Search Results (778)

Background: Empathy and a positive attitude are essential competencies in healthcare, particularly when caring for older adults. Their development is therefore a critical component of undergraduate dental education. This study evaluates whether using aging simulation suits can enhance empathy and improve attitudes toward older adults among dental students. Methods: Third- to fifth-year dental students from the University Clinics of Dental Medicine in Geneva, Switzerland, participated in an aging-simulation experience using the GERonTologic age simulation suit (GERT^®), which replicates age-related physical impairments. Students performed tasks in four predefined scenarios, both with and without the suit. Changes in empathy and attitudes were measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students’ version (JSE-HPS) and the Geriatric Attitudes Scale (GAS) questionnaires. Perceptions of the intervention were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Results: Sixty-three undergraduate students (45 women, 18 men), aged 20–53 years, participated. The suit significantly impaired their physical abilities (p < 0.001). Empathy improved post-intervention (p = 0.038), particularly in the third-year group. Attitude towards older adults improved significantly post-intervention (p = 0.001), mainly among fourth- and fifth-year students. All participants endorsed the positive value of the intervention. Conclusions: The intervention’s impact varied by clinical experience: empathy increased mainly in less experienced students, while attitudes improved in those with more exposure to elderly care. This suggests that the timing of simulation within the curriculum influences outcomes. Aging simulation represents a promising educational approach to enhance empathy, improve attitudes toward older adults, and prepare dental students for the clinical and psychosocial aspects of geriatric care. Full article

Introduction: Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for periodontal disease, while perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes may influence smoking-related behaviors and preventive practices. The aim of this study was to develop and perform an exploratory validation of a questionnaire assessing these dimensions in relation to periodontal health. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire comprising 31 items. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. Results: Sixty-six complete questionnaires were included in the analysis. The overall internal consistency of the instrument was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.770). Reliability across individual domains ranged from acceptable to good. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity confirmed the suitability of the data for factor analysis. Conclusions: The questionnaire demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties for exploratory use and may serve as a preliminary tool for assessing smoking-related perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes in relation to periodontal health. Full article

Objective: Dental professionals are routinely exposed to infectious agents through contact with blood, saliva, and aerosols. This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate and compare knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices related to infectious diseases among dental students and practicing dentists in the post-COVID era. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and March 2024 at a single dental faculty. Fourth- and fifth-year dental students and practicing dentists were invited to participate. A 30-item questionnaire assessed knowledge of infectious disease transmission and immunological markers (Questions Q1–Q19), as well as attitudes and self-reported practices toward patients with infectious diseases (Q20–Q30). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and comparisons between groups were performed using Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests (α = 0.05). Internal consistency of the questionnaire was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.81 for knowledge items and 0.88 for attitude/practice items). Results: A total of 221 dental students and 33 dentists were included in the final analysis. Both groups demonstrated high awareness of respiratory transmission routes for COVID-19 and influenza. In contrast, recognition of bloodborne transmission pathways was limited, with approximately half of participants identifying blood contact and blood-contaminated instruments as potential sources of infection. Significant differences were observed between students and dentists in the interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, with dentists more frequently associating IgG positivity with prior infection (p = 0.009) and immunity (p < 0.001). Cautious behavior toward treating patients with infectious diseases was common in both groups, whereas reluctance to provide treatment and lower self-perceived knowledge were more frequently reported among students. Conclusions: Despite adequate awareness of respiratory infection transmission, important deficiencies persist in bloodborne pathogen knowledge, serological interpretation, and confidence in managing infected patients, particularly among dental students. These findings underscore the need for targeted, practice-oriented infection control education that integrates immunological principles and hands-on training to enhance clinical preparedness in the post-COVID era. Full article

