Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new breakthrough in technological advancements based on the concept of simulating human intelligence. These emerging technologies highly influence the diagnostic process in the field of medical sciences, with enhanced accuracy in diagnosis. This review article intends to report on the trends and application of AI models designed for diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics. A data search for the original research articles that were published over the last 22 years (from 1 January 2000 until 31 August 2022) was carried out in the most renowned electronic databases, which mainly included PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Saudi Digital Library. A total of 56 articles that met the eligibility criteria were included. The research trend shows a rapid increase in articles over the last two years. In total: 17 articles have reported on AI models designed for the automated identification of cephalometric landmarks; 12 articles on the estimation of bone age and maturity using cervical vertebra and hand-wrist radiographs; two articles on palatal shape analysis; seven articles for determining the need for orthodontic tooth extractions; two articles for automated skeletal classification; and 16 articles for the diagnosis and planning of orthognathic surgeries. AI is a significant development that has been successfully implemented in a wide range of image-based applications. These applications can facilitate clinicians in diagnosing, treatment planning, and decision-making. AI applications are beneficial as they are reliable, with enhanced speed, and have the potential to automatically complete the task with an efficiency equivalent to experienced clinicians. These models can prove as an excellent guide for less experienced orthodontists.

Background: Students’ learning results are influenced by the educational environment. The best learning environment is created when students are involved in the evaluation process of their education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ perceptions of their learning environment at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) in Riyadh using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) instrument. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using the Arabic version of the DREEM tool. Students from six colleges at KSAU-HS Riyadh campus were asked to complete the questionnaire through emails. The study was carried out between November 2021 and April 2022. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were performed for DREEM as both a continuous (two-way ANOVA test) and categorical variable (Chi-squared and Monte-Carlo test). Results: A total of 370 students completed the questionnaire. The overall DREEM score for the study was 125.88/200, with a standard deviation of 58.79. SSP items received the highest scores, while SAP items earned the lowest scores. The college and the academic level showed statistically significant differences in the DREEM overall score and the five subscales, whereas gender showed no significant difference. The college of pharmacy scored the highest total DREEM score (140.35 ± 27.75), and scored higher among the five subscales than both colleges of dentistry (114.13 ± 29.74) and medicine (113.87 ± 33.03). Students in their third year had the greatest overall DREEM score (132.23 ± 29.76), and scored higher in SPL, SPA and SSP compared to students in their sixth year, in which the total DREEM score was (111.65 ± 27.58). Conclusions: Students of KSAU-HS generally perceived the educational environment as having more positive than negative. The educational level and college differed significantly in the overall DREEM score and the five subscales. Junior students had better perception of the educational environment and they differed significantly in the SPL and SPA subscales. The faculty of pharmacy had higher scores in the overall DREEM and the five subsequent scales than colleges of dentistry and medicine. Further research is needed in order to optimize the educational environment by investigating different solutions.

