Search

Abstract Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP’s) represent a valuable tool for gathering knowledge and summarising the latest trends in medicine and dentistry. Blended education has been found, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, to increase the level of education and stimulate effective learning for postgraduate healthcare professionals. Interprofessional education is critical for preparing students to enter the health workforce, where teamwork and collaboration are important competencies. This article outlines the key points of the Blended Intensive Programme’s implementation in dental education organised by Wroclaw Medical University in Poland. BIP involved professors from 12 universities or research institutions from Europe and South America and 28 participants from 8 countries. The course was taught remotely and in person. In addition, it included a visit to the university and practical classes with artificial simulation and practice in dentistry. A structured questionnaire enabled measuring the evaluation of students’ perception of the COVID-19 education before and after the pandemic. The European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students (ERASMUS) was fundamental to carrying out the BIP with the participation of several countries, allowing the exchange of knowledge, assessing the impact of the pandemic on dental universities, and strengthening international collaborations and the future project of research, education and clinical assistance. We conclude that hybrid teaching programmes broaden the learning spectrum in dental studies by allowing transnational and interdisciplinary approaches that make students aware of the importance of their work within the framework of the general health approach, as this differs from country to country.

Abstract Background The association of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Human Syncytial Virus (HSV) infection with inflammatory and potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity (OPMD) is unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to stablish the expression of the p16INK4A and HSV proteins, to test potential correlation between those parameters in biopsies from clinically diagnosed oral lesions. Methods Immunochemical analysis of 211 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks from 211 individuals was provided. The clinical diagnosis included in the research were Oral lichen planus (N = 30), Oral Leukoplakia (N = 13) Mucocele (N = 25), Erosion/ulceration/ inflammation of mucosa (N = 8), Overgrowth of mucosa (N = 135). Results Two hundred eleven analyzed FFPE samples resulted with the median age of 58.5 years (the average age 54.0 years and SD ± 17 years). The female/male ratio was 2.3 (69.7% vs 30.3% respectively). All the samples positive for HSV also expressed p16INK4A (p = 0.000), that’s showed various levels of association with the diverse clinical diagnosis reaching the higher level in OM 49.1% (29 positive samples) and OLP 30.5% (18). p16INK4A was associated with OLP at 30.5% (18), and fibroma 30.5%. HSV expression was mostly present in fibroma at 47.6% (10 positive samples). Conclusion HSV and p16INK4A positivity in relation to diagnosis of the biopsies showed statistically most often p16INK4A in OLP and fibroma. The results of co-expression of p16INK4A and HSV in mucocele and fibroma in oral mucosa suggest a cooperation between the molecular alterations induced by these two viruses. Squamous papilloma samples positive for p16INK4A were also positive for HSV, suggesting that the putative pro-oncogenic action of HSV could be an early event.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has spread very rapidly around the world. Various regional and national lockdowns were imposed to control the spread. Meanwhile, vaccine development and population vaccination were the next steps for pandemic control. Workers in the dental field, both dentists and dental assistants, however, were close to the sources of aerosol generated during dental procedures and thus were the group of workers the most exposed to COVID-19 infection. The aim of our study was to monitor the immune response before and after the vaccine in a high-risk population, composed by dental professionals. Methods A clinical prospective study was carried out among dental professionals at the Academic Dental Polyclinic, Wroclaw Medical University (Wrocław, Lower Silesia region, Poland). Blood samples were collected at an interval of one year – March/April 2020, before the vaccination against COVID-19, and April 2021, after the vaccination. The analysis was performed on serum with four different methods: qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative IgG count for SARS-CoV-2, and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. Results A total of 42 healthy adult volunteers participated in the study. The results showed a statistically significant difference (p

Abstract Background Although pregnancy is a physiological process it causes hormonal changes that can also affect the oral cavity. Pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease inflammation and tooth caries which could affect the health of the developing baby. Proper oral health is crucial both for mother and her babies and is related with mothers’ awareness of this connection. The aim of this study was the self-assessment of women’s both oral health and oral health literacy as well as mothers’ awareness of the connection of oral health and pregnancy. Material and methods In the study anonymous questionnaire was prepared and provided to be filled in by 200 mothers at the age from 19 to 44 y.o. who gave birth in the gynecological clinic. The questionnaire included demographic, and concerning the areas of oral health before and during pregnancy and after the childbirth questions. Results Only 20% of the investigated women underwent the oral examination before the pregnancy and the next 38.5% underwent it intentionally when the pregnancy had been confirmed. As much as 24% of women pointed out lack of awareness of the importance of proper oral hygiene during pregnancy. 41.5% of investigated women declared complaints during the pregnancy concerning teeth or gums and 30.5% underwent dental treatment; 68%, brushed their teeth properly—twice a day; 32% of women observed deterioration of oral health state during the pregnancy. The knowledge of the importance of oral health during pregnancy presented by the majority of mothers was relatively proper, which was strongly connected with higher education status and living in big cities. A significant correlation between higher birth weight and more frequent daily tooth brushing was observed. Both higher frequency of problems concerning the oral cavity and dental treatment during pregnancy were significantly related to the younger age of mothers. Conclusions The knowledge of women concerning of oral health on the management of pregnancy and development of fetus is still insufficient. Gynecologists should inquire pregnant women if they have done dental examination, and provide wider education about importance of oral health in pregnancy.