners in a more active and collaborative educational experience. The present study aimed to evaluate students' online and blended learning educational environment self-perception at the Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Undergraduate dental students who participated in blended learning with online lectures were invited to participate.

Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorder-Related Pain among Adults Seeking Dental Care: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a constellation of painful conditions that affect the craniofacial complex. The etiology and risk factors of these conditions have been extensively studied; however, the data available describing the epidemiology of TMD in the Middle East are scarce. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of TMD-related pain in a sample population of dental school clinic patients.

Management Thresholds for Molars With Occlusal Noncavitated Caries Lesions.

Aim: There is sparse research on the effect of factors related to the dentist and patient in the caries management decision-making process. This in vitro study explored the influence of factors related to dentists and patients on the management decision of occlusal noncavitated caries lesions in children.

Materials And Methods: Five investigators in the specialties of dental public health (DPH), paediatric, prosthetic, and operative dentistry and a general dentist (GDP) participated in this study.

Clinical extension of proximal carious lesions compared to bitewing radiographs using photostimulable phosphor plates (PSP).

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of digital bitewing radiographs using photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates in the estimation of the true extension of proximal carious lesions.

Methods: The sample size was calculated to be 70 teeth. Adult patients with a minimum of one posterior tooth with primary proximal caries lesions were included.

Patients' Perspectives of Grafting Materials in Implant Dentistry: A Qualitative Analysis.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cultural, psychological, and religious influences on the choice of autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic bone products for the grafting procedure and with implant placement.

Materials And Methods: A qualitative methodology was employed, using the principles of the constant comparative method of the grounded theory; to investigate how people perceive and understand their experiences regarding the graft materials in implant dentistry. The data were collected using detailed qualitative interviews, till saturation was achieved, from 10 patients.

The motivation and confidence in choosing dentistry as a career amongst dental students: A mixed-methods study.

Objectives: An insight into students' motivation and confidence in the choice of entering and remaining in dental education is essential. The understanding of how choices are made can help universities in the planning of admission policies. This study aimed to evaluate the career choice influences, motivation and confidence in the choices made into dental education.

Caries among adult patients with controlled celiac disease: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal disorders in the world. Currently, the literature about the dental profiles of patients with celiac disease is sparse and no studies have reported on the oral conditions and caries status of CD patients in Kuwait.

Objective: This study investigated the association between CD and caries experience.

Perception and Attitudes of Dental Students towards Their Role in the Delivery of a Brief Smoking Cessation Intervention.

Objectives: An assessment of dental students' attitudes and perceptions towards smoking, and their role in smoking cessation, needs to be understood to develop an effective training program in smoking cessation counseling. The aim of the study was to understand attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of students towards their role in smoking cessation, to understand students' self-reported requirements in relation to skills and knowledge prior to training, and to understand students' self-reported learning from training.

Materials And Methods: Dental students (n = 46) in clinical training at the Kuwait University's Faculty of Dentistry participated in this study.

Oral Cancer Screening among Smokers and Nonsmokers.

Aims And Objectives: The aim of visual systematic screening is early identification of oral cancer (OC) precursor lesion. OC mortality improves when cancer is identified at early stages. This is important in patients whose lifestyle choices render them at higher risk of developing OC.

Impact of Magnifying Loupes on Interexaminer Agreement in the Detection of Noncavitated Occlusal Carious Lesions.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of using magnifying loupes on interexaminer agreement in the detection of noncavitated occlusal carious lesions.

Materials And Methods: A total of 155 permanent molars with no frank cavitation were selected for the study. Five examiners with different specialties and experience each examined the occlusal surfaces twice using International Caries Assessment and Detection System (ICDAS) criteria.

Layered Base Plate Blocks and Operative Dentistry Skills.

Aim: Preclinical dental training is essential for the development of psychomotor skills necessary for clinical practice. The study aimed to investigate the impact of teaching with a layered base plate blocks on cavity preparations and students' self-perceived confidence, readiness, and ability.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 52 dental students into two groups; one trained (test) with layered base plate and the other without (control).

Assessment of readiness of dental faculty and students in Kuwait to implement a smoking cessation counseling curriculum.

Aims And Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the readiness of both dental faculty and dental students in Kuwait to implement a smoking cessation counseling curriculum.

Materials And Methods: The study population included all faculty and students in their clinical training years at the Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University. The survey instrument was a 42-item questionnaire.

Restorative treatment thresholds: factors influencing the treatment thresholds and modalities of general dentists in Kuwait.

Objectives: This study investigated the thresholds at which general dentists in Kuwait would restore approximal and occlusal carious lesions and examined the demographic characteristics of the dentists in relation to their decision making.

Subjects And Methods: The study population consisted of a random sample of 185 general dentists practicing in the Ministry of Health of Kuwait. A survey questionnaire was administered.

Factors relating to usage patterns of amalgam and resin composite for posterior restorations--a prospective analysis.

Objectives: This study prospectively analyzed the use of amalgam and resin composite posterior restorations placed by general dentists in relation to dentist, patient and cavity factors.

Methods: One thousand posterior restorations placed by a representative sample of general dentists working in the Ministry of Health (MOH), Kuwait, during routine clinical practice were included. Information about the restorations was recorded using a survey questionnaire.