Epigenetic regulation of HOXA3 and its impact on oral squamous cell carcinoma progression.

Objective: The role of homeobox A3 (HOXA3) in cancer progression is gaining prominence, however, to date, no studies have investigated its regulatory function in oral cancer. In this study, we explored the role of HOXA3 through epigenetic mechanisms.

Methods: Clinical samples were collected from 25 potentially malignant oral lesions and 50 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, categorized into low-stage and high-stage tumors.

A Study to Check the Readiness of Final-Year Dental Students Vis-à-Vis to a Safe and an Independent Practitioner in Sultanate of Oman Amidst the Recent Pandemic.

It is essential for a dental student about to graduate to possess robust fundamentals in both basic and clinical dental science. There should be a perfect harmony and blend of basic and clinical science integration and application among final year graduating students. They should also demonstrate readiness and competence in performing various clinical skills independently, after correctly interpreting and diagnosing a dental disorder.

Cleft lip and palate and periconception COVID-19 infection in five arab countries.

Background: Little is known about factors associated with the severity of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) especially during the COVID-19 pandemic with its dramatic changes.

Objectives: The aim of this multi-national study is to measure the association between CL/P severity, COVID-19 infection, and fear of COVID-19 in five Arab countries.

Methods: This cross-sectional study took place in major governmental hospitals in five Arab countries from November 2020 to April 2023.

Insights into research activities of senior dental students in the Middle East: A multicenter preliminary study.

Background: Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of research in undergraduate dental education, limited studies have explored the nature of undergraduate research activities in dental schools in the Middle East region. This study aimed to evaluate the research experience of final year dental students from three dental schools in the Middle East.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among final-year dental students from three institutions, namely Jordan University of Science and Technology, University of Sharjah (UAE), and Oman Dental College.

Dental Cavity Grading: Comparing Algorithm Reliability and Agreement with Expert Evaluation.

Aim: The current study introduces a novel, algorithm-based software developed to objectively evaluate dental cavity preparations. The software aims to provide an alternative or complement to traditional, subjective assessment methods used in operative dentistry education.

Materials And Methods: The software was tested on cavity preparations carried out by 70 participants on artificial molar teeth.

Salivary oxidative stress biomarkers in periodontitis-free smokers: a cross sectional study.

Background: Salivary oxidative stress has been extensively studied with attempts to correlate changes in the oxidative stress markers with local and systemic factors, including smoking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of two forms of smoking, cigarettes and waterpipe smoking (WPS), on selected oxidative stress biomarkers in saliva.

Methods: Three groups of participants were enrolled into the study, controls (never smokers), cigarette smokers and WPS.

Bioactive Biosilicate Cements in Pediatric Dentistry - A Review of the Latest Materials.

Pediatric dentistry plays a critical role in ensuring the oral health and well-being of children and adolescents. The quest for effective dental materials that are safe, biocompatible, and capable of promoting natural remineralization has led to the emergence of biosilicate cements as a promising advancement in this field. Biosilicate cements are bioactive materials composed of amorphous silica, calcium oxide, phosphorus pentoxide, and other trace elements.

COVID-19 vaccine and non-syndromic orofacial clefts in five arab countries. A case-control study.

Objectives: Risk factors for non-syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOFCs) include genetic profile and environmental exposure to medication and illnesses during pregnancy. We assessed the association between the COVID-19 vaccination and the incidence of NSOFC across five Middle Eastern countries.

Materials And Methods: This multi-country, hospital-based, case-control study included infants with NSOFCs whose first 3 intrauterine months coincided with the time when pregnant women were allowed to receive COVID-19 vaccination in the countries participating in the study.

Comparative analysis of diagnostic accuracy in endodontic assessments: dental students vs. artificial intelligence.

Objectives: This study evaluates the comparative diagnostic accuracy of dental students and artificial intelligence (AI), specifically a modified ChatGPT 4, in endodontic assessments related to pulpal and apical conditions. The findings are intended to offer insights into the potential role of AI in augmenting dental education.

Methods: Involving 109 dental students divided into junior (54) and senior (55) groups, the study compared their diagnostic accuracy against ChatGPT's across seven clinical scenarios.

Health-related quality of life and satisfaction following orthognathic surgery: a prospective cohort study.

Purpose: This study investigates the motivations for orthognathic surgery and assesses the quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction among patients treated at a hospital over 12 months.

Methods: We employed an Arabic version of the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ), used pre-surgery and at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. This included demographic data, the OQLQ, and visual analogue scales (VAS).

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Disinfectants on Impression Materials.

Background The disinfection of dental impression materials is a cornerstone of infection control in dental practice. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two disinfectants, sodium hypochlorite and iodophor, on alginate and silicone impression materials, which are prone to microbial contamination. Methods The study was structured into two main groups based on the impression material: Group I (alginate) and Group II (addition silicone), each further subdivided into two subgroups for disinfection with sodium hypochlorite and iodophor.

Efficacy of a Novel Computerized Aid in Designing Removable Partial Dentures.

Background:  The development of computerized aids for dental education offers potential benefits in teaching complex procedures, such as the design of removable partial dentures (RPDs). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a novel computerized tool in enhancing the ability of both dental students and practicing dentists to design RPDs, as well as to evaluate its utility as an interactive educational instrument.

