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BACKGROUND: Some older people stop visiting the dentist when they get older. This study aims to identify the characteristics and oral health status of older people who do visit community dental practices.METHODS: In this exploratory cross-sectional study, the oral health of Dutch community-dwelling older people was assessed. A random sample of general dental practitioners and older people who visit the dental practice was drawn. The dentists were asked to prospectively select one older patient and describe this patient using a specially developed registration form; the patient was requested to complete a questionnaire. Data were described for 3 distinct groups of older people. Statistical measures for distribution and dispersion were used to describe the oral health of community-dwelling older patients in relation to the age.RESULTS: A total of 373 (40.4%) dentist registration forms and 372 (40.3%) patient questionnaires were returned. Data were available for 364 (39.4%) dentist-patient couples. Amongst the patients, 52.8% were female and most had a high socioeconomic status. About 65.7% had one or more problems related to general health, and 75.2% used medication. Regarding the overall oral health status, the average number of teeth was 20, 3.5% were edentulous. Oral health problems were more common in the older patient group (aged 75+), in whom frailty was also most common.CONCLUSIONS: Older people who visit community dental practices are still relatively healthy, non-frail, and highly educated. Even in this group, there is a turning point in both general and oral health from the age of 75.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental practices and their readiness to resume dental practice during arduous circumstances. Methods The authors distributed an observational survey study approved by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Institutional Review Board to dental care practitioners and their office staff members using Qualtrics XM software. The survey was completed anonymously. The authors analyzed the data using R statistical computing software, χ2 test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results Nearly all participants (98%) felt prepared to resume dental practice and were confident of the safety precautions (96%). Only 21% of dentists felt the COVID-19 pandemic changed their dental treatment protocols, with at least two-thirds agreeing that precautions would influence their efficiency adversely. Although most participants were satisfied with the resources their dental practice provided for support during the pandemic (95%), most were concerned about the impact on their general health and safety (77%) and to their dental practice (90%), found working during the pandemic difficult (≈ 60%), and agreed there are challenges and long-term impacts on the dental profession (> 75%). Conclusions Dental care professionals, although affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and at high risk of developing COVID-19, were prepared to resume dental practice during most challenging circumstances. Practical Implications The pandemic has affected dental care practitioners substantially; thus, there is need to formulate psychological interventions and safety precautions to mitigate its impact. Further research should evaluate the long-term effects on dentistry and oral health and interceptive measures for better communication and programming around future challenges.

This study considers the confidence of dental core trainees (DCT’s) as they mature and progress through their first 6 months in an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) training post. Trainees have different incentives for embarking on a year in OMFS; to develop additional skills before settling into general dental practice, as a step towards specialty training and for those who are uncertain about their career direction1. Traditionally, an OMFS year has been associated with creating well-rounded and confident clinicians2. We surveyed 123 DCT’s at 3 stages over a 6-month period to monitor their confidence towards 10 clinical domains: assessing dento-facial infection, mandible fractures, mid-face fractures, intra-oral/extra-oral swellings, airway risks, intra-oral/extra-oral lesions (benign/malignant), CT/MRI scans and performing intraoral/extra-oral suturing. This study demonstrates an increase in trainee confidence across all domains over the first 6 months of an OMFS post, with a particularly significant increase in the assessment of dento-facial infection, mandible/mid-face fracture and both intra/extra-oral lesions and swellings.

OBJECTIVES: To describe treatment and monitoring outcomes of posterior teeth with cracks at baseline followed in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network for up to three years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and nine dentists enrolled a convenience sample of 2,858 patients, each with a posterior tooth with at least one visible crack and followed them for three years. Characteristics at the patient, tooth and crack level were recorded at baseline and at annual recall visits. Data on all teeth referred for extraction were reviewed. Data on all other teeth, treated or monitored, seen at one or more recall visits were reviewed for evidence of failure (subsequent extraction, endodontics or recommendation for a re-treatment). RESULTS: The survival rate for teeth with cracks at baseline exceeded 98% (only 37 extractions), and the failure rate for teeth that were treated restoratively was only 14%. Also, only about 14% of teeth recommended at baseline for monitoring were later recommended to be treated, and about 6.5% of teeth recommended for monitoring at baseline were later treated without a specific recommendation. Thus, about 80% of teeth recommended at baseline for monitoring continued with a monitoring recommendation throughout the entire three years of the study. Treatment failures were associated with intra-coronal restorations (vs. full or partial coverage) and male patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this large 3-year practice-based study conducted across the United States, the survival rate of posterior teeth with a visible crack exceeded 85%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dentists can effectively evaluate patient, tooth, and crack level characteristics to determine which teeth with cracks warrant treatment and which only warrant monitoring.

The UK Dental Medicines Advisory Service (UKDMAS) provides advice to dentists and other dental healthcare professionals concerning the use of medicines and medical devices in dentistry. The commonly asked questions posed to the UKDMAS concerning the prescribing, administering or dispensing of medicines in dental practice are discussed with answers supplemented by relevant information from clinicians. These include: different classes of medicines, unlicensed medicines, prescriptions, Patient Group Directions, Patient Specific Directions and dispensing of medicines - if appropriate.

The increase in COVID-19 infections worldwide and the susceptibility of the dental professionals due to close contact with patients' saliva and the production of aerosols carrying SARS-CoV-2, has generated the search for new preventive measures with the intention of reducing the risk present in the dental office. Recent research, based on the antiviral activity of some oral antiseptics, such as: chlorhexidine, povidone iodide, cetylpyridinium chloride and hydrogen peroxide; have focused on evaluating the efficacy that these different solutions might have against the new virus in media similar to the oral cavity. Based on this, this article has the objective of conducting a review on the antiviral efficacy of mouth rinses on SARS-CoV-2 as a preventive measure against the risk of transmission in the dental office. A search was made for original articles relevant to the topic, the databases were Medline and Scopus; electronic libraries: SciELO, WILEY, and academic search engines such as Google Scholar. In terms of results, iodopovidone has been shown to be more effective against COVID-19 followed by hydrogen peroxide, cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. While clinical studies regarding the duration of efficacy in the oral cavity are limited, it was concluded that mouthwashes appear to be a good preventive, safe and a complementary option in dental practice; while awaiting more effective therapies or a vaccine.