Background/Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains common globally, yet data on its prevalence and correlates among dental students in Eastern Europe are limited. Dental students may face potential occupational exposure through contact with saliva and aerosols during their clinical training. This study aimed to measure the seroprevalence of H. pylori among Lithuanian dental students and evaluate its associations with academic year, self-perceived oral health and hygiene factors, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: An observational–analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 among 202 dental students from lower (I–II) and higher (IV–V) academic years at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Participants underwent serological testing for H. pylori IgG antibodies using capillary blood and completed a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic factors, oral health behaviors, clinical exposure, and gastrointestinal symptoms assessed by the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS). Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed to assess associations. Results: Overall H. pylori seroprevalence was 12.4% and did not differ significantly in different academic years. Seropositivity was significantly associated with longer toothbrushing duration and a family history of stomach ulcer. No significant associations were found with the number of patients treated, the use of personal protective equipment, or most oral hygiene indicators. Higher-year students reported greater overall gastrointestinal symptom scores than lower-year students; however, GSRS scores did not differ between H. pylori-seropositive and -seronegative participants. Conclusions: H. pylori seroprevalence in this student population was relatively low, and no association was found with clinical exposure or gastrointestinal symptom severity. Household-related factors may be more relevant to transmission than occupational exposure in dental training. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify risk factors and transmission pathways. Full article

Background/Objectives: An effective inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is critical for mandibular third molar surgery, especially for novice student operators who face steep learning curves. This study compared the clinical efficacy and safety of 4% articaine, 2% lidocaine, and 2% mepivacaine in an undergraduate setting. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with 189 patients undergoing third molar surgery performed by dental students. Patients received either 4% articaine (n = 69), 2% lidocaine (n = 61), or 2% mepivacaine (n = 59). Anesthetic efficacy was evaluated using a two-stage assessment comprising Vincent’s sign (Stage 1) and profound surgical anesthesia (Stage 2). Intra- and postoperative pain, anesthetic volume, surgical duration, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared among anesthetic groups. Results: Baseline demographics, impaction patterns, and difficulty indices did not differ significantly among groups. Stage 2 profound success rate was significantly higher with articaine (76.8%) than with lidocaine (55.7%) and mepivacaine (61.0%) (p = 0.031). Articaine was also associated with a longer duration of anesthesia (261.7 vs. 164.6 and 192.6 min; p < 0.001), a lower total anesthetic volume (2.1 vs. 2.4 and 2.3 mL; p = 0.007), and significantly lower intraoperative pain scores (14.3 vs. 31.0 and 29.8 mm on the Heft–Parker VAS pain scale (HPS); p < 0.001). Postoperative pain through Day 7 and complication rates were comparable among anesthetics, with no serious adverse events reported. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this observational study, four percent articaine was associated with higher profound IANB success rates and lower intraoperative pain observed in this cohort. These observed associations with higher success and tissue diffusion properties may mitigate the impact of novice technical variability within this cohort. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), particularly avulsion, require immediate and appropriate first aid to ensure favorable outcomes. Adolescents are often the first responders during school or sports activities, yet their preparedness remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness of adolescents regarding the emergency management of TDIs. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years from four randomly selected colleges in Mangaluru, Karnataka. A structured, validated 16-item questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics and domains of knowledge (6 items), attitude (6 items), and awareness (6 items). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean knowledge score was 2.50 ± 1.04 (95% CI: 2.40–2.60), indicating limited knowledge of dental trauma management; only 26.3% of participants recognized that avulsed permanent teeth can be replanted and 7% identified an appropriate storage medium. The mean attitude score was comparatively high (4.38 ± 1.12; 95% CI: 4.27–4.49), with 88.8% of students willing to assist an injured peer, reflecting a large attitude–knowledge discrepancy (Cohen’s d = 1.47). The mean awareness score was 2.24 ± 1.24 (95% CI: 2.12–2.36), indicating limited awareness of preventive practices, including low mouthguard use (11.5%). Shapiro–Wilk testing confirmed non-normal distribution of KAA scores (p < 0.05); accordingly, non-parametric analyses showed no significant differences across schools, academic streams, gender, or education level (Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Despite favorable attitudes toward assisting peers, adolescents demonstrated limited knowledge and awareness regarding the emergency management and prevention of traumatic dental injuries, particularly in tooth replantation, appropriate storage media, and mouthguard use, highlighting the need for targeted, school-based dental first-aid education programs. Full article

