This study sought to examine the effectiveness of hybrid learning utilizing WhatsApp as an adjunct to traditional learning in delivering knowledge to and supporting the learning of undergraduate dental students and investigate learner perceptions of WhatsApp use in educational contexts. The 3-month prospective analytical interventional study sampled 85 undergraduate students from the Department of Preventive Dental Sciences. A WhatsApp group was created, information was sent to the male and female groups, and a written assignment was used as a performance benchmark of knowledge acquisition and application. Perceptions of e-learning through WhatsApp were assessed using a previously validated and published questionnaire. Collected data underwent descriptive and bivariate analyses (unpaired t-test). The average assignment scores of the 85 hybrid learners were statistically significantly higher than those of traditional learners from the previous academic year (34 ± 1 vs 26 ± 3; p < 0.05, respectively). Meanwhile, 57 hybrid learners completed the survey, and 73% agreed/strongly agreed that introducing a new method of teaching via WhatsApp was useful, 70% reported that a professional and comfortable learning environment was created, and 70% felt that group distractions were handled appropriately. The top advantages of learning through WhatsApp were availability/immediacy (94.7%) and being simple to operate (91.2%). Males (40.4%) were significantly more likely to report a sense of belonging to the group than females (33.3%, p = 0.01). Respondents agreed that high expectations of teacher availability (71.9%) and some students making no effort (52.6%) were challenges. Message flooding (45.6%) and time-consuming nature of WhatsApp (36.8%) were identified as technical challenges. The findings showed significant improvements in student performance using the hybrid learning tool, as reflected in assignment scores. Positive perceptions of hybrid learning and improved academic performance indicate that WhatsApp is a convenient new teaching tool. The results of this study may be applicable to other clinical dental disciplines.

Maxillary sinus pneumatization (MSP), is linked worldwide to number of factors. MSP measurements and assessment alongside potential correlates in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia (SA) awaits identification. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Taibah University Dental-College and Hospital, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah; SA. The analysis included 700 female patients digital Orthopantomogram (OPG), of which 535 (76%) OPGs were usable. MSP was established according to the distance between the maxillary sinus floor and posterior teeth apices number 15, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27 and 28. MSP categorized as followed: Sever MSP (Category I), Moderate MSP (Category II) and No MSP/normal (Category III). Descriptive statistics, and inferential analysis were carried out. Mean age of the patients was 30.11 (±10.26) and 290 (54.5%) were Saudi nationals. Severe pneumatization (category I) was prominent in the right and left first and second molars, 16, 26, 17, 27 (66%, 64%, 63% and 62%, respectively). A statistically significant difference (P < 0.0005) was observed between pneumatization categories in all sites. Furthermore, the impact of young age on levels of MSP was statistically significant (P < 0.05) on most teeth. However, nationality was non-significantly (P > 0.05) associated with MSP levels. High percentages of female patients showed bilateral sever MSP in the upper molar area, specifically, young age group. The oro-antral communication during extraction and surgical cases of female patients' maxillary teeth is possible. This should be considered during dentists' daily practice in this geographic area of SA.

Objective: We examine obese and non-obese patients with respect to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) positive-infection (HPPI) and associated factors, specifically body mass index (BMI). Methods: This study took place in the Department of Endoscopy of a central hospital in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia (SA). A total of 340 obese Saudi patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) who had undergone diagnostic upper endoscopy before sleeve gastrectomy, were compared with 340 age and gender-matched control patients (BMI < 30 kg/m²) who had undergone diagnostic upper endoscopy for other reasons. Data collected included diagnosis of HPPI. Descriptive and multivariable binary logistic regression was conducted. Results: Mean patient age was 31.22 ± 8.10 years, and 65% were males. The total prevalence of HPPI was 58% (95% CI = 54–61%) with obese patients presenting significantly more HPPI than non-obese patients (66% vs. 50%, OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.45–2.70, p < 0.0005). Age and gender did not associate significantly with HPPI (p = 0.659, 0.200, respectively) and increases in BMI associated significantly with increases in HPPI (p < 0.0005). BMI remained a significant factor in HPPI when modelled with both age and gender (OR = 1.022, 95% CI = 1.01–1.03, p < 0.0005). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the significance of HPPI in obese Saudi patients residing in the Najran region in SA was demonstrated alongside the significance role of BMI in HPPI.

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with numerous oral complications, including frequent oral infections, periodontal diseases, hyposalivation, and xerostomia. The present study aimed to investigate salivary flow rate, xerostomia, and oral health status among a group of Saudi diabetic patients as compared to healthy controls. Patients and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study involved 50 diabetic patients (aged between 15 and 70 years) and 53 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire and clinical examination of oral health status, which included salivary flow rates, saliva pH, tooth loss, plaque accumulation, and gingival health. Independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and chi-square tests were performed to compare between groups. Results: The results revealed a statistically significant lower salivary flow (0.33 ± 0.16 vs 0.59 ± 0.54; p = 0.002) and lower saliva pH (6.36 ± 0.49 vs 6.58 ± 0.39; p = 0.014) in diabetic patients than in the control group. A higher proportion of diabetic subjects (60%) self-reported having xerostomia compared to controls (52%), but the findings were statistically non-significant. Additionally, the results revealed slightly poorer oral health and greater tooth loss among DM patients, although the results did not attain a significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrate poor oral health and a high prevalence of xerostomia among Saudi diabetic patients. Oral health education should therefore be promoted in this group of patients.

Objectives: To develop an in-depth understanding of the perceptions and experiences of senior dental students before and after fieldwork visits to a centre for children with special needs. Methods: A qualitative study utilised open-ended questions and involved 39 fifth-year dental students. A thematic analysis of the collected responses was undertaken, and a hierarchy of themes and subthemes were developed. Results: Analysis of the pre-visit responses revealed three main themes and a number of subthemes: ‘negative expectations’, ‘positive expectations’, and ‘pain expectations’. Similarly, four main themes with a number of subthemes emerged from the post-visit responses: ‘positive perceptions’, ‘negative perceptions’, ‘oral problems observed’, and ‘recommendations’. Conclusions: Within the study limits, different perspectives were extracted. Prior to the fieldwork visit, students expressed their lack of self-confidence and inadequate preparation. Following the situated learning visit experience, students’ perceptions of managing special needs children was positively influenced. Students were happy to be exposed to such an experience, but hoped for better organisation and specialised supervision in the future.