Sanabel O Barakat, Nebras I AlHawamdeh, Rama Marar
{"title":"Preparation protocols and periodontal applications of platelet rich fibrin, a review.","authors":"Sanabel O Barakat, Nebras I AlHawamdeh, Rama Marar","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1810175","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1810175","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Blood concentrates, such as platelet rich plasma and platelet rich fibrin, have been proposed to speed up tissue healing and regeneration in many dental fields. This was based on the fact that upon platelet activation, α-granules, which are reservoirs for many growth factors, fuse with the plasma membrane and release their cargo. The released growth factors exhibit chemotactic and mitogenic properties that promote and modulate cellular functions involved in tissue healing, cell proliferation, and tissue regeneration. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) products were introduced as a grafting biomaterial to be used in surgical periodontics, because of their regenerative qualities. PRF variants are totally autogenous, easy to prepare, fast, economic and most importantly, they do not involve a donor site, therefore PRF was suggested as a connective tissue graft (CTG) substitute, to avoid complications relating to the second surgical site to harvest the CTG. It is important to highlight that the quality and the content of the PRF matrix depends largely on the preparation conditions of the patients' blood sample. Based on the centrifugation speed of the extracted blood, different PRF matrices can be produced, such as Leukocyte- platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF), Advanced platelet rich fibrin (A-PRF) and Advanced platelet rich fibrin plus (A-PRF+), in addition to the injectable form of platelet rich fibrin (i-PRF) and lyophilised PRF (Ly-PRF). All these variants are currently used in different dental and periodontal procedures. This article aims to provide an overview of different PRF preparations and their applications in periodontal surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1810175"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13062251/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147679107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sofia Drouri, Chaimae Ghouni, Khaoula Sadel, Hafsa El Merini
{"title":"Inferior alveolar nerve injury following calcium hydroxide extrusion: a case report with preventive insights and three-year follow-up.","authors":"Sofia Drouri, Chaimae Ghouni, Khaoula Sadel, Hafsa El Merini","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1794033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1794033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Calcium hydroxide is commonly used in endodontics for its antimicrobial properties. However, accidental extrusion beyond the apex can cause severe complications, including injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), which provides sensory innervation to the lower lip, chin, and posterior mandibular region.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 35-year-old female undergoing root canal treatment of tooth 46 developed paresthesia of the lower lip and chin due to accidental extrusion of calcium hydroxide along the IAN canal, confirmed on initial cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Immediate management included anti-inflammatory therapy and vitamin B12 supplementation.</p><p><strong>Outcome: </strong>Over a three-year follow-up, symptoms markedly improved with partial sensory recovery and attenuation of hyperesthesia. Follow-up CBCT showed resorption of the extruded calcium hydroxide compared to the initial radiograph.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case highlights the critical importance of precise working length determination, controlled intracanal medicament delivery, and thorough anatomical knowledge of the IAN to prevent iatrogenic injuries during endodontic procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1794033"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13057485/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Longevity of stainless steel crowns in molar incisor hypomineralization: a systematic review.","authors":"Nishi Joshi, Pratyasha Sharma, Srikala Bhandary, Manju Raman Nair","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1799014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1799014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel defect frequently affecting permanent first molars, often leading to hypersensitivity, post-eruptive breakdown, and restorative failure. The compromised mechanical and adhesive properties of hypomineralized enamel make restorative management challenging, particularly in severe cases. Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are widely advocated for full coronal coverage in such teeth; however, variability in reported outcomes and the increasing use of alternative restorative materials necessitate a systematic evaluation of their clinical performance.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This systematic review aimed to compare the survival and clinical success of stainless steel crowns with alternative restorative approaches in the management of severely MIH-affected permanent molars in children and adolescents.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2025. Studies involving children aged 6-15 years with severe MIH affecting permanent first molars were included. Interventions comprising SSCs were compared with composite restorations and other full-coverage crowns. Eligible study designs included randomized controlled trials, retrospective studies, and clinical observational studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Due to heterogeneity among studies, a qualitative narrative synthesis was performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Across all included studies, stainless steel crowns demonstrated consistently higher survival and success rates compared with composite restorations and ceramic crowns over follow-up periods ranging from 12 to 24 months. SSCs showed superior retention, marginal integrity, and reduced need for retreatment, particularly in teeth with extensive enamel breakdown and hypersensitivity. Alternative restorations, especially multi-surface composite restorations, exhibited higher failure rates over time.