Evidence-based dentistry最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the scope and applications of digital twin technologies in dentistry: a scoping review.","authors":"Isha Duggal, Tulika Tripathi, Vandana Gupta","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01204-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01204-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Digital Twin (DT) technology creates a dynamic virtual representation of a physical system using real-time data and computational modeling. While DTs have demonstrated profound impact in several medical disciplines, their translation into dentistry is still emerging and has not been comprehensively mapped.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To systematically review and delineate the current applications, technological advancements, and prospective opportunities of digital twin (DT) technology in dentistry.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science identified English-language publications from January 2000 to April 2025. All empirical and conceptual studies describing DT development, validation, and/or application in dental contexts were eligible. Two reviewers independently conducted screening and study selection, with a third reviewer resolving discrepancies. No automation tools were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 5989 records were retrieved, and 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies represented orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, and dental education. DT applications primarily involved: patient-specific virtual modeling for diagnosis and treatment simulation, predictive or performance-monitoring frameworks using biomechanical/algorithmic analysis, and simulation-based skill training. Most were conceptual or prototype studies with small samples and limited clinical validation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DT technology has substantial potential to enhance precision, simulation, monitoring, and personalization in dentistry. However, current evidence remains constrained by fragmented research, methodological inconsistency and insufficient clinical validation. Future adoption of DT requires standardized data pipelines, robust ethical and regulatory frameworks and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve clinically meaningful and widely adoptable DT integration in dental care.</p>","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147856156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of curcumin in the management of oral submucous fibrosis: an umbrella review.","authors":"Namrata Suresh, Mahati Bhadania, Ankita Mathur, Nandita Suresh, Toufiq Noor, Vini Mehta","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01221-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01221-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This umbrella review was planned to synthesize pooled evidence on the efficacy of curcumin in alleviating clinical manifestations of OSMF.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The protocol of this review was registered at the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines were extensively followed. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, were searched to retrieve relevant literature. Data was extracted using a systematically designed data extraction form. An overlap assessment was performed using the GROOVE Tool. A meta-analysis (using a random effects model) was performed to estimate the overall efficacy of curcumin in managing OSMF conditions. Quality assessment for included studies was also carried out using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR 2) tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of six SR (n = 1) and SRMAs (n = 5) were included in this review. Overlap assessment found a higher level of overlap (19.39%) of primary studies across included studies. Meta-analysis revealed statistically significant results in improving burning sensation within intervention group [standardized mean difference (SMD = -2.66 (95% CI: -3.56 to -1.77); Z-score = 5.83, p-value < 0.001]. However, for other clinical symptoms, results remained statistically non-significant with variable heterogeneity (0% to 95%). A critical appraisal of the included studies demonstrated a high to moderate level (66.66%) of confidence in the overall evidence presented by the included studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings suggest that curcumin offers limited benefits while managing OSMF conditions, especially in the early stages. Its optimal role may be as an adjunct in multimodal management strategies rather than a standalone therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147835836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"What is the evidence for effective teaching of clinical reasoning in pre-registration dentistry?","authors":"Sally Hanks","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01223-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01223-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>A commentary on: </strong>The impact of different teaching methods on clinical reasoning and clinical decision-making of dentistry students: a systematic review. Journal of Dental Education, 2026, 90(1), pp.33-42 DESIGN: This systematic review examined evidence on educational interventions aimed at developing clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in undergraduate dental students. Searches of PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), Cochrane Library, and Scopus were conducted to 15 September 2023. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Study designs included cross-sectional and case-control approaches. PRISMA guidance was followed, and a flow diagram was provided.