Background: Dental students need to qualify with a clear understanding of the continuum of biological development from the molecular (genetic, epigenetic and environmental interactions) to the cellular (morphogenesis and differentiation) to the emergence of the mature tissue or organ. Histogenetics provides a core component for this understanding. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a merged approach, combining traditional and recent methods, can enhance the teaching of histogenetics to dental students. Methods: This study blended traditional (lectures, drawings, microscopy) and recent approaches (flipped classroom elements, virtual microscopy, group-based poster construction, and interactive quiz-based discussion) to enhance student engagement and perceived learning in oral histogenetics. The intervention was delivered to master-level dental students across six core oral histogenetics topics. Teaching followed a structured three-phase model: Prepare (digital lectures and short microscopy-introduction videos); Engage (microscopy session and group-based poster creation); and Test and Discuss (teacher-led quizzing and discussion). Student perceptions were evaluated through an electronically distributed 17-item questionnaire at the end of the course. Items were grouped into self-evaluation, resources, and teaching method domains and rated on a five-point Likert scale. Results: A total of 45 of 51 students responded (88%). Across all domains, positive perceptions (Agree/Strongly Agree) predominated (p < 0.001). Self-evaluation items showed strong agreement for attendance and group contribution, with more variability in preparation time and motivation. Resources were rated highly, although the accessibility of physical guidance showed more mixed responses. The merged teaching method received strong endorsement, with students reporting engagement, enjoyment, ease of understanding, and clear emphasis on clinical relevance. Conclusions: The merged approach was perceived as pedagogically valuable and clinically meaningful by the students and appears to enhance perceived engagement, clarity, and relevance in oral histogenetics teaching. These findings support the adoption of blended, student-active methodologies to strengthen comprehension and promote clinically meaningful learning in oral histology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental aesthetics has been shown to be associated with psychosocial functioning and self-perception, underscoring the importance of integrating psychosocial considerations into holistic patient care. This study assessed self-perceived dental aesthetics, self-esteem, and dental habits among dental medicine students in relation to socio-demographic factors and dental knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 172 students from the Dental Medicine Faculty in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, was conducted. The sample was divided into two groups, based on their prior education in dentistry: Level 1 students at the beginning of their studies, without any prior dental medicine experience, and Level 2 students with basic knowledge in the field of dentistry at the end of their preclinical years. After informed consent, participants completed the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and questions on oral hygiene and socio-demographics. Subscale and overall questionnaire scores were computed and statistically analysed using Pearson’s correlations and independent-samples t-tests to examine relationships among self-perceived dental aesthetics and self-esteem and differences between variables. Results: A negative correlation was found between the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics and overall self-esteem scores (p = 0.006). Greater aesthetic concerns were associated with lower self-esteem (p = 0.003), although the magnitude of correlation was small. Female participants had higher social impact scores for dental aesthetics (p = 0.039), whereas male students reported higher self-esteem (p = 0.047). Students from Level 2 group presented higher self-esteem than Level 1 (p = 0.016). Regarding oral hygiene, a small but statistically significant association was found between dental flossing frequency and aesthetic concern scores (p = 0.044). Additionally, individuals who frequently attended dental check-ups reported a more favourable self-image. Conclusions: Self-perceived dental aesthetics correlates with self-esteem among dental students, varying by gender and academic level. The Dental Self-Confidence subscale of the PIDAQ had the greatest perceived impact, underscoring the importance of self-image for dental students’ psychological and social well-being. Dental flossing and regular dental consultations appear to be linked to improved self-perceived dental aesthetics. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the level of knowledge among dental students regarding infection prevention and control measures in dental practice. Methods: A total of 225 students from the Medical University of Plovdiv participated in an anonymous survey between November 2024 and March 2025. The survey assessed knowledge about epidemiological factors, disinfection protocols, and procedures for infection prevention and control. Results: The survey results revealed that while most students demonstrated a high level of knowledge of the importance of protective equipment and impression disinfection, a few students reported incorrect or inconsistent practices. Gender differences were observed in adherence to disinfection procedures. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for enhanced training in infection control within dental curricula to ensure safe clinical practice and minimize cross-infection risks. Full article

