This study aimed to assess the perceived stress levels in students, assistants, and faculty members of the College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal, University (IAU), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Using the Cohen’s perceived stress scale (PSS) questionnaire (consisting of 14 items, hence called PSS-14), an online observational survey was conducted. The PSS 14 was rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). The scores ranging from 0–18 represented low stress, 19–37 represented moderate stress, and 38–56 represented high stress. The second-and third-year students were designated as junior year students, while fourth-year onwards were considered senior year students. Out of total 265 participants, 65% (173) were female, and the majority of the participants were dental students 70% (185) with a mean age of 26.71 ± 9.26 years. In the present study, the average PSS score for the participants was computed as 29.89 (range score: 0–56) which shows moderate stress levels among the respondents. The PSS score for the students was 31.03; for the faculty, it was 28, while for the assistants, it was 27.05. Among the three participant groups, the students were found more on the severe stress side (19%) (p-value = 0.002), and among them, the senior year students (6th year) showed significantly higher stress levels compared to the junior year students (p-value = 0.005). Age-wise, the participants below 20 years were most stressed (21%), followed by those 20–30 years old (18%). Female participants were more severely stressed than males (17% vs. 10%, respectively). It was concluded that the students experienced more stress, followed by the faculty members and dental assistants. In addition, younger participants, females, and senior year students were more stressed than their counterparts. Future studies directed at evaluating stress levels of these groups from different dental institutes could provide an opportunity for policymakers to offer various resources to improve their mental health.

Rare disease Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare, locally invasive odontogenic neoplasm, considered as a solid variant of the calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC). DGCT accounts for only 2% to 14% of all COCs and less than 0.5% of all odontogenic tumors. It is characterized by an ameloblastomatous odontogenic epithelium and the presence of ghost cells and dentinoid material. A 42-year-old male patient presented to the clinic with recurrent pain and swelling in the left maxilla. The patient had a similar presentation 3 years before, which had been managed by excisional biopsy and was misdiagnosed as unicystic ameloblastoma. Examination revealed a mild swelling in the left cheek with boney expansion on the posterior area of the left maxilla, with mobility in adjacent teeth. Radiographic evaluation revealed a large, well-demarcated radiolucent lesion with a sclerotic border involving the left maxilla and associated with root resorption in the adjacent teeth. An incisional biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of DGCT was made. Segmental maxillectomy with safe margins was conducted, considering the aggressiveness of this pathological entity. The defect was reconstructed using the buccal fat pad. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of DGCT, which was characterized by ameloblastomatous odontogenic epithelium, dentinoid material, and ghost cells. One month follow-up revealed good healing of the surgical site. The patient was scheduled for regular follow-up. This case reports the aggressiveness and high recurrence rates of DGCT. It is recommended to treat DGCT aggressively with safe margins and a long-term follow-up.

Background: Fixation of biopsy specimens is a critical step before processing and staining them for histological tissue examination. Formalin is considered the gold standard fixative solution for its attributes. However, it has concerning side effects, such as carcinogenic and potential irritational properties. Owing to its various harmful effects, a safer natural substitute should be explored. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of propolis to 10% formalin and determined its ability as a natural fixative solution. Materials and Methods: Sixty tissue specimens were collected from goats’ tongues and immediately placed in (1) 6.6% propolis, (2) 10% natural buffered formalin (positive control), (3) 6.6% propolis followed by 10% formalin, and (4) 0.9% saline (negative control). Tissue samples were fixed at different time points (12, 24, 48, and 72 h) at room temperature, followed by processing and staining. The quality of the microscopic parameters was blindly assessed by two oral and maxillofacial pathologists using a numerical scoring scale. Scores were statistically analyzed. Results: The fixation of tissue samples placed in 6.6% propolis was statistically significantly better than that of samples placed in 10% formalin and 0.9% saline at different time points. Conclusion: Propolis showed promising fixation properties and can be considered a natural alternative to 10% formalin.

In the field of medicine, diagnosing diseases involves various steps, procedures, and protocols. Histopathological examination remains the gold standard for a definitive and accurate diagnosis. This process relies on an initial step of tissue fixation.

Intraoral melanoacanthoma is a rare, reactive pigmented lesion that is mostly seen in black individuals with a tendency to occur more frequently in younger females. The color of melanoacanthoma may vary from brown to black, and it is commonly seen as a solitary lesion in the buccal mucosa. This lesion requires no treatment, and no malignant potential has been observed to date. The clinical presentation of multifocal oral melanoacanthoma (MOMA) (the rate of growth and the recurrence) is usually diagnostic. On the other hand, solitary oral melanoacanthoma might be difficult to diagnose, and a biopsy should be performed and examined by a well-trained oral pathologist. Here, we report two cases of MOMA with an unusual location in one case.

Optimal wound healing is crucial in oral surgery, particularly in compromised conditions. Diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired wound healing due to reduced vascularization, immune dysfunction, and altered collagen deposition. Propolis, a bioactive resin produced by honeybees, has demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-healing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of propolis-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated sutures on early wound healing in the oral mucosa of healthy and diabetic rats through histological assessments. Propolis-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized and examined using FTIR. The propolis-AgNPs then used to coat polyglycolic acid (PGA) sutures. Before using the sutures in the experimental surgery, sutures Tensile Strength and SEM Analysis were performed. 12 Sprague-Dawley female rats (6 healthy, 6 diabetic) were used to create bilateral buccal mucosa punch incisions, with one side sutured using the propolis-AgNPs-coated PGA and the other with non-coated PGA sutures as a control. Wound healing was assessed after seven days through histological analysis using hematoxylin & eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and Welch's t test (p ≤ 0.05 considered significant). In healthy rats, propolis-coated sutures significantly improved collagen fiber organization and mature collagen deposition (p = 0.030). Although diabetic rats did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), a trend toward enhanced collagen fiber alignment and mature collagen formation was observed. A slight reduction in blood vessel formation was noted in both groups. Propolis-AgNPs-coated sutures demonstrated enhanced collagen organization in healthy rats and showed potential for improving wound healing in diabetic models.