Methods:  A cohort comprising a total of 75 individuals (25 practicing dentists and 50 undergraduate dental students) was enlisted.

Evaluation of Presence of in Root Canals of Deciduous Molars with Necrotic Pulp by Agar Culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Objective: To assess the presence of in root canals of deciduous molars with necrotic pulp by agar culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.

Materials And Methods: This is an experimental study, where a total of 120 endodontic samples were taken from deciduous molars with necrotic pulps. The presence of was assessed by culture, using Enterococcus confirmatory agar, and by PCR assay.

Development and validation of an assessment sheet for all-ceramic crown preparations: A methodological study.

Background: Dental students learn and practice clinical procedures in clinical skills laboratories. These practices are graded by qualified staff to evaluate the effectiveness of their learning. Valid evaluation requires accuracy and reliability.

Breaking the error chain with SEE: cascade analysis of endodontic errors in clinical training.

The ongoing endeavors to uncover the link between the prevalent errors in clinical endodontic training and undergraduate education are founded on tentative assumptions. This investigation was aimed at determining if cascade analysis can provide an understanding of the origins and causes of errors and if the sensitivity of student reports to the impact of errors on treatment outcomes can be established.In 2021, a group of investigators from the endodontics department concerned with clinical dental education launched the Study of Endodontic Errors (SEE).

Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Tongue: A Rare Tumor at an Unusual Location.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that typically affects adolescents and young adults, though it can occur at any age. We report a case of ASPS of the tongue, which is extremely rare at this location. The patient presented with a polypoidal lesion on the tongue, a biopsy of which showed granular and alveolar morphology.

Prevalence of mesio-distal dilaceration in patients presenting for initial orthodontic care: A retrospective study.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dilaceration in a sample of patients presenting for initial orthodontic care.

Methods: Examining radiographs from a random sample of orthopantomogram images was used to acquire the data. In all, 2,801 dental records were evaluated at Oman Dental College (ODC), Oman.

Evaluating the Role of Inorganic Elements of Camelus Dromedarius Saliva in Protecting Enamel Against Tooth Surface Loss.

The aim of this study was to provide insight into the role of camel's saliva in protecting enamel against erosion and to evaluate the levels of salivary sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate ions among 2 groups of camels, those with low-grade tooth surface loss and those with high-grade tooth surface loss. Twenty-eight healthy camels, 5 males and 23 females, aged 20 months to 10 years, were divided into 2 groups. Group I comprise camels with "low-grade tooth surface loss" and Group 2 with "high-grade tooth surface loss.

COVID-19 related risk factors and their association with non-syndromic orofacial clefts in five Arab countries: a case-control study.

Background: The environmental etiology of non-syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) is still under research. The aim of this case-control study is to assess COVID-19 associated factors that may be related to the risk of NSOFC in five Arab countries. These factors include COVID-19 infection, COVID-19 symptoms, family member or friends infected with COVID-19, stress, smoking, socioeconomic status and fear of COVID-19.

Evaluation of Struthio camelus eggshell as an in vitro alternative to extracted human teeth in preliminary screening studies on dental erosion.

Objectives: This in vitro work investigates the potential of ostrich eggshell as a substitute for extracted human teeth in preliminary screening studies on dental erosion. Additionally, it aims to demonstrate the potential of ostrich eggshell compared to human enamel in evaluating the efficacy of a preventive agent in protecting against dental erosion, using an artificial mouth model.

Methods: The experiment utilized 96 erosion testing specimens from each substrate, human enamel, and ostrich eggshell.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Dental Caries Using Novel Bioactive Caries Detecting Dye Solution.

Background: The goal of materials should be early caries detection, removal of carious lesions, and reduction of dentin hypersensitivity. Thus, the study aims to determine the efficacy of a bioactive caries detecting dye (BCD) for the diagnosing and mechanical removal of occlusal and proximal dental caries.

Methods: Patients with occlusal (A1, A2) and proximal carious lesions (B1, B2) were treated with the rotary technique and BCD solution on 120 teeth ( = 60 for each).

Analysis of Pulp Tissue Viability and Cytotoxicity of Pulp Capping Agents.

The present research study assessed the cell viability and cytotoxic effect of mineral tri-oxide aggregate (MTA), Tetric N-Bond Universal bonding agent, Theracal PT (pulpotomy treatment), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as pulp capping agents on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The cells were isolated from the pulp tissue of an extracted healthy permanent third molar. After four passages in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium, the primary cells were employed for the investigation.

The Retrospective Pilot Study of the Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction or Loss of Smell, Loss of Taste and Oral Manifestations Among COVID-19 Positive Health Workers in Muscat, Oman.

Unlabelled: A retrospective study evaluating the prevalence of loss of smell, loss of taste and oral manifestations was carried out by framing an online questionnaire and disseminated among the health care workers including medical and dental students, who were afflicted with COVID-19. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of the loss of smell, loss of taste (LOST) and oral manifestations and whether these (LOST & oral manifestations) can be the premonitory manifestations and also whether these can predict the prognosis of COVID-19 disease. Our study showed that the loss of smell, loss of taste and dry mouth did occur before the other symptoms considerably in the COVID-19 infected health workers.