Background: This cross-sectional designed study aimed to identify the sources of oral health activities (OHA) by introducing a new OHA sources questionnaire (OHAQ-S). Methods: The OHAQ-S was developed from a sample of 658 university students and included measurements from nine sources: scales for parents, Dental medical doctors (DMDs), and primary school sources, as well as single-item measures for other sources. Using QHAQ-S measures, gender differences, determinants of OH activities, and differences between OH types were analysed. Results: Gender differences were observed in five OH sources (university, high school, self-learning, friends, and kindergarten). In both female and male subsamples, primary sources such as parents and DMD predicted overall OH activities, though with different secondary sources. In the female subsample, some differences in OHAQ-S sources appeared between the four OH types. The excellent OH type most notably differed from others by having higher reported incidence of self-learning—dental floss usage and DMD sources—and marginally higher reported use of university and parental sources. In the male subsample, multiple differences in OHAQ-S sources were found among the four OH types. The excellent OH type most distinguished itself by reporting higher levels of DMD, self-learning—dental floss usage, university—acquired OH knowledge, parental, and media and internet—health journal sources. Conclusions: Female students have differently expressed and more-pronounced OHA sources relative to male students and some sources encountered earlier (kindergarten and high school sources), and “independent” learning sources (self-learning versus friends sources). In both subsamples, predictive relationships of OHAQ-S measures with overall OH activities were verified. The findings on the elements of the discriminative and predictive validity of the pilot version of the questionnaire show that the OHAQ-S questionnaire represents a quality basis for constructing a questionnaire on sources of OH activities. Full article

Background: As a fundamental component of general health, oral health is of significant global concern, with the global burden of dental diseases continuing to rise. Dentists are expected not only to provide clinical care but also to model healthy behaviours and promote oral health through education and advocacy. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of dental students—which represent critical elements of their professional development—play a pivotal role in shaping their future clinical behaviour. However, the extant literature suggests considerable variability in these domains, thus indicating that dental students do not always demonstrate the exemplary oral health practices expected of them. Objectives: The objective of the preliminary study was to assess the oral health practices, utilisation of preventive care, and factors influencing the oral health status of dental students at the Medical University of Plovdiv. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 first- to fifth-year dental students. The study utilised a structured, validated, adapted WHO questionnaire and a clinical examination based on the WHO Basic Oral Health Survey criteria. A comprehensive data set was collected, encompassing sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene behaviours, lifestyle habits, and DMFT scores. Results: The utilisation of preventative dental care was found to be high, with 73.2% of the student population reporting a dental visit within the previous six months. This tendency was found to be particularly pronounced among female students, who exhibited a significantly higher frequency of such visits. The prevalence of smoking was found to be significant, with 45.3% of the population reporting current smoking habits. The mean DMFT score was 3.33 (SD 3.13), predominantly driven by filled teeth. The present study found residence to be a significant factor associated with DMFT (p = 0.010). Specifically, rural students exhibited higher scores compared to their urban counterparts. Despite the tendency of smokers and those who brush less frequently to exhibit higher DMFT values, no statistically significant associations were identified regarding toothbrushing frequency, smoking, alcohol consumption, or dental visit frequency. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that, despite the high utilisation of preventive dental care among dental students, notable disparities in oral health outcomes persist. Residence was identified as the strongest associated factor, with students from rural areas exhibiting substantially higher DMFT scores. Overall, the findings underscore the need for stronger lifestyle-focused education and targeted interventions to better prepare future oral health professionals to promote effective preventive care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Empathy is a core component of professional competence in dentistry, influencing patient-centered care and treatment outcomes. Evidence suggests that empathy may decline during clinical training, but data from Lithuanian dental students are lacking. This study aimed to assess empathy levels and subscale patterns among Lithuanian dental students and examine their association with academic year. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among third- to fifth-year dental students at the two universities in Lithuania. The Lithuanian version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy–Health Professions Students (JSE-HPS) was used to measure total empathy and three subscales: Perspective Taking (PT), Compassionate Care (CC), and Standing in the Patient’s Shoes (SPS). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Factor validity was examined via principal component analysis with Varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization. Differences across academic years were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: A total of 252 students completed the questionnaire (response rate: 93%). The Lithuanian JSE-HPS demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.808) and confirmed a three-factor structure. The mean total empathy score was 106.07 ± 12.55. JSE-HPS scores differed significantly between dental classes (p < 0.001). Fifth-year students had significantly lower JSE-HPS scores than third- and fourth-year students (101.65 vs. 107.05 and 109.36; p = 0.035 and p = 0.007). PT and CC scores significantly declined in fifth-year students compared with earlier years, whereas SPS scores remained stable. Conclusions: The Lithuanian version of the JSE-HPS is a reliable and psychometrically sound tool for assessing empathy. Clinical training was significantly associated with a decline in total empathy scores among Lithuanian dental students, highlighting the impact of academic progression on both cognitive and affective components of empathy. Given the cross-sectional design, causal inferences cannot be drawn. Full article