</p><p><strong>Case selection: </strong>Eligible studies were English-language reports evaluating clinical reasoning or decision making in undergraduate dental students. Studies involving qualified dentists, other healthcare professions, all review types, and non-peer-reviewed or grey literature were excluded.</p><p><strong>Data analysis: </strong>Two reviewers independently extracted data, resolving discrepancies by consensus. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 1118 records, 18 studies were included. Most studies originated from Asia, with limited representation from Europe. Topics spanned oral medicine, prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, and endodontics. Most studies were rated 'weak,' reflecting limitations in sampling methods, confounding, and outcome measurement. No meta-analysis was feasible; findings were synthesised narratively across the different educational approaches. The emerging evidence does however suggest that interactive, technology-enabled methods (such as virtual patients, AI-assisted modules, mobile applications, integrated curricula, and team-based learning) may enhance aspects of clinical reasoning and decision making compared with traditional lectures or small-group discussions. However, effects were inconsistent, typically based on proxy measures such as self-confidence ratings, diagnostic thinking inventories, or think-aloud assessments. Definitions of \"traditional\" versus \"new\" teaching methods were often unclear, as was the conceptual relationship between clinical reasoning and clinical decision making.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The review suggests that educational strategies grounded in psychosocial rather than solely biomedical frameworks may support the development of clinical reasoning and decision-making abilities in undergraduate dental students. The overall strength of evidence is limited by heterogeneity, small sample sizes, non-validated outcomes, and variable terminology. High-quality studies employing standardised, robust measures of clinical reasoning are needed to guide future curriculum development.</p>","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147835801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can teledentistry be used as an alternative to in-person examinations for the detection of dental caries in pandemic?","authors":"Seyyedeh Mahsa Sheikholeslamian","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01222-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01222-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>A commentary on: </strong>Casas K, DiPede L, Toema S, Ogwo C. Assessing Teledentistry versus In-Person Examinations to Detect Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JDR Clinical & Translational Research. 2025;11(1):4-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844251320974 DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the diagnostic accuracy of teledentistry compared to in-person examinations for detecting dental caries in primary and permanent dentition. The authors conducted a search in PubMed and CINAHL via EBSCOhost and followed the PRISMA-DTA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Diagnostic Test Accuracy) guidelines.</p><p><strong>Study selection: </strong>Comparative studies, including randomized and non-randomized clinical trials, that used DMFT/S or ICDAS indices and reported sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic parameters were considered eligible. Only studies published in English between January 2013 and December 2021 were included. Studies that did not meet these criteria were excluded.</p><p><strong>Data analysis: </strong>QUADAS-2 and JBI checklists were used for risk of bias and critical appraisal. A DerSimonian-Laird random-effects approach was applied to conduct the univariate meta-analysis. Forest plots were generated for included studies, and sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and confidence intervals were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and Higgins's I² to evaluate the variation across studies and the consistency of the results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve studies reported sensitivity of 45.6-88.3% and specificity of 55.2-98.3% for teledentistry in caries detection. Accuracy ranged from 70% to 96%, and PPV/NPV were 79-92% and 48-97%, respectively. Heterogeneity was low (I² = 24%), and the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model estimated a diagnostic odds ratio of 35.14, indicating high diagnostic performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Teledentistry can be considered a method comparable to in-person examinations for diagnosing dental caries.</p>","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Do systematic reviews of non- and micro-invasive treatment for caries lesions in children and adolescents adhere to the PRISMA reporting guidelines? A meta-research.","authors":"Caroline Mariano Laux, Rokaia Ahmed Elagami, Adriana Esteves Santos, Tamara Kerber Tedesco, Daniela Prócida Raggio","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01214-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01214-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate whether systematic reviews (SRs) with or without meta-analysis or network meta-analysis focusing on non- and micro-invasive treatment of caries lesions in children and adolescents adhere to the PRISMA reporting guidelines and the PRISMA checklist and their extensions for Abstracts and Network Meta-analysis (NMA).