Despite some progress in improving of the diagnosis and implementation in dental practice of the latest comprehensive methods and tactics for the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) on the background of occlusal and muscular interference, the main issue of clinical periodontology in conjunction with various pathologies maxillofacial segments don’t lose their relevance to date and require further comprehensive research aimed at optimizing treatment and prevention of neuro-muscular and joint dysfunction. Despite numerous publications about TMJ dysfunction, information on the etiology, diagnosis and pathogenesis of these symptom complexes remains highly contradictory. Purpose of the work. Review of sources of scientific and medical information on the influence of occlusive factors on the development of musculoskeletal dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints. Results. Of the various concepts of TMJ dysfunction, there are two basic ones: – myogenic and occlusalarticulatory theories. Proponents of the myogenic theory assign a leading role in the potogenesis of TMJ diseases to parafunctional States of the masticatory muscles. However, among the representatives of the myogenic concept of TMJ dysfunction development, there is no consensus on the etiology of parafunctional disorders, and the diagnosis of functional changes in the TMJ complicated by hypertonus of the masticatory muscles against the background of traumatic occlusion remains not fully resolved. Considering the sources of scientific and methodological information concerning the methods of examination of patients with TMJ dysfunction, it should be stated that their improvement is constantly taking place, due to both the need for the clinic and the development of more sensitive and modern devices. Conclusion. Modern research methods that have appeared and been actively implemented in recent years require systematization and evaluation of their effectiveness for the development of diagnostic algorithms in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVES Accurate visualization of dental root canals is vital for the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment. This work assesses the improvement of a dedicated new coil for dental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in comparison to conventional ones in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and visibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS A newly developed intraoral flexible coil was used to display dental roots with MRI, and it provides improved sensitivity with a loop design and size adjusted to a single tooth anatomy. Ex vivo and in vivo measurements were performed on a 3 T clinical MR system, and results were compared with conventional head and surface coil images. Additional comparison was performed with a modified fast spin echo sequence and a constructive interference in steady-state sequence. RESULTS Ex vivo, an SNR gain of 6.3 could be achieved with the intraoral flexible coil setup, and higher visibility down to 200 μm was possible, whereas the external loop coil is limited to 400 μm. In vivo measurements in a volunteer resulted in an SNR gain of up to 4.5 with an improved delineation of the root canals, especially for the branch tissue splitting of the mesial root canal into mesial-buccal and mesial-lingual. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we showed the feasibility of implementing a wireless coil approach with readily available dental practice materials for sealing and placement. Highly improved MRI scans can be acquired within clinically feasible scan times, and this might provide additional medical findings to supplement available x-ray images.

The most recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome has become a major global public health emergency, which the World Health Organization has identified as the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite international attempts to prevent the virus from spreading, the epidemic has not yet been halted. Among healthcare workers, dentists seem to be at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. Given the type and form of procedures being performed in the oral cavity, pediatric dentistry poses a significant occupational risk. This review article discusses the risk of infection during dental procedures, patient precautions, and infection control measures implemented during dental care in hospitals, protective measures for dental practitioners, and emergency dental treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. And provide a variety of treatment options for children who are at risk for COVID-19, as well as precautions that must be taken to avoid cross-infections while children undergo emergency treatments in dental offices.

Background. Contemporary dental diagnosis should supplement clinical examination with instrumental diagnostic techniques. Raman spectroscopy has become widely adopted due to high spatial resolution, non-invasiveness, the lack of strict requirements and ease of sample preparation.Objectives. A qualitative assessment of enamel mineral and organic composition dynamics using Raman spectroscopy.Methods. Raman spectroscopy was used as primary research method. The trial bench consisted of a Shamrocksr-303i high-resolution digital spectrometer with built-in DV420A-OE cooled optical detector (spectral range 200–1200 nm), RPB-785 optic fibre scattering probe integrated with LuxxMaster LML-785.0RB-04 laser source with wavelength 785 nm.Software spectrum processing was performed with Wolfram Mathematica 9. Spectra were denoised with a median filter (5 points), the approximating line (fifth order polynomial) of autofluorescent component was determined in 700–2200 cm-1 range using an iterative algorithm and then subtracted to receive isolated Raman spectra.Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of data was performed with the IBM SPSS Statistics package. Results. The assay included 28 teeth, with 14 extracted for orthodontic indications and 14 — for chronic periodontitis. Spectral dental enamel dynamics has been established in periodontal disease and after the in-office bleaching procedure. The evidence obtained can be applicable in dental practice to verify patients at risk of periodontal disease by interpreting the tooth enamel spectral properties, as well as prior to in-office bleaching.Conclusion. We demonstrate high efficiency of Raman spectroscopy for qualitative assessment of the mineral and organic enamel composition dynamics in various settings. Raman spectroscopy is confirmed effective and versatile in various aetiologies. It was successfully applied to diagnose periodontitis by changes in the organic and mineral enamel composition and evaluate enamel after in-office bleaching.

The primary aims of the present study were (1) to quantify and characterize anaphylactic type I reactions related to local anesthetics (LAs) drawing on the French Pharmacovigilance Database System over a 35-year period and (2) to focuse on reactions associated with dental procedures. The secondary aim was to infer an incidence rate in dental practice. All cases of anaphylactic reactions were selected using the algorithmic Standardized MeDRA Query “anaphylactic reaction.” For each reaction, comprehensive data were collected, in particular the severity of symptoms, risk factors for anaphylaxis, and allergy testing. Imputability was assessed and a crude incidence rate in dental practice was estimated. The first-line search identified 416 anaphylactic reactions, mostly of grade II (138) or III (240) severity. When restricted to dental practice, this number fell to 26 (grade I: 4; grade II: 10; grade III: 11; and grade IV: 1). Lidocaine was most often involved (81.49%) and mostly associated with anaphylactic reactions of grade II and III. Overall, 11 cases of fatal anaphylaxis were recorded, but no in dental practice. In dental practice, lidocaine was also the most frequently involved LA (57.69%). All these findings highlight the very low incidence of type I-IgE-mediated reactions to LA, particularly in dental practice. The incidence rate of LA anaphylctic episodes in dental practice was estimated as 0.0261 anaphylactic episodes per million LA cartridges. True anaphylactic reactions to LAs do occur and may justify a thorough investigation in dental practice.

