Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 January 2025 in Case Reports in Dentistry
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
JSJessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson
MSMoegamat Sallies
Moegamat Sallies
AAAmir H. Afrogheh
Amir H. Afrogheh
Osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone malignancy, rarely affects the jaw, representing only 6%–10% of cases. Jaw osteosarcoma typically occurs in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years and is uncommon in children. It often involves the mandible, especially in males, presenting with swelling, tooth mobility, and paraesthesia rather than pain. We present a rare case of jaw osteosarcoma in a 12‐year‐old girl who exhibited paraesthesia and a significant mandibular mass. Imaging demonstrated extensive mandibular involvement with Codman’s triangle formation, and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of conventional osteosarcoma. The treatment approach included a hemimandibulectomy, followed by temporary reconstruction using a titanium plate and silastic spacer. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation and multidisciplinary management in diagnosing and treating osteosarcoma of the jaws in children. A review of 12 similar cases highlights the variability in presentation and treatment outcomes, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans to optimize patient prognosis.

16 January 2026 in International Journal of Dentistry
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
JSJessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson
TZTineke van Zyl
Tineke van Zyl
RBRobert Barrie
Robert Barrie
Faheema Kimmie-DhansayFaheema Kimmie-Dhansay
Faheema Kimmie-Dhansay
Introduction: Ultrasonography (USG) offers a safe, affordable and effective diagnostic tool for various dental applications, yet its use in routine dental practice remains limited, particularly in South Africa. This study, guided by the Knowledge–Attitude–Behaviour (KAB) model, assessed dental practitioners’ knowledge and attitudes towards USG at a South African university. The null hypothesis tested whether attitudes and knowledge differed significantly by the year of graduation or academic department. Methods: A quantitative cross‐sectional study surveyed 108 dental practitioners at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Faculty of Dentistry using a custom‐developed, expert‐reviewed online questionnaire. Approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BMREC) and UWC faculty officials for the study. Data were collected via Research Electronic Data capture (REDCap) and analysed with Microsoft Excel and STATA. Participation was voluntary, anonymous and conducted with informed consent. Results: The questionnaire showed acceptable internal consistency for attitudes ( α = 0.705) and lower consistency for knowledge ( α = 0.537), as expected due to varied content. Results indicated a 58.3% response rate with generally positive attitudes towards USG, varying across departments. The Craniofacial Biology, Pathology and Radiology department had the highest attitude score, and Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery showed the highest familiarity with USG, with specific questions yielding statistically significant results. Regarding knowledge, the overall score was 71%. Knowledge levels were high in head and neck swellings and salivary gland disorders, while caries had the lowest score. However, no significant differences were observed across graduation years or departments. Conclusion: Dental practitioners are not only receptive to learning about USG but also enthusiastic about its potential in patient care. By integrating an USG course into the dentistry curriculum, dental practitioners would be empowered with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively harness the benefits of USG, addressing critical healthcare challenges within South Africa and third‐world countries alike.

24 July 2025 in Radiology Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SISuvarna Indermun
Suvarna Indermun
JSJessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson
KPKim Pedro-Beech
Kim Pedro-Beech
JAJulandi Alwan
Julandi Alwan
LRLeon Janse van Rensburg
Leon Janse van Rensburg
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare side-effect of certain drugs, mainly those used in regimens treating specific cancers and in the initial treatment for non-neoplastic conditions. The first cases of jaw osteonecrosis were reported over 2 decades ago in patients taking bisphosphonates (BPs). Since its identification, the nomenclature has changed from bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) to MRONJ, as other drugs can elicit the same reaction. Invasive dental treatments, such as extractions, are known risk factors. Therefore, the importance of routine dental care before and during such drug therapy cannot be overemphasized. MRONJ is a challenging condition to diagnose early as the radiographic features are subtle and easily overlooked. This case report presents 3 female patients with multiple myeloma, emphasizing the chronological radiologic evolution of MRONJ. Notably, 1 case illustrates a transition from Stage 0 to Stage 2 over a 17-month period, documented through serial panoramic radiographs and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Another case highlights the role of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in identifying sequestra and pathological fractures. An additional noteworthy case illustrates that conservative dental management avoided the potential development of MRONJ. While histopathology confirmed necrotic bone in 2 cases, early radiologic indicators such as sclerosis and nonhealing sockets provided key diagnostic insights. This case report underscores the importance of regular dental monitoring and interdisciplinary care in at-risk patients and contributes to the growing discourse on the critical role of radiologic evaluation in the early detection and management of MRONJ.

10 September 2024 in South African Dental Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JSJessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson
SISuvarna Indermun
Suvarna Indermun
A 15-year-old male presented to the dental clinic after noticing a mild swelling in his lower jaw. Radiographic examination (Figure 1) revealed a well-defined, non-corticated, unilocular radiolucency with scalloped margins in the anterior mandibular symphyseal region. Notably, no root resorption or displacement was noted on this view. All associated teeth were vital, and the patient had no history of trauma. During surgical exploration, no cystic lining was discovered in the lesion; instead, a bony wall was present. Histological examination showed small fragments of viable bone, some of which were covered by a thin fibrovascular lining. No epithelial lining was observed in the examined sections