Aim: This review explores the potential of bioactive glasses in dentistry, focusing on their applications in dental restorations, implants, and tissue regeneration. The aim is to assess the challenges and opportunities in their use, as well as the future directions for enhancing their performance. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of recent literature was conducted to analyze the properties, applications, and limitations of bioactive glasses in dental materials. Studies on the composition, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and long-term in vivo performance were included. Methods to enhance the mechanical strength of bioactive glasses, such as the formation of composites and advanced nano structuring, were also explored. Results: Bioactive glasses have shown great promise in promoting remineralization, supporting tissue regeneration, and bonding with hard tissues. However, challenges such as mechanical brittleness, high costs, and limited long-term stability have been identified. Research on enhancing mechanical strength through composites, as well as developing more cost-effective production methods, is ongoing. Conclusion: Bioactive glasses offer significant potential for improving dental treatments and advancing regenerative medicine. Future research should focus on enhancing their mechanical properties, developing personalized bioactive materials, and exploring their integration with stem cell therapies and growth factors. With continued development, bioactive glasses could revolutionize dental restorations, implants, and oral tissue regeneration, providing innovative solutions for oral healthcare.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for around 90% of malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity and is a serious public health problem. The 5-year survival rate of oral and pharyngeal SCC is estimated to be around 63%, despite advances in the treatments. Particularly SCCs affecting the oral and mobile portion of the tongue (OTSCCs) show a high pitfall of recurrence and lymph node metastasis. Within this context, biomarker studies are essential for better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, better prognostication and better therapeutic strategies. Proteins of the plasminogen activator system (PAS) have been correlated with the prognosis and clinical behavior of several types of cancer, such as breast, lung, esophageal, gastric, and oral cancers. The PAS consists of a set of molecules that integrates extracellular matrix (ECM) changes. Within this system, conversion of the pro-enzyme plasminogen into plasmin occurs, cleavage of ECM, and stimulation of other proteolytic enzymes as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In malignant neoplasms, the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin is intermediated principally by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). The formation of plasmin is blocked basically by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1, also called SERPINE-1). Although, the main function of PAI-1 is the regulation of the PAS, it also shares in alternate biological processes implicated in tumorigenesis. Aim of the Study: This review discusses the role of PAI-1 in inhibiting fibrinolysis in oral cancer and its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Objective: Our work has as its main objective the evaluation of the occurrence of root resorptions through a systematic review of the literature. The secondary objective is to compare the classic RME and the MARPE, in order to guide our therapeutic choice towards an optimal risk-benefit ratio. Introduction: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with multi-dental, bone or mixed support is today the therapy of choice in the treatment of maxillary endognathism. In order to maximize the orthopedic effects and minimize the iatrogenic dental effects, in particular the risk of external root resorption, a paradigm shift in anchoring has appeared and the use of bone anchoring techniques in the therapy of rapid maxillary disjunctions seems to increasingly appeal to practitioners. This systematic review analyzed the current literature to study the phenomenon of root resorption after RME based on 3D computed tomography and compare these iatrogenic dental effects according to the technique used between conventional tooth-supported expansion and mini-screw-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) Materials and Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar and science direct were searched for systematic reviews, randomized or non-randomized controlled trials and cohort studies conducted in humans and published in the last 30 years (1994-2024). JBI was used for the risk of bias assessment of the included studies. Results: A total of 11 articles: 3 systematic reviews, 6 retrospective cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trial. Conclusion: Our systematic review has proven the presence of root resorption and bone loss following rapid maxillary expansion with bone or tooth anchorage but we noted that the latter causes more significant damage to posterior teeth. In this regard, further studies testing different anchorage designs and using a consistent methodology for the assessment of root resorption are highly recommended.

Purpose/Objectives: The Bachelor of Dental Medicine and Surgery program at Taif University is a comprehensive six year program with one year of compulsory Field Experience. Many of the courses and Preclinical/clinical activities were conducted online in the academic year 2020-21 due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Aim of this study was to identify the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental curriculum achievement at Taif University. Methods: The scores and passing percentage of undergraduate dental students for the Academic year 2019-20 and 2020-21 were compared and analyzed. All courses were grouped into five categories- theoretical, theoretical-practical, theoretical-clinical, pure clinical and Interactive learning courses. A minimum of 60% aggregate score in each course was mandatory for a student to pass in the exam. Results: The results of all the exams were entered in SPSS, Version 21.0. The performance of the students were assessed and compared for both academic years using Chi square test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Considering the passing percentage of students, the performance of students in ‘Clinical’ courses was better in AY 2019-20 as compared to AY 2020-21. The difference in the mean scores for these two years was statistically significant across ‘theory+clinical’ category. Conclusion(s): The performance of students was much affected after the imposition of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, where the courses had clinical component. In rest of the categories, students performed better in AY2020-21. A hybrid mode of Dental Education may be beneficial.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is a prevalent enamel defect affecting both permanent and deciduous teeth, posing significant clinical challenges. This literature review aims to comprehensively evaluate the etiology, prevalence, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and management strategies of MIH in permanent and deciduous dentitions, while identifying current knowledge gaps and suggesting directions for future research. The prevalence of MIH varies globally, ranging from 3% to 40%, with the highest rates observed in South America (7-40%) and Africa (10-30%), compared to Europe (8-25%) and Asia (3-20%). Gender distribution is nearly equal, though some regions report a slight female predominance. Genetic factors, prenatal and perinatal complications, childhood illnesses, and environmental exposures such as dioxins significantly contribute to MIH etiology. Clinically, MIH presents as demarcated opacities, post-eruptive enamel breakdown, and increased caries susceptibility, affecting approximately 70% of affected first permanent molars and 60% of incisors. Management strategies vary based on severity, with mild cases managed through preventive measures like fluoride varnish, while severe cases often require restorative interventions such as resin composites and stainless steel crowns. The economic burden is substantial, with affected individuals necessitating frequent and costly dental treatments, and MIH adversely impacts quality of life by increasing dental anxiety and affecting aesthetics. MIH is a widespread and multifactorial dental condition with significant clinical and socioeconomic implications. Effective management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, and further research is essential to elucidate its etiology and develop robust preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Improving facial aesthetics is a major reason why patients with class II division 1 malocclusion look for orthodontic therapy. Two-phase approach that includes functional jaw orthopaedics as well as fixed orthodontic treatment is one of various techniques available to treat Class II malocclusions. The following case report describes a young growing female patient with a Class II Division 1 malocclusion. In the first stage, the patient was treated using Andresen activator for growth modification and correction of her overjet, overbite and profile. Then, fixed orthodontic appliance was used in the second phase, to ensure well-aligned arches and improve aesthetic and function.