Benefits and challenges of the integration of haptics-enhanced virtual reality training within dental curricula.

Background: Haptics-enhanced virtual reality (VR-haptic) simulation in dental education has evolved considerably during the past decade, representing a promising resource of simulation-based training opportunities to support conventional practice. We aim to summarize current literature on the applications of VR-haptics in learning, practicing, and teaching dental education.

Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, focusing on research articles published between January 2010 and January 2024.

Direct restorations and enhanced caries prevention among 20- to 60-year-olds attending Helsinki City Public Dental Service - a register-based observation.

Objective: Our retrospective register-based observational study evaluated age-specific aspects and changes in volume and content of direct restorative procedures, pulp cappings and enhanced caries prevention measures given to adults.

Methods: Data included all treatments provided for 20- to 60-year-olds visiting the Helsinki City Public Dental Service (PDS) in 2012 and 2017. For both years, the data were aggregated into 5-year age groups.

Age-related variation in volume and content of restorative private dental care for adults in Finland in 2012-2017: A nationwide register-based observation.

Objectives: This study assessed age-related variation in the volume and content of restorative dental care performed by private dentists for adults in Finland in 2012-2017.

Methods: This retrospective register-based observational study utilized the Social Insurance database of private dental services in 2012 and 2017, including all patients. The data were aggregated into 5-year age groups for 20-89-year-olds; those aged 90+ formed one group.

Type and time of first re-intervention of posterior restorations - 13-year scenario at the public dental service.

We investigated the first re-interventions of two- and three-surface direct restorations on posterior teeth, specifically noting the type and time of the first re-intervention. In 2002, altogether 5542 posterior two- and three-surface composite and amalgam restorations were done for 3051 patients aged 25-30 years at Helsinki City Public Dental Service (PDS). Based on electronic patient records, we analysed all restorations ( = 2445) having re-intervention during a 13-year follow-up.

Longevity of 2- and 3-surface restorations in posterior teeth of 25- to 30-year-olds attending Public Dental Service-A 13-year observation.

Objectives: The aim of this patient document-based retrospective study among 25- to 30-year-old Finnish adults was to evaluate longevity of 2- and 3-surface posterior restorations according to type of tooth, size of restoration, and restorative material used.

Methods: Data were extracted from electronic patient files of the Helsinki City Public Dental Service (PDS), Finland. A total of 5542 2- and 3-surface posterior composite and amalgam restorations were followed indirectly from 2002 to 2015.

Reasons for replacement of restorations: dentists' perceptions.

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating dentists' perceived reasons for replacement of restorations and ascertaining the differences arising from dentists' gender, time since graduation and working sector (salaried vs private).

Materials And Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to a total of 592 working-age general dental practitioners in Finland, 57% (n = 339) responded. The dentists were asked to rank in order of priority the six most common reasons for replacement of composite in the incisors and posterior teeth and amalgam in the posterior tooth from a list of 12 reasons.

Finnish dentists' perceptions of the longevity of direct dental restorations.

Objectives: To evaluate Finnish dentists' perceptions of the longevity of direct dental restorations; to assess the possible impacts of dentists' characteristics on these perceptions; and to compare the present longevity estimates with those of recent European reports.

Methods: A questionnaire to 592 general practitioners, systematically sampled from the Finnish Dental Association's membership list, was posted in April 2004 and data collection was finished by the end of June. The question "In general, what is your estimate for the mean age of restoration in permanent teeth?" pointed restorations: Class II and MOD composites and amalgam in a posterior tooth and Class III composites in an incisor.

Use of local anesthesia in restorative treatment for adults in Finland.

Objective: In this survey we investigated the frequency of use of local anesthesia (LA) in restorative treatment for vital teeth in adults in Finland.

Material And Methods: A postal questionnaire was mailed to 592 dentists selected by systematic sampling from the membership list of the Finnish Dental Association; 57% responded. The questionnaire inquired "How often do you use local anesthesia when restoring vital teeth in adults?" for three types of primary restorations: class III for incisors, class II for premolars or molars, and class V on gingival margin for premolars or molars.

Restorative treatment and use of local anesthesia in free and subsidized public dental services in Helsinki, Finland.

Our aim was to evaluate restorative treatment and the use of local anesthetics in free and subsidized public dental care in Helsinki, Finland. Public dental clinics are open to all patients under the age of 36, and to some specific groups above that age. Patients up to age 19 receive all treatment free of charge and others at highly subsidized rates.

Reasons for replacement and the age of failed restorations in posterior teeth of young Finnish adults.

Using dentist characteristics, our aim was to evaluate the reasons for replacements of fillings, the age of failed restorations in the posterior teeth of young adults, and replacement rates. Altogether 205 patient records from the Public Oral Health Service of the City of Vantaa, Finland were evaluated. Patient age was restricted to between 25 and 30 years and type of tooth to posterior teeth only (third molars excluded).