Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia-A Survey-Based Study.

Aim: This study aims to assess Croatian dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology, while also identifying perceived barriers to AI and modern technology adoption and evaluating the need for further education and training.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2024 among general dentists in Croatia using a self-structured questionnaire. A total of 200 respondents filled out the questionnaire.

Antibiotics Knowledge and Prescription Patterns Among Dental Practitioners in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia: A Comparative E-Survey with a Focus on Medically Healthy and Compromised Patients.

Background: The non-specific prescription of antibiotics, especially in dentistry, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for education on the proper use and serious consequences of overprescribing these drugs. The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate antibiotic knowledge and prescribing patterns in dental practice in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, focusing on understanding the rationale for prescribing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and dentists' awareness of antibiotic resistance.

Methods: A total of 795 dentists participated in this electronic cross-sectional survey (Croatia N = 336, Bosnia and Herzegovina N = 176, and Serbia N = 283).

The Influence of Occlusion Type on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Complete Dentures-Lingualized vs. Bilaterally Balanced Occlusion.

Objective: This randomized, single-blind controlled study aimed to investigate the QoL and satisfaction of patients wearing complete dentures with lingualized (LO) and bilaterally balanced occlusion (BBO). Participants were stratified based on their prior experience with complete dentures.

Methods: The study involved 131 complete denture wearers who were categorized into four groups: G1-first-time prosthesis wearers treated with LO (n = 33); G2-first-time prosthesis wearers treated with BBO (n = 31); G3-participants with prior prosthesis experience treated with LO (n = 34); G4-participants with prior prosthesis experience treated with BBO (n = 33).

Caregiver Perception of the Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life of Children with Special Needs: An Exploratory Study.

Background: Compared to the general population, individuals with special needs tend to have worse oral health, potentially diminishing their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of parents and caregivers regarding the effect of oral health on the quality of life of individuals with special needs who received dental treatment under general anaesthesia, as well as the impact on their and their families' quality of life.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional study involved participants with special needs who had undergone a dental treatment under general anaesthesia.

Associations between Dental Anxiety Levels, Self-Reported Oral Health, Previous Unpleasant Dental Experiences, and Behavioural Reactions in Dental Settings: An Adult E-Survey.

: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental anxiety, its association with self-reported oral health, and sociodemographic factors in adults that are critical for improving oral health and well-being. : An online survey was conducted via social media, with 1551 adults (76.5% women, 23.

Assessment of Motivations, Treatment Risks, and Oral Health in Adults with Fixed Orthodontic Care: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the reasons why adults seek orthodontic treatment, their perceived treatment risks, oral hygiene habits, and awareness of oral health. This study, which involved 246 adults, used a self-report questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data and examine the participants' understanding of oral health, self-assessment of oral health status, adherence to oral hygiene routines, and use of oral hygiene products. In addition, the reasons for opting for orthodontic treatment, negative associations, and expected outcomes were examined.

Is Salivary Α-Amylase a Reliable Indicator of Psychological Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus: a Case-Control Study.

Background/aims: The objectives of our study were to determine salivary α-amylase activity (stress biomarker) and its association with psychological status and quality of life (QoL), disease duration and intensity of symptoms (pain/burning) in patients with OLP.

Methods: A total of 50 subjects participated in this case-control study: 30 patients with oral lichen planus (OLP); 20 control subjects. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected between 9 and 10 am to avoid diurnal fluctuations.

The association of empathy and the work-family conflict in doctors of dental medicine.

Work-family conflict is a growing problem worldwide, because of changing work-family demographic trends and the spread of technology. Empathy, as the ability to understand and share the feelings of other people, is the essential component of emotional intelligence that plays a crucial role in healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the level of emotional empathy and investigate its relationship with work-family role conflicts among dental medicine doctors.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Renal and Endothelium Dysfunction Markers Fourteen Years after Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Contraction.

While the pathology of acute hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) has been widely researched, details on the chronic HFRS sequelae remain mainly unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 30 convalescent HFRS patients 14 years after the disease contraction, mainly emphasizing several endothelial dysfunction parameters. Convalescent HFRS patients exhibited significantly higher serum levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, von Willebrand factor, uric acid, C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin A when compared to healthy individuals.

Evaluating Knowledge, Self-Reported Confidence Levels, and Prescription Patterns among Dental Practitioners Regarding Analgesics in Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study.

: Dental pain is a common problem that often leads to unscheduled dental visits and requires a comprehensive understanding of analgesics, including their indications and contraindications. The aim of this study was to investigate dentists' knowledge, self-reported confidence levels, and prescribing patterns of analgesics in dentistry. : A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted, resulting in 379 responses.

The association between self-esteem and aesthetic component of smile among adolescents.

Objectives: Self-esteem plays a crucial role during adolescence in a shaping of an individual's overall well-being and confidence. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the self-esteem in adolescents and their smile aesthetics, as well as to assess the alignment of opinions on this matter between adolescents and dentists.

Methods: Sample included 413 students in Split-Dalmatia County, aged 13 to 18 (60% females).

Assessment of Color Change, Esthetic Perception, Treatment Satisfaction, and Side Effects Following the Use of Over-the-Counter Whitening Products.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of tooth whitening and the effects on satisfaction with whitening treatment and esthetic self-perception of over-the-counter tooth whitening products.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-six participants were randomly allocated to three groups based on the whitening product they used (toothpaste, pencil, or a combination of both). In this prospective study, alterations in tooth color were assessed using a spectrophotometer at three distinct time intervals (initial measurement, seven days, and 14 days after commencing the use of the whitening product).

Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects in Buccal Mucosal Cells in Non-Smokers and Users of Traditional Combustible Tobacco Products and Non-Combustible Alternatives.

Aims/objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to investigate cytogenetic damage to the buccal mucosa in non-smokers and consumers of traditional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives.

Methods: A total of 160 participants were divided into four groups according to the type of product used, including non-smokers, users of conventional combustible tobacco (cigarettes), heated tobacco, and electronic, tobacco-free vapor products (e-cigarettes). Buccal mucosa samples were analyzed using the micronucleus cytome assay to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic damage.

Oral Health Knowledge, Self-Assessed Oral Health Behavior, and Oral Hygiene Practices among the Adult General Population in Croatia.

Objectives: Emphasizing the significance of optimal oral health for enhancing overall well-being, this study aimed to investigate oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene practices within the Croatian general population.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted online, utilizing a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic characteristics and inquiring about respondents' oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health status, oral hygiene habits, and use of oral hygiene products. Collected data underwent both descriptive and regression analyses to unveil patterns and relationships within the dataset.

Knowledge and Self-Assessment of Dental Injuries and Oral Health among Croatian Professional Water Polo Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives/aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate oral health knowledge, and the incidence of self-reported dental injuries incidence, the frequency of mouthguard use, oral hygiene habits, and oral health status among professional water polo players.

Materials And Methods: During the 2022/2023 season, 114 water polo players from the Croatian First League participated in a questionnaire-based online survey. The data collected included sociodemographic and professional attributes, oral health knowledge questions, dental injury experiences, and practices related to mouthguard use.

Assessment of Pediatricians' and General Practitioners' Knowledge and Practice Regarding Oral Health, Dental Caries and Its Prevention in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge and practices of family physicians (general practitioners) and pediatricians concerning children's oral health.

Materials And Methods: This research involved a cross-sectional survey with 446 respondents, consisting of 77.8% women and 22.

Assessment of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effect of Modern Dental Materials .

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the biocompatibility of modern composite and amalgam dental fillings.

Material And Methods: The research was conducted on 150 healthy patients between the ages of 10 and 20 who had amalgam and composite fillings between 6 and 12 months. Under conditions, a swab of buccal cells near the fillings was taken, and the cytotoxic and genotoxic impact of composite and amalgam fillings on these cells was analyzed using the extended micronucleus test (cytomeassay).

Increased prevalence of oral potentially malignant lesions among Croatian War invalids, a cross-sectional study.

Background: The main objective of this study was to investigate the frequency and type of oral pathological changes, oral subjective symptoms and the knowledge about oral cancer in the population of Croatian military invalids from the Homeland War.

Material And Methods: A total of 102 Croatian military invalids from the Homeland War participated in the study. Data were collected on the presence of subjective symptoms in the oral cavity, and a detailed clinical examination of the oral mucosa was performed.

Measuring satisfaction with dental education among dentists and dental students in Croatia: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The study aimed to determine satisfaction level with the quality of education among dental students and dentists in Croatia based on the acquired knowledge and clinical and soft skills.

Materials And Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 533 dentists and dental students. The questionnaire consisted of four sections with closed-ended questions.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of whitening toothpastes in buccal mucosal cells: a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: To assess genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of commercially available toothpastes with the different whitening ingredients.

Materials And Methods: In vivo assessment of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of whitening toothpastes with different ingredients using a buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt assay) comprised 199 participants randomly divided into ten groups based on used whitening or control/conventional toothpaste. The exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were collected, stained, and microscopically evaluated at baseline (T0), 30 days (T1), and 60 days (T2) after the beginning of treatment and 30 days after completing treatment (T3).

Knowledge, Practice and Self-Reported Confidence Level of Croatian Dentists in the Use of Local Anesthesia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

: To provide safe and effective local anesthesia, dentists must have knowledge of neuroanatomy, anesthesia agents, techniques, equipment, and proper use of local anesthetics. This study aims to explore the knowledge, practices, and confidence regarding local anesthetics and anesthetic techniques in dentistry. : The online cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted via social media, and yielded 441 responses from across the country (69.

Knowledge of traumatic dental injuries and mouthguard behavior among Croatian soccer players.

Objectives/aim: Sports-related dental injuries occur frequently among athletes due to inadequate knowledge and prevention measures. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of active soccer players from all leagues in Croatia regarding traumatic dental injuries and the use of mouthguards.

Material And Methods: 393 respondents completed a questionnaire-based online survey from March 2022 to April 2022.

Prevalence of Use and Knowledge about Tobacco Products and Their Harmful Effects among University Students in Southern Croatia.

Understanding students' attitudes toward smoking and tobacco products is essential for effective smoking prevention interventions. This questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey aims to determine the prevalence of use and knowledge about cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes and their harmful effects among university students. The survey was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire among 1184 students.

Relationship Between Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale, Child's Dental Status and Parental Psychological Profiles.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a child's dental status and parental psychological profiles on parental perception of their child's oral health.

Materials: This study involved 164 parents of children under five years of age, who filled out the life quality assessment test regarding oral health (ECOHIS test), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire. The child's oral status was also examined and recorded.