Background and Objectives: Dentists play a very important part in the early identification of oral cancer lesions. This aspect of dental practice depends on the knowledge acquired during the faculty years. The aim of this study was to assess dental students’ and residents’ levels of awareness in terms of oral cancer. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Medicine within the “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, on a sample of 197 students in the fourth and the fifth years and first year residents in general dentistry. To assess their knowledge, a questionnaire was created containing 22 questions about the risk factors for oral cancer, with a focus on HPV infection. Results: Most participants correctly identified smoking, alcohol, and the HPV infection as risk factors and leukoplakia and erythroplasia as potentially malignant lesions. At the opposite site, aspects considered as unsatisfactory focused on the palpation of lymphatic nodules, a procedure largely carried out by 41.6% of the fourth year students, the counseling only of the patients at risk performed by 59.7% of residents, the lack of knowledge about the prevention of oral cancer through anti-HPV immunization found in 39.7% of the fifth year students. Other incorrect answers focused on other types of suspicious lesions, such as actinic cheilitis, as well as certain areas in the oral cavity subject to the frequent onset of oral cancer, such as buccal mucosa. Conclusions: Although the fifth year students and residents have better knowledge than the fourth year students, the gaps in terms of knowledge and practice encountered in all three categories of participants require a reevaluation of the academic curriculum and the focus on the building of the skills necessary for the correct screening of oral cancer.

We are committed to writing this narrative review given that carbon-based nanomaterials are revolutionizing dental medicine. Since the groundbreaking discovery of carbon nanotubes in 1991, their dental applications have skyrocketed. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2024, the global carbon nanotubes market hit USD 1.3 billion and is set to double to USD 2.6 billion by 2029. Over the past few decades, various forms of carbon nanomaterials have been integrated into dental practices, elevating the quality and effectiveness of dental treatments. They represent a transformative advancement in dentistry, offering numerous benefits such as augmented mechanical properties, antimicrobial activity, and potential for regenerative applications. Both carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon dots (CDs) are derived from carbon and integral to nanotechnology, showcasing the versatility of carbon nanostructures and delivering cutting-edge solutions across diverse domains, such as electronics, materials science, and biomedicine. CNTs are ambitiously examined for their capability to reinforce dental materials, develop biosensors for detecting oral diseases, and even deliver therapeutic agents directly to affected tissues. This review synthesizes their current applications, underscores their interdisciplinary value in bridging nanotechnology and dentistry, identifies key barriers to clinical adoption, and discusses hybrid strategies warranting further research to advance implementation.

Background/Objectives: During adolescence, dental caries, erosions, and gingival diseases can significantly impact quality of life. Currently, mobile applications are widely used in health promotion, especially among teenagers, as they offer a modern approach to oral health education. This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) applications in improving adolescents’ behavior and knowledge regarding oral hygiene. Methods: Searches were conducted in the Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Both randomized and non-randomized clinical trials published between 2015 and 2024 were analyzed. Selected studies evaluated oral hygiene behavior (knowledge and skills), as well as Plaque Index and gingival health indicators, by comparing a control group receiving traditional education with an intervention group using mobile applications for education. Results: Out of 738 articles found, only 21 met the eligibility criteria. Of the total number of included studies, 14 (66.6%) reported that adolescents in the intervention group utilizing mobile applications demonstrated superior plaque control and reduced gingival bleeding compared to those in the control group. Notably, this outcome was observed even in studies employing a single-group design. In contrast, five studies (23.8%) found no statistically significant differences between groups, while two studies (9.6%) indicated that traditional educational methods were more effective than modern methods. Conclusions: The analyzed studies indicate that mobile health applications can be valuable tools for improving adolescents’ oral health. However, some findings also demonstrate that traditional education methods yield similar positive effects.

Zirconia’s superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility have made it a cornerstone of modern prosthodontics, yet achieving durable biomimetic bonding to tooth structure remains a challenge. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on bonding strategies for zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), evaluating surface treatments, cementation protocols, and long-term performance. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 18 studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were thoroughly analyzed. Key findings indicate that tribochemical silica coating (e.g., Rocatec™) combined with 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-based primers (e.g., Panavia V5) is associated with the highest bond strengths (>40 MPa) and exceptional clinical survival rates (e.g., >95% at 15 years for resin-bonded FDPs). These combined mechanical–chemical strategies can be viewed as an attempt to create a biomimetic, hybrid interface akin to the natural enamel–dentin junction. Additively manufactured zirconia exhibits inferior bonding compared to milled counterparts, while ethyl cellulose coatings applied to the bonding surface effectively prevent contamination from saliva and moisture during intraoral try-in procedures. However, heterogeneous testing protocols and limited long-term clinical data highlight the need for standardized aging models and randomized trials. This review consolidates current evidence, offering clinically actionable recommendations through a biomimetic lens while identifying critical gaps for future research.

The growing challenge of biofilm-associated infections in dentistry necessitates advanced solutions. This review highlights the potential of smart bioactive and antibacterial materials—bioactive glass ceramics (BGCs), silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-doped polymers, and pH-responsive chitosan coatings—in transforming restorative dentistry. BGCs reduce biofilms by >90% while promoting bone integration. AgNP-polymers effectively combat S. mutans and C. albicans but require controlled dosing (<0.3 wt% in PMMA) to avoid cytotoxicity. Chitosan coatings enable pH-triggered drug release, disrupting acidic biofilms. Emerging innovations like quaternary ammonium compounds, graphene oxide hybrids, and 4D-printed hydrogels offer on-demand antimicrobial and regenerative functions. However, clinical translation depends on addressing cytotoxicity, standardizing antibiofilm testing (≥3-log CFU/mL reduction), and ensuring long-term efficacy. These smart materials pave the way for self-defending restorations, merging infection control with tissue regeneration. Future advancements may integrate AI-driven design for multifunctional, immunomodulatory dental solutions.

Background and Objectives: According to the CDC estimates, 5.6 million healthcare workers worldwide are exposed to the risk of occupationally contracting blood-borne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge level on blood-borne infection control (IC) among Romanian undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey with 21 items was conducted from May 2022 to June 2022. The study had α = 0.620 and Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.660. The Chi-square test was used for data comparison. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study sample included 207 subjects with a mean age of 21.38 (±1.9) years, 59.9% F (female), 40.1% M (male), 38.2% students from year II and 61.8% from year III. Most of the subjects did not have knowledge on the indirect mode of IC, the persistence of HBV, HCV, or HIV, or the existence of rapid tests (p < 0.05). PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) was known as follows: HBV, 32.36% (67); HCV, 25.60% (53); and HIV, 36.71% (76); p < 0.05. Only 50.24% (104) had knowledge on the recommended testing moments (p = 0.019 by gender, p = 0.752 by year of study). The optimal time to access PEP was considered by 28.01% (58), p ˃ 0.05. Only 37.68% (78) strongly agreed that the one-hand covering technique of the needle was efficient in IC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The evaluation of the knowledge regarding IC highlighted major gaps in the perception of the subjects, which underlined the need to implement sustained forms of continuing medical education on this topic.