Objective: This prospective in vivo study aimed to compare the clinical behavior of a flowable composite resin (Genial Universal Flo, GC) and a nanohybrid universal composite resin (Tetric Evo Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent) used in Class I and II direct esthetic restorations in posterior teeth. Methods: A total of 108 Class I and II direct restorations were performed in patients aged between 20 and 60 years. The originality of this study lies in the fact that both materials were placed in pairs, in the same clinical environment (i.e., the same patient and the same type of tooth). The evaluations were performed now of restoration and after 2-weeks, 6-, 12-, and 24-months intervals using clinical examination, clinical photographs, and radiological examination, according to modified USPHS criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test and chi-square analysis. Results: At baseline, the universal composite resin showed better esthetic properties such as surface luster, surface staining marginal staining. Both materials regressed significantly over time with no significant difference between groups. Conclusions: Both flowable and nanohybrid composite resins exhibit acceptable clinical performance. The present 24 months of evaluation of different composites showed that the G-ænial Universal Flo could be an effective esthetic material for posterior restoration. No significant difference between both materials over time concerning surface luster, surface staining, and marginal staining.

Aims and Objectives. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of dental asepsis and sterilization among dental assistants in Pakistan. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A 27-item prepilot tested close-ended questionnaire was designed and administered online to collect data on knowledge of asepsis, sterilization, instrument handling, disinfection, hand-hygiene practices, dental practice, age, education, and experience level from March 2020 to June 2020. Results. Out of 70 dental assistants, the majority were aged between 21 and 29 years (44.30), more than two-thirds (85.41) of the dental assistants were working in a hospital, while 14.29 were working in private clinics, only 7.1 had a diploma in the dental assistant program, and 74 had more than 2 years of experience in practice. Dental assistants working in private practice (76.30) had a higher mean knowledge scores compared to those working in hospital (74.25), while those with less than 2 years of experience (75.61) had a higher scores compared to those with 25 years of experience (73.96). Conclusion. Better compliance with recommended infection control and waste management practices is needed for all dental assistants. Continuing education programs targeting such awareness are vital to improve the management of hazardous waste practices among dental assistants.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of in-office bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) on the surface roughness of a nanohybrid composite resin by comparing two measurement techniques: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and profilometry. Methods: Sixty composite specimens of identical shade and thickness were prepared, light-cured, and polished following the manufacturer’s guidelines. These samples were divided into six groups based on the applied surface treatments: group 1: fresh composite (the control group), group 2: old composite, group 3: bleached fresh composite, group 4: bleached old composite, group 5: old repolished composite, and group 6: old repolished bleached composite. Surface roughness was measured using profilometry and SEM. Results: Pearson correlation analysis revealed a moderately significant linear relationship (r = 0.548, p < 0.001) between the surface roughness measurements obtained using SEM and the profilometer, indicating that both methods provide comparable results. A comparison of most groups showed significant differences (p < 0.001), highlighting the increased surface roughness observed after bleaching both fresh and aged composites. Conclusions: Bleaching increased the surface roughness of nanohybrid composites. It might be better to use SEM and a profilometer together to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the surface characteristics.