Objective This systematic review updates the evidence for association between oral health characteristics and frailty status, identifying gaps in translational dental research and application of frailty assessment into clinical practice. Background Clinicians have little guidance on stage-appropriate dental treatment for medically complex older adults. Oral health characteristics have been associated with frailty status, determined through validated assessment tools representing a concise measure of health. Translation of frailty assessment into dental practice has not been the focus of previous reviews. Methods Utilising the PRISMA framework for systematic reviews, a comprehensive database search identified articles describing the association of interest. Those included were cross-sectional or longitudinal, in English, included participants aged 50 years or older, used validated frailty assessments and measured clinically relevant oral health outcomes. From 835 screened articles, 26 full-text articles were eligible for quality appraisal and synthesis. Results Frailty prevalence ranged from 8.5% to 66.0%. Most studies utilised the Fried frailty criteria. Qualitative synthesis of 17 cross-sectional and nine longitudinal studies demonstrated significant covariate-adjusted association between frailty status and number of teeth, chewing ability, prosthetic characteristics, dental caries, periodontitis, dental utilisation and oral health-related quality of life factors. Variability in findings reflected study sample diversity based on country of study origin, age at recruitment, sample size, frailty assessment type, use of clinical versus self-reported outcome measures and differences in statistical analysis. Conclusion Despite robust evidence of association with oral health characteristics, frailty assessment has yet to be sufficiently applied to translational dental research and clinical practice.

A severe pneumonia outbreak occurred in Wuhan City in late December 2019.Inhalation of airborne microorganisms that may remain in the air for a long time, direct blood contact, oral fluid or other patient material, connective contact with droplets and nasal or mouth mucosal microorganisms formed or proposed by an infected person transmitting pathogens to the dental environment for a short time.Contacts can also occur in a relatively closed environment where aerosols are exposed to high aerosol levels. Dental practice produces risky dentists and patients with aerosols.Therefore, the research aims to prevent infections in dental practices from hindering transmission routes between clinics and hospitals. Dentists played a significant role in stopping 2019-ncov transmission. In dental clinics and hospitals, infection control is advised to block routes from person to person. Keywords: COVID­19, Transmission & precautions, Dental clinic, Dental

During the spread of pandemic disease, dental practice come across the highest risk of corona virus infection by the exposure from patient saliva, aerosols generation during the dental procedure, blood contamination during oral surgical procedure. This virus can be transmitted from symptomatic to asymptomatic individual through aerosol spread, saliva contamination. Due to its ability of airborne transmission, so aerosols generated through natural activity or during the time of any dental treatment procedure has the ability to transmit the virus from infected person to the surrounding person. Keywords : Pandemic, Covid - 19, Dental practice.

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common of craniofacial anomalies in humans. CLP results from disruption of embryonic processes during orofacial development; while syndromic clefts may have clearer aetiology, non-syndromic clefts are heterogeneous in aetiology. It is important for GDPs to understand the classification of CLP and the structure of centralized cleft centres in order to communicate with cleft teams. This article aims to clarify the role of GDPs within cleft management and discusses challenges in maintaining oral health in this group of patients, including increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease, dental anomalies and psychosocial considerations. CPD/Clinical Relevance: The GDP should be responsible for maintaining good oral health for the patient with cleft lip and palate, focusing on prevention from a young age and restorative work if needed.

This paper describes the benefits and the pitfalls of using colour codes in general dental practice. The issue is particularly relevant today where colour codes are used in dental contract development in order to improve oral health in communities. The article, 'Look at it from where I'm sitting - I'm a patient', won the UK Oral B Prevention in Practice Award in 1994. The prize was attendance at the FDI world Dental Conference in Gothenburg. The article described a patient centric take on dental care.

Background/purpose Several pharmacotherapeutic methods have been used for the treatment of COVID-19 with varying degrees of success. No definitive treatment or vaccine has been officially approved to-date. This review aimed to highlight COVID-19 pharmacotherapeutic agents that are relevant to dental practice in terms of their clinical indications in COVID-19 and dental practice, as well as their adverse effects as they impact the dental patient. Material and methods Systematic search was performed using the following keywords combinations: Pharmacotherapy AND COVID-19 OR Pharmacotherapy AND SARS-CoV-2 OR Treatment AND COVID-19. Studies were categorized according to the type of pharmacotherapy used. Pharmacotherapeutic agents were extracted and only those relevant to dental practice were included for review. Results For analysis, a total of 79 clinical trials research articles were included that included COVID-19 pharmacotherapeutic agents relevant to dental practice. Those were analgesics (paracetamol; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents); antibiotics (azithromycin, doxycycline, metronidazole); antivirals (penciclovir); and immunomodulatory agents (hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids). While some COVID-19 drugs are less relevant to dental practice, as antivirals and hydroxychloroquine, their association with long-term adverse effects requires adequate knowledge among dental practitioners. Conclusion Many of COVID-19 pharmacotherapeutic agents are used to treat oral diseases particularly orofacial pain and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, some of these drugs may induce adverse effects that complicate dental treatment. Thorough knowledge of COVID-19 therapy and its dental implications is essential for dental practitioners, and is expected to contribute to a better understanding and effective utilization of these therapeutic agents.

The COVID‐19 pandemic has posed an extraordinary challenge to the world. Dental healthcare personnel are considered to be at high risk as they work in close proximity to the oral cavity of patients. New procedures of approach and management should be incorporated in different aspects of routine dental practice. In addition, pediatric dentists are posed with unique and extraordinary challenges of parental anxiety and behavioral guidance of pediatric patients and parents/guardians. The aim of this study was to highlight the changing perceptions of pediatric dental practice as the ‘new normal’ in the post‐COVID era.