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Within the limitations of the available evidence, stainless steel crowns exhibit superior clinical survival and success compared with alternative restorative techniques in the management of severely MIH-affected permanent molars. SSCs remain a reliable, durable, and cost-effective treatment option for children with severe MIH. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods and standardized outcome measures are required to strengthen the evidence base.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>PROSPERO CRD420251274395.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1799014"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13057453/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniela Del Toro-Alcántara, Marcela Arenas González, Ángel Luis Formoso Veloso, Carolina Caleza Jiménez, María José Barra Soto, María Biedma Perea, David Ribas-Perez
{"title":"Current practices and perceived effectiveness of alternative behavioral management techniques for pediatric dental anxiety: a cross-sectional survey of dentists in Spain.","authors":"Daniela Del Toro-Alcántara, Marcela Arenas González, Ángel Luis Formoso Veloso, Carolina Caleza Jiménez, María José Barra Soto, María Biedma Perea, David Ribas-Perez","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1783025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1783025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Fear of the dentist and associated anxiety in pediatric patients can negatively impact dental care and oral health. Traditional behavioral management techniques, such as physical restraint or sedation, are increasingly debated and rejected. The main objective of this study was to analyze the level of knowledge, use, and perceived effectiveness of alternative behavioral management techniques among practicing dentists in Spain.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 144 dental practitioners from Seville, Spain, predominantly female (77.8%) and aged 25-35 years (44.4%). Participants represented various specialties, with general dentistry being the most common (51.4%). Data were collected regarding the frequency of use, knowledge, and perceived effectiveness of behavioral management techniques for pediatric patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Across all specialties, the most frequently reported behavioral management technique was tell-show-do, particularly among general dentists, orthodontists, and pediatric dentists. Endodontists primarily favored positive reinforcement, whereas oral surgeons/implantologists reported higher use of pharmacological management. Use of physical restraint was minimal and limited to pediatric dentistry.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study highlights the need to enhance training in emotional management and alternative behavioral management techniques to prevent future trauma and reduce the likelihood that children will avoid dental care due to anxiety. Additionally, adapting the clinical environment to be more child-friendly is important to support effective behavioral management.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Improving dentists' knowledge and use of alternative behavioral management strategies can reduce pediatric dental anxiety, improve patient cooperation, and promote long-term oral health by encouraging regular dental visits.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1783025"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13057484/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M Nevison, M Monopoli, M Mutis, P Gudsoorkar, S Mehta
{"title":"Reduce oral health anesthetic emissions for the sake of health.","authors":"M Nevison, M Monopoli, M Mutis, P Gudsoorkar, S Mehta","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1773618","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1773618","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1773618"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13050785/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nesrine A Elsahn, Maan Ahmad Alshouli, Saleh Aneess Bahdar, Muhammad Sohail Zafar
{"title":"Effect of laser pulse energy and repair composite viscosity on the repair shear bond strength of aged bulk-fill resin composites.","authors":"Nesrine A Elsahn, Maan Ahmad Alshouli, Saleh Aneess Bahdar, Muhammad Sohail Zafar","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1795256","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1795256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Repairing failed resin composite restorations remains clinically challenging, and the longevity of repaired restorations depends on achieving a strong interfacial bond. This study evaluated the influence of different surface treatments and repair composite types on the repair shear bond strength (RBS) of aged bulk-fill resin composites.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>One hundred and fifteen standardized Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill Restorative (3M) composite discs (4 mm × 10 mm) were thermocycled (5,000 cycles, 5-55 °C). Specimens were divided into five surface treatment groups: Er:YAG laser at 50 mJ (L50), 150 mJ (L150), and 250 mJ (L250), air abrasion (A), and diamond bur control (B). After surface treatment, a universal adhesive was applied, and three composite cylinders (2 mm × 2 mm) were built per specimen using either Filtek Z250 XT Nano-Hybrid (N), Filtek Bulk-Fill Flowable (F), or Filtek One Bulk-Fill Restorative (R) (<i>n</i> = 10). Repaired samples were thermocycled again (×5,000) and tested for RBS. Surface roughness (Ra, Sa) was assessed by profilometry and AFM, and SEM micrographs were used to examine surface morphology. Data were analyzed using two-way and one-way ANOVA with <i>post hoc</i> tests (<i>α</i> = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Surface treatment and its interaction with the repair composite type significantly influenced RBS (<i>p</i> < 0.05), whereas the repair composite type did not significantly influence RBS (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The highest RBS values were recorded for L250 and Air Abrasion, while L50 yielded the lowest across all composites. L250 showed the highest Ra and Sa values. AFM and SEM confirmed pronounced peaks, valleys, and microretentive pits in the L250 and Air Abrasion groups, whereas smoother surfaces were observed following bur and low-energy laser treatments.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>High-energy Er:YAG laser (250 mJ) and air abrasion significantly enhanced repair bond strength by generating retentive surface topographies. The repair composite type had minimal influence, though low-viscosity materials performed better on highly ablated surfaces due to improved flow and adaptation.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1795256"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13050946/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luca Levrini, Stefano Saran, Emanuela Imbesi, Irene Vanini, Veronica Russo, Valeria Rimoldi, Andrea Carganico, Nicola Giannotta, Martina Perugini
