Aim: Chatbot Generative Pre‐trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is a generative artificial intelligence (AI) software based on large language models (LLMs), designed to simulate human conversations and generate novel content based on the training data it has been exposed to. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consistency and accuracy of ChatGPT‐generated answers to clinical questions in endodontics, compared to answers provided by human experts.Methodology: Ninety‐one dichotomous (yes/no) questions were designed and categorized into three levels of difficulty. Twenty questions were randomly selected from each difficulty level. Sixty answers were generated by ChatGPT for each question. Two endodontic experts independently answered the 60 questions. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program to calculate the consistency and accuracy of the answers generated by ChatGPT compared to the experts. Confidence intervals (95%) and standard deviations were used to estimate variability.Results: The answers generated by ChatGPT showed high consistency (85.44%). No significant differences in consistency were found based on question difficulty. In terms of answer accuracy, ChatGPT achieved an average accuracy of 57.33%. However, significant differences in accuracy were observed based on question difficulty, with lower accuracy for easier questions.Conclusions: Currently, ChatGPT is not capable of replacing dentists in clinical decision‐making. As ChatGPT's performance improves through deep learning, it is expected to become more useful and effective in the field of endodontics. However, careful attention and ongoing evaluation are needed to ensure its accuracy, reliability and safety in endodontics.

Knowing how to diagnose effectively and efficiently is a fundamental skill that a good dental professional should acquire. If students perform a greater number of clinical cases, they will improve their performance with patients. In this sense, virtual patients with artificial intelligence offer a controlled, stimulating, and safe environment for students. To assess student satisfaction after interaction with an artificially intelligent chatbot that recreates a virtual patient, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in which a virtual patient was created with artificial intelligence in the form of a chatbot and presented to fourth and fifth year dental students. After several weeks interacting with the AI, they were given a survey to find out their assessment. A total of 193 students participated. A large majority of the students were satisfied with the interaction (mean 4.36), the fifth year students rated the interaction better and showed higher satisfaction values. The students who reached a correct diagnosis rated this technology more positively. Our research suggests that the incorporation of this technology in dental curricula would be positively valued by students and would also ensure their training and adaptation to new technological developments.

Background: The number of voids within the root canal obturation is a relevant parameter to describe the quality of the technique, as well as to predict long-term prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of root canal obturation in curved root canals filled with Thermafil, GuttaCore, GuttaFusion and lateral compaction with AH Plus and EndoSequence BC sealer, by means of percentage of gutta-percha and sealer filled area. Methods: 200 curved canals of mandibular molars were divided in five groups (n = 40). Each specimen was evaluated at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apex. A total of 600 samples were analyzed. Obturation was performed with either Thermafil (TH), GuttaCore (GC), GuttaFusion (GF) or lateral compaction (LC), using AH Plus as sealer. In another group EndoSequence BC sealer (BC) was used. Subgroups (n = 20) were made depending on the use of sonic activation during the placement of the sealer. The percentage of total obturation material was analyzed as an indirect measurement of percentage of voids. Results: GF showed a better performance at the apical level, while GC showed the higher percentage of total obturation at the coronal area. No differences were observed for the activation of sealers in any of the groups. Statistical analysis was performed by using two-way ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at CI: 95% (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Sonic activation of sealers did not show any benefit to avoid the presence of voids within obturation of curved canals. Following the manufacturer recommendations, we found that TH did not show benefits when applied to curved canals.

In this study, we aimed to explore the trends among dentists in the Dominican Republic of providing antibiotic prescriptions to pregnant/breastfeeding dental patients. A survey was conducted among 98 dentists, using a self-administered questionnaire, about their knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic usage in pregnant/lactating women and the translation of these into practice. The majority of the survey population were female dentists (63.3%) aged 45–54 years. A chi-square test showed statistically significant differences in the knowledge sources between older and younger dentists, with a minority having chosen scientific literature as a source (p-value of 0.04). There were statistically significant associations between gender and certain attitudes and practice-based questions, with p-values of 0.04 and 0.01, respectively. The Spearman’s correlation test showed a statistically significant correlation between knowledge and attitude (p-value 0.001), whereas no correlation was found with practice (p-value 0.23). A multiple response analysis showed that the majority of the respondents chose the second and third trimester for antibiotic prescriptions for acute conditions such as cellulitis, periodontal abscess, and pericoronitis. Most dentists had sufficient knowledge about antibiotic usage in pregnant/lactating women, but it did not translate into practice, and a certain proportion of the participants followed incongruent drug prescription. These findings can be used to focus on judicious antibiotic usage by dentists in the Dominican Republic.

Background—The aim was to determine the influence of sonic activation in the tubular dentine penetration of bioceramic sealers. Methods—Forty mesiobuccal curved root canals of mandibular molars with an apical diameter smaller than #30 were prepared, divided into two groups, and filled with EndoSequence BC sealer, with or without sonic activation during its placement. Roots were sectioned at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm from the apex, producing a sample size of 120. The samples were evaluated using a confocal laser scanning microscope and comparing these images to the images obtained from an operatory microscope. The percentage of sealer penetration and maximum sealer penetration were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-tailed Mann–Whitney U test, where statistical significance was set to p < 0.05. Results—Sonic activation showed higher values for the percentage of sealer penetration when compared at the 9 mm level (p = 0.03). A higher value of maximum sealer penetration was observed at all levels when the sealer was activated. Conclusions—The sonic activation of bioceramic cement resulted in higher sealer penetration into dentinal tubules.

Apical periodontitis is a common inflammatory condition associated with root canal treatment (RCT) failure. The quality of the three-dimensional root canal seal is critical to the success of the treatment. Bioceramic sealants, such as Neosealer Flo, offer biological advantages such as osteoconduction, biocompatibility and sustained calcium ion release, which may improve apical healing. The aim of this study was to compare AH Plus and Neosealer Flo in terms of postoperative pain, extrusion and periapical healing. A single-blind, randomised clinical trial was conducted with 60 patients divided into AH Plus and Neosealer Flo groups. Post-operative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 24 and 48 h and at 7 days. Seal quality and periapical healing were assessed at 6 months using the AAE success criteria by clinical and radiographic evaluation. Neosealer Flo resulted in less postoperative pain at 24 h and 7 days compared to AH Plus. Extrusion did not significantly affect pain or correlate with the type of sealer used. Both materials achieved similar periapical healing rates. Neosealer Flo demonstrated advantages in pain reduction, while both sealants showed comparable efficacy.