Fahad Abdulaziz Alrashed,1 Kamran Sattar,2 Syed Rashid Habib,3 Tauseef Ahmad,2 Abdulaziz Saud Al Rashoud,3 Turki ali Y SAFHI,3 Abdulrhman Hamad M Almajed,3 Hamad Ali H Alnafisah,3 Norah Hamad Alharbi,3 Abdulrahman Alsubiheen4 1Department of Cardiac Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Fahad Abdulaziz AlrashedDepartment of Cardiac Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaEmail faaalrashed@ksu.edu.saPurpose: To estimate dental students’ self-perception of mental well-being (MWB) and its effects on their clinical psychomotor skills (CPS) once they (or their family members) get infected with COVID-19.Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional (n =268) study from a public dental college in Riyadh. We collected data on MWB and CPS. An 18-item online survey was used to collect the responses from the participants. The inter-rater reliability for the finalised survey came out to be 0.86.Results: The participants (54.3%) who were infected with COVID-19 recorded that their CPS were significantly affected (almost 4 times higher) as compared to others (OR= 4.02; P=0.0004). However, 42.2% reported infection control measures at clinics resulted in bringing significant (OR=2.22, P=0.04) psychological upsets, for those who were infected with COVID-19. Participants (45.1%) also reported that they have difficulty in recalling old memories or information due to the COVID-19 pandemic; among them, 46.7% were the ones who (and/or any family member) were exposed to COVID-19.Conclusion: The study spotlighted the extent of dental students’ MWB and its significant effect on their CPS once (themselves or a family member) infected with COVID-19. Moreover, levels of infection control measures at clinics resulted in psychological upsets for dental students.Clinical Significance: The issue is fundamental as participants enter the clinical workforce and face the ever-increasing demands of dental practice.Keywords: dental students, clinical psychomotor skills, mental well-being, pandemic, COVID-19

Objectives: A novel coronavirus was first proclaimed in Hubei province, China, 213 countries worldwide also became an epicenter of the virus until June 17, 2020. The dental team has a high risk of infection as a result of the specificity of their procedures. The aim of this questionnaire was to estimate the preventive measures and the awareness methods that may be adopted by the dentists to prevent or reduce the transmission of COIVD-19. Material and Methods: The questionnaire was an electronic survey contained 23 questions, which were designed based on the instruction given for dental setting by CDC during COVID-19 pandemic; the respondents in this study were dental practitioners in Syria. Results: A total of 1013 dentists have responded to this survey 61% of the participants treated only the emergent treatment, 84% of them wear facial masks, while the prevalence for other protective equipment was low. The majority of the participants schedule the appointments as there is only one patient in the waiting room. More than half of the dentists sterilize the patients’ hands before and after the dental treatment, and 59% of them choose 70% ethyl alcohol as a disinfectant. Most of the respondents use dental mouthwashes before the initiation of the treatment. Almost three-quarters of the dentists use high vacuum. Only 15% of dentists sterilize the dental handpieces in the autoclaves after each patient. Most of dentists educate their patients about preventive methods. Conclusion: Based on these results, the Syrian dentists should take more strict measures during dental practice.

Introduction Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumour, usually arising in the long bones, with occurrence in the head and neck accounting for 8% of all osteosarcomas. Clinical features include swelling, pain, facial dysesthesia and abnormal mobility of teeth. Treatment consists of a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Case series Here, we present four cases of osteosarcoma of the jaws - two maxillary and two mandibular. All cases were initially assessed in the dental primary care setting before being referred for specialist opinion.Discussion The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of an uncommon but serious disease which can mimic common life-threatening dento-facial conditions. We discuss the diagnostic features, with an overview of clinical, histopathological and radiographic features.Conclusion These cases are important reminders of the potential clinical and radiographic appearance of a rare cause of facial swelling, and highlight the role of the general dental practitioner in early diagnosis and referral.

Introduction- Improvements in oral health and oral healthcare have resulted in people usually retaining at least some natural teeth for life. Increased numbers of older patients require complex dental treatment as their dentition is already heavily restored. Treatment needs are often complicated further by acute and chronic medical conditions that become more common with increasing age.\ud \ud Objectives- To explore the access to daily oral care and access to dentistry for those living in a residential care home.\ud \ud Methods- For this research, a residential care home and a dental practice within the local area to the care home was approached. A total of 45 participants were interviewed.\ud \ud Statistical Analysis- Semi-structured interviews with three separate cohorts were performed, the patients or their friends and families, care home staff, and the dental teams. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.\ud \ud Results- The three cohorts of patients had similar concerns in accessing the dentists including transport, communication, training, and the need for raised awareness of the importance of oral health. The access to daily oral care was impacted upon by apathy and lack of education or training.\ud \ud Conclusion- Better training is required for care home staff and older people living in care on the importance of oral health. The provision of dental services for this community could be delivered differently with a focus on preventing and maintaining independence as long as possible.

A familial non-syndromal supernumerary teeth is a rare condition encountered in dental practice. Supernumerary teeth occur in excess of the usual number of teeth. Multiple supernumerary teeth are associated with some syndromes like cleidocranial dyplasia and Gardner syndrome. This report describes the occurrence of supernumerary premolar teeth at the same location in two sisters as a non-syndromal trait. General dental practitioners (GDP) and dental specialists should have the knowledge and skills to diagnose, manage and treat patients with this condition safely and effectively. It will also discuss the prevalence, unique distribution, associated conditions, aetiology and treatment options of this condition. This paper describes the considerations a dental practitioners should take when they encounter a case of supernumerary teeth. Keywords: Supernumerary teeth, Premolars, Impacted teeth, Hyperdontia.