</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>We conducted a comprehensive literature search up to 1st of September 2025 in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Gray literature was assessed through ProQuest and Epistemonikos, with no language or publication date restrictions. We included SRs focused on non- and micro-invasive caries treatment and excluded study protocols of SRs and SRs focused on special populations. Two independent reviewers extracted data from the included systematic reviews and assessed the adherence to PRISMA and its extensions as a reporting guideline.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We retrieved 1221 publications; after duplicate removal and eligibility process, 45 studies were considered for further data extraction and 36 SRs for the assessment of the adherence to the PRISMA checklists. Two independent reviewers assessed the adherence to the PRISMA checklist, and the mean overall adherence was 70.8%. Thirty-six SRs (80%) reported following PRISMA. The PRISMA item with the lowest adherence was protocol pre-registration (n = 2; 12.5%). In contrast, the SRs reported following the PRISMA-NMA extension showed higher adherence to the checklist items.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite the authors' declaration of adhering to PRISMA, several reporting items were not fully addressed in the systematic reviews on non- and micro-invasive caries treatments. Incomplete or inconsistent reporting limits clinicians' ability to interpret the sources of discordant findings across reviews and constrains the application of evidence-based judgments in pediatric caries management. Given the overall low reporting quality, not only is further improvement in these SRs essential, but some recommended management strategies should also be interpreted and implemented with caution until more robust and transparently reported evidence becomes available.</p>","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147697688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Supervised toothbrushing programmes and at home brushing behaviour: a rapid review of evidence.","authors":"George Kitsaras, Sarab El-Yousfi, Kara A Gray-Burrows, Peter Day, Zoe Marshman","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01218-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01218-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Supervised toothbrushing programmes (STPs) are widely implemented to improve children's oral health, yet it remains unclear which behaviour change techniques (BCTs) they use and whether these support children's toothbrushing at home. This rapid review addresses this evidence gap to inform programme design and evaluation.</p><p><strong>Aim(s): </strong>To conduct a rapid review of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in supervised toothbrushing programmes (STP1qs) and assess whether they support children's at-home toothbrushing.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A rapid review (Feb-Mar, updated Jul 2025) across PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and PsycINFO. Inclusion criteria focused on primary studies on children ≤12 years, STPs with any link to home brushing. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs), the active ingredients in changing behaviours, identified in included studies were code according Behaviour Change Taxonomy (BCTv1). BCTs were also mapped to COM-B mode of behaviour change and the Theoretical Domains Framework. There was no formal quality appraisal.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 187 records, 153 were screened, 16 full texts assessed, and 4 studies included (randomised controlled trials, mixed-methods, single-case). A range of BCTs was identified: instruction/demonstration, behavioural practice, prompts/cues, social support, environmental restructuring; incentives/rewards appeared in some trials. Only one study explicitly used the COM-B. Evidence for effects on home brushing was limited and largely parent-reported (e.g., greater enthusiasm, longer brushing, transfer of songs/charts), with no robust quantitative measures of home routines.</p><p><strong>Conclusion(s): </strong>Based on this rapid review, a number of STPs reliably embedded BCTs strengthening children's capability and opportunity to brush with the possibility of a \"spill over\" effect to home brushing behaviour. However, evidence that STB is associated with sustained at-home brushing remains weak and poorly theorised. Future evaluations should pre-specify mechanisms, measure home brushing with validated tools, and test which BCT combinations most effectively bridge school-to-home behaviour.</p>","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147654060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does using concave abutments improve 24-month outcomes of single posterior implants?","authors":"Jai Jandu, Vijay Maharajan, Roshwin Pereira Carvalho","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01220-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01220-4","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A commentary on: &lt;/strong&gt;Seijas Naya, F. Bernabeu Mira, J., C. Pérez Jardón, et al. \"Influence of Abutment Shape on Implant Marginal Bone Remodeling: A Double-Blind, Randomized 24-Month Clinical Study.\" Clinical Oral Implants Research 1-11; https://doi.org/10.1111/clr.70085 DESIGN: A 24-month follow-up of a split-mouth randomised clinical trial with two parallel experimental groups: straight aesthetic antirotational abutments (Nueva Galimplant, Sarria, Spain) and concave antirotational abutments (Nueva Galimplant, Sarria, Spain). This continuation study, with 24-month post-loading data, re-analysed the 8 week post-placement and 6 month post-loading data, from the original study&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;. The primary outcome defined in the protocol was stability, measured as Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ), and secondary outcomes were Marginal Bone Loss (MBL), and Probing Depth (PD).