{"title":"Skeletal and dentoalveolar effects on the midpalatal suture and maxillary arch assessed by occlusal radiographs and three-dimensional digital models in patients treated with invisalign palatal expander and rapid palatal expander: a pilot study.","authors":"Luca Levrini, Stefano Saran, Emanuela Imbesi, Irene Vanini, Veronica Russo, Valeria Rimoldi, Andrea Carganico, Nicola Giannotta, Martina Perugini","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1757094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1757094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) is a common craniofacial condition associated with posterior crossbite, dental crowding, and compromised respiratory function. This study aimed to evaluate whether the Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) can induce midpalatal suture opening and occlusal changes, and to compare these outcomes with those obtained using conventional rapid palatal expansion (RPE).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Thirty subjects (14 females, 16 males; aged 6-18 years) with mixed dentition were enrolled and divided into two groups: 15 treated with IPE and 15 with RPE. Radiographic images and digital dental models were analyzed before (T0) and after treatment (T1) to assess skeletal and occlusal changes, including midpalatal suture opening and transverse arch dimensions. Molar tipping and palatal depth were also measured. Patient-reported side effects during the first month of treatment were evaluated using a questionnaire addressing bulkiness, tongue impression, dysphonia, dysphagia, and gag reflex, scored on a 1-5 scale. Inclusion criteria comprised mixed dentition, erupted first molars, deciduous fourth/fifth teeth or erupting premolars, and complete diagnostic records. Exclusion criteria included previous orthodontic treatment, craniofacial anomalies, extraction therapy, allergies, hereditary angioedema, or active caries.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant differences were found between groups in the number of activations, radiographic outcomes, or theoretical expansion, indicating comparable skeletal effects. Midpalatal suture opening was achieved in all patients. Baseline occlusal conditions were similar between groups. After normalization for the number of activations, statistically significant differences were observed for arch depth, canine gingival width, canine dental width, and arch perimeter, all of which were greater in the RPE group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). No significant differences were found in intermolar angle or palatal depth changes. Questionnaire analysis revealed no significant differences in reported side effects between groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Invisalign Palatal Expander effectively produced transverse maxillary expansion with midpalatal suture opening, yielding skeletal and occlusal outcomes comparable to those of the Hyrax expander. Although the amount of expansion was slightly lower, the IPE demonstrated more controlled and predictable results, supporting its use as a valid alternative in mixed dentition and as a step toward fully digital orthodontic protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1757094"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13038861/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147610730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thanawat Ruaydee, Chantida Pawaputanon Na Mahasarakham, Vanthana Sattabanasuk, Pipop Saikaew
{"title":"Effect of smear layer pretreatment with EDTA and sodium hypochlorite on the dentin bond durability of universal adhesives.","authors":"Thanawat Ruaydee, Chantida Pawaputanon Na Mahasarakham, Vanthana Sattabanasuk, Pipop Saikaew","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1781705","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1781705","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of smear layer pretreatment on the dentin bond strength of two universal adhesives after 24 h and 6 months of water storage.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In total, 92 extracted human third molars were used. Teeth were assigned to the following four groups: no treatment (SE), 37% phosphoric acid etching for 15 s (ER), agitation with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 30 s (ED), and agitation with 2.5% NaOCl for 60 s followed by Accel for 5 s (SA). Dentin surfaces were bonded with either Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (CUQ) or All-Bond Universal (ABU) and restored with resin composite (<i>n</i> = 10). Bonded specimens were sectioned into beams for microtensile bond strength (µTBS) testing and peripheral slabs for resin-dentin interface observation. Half of the beams were tested after 24 h, and the remaining beams after 6 months of water storage. An additional 12 teeth were used to observe smear layer surface changes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to evaluate smear layer morphology, resin-dentin interfaces, and failure modes. