In this study, we evaluated the fracture resistance of three commercially available prefabricated primary zirconia crowns and their correlation with dimensional variance. Methods: a total of 42 zirconia crowns were selected from three companies, (1) NuSmile primary zirconia crowns, (2) Cheng Crowns zirconia, and (3) Sprig EZ crowns. The crowns were divided into two groups based on their location in the oral cavity and further divided into subgroups based on the brand. All of the samples were subjected to fracture tests using a universal testing machine. Results: the mean load observed was highest with Cheng Crowns zirconia anterior crowns (1355 ± 484) and the least load was seen with Sprig EZ anterior crowns with a mean load of 339 ± 94. The mean load observed was highest with Cheng Crowns zirconia posterior crowns (1990 ± 485) followed by NuSmile posterior crowns and the least load was seen with Sprig EZ posterior crowns with a mean load of 661 ± 184. Conclusion: the Cheng crowns showed the highest fracture resistance amongst all three groups. Overall, the zirconia crowns (anterior and posterior) tested showed optimum mechanical properties to withstand the masticatory forces.

Background: Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Dentists play a vital role in tobacco abstinence and counseling. Dental institution being a foundation for a clinical practice from where they can practice and implement the habit of tobacco counseling. E-cigarette can be availed over-the-counter and can be used as alternative to conventional tobacco smoking to reduce ill effects of tobacco. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess dental student's knowledge, prevalence, and perception about e-cigarette. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 400 dental students studying in different universities at Riyadh region, KSA. Questions related to prevalence, knowledge, and awareness about e-cigarette were asked. Results: Forty-four percent of participants were found to be smokers, 26% of the participants had used an e-cigarette themselves with 21% currently using the same. Conclusion: This effective therapeutic tool should be known well by the upcoming budding and professional practicing dentists with through knowledge of each dimensions, merits and demerits of the same to develop positivity in inculcating and encouraging in patient tobacco abstinence program.

Background: The study aimed to assess dental anxiety (self and proxy reported) using a Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and modified short State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale (Emoji). Methods: 200 children visiting the pediatric dental clinic at the College of Dentistry at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University were recruited to assess their anxiety levels. The anxiety score was measured before and after the treatment using a short STAI scale and MDAS of 200 children using a Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and a modified short STAI (Emoji) Scale. Results: The perception of children with MDAS was found to have the highest mean score of 14.54 ± 3.82 before the dental procedure compared to the mean score of 9.40 ± 2.90 after the dental procedure. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed in MDAS after the dental procedure and, in short, STAI before the dental procedure. Conclusion: All children improved their dental anxiety levels before and after the procedure. Therefore, procedural experience may improve the child’s response.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 is abbreviated as “COVID-19” caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus 2 first emerged in Wuhan, China, on December 2019. On 15^th of March, this disease has been classified by the World Health Organization as a pandemic and a global public health emergency. Objective: The study's aim was to evaluate the knowledge and behavior toward the virus among professional students of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study done on 753 students which were invited to complete a Google document using a 20-item electronic questionnaire that was design to gauge knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19. The study was conducted from February 20 to March 18, 2020 in Alkharj and Riyadh region. Results: The predominant sex is male (73%), the common age is <25 years old, more medical students were involved in the study than any other specialty and the predominant educational degree of the participants was bachelors. The awareness of mode of transmission of novel coronavirus infection is less in business administration participants compare to others and is highly significant (P ˂ 0.001). Most of the participants (588 [98%]) were aware of coronavirus but only 302 (50%) of respondents are aware of COVID-19 which is highly significant (P ˂ 0.001). Conclusion: The results are mostly uniform among different professional students with the exception of some knowledge-related questions. The Internet was the main source of information, so there is a need to create more awareness about COVID-19 through social media.

Background: Caries detector dyes are introduced to aid in identifying infected dentine. Many researchers claim that they are not specific in identifying infected dentine since dyes also stains sound tooth surfaces. The use of a dentine bonding agent could help in avoiding the penetration of caries detector dyes to some extent in less mineralized primary teeth. This study assesses caries detector dyes penetration in primary teeth with or without dentine bonding agent application. Methodology: Ninety primary extracted carious teeth were considered for the study. Teeth were divided in to two groups (45 teeth each group): group I with dye application without dentine bonding agent and group II with dye application after dentine bonding agent; in both groups three different types of dyes were used. All cavity walls and surfaces of samples in group 1 were stained with caries detector dyes for 10 s, subsequently washed with water for another 10 s and finally air-dried. A similar procedure was carried for teeth in group II after the application of a bonding agent on visibly sound tooth surfaces without the use of an etchant. Results: A statistically significant difference between two groups for staining of different tooth surfaces was noted. A Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in stain removal among the different groups either by distilled water or sodium hypochlorite were observed. Conclusion: A dentine bonding agent can help in preventing caries detector dye penetration in noncarious tooth surfaces of deciduous teeth.

Background: Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Dentists have a greater role in tobacco cessation and counseling. Dental institution is a platform from where they can inculcate the habit of tobacco counseling. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) aims to reduce motivation to consume tobacco and the physiological and psychomotor withdrawal symptoms through the delivery of nicotine. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess dental students' awareness and perception toward NRT. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 348 dental students studying in different universities in Riyadh Region, KSA. Questions related to awareness of NRT, perception, and motivation to use NRT were asked. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; Chi-square test was used to compare results according to the year of study. Results: About 74.4% of participants were aware of NRT nearly 50% of students think motivating about NRT is waste of time. About 65.2% of the students think it is difficult to quit smoking. Conclusion: It is necessary to consider programs giving importance about tobacco cessation and NRT among dental students.