During treatment in dental practices, drops of different sizes are produced (spats and aerosols). Microorganisms in these drops are of human origin or originate from the water in the dental unit. Therefore, these drops can contribute to cross contamination in dental practices. Large drops settle quickly, while smaller drops can remain suspended in the air for a longer period of time. The highest level of contamination is found in the immediate vicinity of the source (the patient's mouth). Further away from the source and after stopping drop producing activities, the level of contamination in the air is comparable to control circumstances. Studies into the spread of viruses via this route in the dental practice have not yet been conducted. The risk of catching an infectious disease in the dental practice seems limited, but can be high in the case of a virulent microorganism, when the circumstances for spread of the virus are favorable, or if the recipient is immunocompromised.Tijdens handelingen in mondzorgpraktijken worden druppels van verschillende grootte geproduceerd (spatten en aerosolen). Micro-organismen in deze druppels zijn afkomstig van de patiënt of komen uit het water van de behandelunit. Hierdoor kunnen deze druppels bijdragen aan kruiscontaminatie in mondzorgpraktijken. Grote druppels dalen snel neer, terwijl kleinere druppels lang in de lucht kunnen blijven hangen. De grootste besmettingsgraad is te vinden in de directe omgeving van de bron (de mond van de patiënt). Verder weg van de bron en na het stoppen van de druppelproducerende handelingen is de besmetting van bacteriën in de lucht vergelijkbaar met controle-omstandigheden. Onderzoek naar de verspreiding van virussen via deze route in de mondzorg is nog niet uitgevoerd. De risico’s op het oplopen van een infectieziekte in de mondzorgpraktijk lijken beperkt, maar kunnen hoog zijn als het veroorzakende micro-organisme sterk virulent is, de omstandigheden voor de verspreiding van het micro-organisme gunstig zijn of als de ontvanger immuungecompromitteerd is.

Background: Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is one of the worst pandemics known to mankind. It affects all the age groups but children present with milder symptoms and may also be asymptomatic. In the current scenario paediatric dentists pose high risk of the disease due to close contact with not just children but also with their parents. Additionally, majority of paediatric dental procedures advocate the use of handpiece which generates immense aerosol increasing the transmission risk by manifold. Objective: This review aims to highlight the transmission of COVID-19 in dental setting, its impact on paediatric dental setting and dental education and the new normal of paediatric dental practice. Modification in Dental Practice: With health authorities predicting that the novel coronavirus may become an endemic in the community, it necessitates modification in dental practice to adapt to the new normal. It requires modification in behaviour management techniques, tele-triaging of patients, stringent infection control, minimising AGPs and replacing them with minimally invasive techniques along with use of adequate isolation. The ongoing pandemic has also severely impacted the dental education therefore advocating modifications in the same with the advent of online teaching and webinars. Conclusion: Paediatric dentists are at high risk of acquiring the infection, hence it is the need of the hour to adapt to the new normal of practice at the earliest. We are an important part of the community; hence it is our foremost duty to contain the spread of this virus and not act as an aid in its transmission.

There are around 8,500 new cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) diagnosed in the UK each year and the incidence appears to be increasing. Although surgical and non-surgical treatment options have improved significantly in the last few decades, five-year survival has not, with an average five-year survival of 56% in the UK. Providing patients have access, there are frequent opportunities for oral cancer screening by their general dental practitioner. We present two cases of SCC managed in our department, both of whom were referred following a protracted period of review in general dental practice, where the initial 'benign diagnoses' were not re-evaluated during this time. This delay can considerably impact on patient outcomes, including survival. We outline each patient's clinical course, and key learning points to help dental practitioners detect lesions that require prompt referral to the oral and maxillofacial service for urgent investigation., Key points Describes two cases of delayed referral of oral squamous cell carcinoma and their clinical progression. Outlines key learning points to help dental practitioners detect lesions requiring urgent referral. Provides the reader with an overview of oral cancer including risk factors, signs and symptoms. Emphasises why early referral is essential for improved prognosis.

ADHD is common in children as well as in adults. Dental problems are more common in these individuals as they can often be forgetful and impulsive. They are less careful with their teeth and are more at risk of damage. Medication can also have side effects such as a dry mouth which is not conducive to the teeth. A number of advice are given for easier and better dental care. Timing and dosage of medication is of great importance here. Dentists can have ADHD as well, which can be a handicap in their practice.ADHD komt frequent voor bij kinderen en ook bij volwassenen. Tandheelkundige problemen komen vaker voor bij deze mensen, omdat zij vaak vergeetachtig en impulsief kunnen zijn. Zij gaan minder zorgvuldig om met hun gebit en lopen meer risico op beschadiging. Ook heeft medicatie bijwerkingen zoals een droge mond, wat niet bevorderlijk is voor het gebit. Een aantal adviezen wordt gegeven voor gemakkelijkere en betere mondzorg. Hierbij is timing en dosering van medicatie van groot belang. Ook tandartsen kunnen ADHD hebben, wat een beperking kan zijn in de praktijkvoering.

Infant oral mutilation (IOM) is a traditional dental practice where traditional healers enucleate primary canine tooth buds in children in the hope of preventing or curing childhood illness. The method applied is heinous, painful, and carried out in unsterile environment, and this increases the morbidity and mortality of children from the communities where IOM is rife. The case report described here arose from a village, where an infant with a medical issue ended up in the hands of a local traditional healer who enucleated her four primary canine tooth buds. The traditional treatment resulted in the fatality of the child in

Objectives To present the treatment approach for the restoration of localised anterior erosive wear using a combination of dental materials.Clinical considerations A patient presented in a private dental practice concerned about the aesthetics of his anterior teeth. The patient's history and clinical examination revealed erosive wear on the labial and palatal aspects of his maxillary central incisors and right lateral incisor. The formulated treatment plan was to restore the teeth in a conservative way. A diagnostic wax-up was performed and confirmed with the patient with chairside mock-up. The treatment provided included direct composite restorations, replacement of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown on his left lateral incisor with a porcelain-fused-to-zirconia crown, and lithium disilicate ceramic veneers on the worn labial surfaces of the central incisors and the right lateral incisor. The preparations for the ceramic veneers were carried out with the aid of the diagnostic mock-up, thus minimising the need for tooth removal of the worn teeth.Conclusions Pre-operative planning for tooth surface loss cases can help to ensure that little or no remaining tooth structure is removed during the restorative procedures. A strict bonding protocol is crucial to ensure longevity of the restorations.