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Case selection: &lt;/strong&gt;30 partially dentate patients (n = 80 implants) who required at least two posterior implants to be restored with single-unit crowns, were recruited at a secondary care academic department. Adults over 20 years old, who smoked less than 5 cigarettes per day, were at least 6 months post-extraction with healed bone able to accommodate 4 mm diameter and 10 mm length implants, without hard or soft tissue augmentation, were considered. Implants were placed transmucosally 4 mm from the future gingival margin, 1 mm below the alveolar crest, utilising 2 mm or 3 mm height abutments. Healing caps were removed at 8 weeks and outcomes measured, the implants were then loaded with crowns and outcomes measured again at 6- and 24-months post-loading.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Data analysis: &lt;/strong&gt;A per-protocol analysis was done using independent-sample t-tests for dichotomous variables and paired-sample t-tests for intra-group bone level changes. Mixed linear regression models were used to assess the impact of abutment type and height on MBL, with individual variations weighted based on implant count per patient. Generalised Additive Models were also constructed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;There was no statistical difference in stability, measured through ISQ, between groups at 24 months. There was no statistical difference in PD, bleeding and plaque scores either. At 8 weeks post placement, prior to loading, there was a statistically significant (p = 0.002) difference in MBL: straight abutments had an average of 0.54 mm (95% confidence interval 0.35 to 0.73) and concave abutments of 0.18 mm (95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.31). A linear mixed-effects regression model was used to evaluate changes in marginal bone levels. Overall, implants restored with concave abutments showed significantly less MBL than those with straight abutments. The model also indicated that this difference appeared early after loading and remained consistent over the follow-up period. In addition, greater abutment height was associated with reduced MBL, suggesting a protecti","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147616137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is bioactive glass toothpaste an effective alternative to fluoride toothpaste for preventing early childhood caries?","authors":"C Albert Yeung","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01219-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01219-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>A commentary on: </strong>Li T, Guo H, Liu C, Jiang H, Gao S, Du M. Effectiveness of Bioactive Glass-Based Toothpaste for Early Childhood Caries Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int Dent J 2026;76:103985.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Double-blind, multicentre, parallel group cluster-randomised controlled trial (class-level randomisation).</p><p><strong>Case selection: </strong>Children aged 3-4 years at risk of early childhood caries (ECC) were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: a fluoride‑free bioactive glass (BAG) toothpaste group and a fluoride toothpaste (800 ppm) group. Both groups were followed over 27 months to monitor the incidence of new carious lesions.</p><p><strong>Data analysis: </strong>Caries outcomes were evaluated using established clinical caries assessment criteria suitable for early childhood populations, with comparisons made between groups to determine differences in caries incidence and overall preventive effect. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate group differences in caries development.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The trial found that the fluoride-free BAG toothpaste was effective in preventing ECC and performed comparably to the fluoride toothpaste. Both formulations provided measurable caries preventive benefits, indicating that BAG has potential as a clinically relevant alternative to fluoride for young children.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>BAG toothpaste shows promise as a fluoride-free preventive agent for ECC. Its comparable effectiveness to fluoride toothpaste suggests it may be a useful option for children in situations where fluoride use is restricted, contraindicated, or declined by caregivers.</p>","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147591155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deep convolutional neural networks for age and gender estimation using orthopantomogram images: a systematic review.","authors":"Domilin Shyni Israel, Sheeja Herobin Rani Cruz Michael, Jeyabalaji ManoChristaine Angelo, Mahizha Sounder Ida, Rexiline Sheeba Israel","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01208-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01208-0","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The primary goal of this systematic review is to critically analyze and evaluate how effectively deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can estimate age and gender from orthopantomogram (OPG) images. OPG images, commonly known as panoramic dental X-rays, provide a comprehensive view of the upper and lower jaws, teeth, and surrounding structures, making them valuable for a variety of dental and forensic applications. The objective is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the efficiency of CNNs in this specific application, offering valuable information for researchers and practitioners interested in leveraging advanced AI techniques in dental imaging.