As a relatively new tool, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and dentistry has the potential to significantly transform the healthcare sector. AI has already demonstrated efficacy in medical diagnosis across several specialties, used successfully to detect breast, lung and skin cancer. In Oral Medicine, AI may be applied in a similar fashion, used in the detection and diagnosis of oral cancers and oral potentially malignant diseases. Despite its promise as a transformative diagnostic aid, the use of AI in healthcare presents significant safety, reliability and ethical concerns. There is no formal consensus on the safe and ethical implementation of AI systems in healthcare settings, but the literature converges on several key principles of ethical AI use including transparency, justice and fairness, non‐maleficence, responsibility and privacy. This article provides a narrative review of the key ethical issues surrounding AI use in medicine, and reflects on these, providing view‐points of a bioethicist and Oral Medicine clinicians from several units.

Objective: A peri-implant gap or a “jumping gap” between an implant surface and the buccal bone can often complicate the successful integration of dental implants, impairing osseointegration and long-term implant stability. Although various techniques and materials are available for managing this gap, there is no consensus on the most effective approach. The current literature lacks standardized, evidence-based guidelines for selecting the optimal technique or material for managing peri-implant gaps, especially following immediate implant placement. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of various techniques and materials to manage the peri-implant gap to improve the implant stability, bone preservation, and esthetic outcomes using the PROSPERO registration number CRD42024508852. Methods: A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted, and various studies were selected, including 11 randomized clinical trials that investigated different grafting materials and techniques for managing the gap between the implant and the buccal plate. The selected studies were assessed for the risk of bias, and the data were extracted based on primary outcomes such as implant stability, bone density, and esthetic parameters. Results: The findings indicate that xenografts and alloplastic grafts were superior in preserving bone volume compared to platelet-rich fibrin. Techniques like the socket shield and immediate provisional prothesis methods showed promise in maintaining soft tissue and bone integrity. However, heterogeneity across the studies limits definitive conclusions. Conclusions: Further high-quality research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for peri-implant gap management. The selection of techniques and materials should be tailored to individual patient needs.

Population dynamics and health risk factors keep changing in the KSA, requiring continuous research and quality data. We aimed to review the current status of population health data, outline the available opportunities for data utilization, and provide recommendations for population data-related improvement initiatives. We provide practical solutions to support the collection, linkage, quality assurance, and governance of population health data.

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown varying prevalence rates of dental anomalies worldwide, ranging from 5.2% to 56.9%, with a higher rate of 90.4% in patients with cleft lip and palate. In Saudi Arabia, studies have also reported varied prevalence rates, likely due to genetic differences or sampling variations. However, no research has yet evaluated the quality of these studies or provided an overall prevalence estimate, which is the aim of the present study. This systematic review aims to assess the prevalence and types of dental anomalies across various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: A comprehensive literature search identified 10 relevant studies on different dental anomalies in Saudi Arabia. The quality of the enrolled studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS), showing variability in the methodological quality of the included cohort studies, with several studies demonstrating a moderate to high risk of bias. Results: Common anomalies included hypodontia, hyperdontia, microdontia, and impacted teeth. This study highlights the varying prevalence of dental anomalies in different regions of Saudi Arabia, ranging from 2.6% to 45.1%. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for early diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches to mitigate the clinical challenges posed by these anomalies, underscoring the importance of standardized diagnostic criteria and further research to understand regional and demographic differences in the prevalence of dental anomalies in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of chronic oral mucosal diseases associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation. Multiple studies have investigated the prevalence of these conditions in multiple regions; however, there are limited data about the prevalence of OPMDs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This paper aims to review the prevalence of OPMDs in the KSA, to ensure better understanding of the population risk and propose a more standardised approach to the diagnosis and management of this group across the KSA. In addition, this review will discuss the prevalence of oral cancer in the KSA, considering independent risk factors for oral cancer development. Methods: Electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, Medscape, ScienceDirect, StatPearls, BMC Oral Health and the Cochrane Library were searched with the keywords “Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders”; “Saudi Arabia”; and “Oral Cancer”. Identified articles were reviewed independently by 2 reviewers against defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: 16 studies were included in this review. The prevalence of OPMDs in KSA varies significantly depending on age, gender, social habits, background disease and dental status. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for up-to-date data on the prevalence, distribution, and characteristics of OPMDs in KSA. The diverse prevalence rates and distinct characteristics of various OPMDs emphasise the necessity for targeted preventive measures. As the data on OPMDs in KSA remains limited, future research efforts should prioritise the establishment of comprehensive epidemiological studies to inform effective public health interventions in this region.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the knowledge and attitudes toward pediatric traumatic dental injury (TDI) among the population of Taif, as well as predictors of emergency management and intentions for future education, with an additional focus on the subpopulation of parents. Methods: Data were collected from 345 participants using an anonymous questionnaire that was distributed online and contained four sections: demographics, questions regarding TDI knowledge and previous experiences, questions about the management of two clinical cases, and questions about the self‐reported capability to manage future TDIs and the motivation for future education/training. Adjusted linear and logistic regressions were utilized to assess the effect of the different predictors on the total knowledge score, self‐reported management capabilities, TDI learning importance, and future education/training interests. Results: The findings revealed poor overall knowledge regarding TDI management, especially in avulsion incidents, with slightly better knowledge in the subpopulation of parents. In the total population, working in a governmental job ( p ‐value = 0.047) or as a freelancer ( p ‐value = 0.006) was associated with higher knowledge, while obtaining any previous TDI information was associated with sufficient management capabilities ( p ‐value = 0.001). Regarding the parent subpopulation, attending a previous TDI educational course was associated with higher knowledge ( p ‐value = 0.043). Similar to the total population, obtaining any previous TDI information was associated with sufficient management capabilities ( p ‐value = 0.001). However, receiving such information from professional resources was associated with lower management capabilities ( p ‐value = 0.033). No significant associations were observed regarding the outcomes of TDI learning importance and future education/training interests. Conclusion: This study highlights significant gaps in the knowledge, awareness, and skills related to pediatric dental injuries and their management among the population of the Taif region. Targeted educational interventions are needed to increase public awareness and bridge the current gaps in knowledge and skills.