Retrospective Dental OPD Registrations from January, 2020 to July, 2021

Background: Many academic institutions have been cheering lecturers to execute flipped learning methodologies. The present study determined perceived competency of dental interns toward dental practice among various dental colleges. Materials and Methods: A total of 138 interns of dental college were provided with self-administered questionnaire with close-ended questions. All were instructed to read it and submit it. Results: Out of 138 subjects, there were 78 males and 60 females. The mean value for general patient management was 3.12 and 3.0 in males and females, periodontology and dental public health was 2.54 and 2.65, conservative dentistry was 2.70 and 2.82, oral rehabilitation was 2.32 and 2.30, orthodontics was 2.10 and 2.28, management of children and special needs patients was 2.52 and 2.64, oral and maxillofacial surgery was 2.49 and 2.42, and drug and emergency management was 2.62 and 2.60, respectively. Conclusion: Dental interns were well prepared toward dental practice.

The Dental Postgraduate Training Department at the Ministry of Health, Bahrain, is committed to raising the standards of care provided to our patients through postgraduate education, and the provision of evidence-based guidelines for dental professionals. We are delighted, and we believe that this important set of guidelines will prepare the dental professionals to resume and continue their routine dental procedures in primary care dental clinics during the pandemic. The purpose of developing these guidelines is to ensure the provision of best practices in a safe environment for the dental health care professionals and the patient.

The anatomical variations of the mandibular canal have been described according to the number of additional branches it presents, bifid and trifid. Within the bifids we can also find subtypes of variations such as the retromolar mandibular canal. These anatomical variations can have important clinical implications for the work of dental professionals. A systematic search of the literature was carried out in different databases that met the following criteria: articles published between 2000 and 2020, and articles that established a clinical correlation with variations in the mandibular canal. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 32 articles were obtained, in which the variations of the mandibular canal were identified, their prevalence and incidence, which was very varied between the different articles, it was also found that the CBCT was the main technique to identify the anatomical variations of the mandibular canal. Lastly, the anatomical variations of the mandibular canal have a direct clinical correlation with pre-surgical, intra-surgical and postsurgical complications in pathologies that require surgical intervention. The anatomical variations of the mandibular canal have a high incidence, so knowing them is of vital importance both for clinicians and anatomy professors who provide morphological training. We believe that research should focus on describing and diagnosing the causes of these anatomical variations. That said, there is also a continuous challenge for all health professionals to learn about the different anatomical variations that the human body presents and how these can affect clinical practice.

Background The authors of this practice-based study estimated the risk of experiencing tooth fractures and crack progression over 3 years and correlated baseline patient-, tooth-, and crack-level characteristics with these outcomes. Methods Two-hundred-and-nine National Dental Practice-Based Research Network dentists enrolled a convenience sample of 2,601 participants with a cracked vital posterior tooth that had been examined for at least 1 recall visit over 3 years. Data were collected at the patient, tooth, and crack levels at baseline, annual follow-up visits, and any interim visits. Associations between these characteristics and the subsequent same-tooth fractures and crack progression were quantified. Results Of the 2,601 teeth with a crack or cracks at baseline, 78 (3.0%; 95% confidence interval, 2.4% to 3.7%) subsequently developed a fracture. Of the 1,889 patients untreated before year 1, 232 (12.3%; 95% confidence interval, 10.9% to 13.8%) had some type of crack progression. Baseline tooth-level characteristics associated with tooth fracture were the tooth was maxillary and had a wear facet through enamel and a crack was detectable with an explorer, on the facial surface, and in a horizontal direction. Crack progression was associated with males and teeth with multiple cracks at baseline; teeth with a baseline facial crack were less likely to show crack progression. There was no commonality between characteristics associated with tooth fracture and those associated with crack progression. Conclusions Development of tooth fractures and crack progression over 3 years were rare occurrences. Specific characteristics were associated with the development of tooth fracture and crack progression, although none were common to both. Practical Implications This information can aid dentists in assessing factors that place posterior cracked teeth at risk of experiencing adverse outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had wide-ranging effects on dental practice across the world. In particular, if has also affected the training of dental residents, who are specialists in training. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception and attitude of dental residents in Nigeria to the pandemic and its perceived impact on the dental residency training programme across the country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of dental residents in teaching hospitals across Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to consenting participants through an online data collection platform (Google forms), between April and June 2020. Data were collected on sociodemographics, knowledge and awareness of coronavirus as well as impact of the pandemic. Data analysis was carried out with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Level of significance was set at p-value

The UK government introduced a nationwide lockdown on the 23rd March 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All elective hospital and dental practice assessments and procedures were mandated to stop. Key hospital dental workers were required to work, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust became a designated Urgent Dental Care Centre (UDC) for the greater London area. The paediatric dental emergency walk-in service was suspended and replaced with a telephone triage system and evaluation of digital images sent by parents/carers when needed. The aim of this paper is to describe the emergency service provided by staff in the department of Paediatric Dentistry at St Thomas’ Hospital during the first lockdown. A prospective service evaluation of the modified paediatric dental emergency service was carried out between 25th March and 29th May 2020. Four-hundred and sixty-four patients accessed the paediatric dental emergency service via telephone during the service evaluation period. Of these, 192 (41%) had dental pain, 121 (26%) had pain and swelling of dental origin, and 89 (19%) had trauma. Remote telephone consultations and digital photographs were useful to screen emergency paediatric dental patients, but lack of face-to-face consultations with radiographic assessment and access to general anaesthetic services were major limiting factors.

The novel corona virus-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge to human civilization, and clinical dental practice is one among the most affected sectors. As the virus spread via saliva and droplets, the risk of exposure for dental health care providers is the maximum, for the unique work pattern, like their proximity to patient’s nasal and oral cavity, their handling with blood and saliva etc. In this discussion, we have tried to share our thoughts, and also we have compiled recommendation from different regulatory bodies and present an operational guideline for regular dental practice to ensure infection control during the pandemic.

