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Purpose: This study aims to investigate the biomimetic effect of agarose hydrogel loaded with enamel matrix derivative (EMD-agarose) alone or in combination with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA-EMD-agarose) on the remineralization of human demineralized enamel. Methods: Extracted human mandibular third molars were sectioned into 54 buccal and lingual halves. Acid-resistant nail varnish was applied to each half, except for two enamel windows. Enamel surface microhardness, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were conducted to evaluate enamel surfaces at baseline, following demineralization with 37% phosphoric acid, and after each hydrogel application and remineralization for two, four, and six days. Remineralization was performed using a phosphate solution at 37°C. Results: At day 6 following remineralization, a statistically significant higher mean microhardness was recorded in n-HA-EMD-agarose hydrogel (260.87 ± 3.52) as compared to EMD-agarose hydrogel (244.63 ± 2.76) (p = 0.027). Similarly, n-HA-EMD-agarose hydrogel showed a higher mean calcium (46.31 ± 2.78), phosphorous (24.92 ± 0.826), and fluoride (0.909 ± 0.053) weight percentage compared to EMD-agarose hydrogel calcium (19.64 ± 1.092), phosphorous (19.64 ± 1.092), and fluoride (0.7033 ± 0.0624) weight percentage (p < 0.05). Further, SEM analysis revealed a substantial deposition of n-HA following the application of the n-HA-EMD-agarose hydrogel, whereas the EMD-agarose exhibited a relatively smooth enamel surface with less visible enamel rods due to mineral deposition. Conclusion: The combined n-HA-EMD-agarose hydrogel demonstrated improved surface microhardness of the remineralized enamel and enhanced mineral content deposition, indicating its potential as a biomimetic approach for dental enamel repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of propolis-based materials within endodontics to promote pulp wound healing or disinfect the root canal system has been a recent focus of scientists and clinicians. This is mainly because of the well-documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and wound healing properties of propolis. This scoping review critically appraises the literature on the clinical applications of propolis-based compounds during endodontic therapy of primary and permanent teeth. An electronic literature search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science up to and including October 2023 to identify studies assessing the use of propolis during endodontic therapy of primary and permanent teeth. A combination of relevant Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords was used. Only human clinical studies written in English were included. The identified manuscripts were screened and assessed for inclusion by two independent authors. Eligible manuscripts were then subjected to critical appraisal and data extraction with the information being summarised according to their clinical application. A total of 26 human clinical studies were identified and included in the analysis. Propolis was investigated for use in the primary and permanent dentitions as a direct pulp capping or pulpotomy material as well as in root canal disinfection and root canal filling material of teeth with non-vital pulps. Overall, the included studies reported that the use of propolis was associated with promising outcomes in terms of efficacy to control inflammation, enhance tissue repair, and disinfection of the root canal system. However, a critical appraisal of the studies revealed a range of methodological and reporting deficiencies, resulting in unreliable results and conclusions in terms of the clinical outcomes reported. Although the studies on the use of propolis-based materials in endodontics reported promising clinical outcomes, they had a range of methodological and reporting flaws. Therefore, further well-designed and properly reported controlled clinical studies are essential to derive sound evidence-based conclusions on propolis-based materials. Furthermore, guidelines for quality assurance and safe use of propolis-based materials are necessary to enhance their production for commercial use in endodontics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the value of problem‐based learning in the development of self‐regulation amongst undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach using focus groups was used to explore the perceptions and experiences of the participants regarding the role of problem‐based learning (PBL) in promoting self‐regulation in undergraduate dental education. The study was carried out at a newly established dental institution in Qatar. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. Invitations to potential participants were sent by e‐mail through appropriate professional channels. All focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and data were imported into NVivo 12 and analysed thematically. Results: A total of five focus groups were conducted with 37 participants which included 27 females and seven males from two different cohorts. Participants expressed their views on a range of issues related to the self‐regulation in problem‐based learning and also provided recommendations to enhance the learning experiences of students. PBL was perceived to be an appropriate and effective strategy to support student autonomy in construction of knowledge and developing problem‐solving and interpersonal skills. However, the workload of the students can impact adversely on their motivation and time management skills. Conclusions: This study provides useful insights into the concept of self‐regulation in problem‐based learning environments as perceived by the stakeholders at a newly established dental institution. The findings of this study may offer clarity on how problem‐based learning can be best utilised to promote self‐regulation in undergraduate dental education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Tooth auto‐transplantation has recently gained high clinical acceptance. The aim of this study was to identify the top 100 most‐cited articles regarding tooth auto‐transplantation, to analyse multiple citations and publication metrics and to outline the historical scientific advancements in this field. Materials and Methods: An advanced search of the Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science 'Core Collection' and Elsevier's Scopus databases utilising specific keywords related to tooth auto‐transplantation between 1971 and 2021 was performed. The retrieved articles were ranked in descending order based on their Web of Science citation counts and further cross‐matched with citation data from Scopus. The extracted data included citation counts, citation density, level of evidence, year of publication, contributing authors names and institutes, corresponding author's address, journal of publication, journal local citations index, cumulative growth index, keywords and keywords Plus. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and graphical mapping. Results: A total of 1290 articles were retrieved. The top 100 most‐cited articles received a total of 4899 (Web of Science) and 5250 (Scopus) citations. Among these, cohort studies (29%) and case series (18%) were the most common study designs. Scandinavian countries produced major contributions in defining the top 100 most‐cited articles and ranked within the top 5 countries based on the number of publications and citations per year. The greatest contributing authors were Schwartz O (n = 12), Andreasen JO (n = 8) and Paulsen HU (n = 6), and they were affiliated with Copenhagen, Denmark. The top contributing journals were American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology, European Journal of Orthodontics, Dental Traumatology and Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis revealed a large geographical scientific interest and broad development in the field of tooth auto‐transplantation spanning multiple dental disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study explored dental students' perception of their professional identity (PI) development at a newly established dental college with a problem‐based learning (PBL) curriculum. Methods: Qualitative methods based on focus groups were used for data collection. The conceptual framework of the study was informed by a subject‐centered sociocultural approach to PI development. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from five focus groups of undergraduate dental students to gain a deeper understanding of their PI development in a PBL environment. Results: Out of a total of 38 dental students in years 2 and 3, 34 students (89.47%) participated in the focus groups. A theory‐driven thematic analysis was used to dissect the views and experiences of the participants to explore factors contributing to PI development in the early years of the program. At an individual level, PBL was seen to be appropriate for PI development. However, some participants placed more emphasis on practical training in operative dental skills. Relational sources especially role modeling by the PBL facilitators and faculty staff were identified as a key factor to nurture PI development. Mixed views were observed on the value of PBL to enhance team‐working skills. The participants also identified challenges of PBL and provided recommendations on further improvements to enhance the learning experiences of the students. Conclusions: This study provided useful insights into a PBL curriculum at a newly established dental institution. The findings underscore the value of PBL in developing PI and also highlight the challenges of implementing PBL in a socio‐cultural context and pedagogical implications for further program improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]