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test (<i>α</i> = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bond strength was significantly influenced by pretreatment method, storage time, and adhesive type (<i>p</i> < 0.05). ABU showed significantly higher µTBS than CUQ when applied using the ER technique. Applying CUQ using the ER technique and ABU using the SE technique resulted in a significant reduction in µTBS after 6 months. Smear layer pretreatment (ED and SA) demonstrated a bond strength similar to that achieved by applying the universal adhesives using the SE and ER techniques. A significantly higher µTBS in the ED and SA groups was only observed when compared with applying CUQ using the ER technique.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Smear layer pretreatment with 17% EDTA or 2.5% NaOCl, followed by application of Accel™, provided a bond strength comparable to the conventional SE and ER techniques and provided a significantly higher bond strength than applying CUQ using the ER technique after both storage durations. These pretreatments are thus effective alternatives for dentin surface preparation before applying universal adhesives.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1781705"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13039102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147610812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Noora Helene Thune, Anna Tostrup Kristensen, Hugo Lewi Hammer, Qalbi Khan, Tor Paaske Utheim, Amer Sehic
{"title":"Evaluating digital resources as a supplement to traditional anatomy teaching in dental education.","authors":"Noora Helene Thune, Anna Tostrup Kristensen, Hugo Lewi Hammer, Qalbi Khan, Tor Paaske Utheim, Amer Sehic","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1781318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1781318","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Oral macroscopic anatomy forms a core component of dental education, requiring both detailed factual knowledge and the ability to recognize complex three-dimensional structures. This study evaluated whether structured digital learning supplements, introduced alongside traditional teaching, improved short-term learning outcomes and long-term knowledge retention among dental students.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Four student cohorts from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, were included. Two earlier cohorts (2016 and 2017; <i>n</i> = 96) received traditional anatomy teaching, while two later cohorts (2018 and 2019; <i>n</i> = 98) also had access to structured digital supplements, including lecture recordings, stepwise digital model presentations, an animated osteology key, and high-resolution images of dissected specimens. Performance was assessed during the second-year practical examination and re-evaluated 2.5 years later during the fifth-year dissection course. Logistic regression mixed-effects models were used to compare outcomes between teaching approaches, and surveys captured student perceptions of the digital resources.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Students with access to digital supplements achieved markedly higher scores in the second-year practical examination across osteology and macroscopic anatomy tasks. This performance advantage persisted 2.5 years later during the fifth-year dissection course, indicating enhanced long-term retention. Survey data showed extensive use of digital materials during the second year, with students reporting that the resources improved their understanding and supported examination preparation. Although overall use declined by the fifth year, many students revisited the digital resources when they needed repetition in preparation for clinical activities, such as surgical procedures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Structured digital supplements meaningfully enhanced traditional teaching in oral macroscopic anatomy, improving initial learning outcomes and supporting retention well into clinical training. Digital tools provided flexible, self-paced opportunities for repetition and active recall, while hands-on work with physical models and specimens remained essential. These findings support a blended learning approach in which digital resources complement, but do not replace, practical anatomy teaching.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1781318"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13038955/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147610794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pericoronitis among dental students: experience, awareness, and management practices.","authors":"Ghita Elbasraoui, Zineb Loubaris, Youssra Azzouz, Saliha Chbicheb","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2026.1774408","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2026.1774408","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Pericoronitis is a common inflammatory condition associated with partially erupted third molars and frequently encountered in dental practice. Understanding dental students' experience and management approaches is important for improving education and clinical decision-making.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the prevalence, clinical experience, and management practices related to pericoronitis among undergraduate dental students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among clinical dental students. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using the Chi-square test with significance set at <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 259 students participated. Among them, 35.5% were sixth-year students, 32% in the fifth year, and 31.5% in the fourth year. History of pericoronitis was reported by a substantial proportion of students. A statistically significant association was found between history of pericoronitis and dental consultation (<i>χ</i> <sup>2</sup> = 16.67, <i>p</i> < 0.001). No significant association was observed between sex or academic year and history of pericoronitis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Personal experience with pericoronitis significantly influences dental consultation behavior among students. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening preventive education and evidence-based management strategies in undergraduate dental training.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"1774408"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13036133/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147596630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}