Objective The aim: Is to develop and test questionnaires allowing systematization of the main dental complaints and knowledge on hygienic oral care in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) given their individual characteristics. Patients and methods Materials and methods: The developed questionnaires and database have been tested on 36 patients with NAFLD and 10 patients of the control group. Results Results: As a result of the study, it appears that the main dental complaints in patients with NAFLD are dry mouth and the associated need for frequent mouth rinsing with water, bleeding gums, mainly during teeth brushing, distortion of taste and bad breath. It has been noted that only 33.3% of patients regularly brush their teeth every morning and evening, while 25.0% of respondents brush their teeth only once a day. It is also characteristic that more than 25.0% of patients with NAFLD use mainly carbohydrate foods in their diet, and the smoking rate among this group is at least 58.0%. Conclusion Conclusions: The use of this questionnaire makes it necessary to take into account all the "bottlenecks" in selection of measures for dental disease prevention in NAFLD, which currently is of high relevance and necessity.

Background Implant treatment using guided surgery is becoming widespread in clinical dental practice. Furthermore, the development of digital technology has enabled the use of intraoral scanners (IOSs) to fabricate surgical guide plates. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of guided surgery using the silicone impression method with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner and the digital impression method with IOS for one side of the mandibular free end. In addition, we compared the accuracy of tooth-supported vs tooth/mucosa-supported surgical guide plates. Results The accuracy of the tooth-supported surgical guide plate using the new IOS method instead of the method of obtaining impressions with conventional silicone resulted in better measurements of 3D deviation at the crest, 3D deviation at the apex, and angular deviation. In terms of the accuracy of the tooth/mucosa-supported surgical guide plate, there were no significant differences in all measurements. The surgical guide plate using an IOS and the tooth/mucosa-supported surgical guide plate may enable more accurate guided surgery. Conclusion Tooth/mucosa-supported guided surgery involving preparation with an IOS may result in more accurate implant surgery.

Many viruses have been posing threat to the world from time to time and recently in this category, a novel coronavirus called COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) was detected in December 2019 and is causing havoc all over the world COVID-19 spreading through person-to-person transmission routes including direct transmission, like cough, sneeze, droplet inhalation and contact transmission, like contact with oral, nasal and eye mucous membranes The operators in oral health care profession expose to great risk of COVID-19 infection due to face-to-face communication and their exposure to fluids from the conjunctiva, oral cavity, nose and also other body fluids, and handling with the sharp instruments Oral health care professionals (dentists and dental hygien-ists) play a prime role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 Several dental hospitals and clinics have been completely closed or have been providing minimal treatment for emergency cases However, prophylactic and emergency treatments are being provided in some countries and a few supporting regular dental treatment Oral health practitioners are prone to risk as they are hardly prepared for such unexpected global outbreak Lack of universal protocol or guidelines to control the infection and dental care provision during such a pandemic condition could be of better help The present study fills in the missing gap with necessary recommendations comprising of preventive steps for disease/infection transmission during dental practice to block the operator-to-patient and vice-versa transmission routes in dental clinics and hospitals © 2021, Radiance Research Academy All rights reserved

Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that leads to severe acute respiratory disease. It was first identified in Wuhan City, China, in December 2019 and has resulted in an ongoing pandemic. As of September 15, 2020, more than 26.5 million cases have been reported across the world, with more than 873,000 deaths. As SARS-CoV-2 is highly infective through air-borne contamination, the risk of infection in the dental setting is a serious problem for dental professionals as well as patients. The article provides information on this virus transmission and emphasizes the safety protocols to be followed before, during and after dental treatment.

Resume. In the modern world, the appearance of teeth is of great importance. Beautiful white teeth are not only a sign of good health, but also an element of culture and well-being. Definition, the individual natural color of the teeth is mainly determined by dentin, however, the color, transparency, thickness and degree of mineralization of the enamel affect the color of dentin. Any changes in dentin and enamel during the formation, development and after teething can cause changes in light guide properties, and accordingly, changes in color. Purpose. Analysis of the sources of scientific and medical information about the features of tooth whitening by various methods and their effectiveness with the presentation of their own clinical examples. Methods. An analytical review of the literature on various methods of teeth whitening and indications and contraindications to these methods. Results. There are different options for coloring teeth and they call as external and internal. A separate category of discolors is such as internalized staining, when external chromogens penetrate into the hard tissues of the tooth. Treatment of diseases and conditions accompanied by discoloration of the teeth is complex and may include therapeutic (occupational hygiene, whitening, restoration) and orthopedic measures. Teeth whitening is a chemical oxidation process in which the color of enamel and dentin changes from dark to light. Modern bleaching systems are based on the use of preparations of hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide in combination with activating factors. Currently, the following main types of whitening systems are widely used in dental practice: for professional use in the clinic, for home use under the supervision of a doctor, for home use without a doctor's supervision, for example, whitening toothpastes, strips, pencils and standardized caps with gel inside. The work presents various options for teeth whitening from home to clinical and professional. Indications and contraindications to the teeth whitening procedure and its protocol are given. The analysis of the results of modern scientific research in dentistry shows that now it is possible to consider that professional whitening is effective. That is why the use of high-intensity blue diode light (LED) is quite promising, especially when eliminating deep tooth pigmentation. One of the most popular brands in the world of whitening is Philips Zoom system. The Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed lamp is a fundamentally new technology in which the manufacturer has used LEDs as a light source, which has made the teeth whitening process more comfortable and safe for the patient. Conclusion. To date, researchers and manufacturers have created various well-functioning, safe and comfortable systems for whitening teeth. It is important to find various aspects of tooth whitening and possible hazards. Understanding the operation of various systems and awareness of their advantages and disadvantages will allow you to choose the most optimal system. A professional approach to teeth whitening guarantee success.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seen a violent and fast spread worldwide. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a predominantly respiratory transmission through droplets and aerosol with serious implications for dental settings. This article is based on recent research, guidelines issued by relevant authorities, as well as on the authors’ experience acquired through their involvement in setting up an emergency dental care hub in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The present article aims to provide a brief description of COVID-19 implications in dental office and to recommend preventive protocols for dental practitioners to ensure a safe and healthful workplace. The recommendations for infection control presented in this article address the specific risks of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The article provides a special customized guideline covering patient triage and entrance into the dental practice, personnel protection, dental treatment, and after-treatment management. The implementation of strict preventive measures has been found to be efficient in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 contamination because no infections have been reported among our staff or patients. COVID-19 is a major emergency worldwide marked by a rapid evolution and warranting a need for further assessment of the implications of COVID-19 outbreak in dental practice.