Background: A comprehensive medical history is fundamental to dental care, supporting accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and the prevention of adverse outcomes. Despite its importance, patients may underestimate its relevance or hesitate to disclose information to dental professionals. This study aimed to assess patients’ awareness and willingness to disclose medical histories to dental professionals, as well as the effect of an educational intervention on their knowledge. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 December 2023 to 30 September 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a structured bilingual questionnaire assessing demographics, awareness of the importance of medical history, willingness to disclose information, and post-intervention knowledge. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were established through expert evaluation and test–retest reliability, yielding Aiken’s V values greater than 0.90. Internal consistency was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.8. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. Results: A total of 515 participants completed the survey, with 43.9% withholding medical information from their dentists. Chi-square analysis revealed that disclosure practices were significantly associated with demographic factors, particularly age (p ≤ 0.05). Although 90.7% acknowledged the importance of sharing their medical history, only 67.8% reported disclosing it to dental professionals. The regression analysis revealed that participants under 18 years of age (Odds Ratio (OR) 7.08, Confidence Interval (CI) 3.53–50.90) and those aged 18–29 years (OR 14.36, CI 3.45–25.26), as well as participants with elementary (OR 4.55, CI 2.72–20.57) and middle school education levels (OR 4.55, CI 2.72–20.57), were less likely to disclose any underlying medical condition to their dentist. The younger age group (under 18) respondents were significantly more likely to indicate that it was not essential to inform the dentist about their medical condition (OR 6.60, CI 1.05–41.42). Additionally, a significant number of these respondents (OR 5.77, CI 1.87–17.84) reported being unaware of the reasons why dentists request this information, compared to the older age groups. Conclusions: The findings reveal a significant knowledge gap concerning patient disclosure of medical history in dental care and highlight the importance of patient education. Implementing targeted educational initiatives is recommended to promote patient disclosure, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and improve overall patient safety and treatment outcomes.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three oral mouthwashes on the surface roughness of stainless steel orthodontic brackets from two commercial brands, ORMCO and 3M Unitek. Methods: A total of sixty upper bicuspid stainless steel brackets were used, divided equally between the two brands: 30 ORMCO brackets and 30 3M Unitek brackets. Each brand group was further subdivided into three subgroups of ten brackets, with each subgroup immersed in one of three oral rinses: water and salt solution, LISTERINE™ sodium fluoride mouthwash and OREX™ sodium fluoride mouthwash. Surface roughness was measured using an optical profilometer after 90 minutes of immersion and again after seven days, to assess the potential influence of exposure duration on surface roughness. Results: One-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in surface roughness among most groups (p ≥ 0.05). The highest surface roughness was observed in the ORMCO brackets immersed in OREX fluoridated mouthwash for seven days (mean = 0.9169 μm). The lowest was in the 3M Unitek group immersed in the water and salt solution for 90 minutes (mean = 0.9130 μm). Although the roughness values showed a statistically significant difference, the magnitude of the difference was minimal (0.0039 μm) and considered clinically insignificant. Conclusion: This study found that sodium fluoride mouthwashes resulted in slightly higher surface roughness of stainless steel orthodontic brackets compared to water and salt rinse. However, the differences are not clinically relevant and will not impact plaque accumulation or bracket function.

Background: Digital models are increasingly being proposed as an alternative to conventional plaster models in orthodontics. This study aims to evaluate the measurements obtained by CEREC Ortho software in terms of its accuracy, intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability, reproducibility, and time efficiency. Methods: Twenty conventional plaster models were scanned into CEREC Ortho software by three independent examiners. Linear measurements in the transverse (y-axis), anteroposterior (x-axis), and vertical (z-axis) planes acquired by the software were compared with those obtained manually using an electronic digital caliper. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean values of all measurements between the two methods; however, the majority of these differences were within clinically acceptable limits. Only a few measurements obtained by the software showed statistical difference upon assessing intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability. Manual measurements showed a higher correlation. The average software scanning time was 2.67 ± 1.30 min. The time required for obtaining measurements was significantly less for the electronic digital caliper. Conclusion: Measurements obtained using CEREC Ortho software demonstrated acceptable accuracy and reliability under laboratory conditions and may be considered a reliable complementary tool to conventional plaster models in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. This study is among the first to evaluate CEREC Ortho software in terms of accuracy, intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability, reproducibility, and time efficiency.

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the leading cause of death among children globally. According to motor vehicle collision reports from the Saudi Ministry of Health, 3,202 children younger than 18 years were involved in RTAs in 2020, resulting in 587 fatalities. Moreover, the World Health Organization reports that the use of child restraint systems (CRS) can reduce infant deaths by up to 71% globally. This highlights that a major factor influencing the outcome of an RTA is the use of CRS. This study aimed to assess parents' attitudes and awareness regarding the use of CRS, including their perceived benefits and barriers. This cross-sectional study was conducted among parents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with children from birth to 12 years old. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the targeted parents using an online survey. Of the 468 parents, 50.4% were male and 32.7% were between 26 and 35 years old. The questionnaire includes sociodemographic characteristics, a questionnaire to assess parents' practices on using CRS, and a 5-item questionnaire to assess parents' attitudes toward the CRS. Only 34.8% of parents reported having a CRS. The most common barriers to CRS usage were financial constraints and lack of conviction about their importance. Approximately 46.2% of respondents exhibited a positive attitude toward using CRS. The most significant predictors of positive attitudes were higher educational attainment and having a CRS available in the vehicle. Parents in Riyadh demonstrated a generally favorable attitude toward the use of CRS. However, those with lower education levels and without access to a CRS in their vehicle were more likely to have negative attitudes. Promoting positive attitudes toward CRS may enhance child safety during travel. Therefore, targeted educational campaigns are essential to raise awareness and encourage consistent use of CRS among parents in the region.