Introduction: Although technology‐based learning (TB learning) has been accepted as an efficient educational tool in the field of dentistry, the evaluation of TB learning in non‐prepared situations such as pandemics has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate different aspects of TB learning amongst undergraduate dental students during the pandemic outbreak of COVID‐19.Materials and Methods: Dental students in selected Iraqi universities (University of Baghdad, University of Sulaimani and Dijlah University College) were invited to join the study. A questionnaire was created using a Google platform and answered by students. Satisfaction and attitude towards TB learning plus total evaluation scores for lecturers were examined.Results: A total of 832 out of 1800 dental students participated in the study. The majority of participants have basic (40.7%) and intermediate (47.5%) computer skills, and more than half of them lack any experience in TB learning. The overall satisfaction and positive attitude towards TB learning were less than 50%. Students at final grade, with advanced computer skills and TB learning experience, showed higher satisfaction (OR: 3.031, 2.876, 3.644, respectively) and a more positive attitude (OR: 3.172, 3.035, 3.477, respectively) towards TB learning than those at earlier grades. Total evaluation scores for lecturers were higher amongst females (11.5 ± 5.8) than males (9.9 ± 7.2) as well as amongst participants at final grade (14.0 ± 6.2), with advanced computer skills (13.8 ± 6.1) and TB learning experience (16.2 ± 6.0).Conclusions: Dental students demonstrated low‐moderate satisfaction and positive attitude towards TB learning and the quality of material presented to them. Integrating TB learning into the dental education curriculum is an essential step in enhancing the acceptance of TB learning in the future.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate oral health (OH) and periodontal diseases (PD) awareness in the Iraqi population.Material and methods: This study was a questionnaire‐based online survey of two weeks duration. The questionnaire was built using a Google platform and was distributed randomly via social media (Facebook and Telegram). The questionnaire consisted of a demographic data section and two other main sections for the evaluation of OH and PD awareness. Each response was marked with “1” for a positive answer and “0” for the other answers. For each respondent, answers were summed to give an overall score. The frequency of positive responses was used to determine the association of awareness with demographic data and the level of awareness into low, moderate, and high levels.Results: A total of 1,465 were included in the final analysis after application of exclusion criteria. The respondents showed significantly higher levels of awareness about PD (mean ± SD = 3.66 ± 1.42) than OH awareness (mean ± SD = 2.19 ± 1.29). Analysis of data showed that OH awareness was mainly associated with high degree holders (OR 1.851) and age > 45 years (OR 1.730). However, PD awareness did not show any evident association with demographic variables investigated. In general, the respondents exhibited low levels of OH knowledge and low to moderate level of PD knowledge.Conclusions: Despite limitations, this study revealed inappropriate levels of OH and PD awareness and knowledge in the Iraqi population and provided the baseline data necessary for the development of Governmental educational programs and health awareness campaigns which are highly suggested particularly focusing on the primary and high schools, in an attempt to improve the levels of awareness.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common and life‐threatening neoplasms worldwide, and is responsible for approximately 90% of all oral malignancies.Aim: This study was aimed at providing updated information on oral squamous cell carcinoma in all Iraqi governorates for the 5‐year period from 2014 to 2018, including the annual incidence and demographic variables.Materials and Methods: The total number of oral squamous cell carcinoma cases in Iraq, along with associated demographic information (age, sex, and site), for the 5‐year period from 2014 to 2018 was obtained. The statistical analysis consisted of descriptive analysis, including frequency, percentage, and mean ± standard deviation. Aχ²test was performed to compare frequencies between male and female patients, among age groups, and among different OSCC sites. Theχ²test was also used to assess the association of each OSCC site with age and sex. The significance threshold was set atp < 0.05, and the confidence interval was set at 95%. The incidence rate of oral squamous cell carcinoma for each year was calculated by dividing the number of OSCC cases per year by the population of Iraq, then multiplying the result by 100,000.Results: A total of 722 cases were recorded. Statistically, oral squamous cell carcinoma was found to be more prevalent in males and individuals over 40 years of age. The tongue was the most common site of occurrence. Lip squamous cell carcinoma cases were high in males. The incidence rate of oral squamous cell carcinoma was estimated to be 0.4 per 100,000 people.Conclusion: Males and older people are at relatively higher risk of developing oral cancer. The tongue is the most affected site, but any site in the oral cavity may be involved. Further exploration of the causes of oral malignancy in Iraq is necessary to improve prevention strategies.

The misuse of antibiotic prescriptions is a common behavior amongst dentists worldwide. Over-prescription of these agents is associated with multiple adverse effects and risk of developing bacterial resistance. The aim of this study was to assess systemic antibiotic prescription patterns amongst dentists in Iraq. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in dental centres distributed in 12 Iraqi governates. The questionnaire was composed of two main sections: The first was dedicated to collecting demographic and work-related information, and the second section included questions seeking details about antibiotic prescriptions for different oral and dental conditions. A total of 481 valid questionnaires were considered in the final analysis. The numbers of correct and incorrect patterns of prescribing antibiotics for different dental/oral conditions were almost equal (49.6% and 50.4%, respectively). Amongst independent variables investigated, qualification of the dentist and work domain were found to have significant associations with correct prescribing patterns (odds ratio, 1.166 and 1.197, respectively). The majority of dentists preferred amoxicillin as the first-choice antibiotic, followed by "Augmentin" (43.7% and 35.5%, respectively), whilst clarithromycin was the lowest on the list. Azithromycin was the most recommended antibiotic (55.9%) in cases of allergy to penicillin. In general, antibiotics are prescribed for recommended conditions, but the prescription for nonrecommended conditions was also evident amongst Iraqi dentists. Correct pattern of antibiotic prescribing was significantly associated with specialists and those working in the academic field. Additionally, amoxicillin and its derivatives are the most preferred drugs.

Background and Aims: Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune vesiculobullous mucocutaneous disorder with life‐threatening consequences. Early detection and adequate care are crucial for a good prognosis. This study aimed to determine the demographic data, clinical features, and the prognosis of patients with oral pemphigus vulgaris.Materials and Methods: From 2001 to 2021, all diagnosed oral pemphigus vulgaris cases were extracted. Each patient's demographic and clinical data were gathered. Patients were called via phone to assess the prognosis, treatment type, and specialty of the physician who provided the diagnosis and therapy.Results: The majority of the patients had only oral lesions with higher prevalence in female who also expressed severe pain than male. Only 14 of 29 patients responded phone calls. Except for one, all patients were in active disease. More than half of those respondents said pemphigus negatively affects social behavior and food intake. Correct diagnosis and treatment were decided by dermatology, oral medicine, and maxillofacial surgery specialists.Conclusion: Oral pemphigus vulgaris was prevalent in females. Severe pain was common in females and older people. Even with effective therapy, the prognosis was poor. Medical and dental professionals had little knowledge of pemphigus vulgaris. Patients frequently report poor quality of life.