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a zoonotic virus is considered to be highly contagious and transmissible from human to human. COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant challenge for dentists. Dentists and auxiliary staff are at high risk due to the possibility of disease transmission through the aerosols generated during dental treatment. This article focuses on understanding the general characteristics of COVID-19, routes of transmission among dental professionals and outlines safe dental practice measures to be adopted during clinical practice amidst the pandemic. This paper discusses the clinical implications of COVID-19 on general dental practice. Keywords: COVID 19; dental care; aerosol; transmission; guidelines; corona virus

The UK has an increasingly ageing population and, inevitably, the prevalence of anticoagulation among dental patients will grow. This same group of patients are retaining their natural teeth longer and will potentially require dental treatment and oral surgical procedures and so, general dental practitioners will need to be aware of the implications of anticoagulant drugs. Equally, to comply with requirements set by the General Dental Council's ‘Standards for the Dental Team’ it is imperative to ensure that, as clinicians, we put patients' interests first, and provide quality care based on current evidence. CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important that dentists have knowledge and expertise to consult and treat medically compromised patients for patient safety and to adhere to best practice guidelines.

RESUMEN: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha hecho que la atención odontológica de rutina se suspenda. La causa principal es el pobre control del aerosol en la consulta dental. Los aerosoles liberados por el instrumental odontológico son esenciales para la remoción de los tejidos bucales enfermos. Sin embargo, al mezclarse con saliva o sangre contaminada, los aerosoles pueden diseminar microorganismos infectivos fuera de la boca del paciente. Existe evidencia de que el SARS-CoV-2 se encuentra en la saliva del 91,7 % de los sujetos enfermos. Este artículo presenta evidencias y reflexiones para el control del aerosol odontológico, las que podrían permitir aumentar la seguridad del ejercicio de la odontología durante la pandemia y pospandemia.

Fixed orthodontic appliances are widely used in the correction of dentoalveolar anomalies. Examinations prior the beginning of orthodontic treatment revealed numerous cases of dental caries of moderate intensity; moreover, caries prevalence increases with age that is the number of carious teeth goes up, while the number of filled teeth and the level of oral hygiene become lower. A voluminous body of reports indicates that children and adolescents wearing orthodontic appliances have a significantly higher incidence of caries than patients who do not wear them. Plaque microflora is one of the main risk factors for the development of caries. According to the researchers, caries is initiated by streptococci, lactobacilli, actinomycetes, and Candida fungi. To assess the content of cariogenic microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus), there are special microbiological tests available. Kits for rapid tests are manufactured in different countries around the world. In 2013, the researchers of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry and the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, Ukrainian Medical Stomatological Academy investigated the microbiocenosis in the oral cavity in young people aged 19-25 years with different intensity of the carious process. The percentage and quantitative content of microflora was studied. The results of the study showed that an increase in the intensity of dental caries is accompanied by changes in the balance in the composition of the oral microflora. This study elaborated the indicators for identifying lactobacilli, streptococci (including haemolytic streptococci, which include S. mutans), fungi of the genus Candida and actinomycetes. But the results obtained did not match the application range of the above mentioned tests. It means the tests reflecting the number of representatives of the studied microbiocenosis in order to determine their activity, are not sufficiently objective. However, rapid tests assessing the indices of cariogenic microflora are in demand in dental practice that allows us to recommend their application in orthodontics. Further study of microbiocenoses should be carried out to determine their functional properties.

White spot lesions caused by enamel demineralization are frequently encountered in dental practice. Their management has always been an important issue in modern dentistry. However, the real dilemma was treating aesthetic demands with noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques preserving the natural tissues. The introduction of resin infiltration technique seems to provide an intermediary treatment modality between prevention and restorative therapy. This case report is aimed at reporting the management of MIH opacities in anterior teeth with resin infiltration technique.

Oral health care providers must be aware of the impact of bleeding disorders on their patients during any dental procedure and management of such mishaps. Adequate knowledge of the mechanisms underlying hemostasis, and the optimised management of such patients, are therefore very important for these issues. Initial recognition of a bleeding disorder, in such patients with a systemic pathologic process, may occur in dental practice. The dental treatment of these patients might get complicated during the course of the treatment due to the use of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet drugs raises a challenge in the daily practice of dental professionals. Adequate hemostasis is critical for the success of any invasive dental procedure, because bleeding problems can give rise to complications associated with important morbidity-mortality. Besides, prophylactic, restorative and surgical dental care of patients with any bleeding disorders is handled skilfully by practitioners who are well educated regarding the pathology, complications which could arise and treatment options associated with these conditions. The purpose of this paper is to review common bleeding disorders and their effects on the dental aspect. Many authors consider that patient medication indicated for the treatment of background disease should not be altered or suspended unless so indicated by the prescribing physician. Local hemostatic measures have been shown to suffice for controlling possible bleeding problems resulting from dental treatment.

Background/Aim: Dental care settings invariably carry the risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection because dental practice involves face-to-face communication with patients and the generation of large amounts of aerosol and droplets mixed with patients' saliva. Since droplet and aerosol transmission are the most important concerns in dental clinics, informing future dentists about pandemic diseases at the undergraduate stage is important. In this context, the aim of this study was to compare the knowledge and attitudes of clinical and preclinical dental students regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: 159 preclinical and 130 clinical dental students were included in this cross sectional study. The researchers developed a closed-ended questionnaire with the help of the existing literature. The questionnaire contained 17 questions about the knowledge and attitudes of dental students regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Clinical students feel significantly more threatened with exposure to COVID-19 infection than preclinical students (p