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The protocol is registered in PROSPERO before data collection (CRD42024578905). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Research Scholar, PubMed, Research Gate, Springer and Science Direct, focusing on studies published between [2014 to 2024]. The inclusion criteria were studies employing CNNs for age and gender estimation using OPG images. Data were extracted on study design, CNN architecture, sample size, and performance metrics, followed by a comparative analysis of the outcomes. The risk of bias assessment used the latest version of the Quality Assessment tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Study selection: &lt;/strong&gt;The review initially identified 194 studies focusing on various CNN architectures for age and gender estimation. After removing 25 duplicate records, 169 unique articles remained. Further screening narrowed these down to 7 studies that met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. The findings suggest that CNN-based methods typically surpass traditional techniques in terms of accuracy and reliability. However, the results varied widely across studies due to factors like dataset size, image quality, and the complexity of the CNN models used. Most studies were conducted in single centers and only 20% included an external test set for evaluating model performance. According to the QUADAS-2 AI tool, only 40% of the studies in this review were deemed to have a low risk of bias in the reference standard domain. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CNN ARCHITECTURES AND REASONS FOR PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCES: Several studies of OPG images experimented with multiple CNN architectures including VGGNet, ResNet, DenseNet, Inception, MobileNet, and even custom models; each one helping in a different way to extract the features from the OPG images. All these networks have different depth, connectivity, and efficiency, which thus directly influenced their ability to reveal the subtle dental and maxillofacial features that are important for age and gender estimation. In particular, VGGNet provided excellent low-level feature extraction but was also the most prone to overfitting, whereas architectures like ResNet and DenseNet were always in the lead owing to the resi","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Should body mass index be considered when assessing caries severity in adults?","authors":"Joelle Booth, Samantha Watt","doi":"10.1038/s41432-026-01217-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-026-01217-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>A commentary on: </strong>Hua Y, Hong F, Xu Y, Liu J, Yu X. Association Between Body Mass Index and Dental Caries Severity in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int Dent J. 2026;76:108275.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This study was a systematic review with a meta-analysis conducted to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and caries severity¹.</p><p><strong>Study selection: </strong>The review searched four databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science. Eligible study designs included observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control and cohort). Only studies published in English were included. The search was limited to studies including adults aged 18 and over. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, followed by full text review. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer.</p><p><strong>Data extraction and synthesis: </strong>Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and entered into a data extraction form. Where needed, corresponding authors were contacted to request missing data or seek clarification. Quality assessment and risk of bias were assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) checklist by two reviewers independently. Clinical and methodological heterogeneity were also systematically evaluated. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and ten studies contributed to the meta-analysis. Qualitative synthesis indicated that seven studies reported an association between caries and higher BMI. Two studies showed a U-shaped relationship, in that caries severity was linked to both underweight and obese individuals, and three studies showed no association. The meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences when comparing obese and combined overweight/obese groups with the normal weight group. Higher DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) scores were observed in adults living with obesity compared with those of normal weight, however, this association was no longer statistically significant after sensitivity analyses excluding lower-quality studies. No statistically significant differences were identified for other BMI category comparisons.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overweight and obese BMI categories were associated with greater caries severity; however, the certainty of evidence was low. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between underweight BMI categories and caries severity. Additionally, future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of integrated interventions that address caries management alongside obesity management, and vice versa.</p>","PeriodicalId":12234,"journal":{"name":"Evidence-based dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}