Globally, one in eight people experience a mental disorder, which constitutes a leading cause of years lived with disability and disproportionately affects young people. Gaps in scientific knowledge have been identified, with limited studies in university students. This article presents an open-access database on mental health and family functioning, collected through a survey of undergraduate students in health sciences programs at a private university in Cali (Colombia). The purpose was to explore suicide risk, substance abuse and family functioning using three structured questionnaires (Family APGAR, Dast-10, and PANSI), together with sociodemographic variables, organized in four sections (family and peer support, substance use, suicidal ideation, and background). The results of the article correspond to the database description, which includes finally 574 records obtained from students of health sciences programs (medicine, dentistry, psychology, prehospital care, nursing, dental mechanics). The data are provided as raw, analyzable files (spreadsheet formats) free of charge from Mendeley Data. In conclusion, the scientific impact of these data lies in their potential to be reused by researchers and higher-education decision-makers for secondary analyses that guide the development of mental and family health interventions for groups linked to undergraduate programs in the health sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Saliva plays an essential role in maintaining the oral ecological balance, and its quantitative and qualitative characteristics may influence susceptibility to dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine susceptibility to dental caries based on the DMFT index and to establish a correlation between caries experience and salivary parameters in a group of young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2025 on a sample of 87 fourth-year students from the Faculty of Dentistry in Craiova. Each participant underwent an intraoral clinical examination to determine the DMFT index. The salivary parameters assessed included unstimulated salivary flow rate, saliva consistency, salivary pH, stimulated salivary flow rate, and buffering capacity, using the GC Saliva-Check Buffer kit. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software, version 26 (SPSS Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The mean DMFT index value for the entire sample was 8.26 ± 4.481, with higher values observed among female participants. Low salivary pH was significantly associated with higher DMFT values. Participants with low or very low buffering capacity exhibited higher DMFT values compared to those with normal capacity, indicating that a reduced ability to neutralize salivary acidity is associated with increased caries activity. Conclusions: The results indicate that salivary pH and buffering capacity are important factors in dental caries susceptibility among young adults. The integration of salivary testing into the diagnostic assessment of caries risk may contribute to personalized and effective preventive strategies. Full article

Eye tracking can provide quantitative indices of visual exploration and cognitive processing during radiographic image interpretation. This study examined eye-movement patterns and pupil dynamics and their associations with task performance while fifth-year dental students interpreted a single mixed-dentition panoramic radiograph under free-viewing conditions. Task performance was defined as the number of correctly identified pre-specified items (three radiographic findings plus two interpretive items: dental age estimation and the presence/absence of congenital anomalies). Eye-movement patterns were classified into four groups: clockwise (R, 29.6%), counterclockwise (L, 44.4%), saccadic (S, 16.7%), and concentrated (C, 9.3%). Clockwise scan paths were associated with higher task scores and more globally distributed fixations than other patterns (p < 0.001). Linear mixed-effects modeling suggested that task scores increased up to 120 s of viewing time, whereas longer viewing times were not associated with further improvements. Furthermore, ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that higher task scores were significantly associated with a smaller mean pupil area across the entire viewing time, combined with a larger pupil area specifically during fixations, suggesting more selective allocation of cognitive resources. These findings indicate associations between global scan structure, time allocation, pupil dynamics, and task performance in this single-image setting. Generalization to overall diagnostic competence or other radiographs requires replication using multiple panoramic images and a broader range of verified findings. Full article