Antibiotics are crucial in treating infections; however, their unnecessary and incorrect use can lead to numerous health issues, notably antibiotic resistance. Evaluating the accuracy and awareness of antibiotic prescription practices among dentists, who play a significant role in antibiotic use, is critical in developing effective health policies and professional training programs. This study assesses dentists’ knowledge levels and practice habits regarding antibiotic use. Using a structured questionnaire, the research employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted with 202 general dentists, 98 pediatric dentists, and 43 oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Data were analyzed using demographic characteristics, antibiotic prescription practices, and scenario-based questions measuring knowledge levels. The results revealed that while most participants were generally knowledgeable about antibiotic use, inconsistencies in prescription practices were evident. Notably, unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions were identified in some cases, contributing to significant health issues such as antibiotic resistance. This study emphasizes the necessity of promoting conscious antibiotic use by evaluating dentists’ practices. Therefore, the urgent need for developing professional training programs and strengthening strategies to combat antibiotic resistance is paramount.

Objective: Orthognathic surgery is the applications performed to eliminate the disorders in the face and jaw structure of the person and to regain the normal functions of the teeth together with the jaws. Upon the increasing internet use, people reach the first knowledge about these surgeries, where serious complications can be seen, through websites. It is aimed to assess the Turkish texts released on the internet on orthognathic surgery regarding toreadability and contents in this study. Material and Methods: The first 71 websites were examined in the Google (Google LLC, Mountain View, California, USA) search using the keywords 'orthognathic surgery.' Obtained patient informing texts were assessed in accordance with Atesman Readability Index. The contents were also assessed regarding to whether they provide sufficient information about surgery or not. Results: It was observed that the texts which have been examined in the study were of moderate difficulty subject to the Atesman Readability Index (54.8±9.4). It was concluded that the contents of the information on the examined websites in research had been sufficient regarding to the surgical preparation process, but surgical complications had not been adequately referred. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the patient informing texts on Turkish websites have moderate readability difficulties. It was observed that possible complications were not covered enough although sufficient information has been provided about the preparation process of orthognathic surgery and it was concluded that the expected effects on the reader would not be observed if they were not understood by the patients.

Aim: Disability status, fear, and anxiety can pose an obstacle to the planned dental treatment in children. In such cases, the delivery of dental treatment with sedation is a very common treatment method and more comfortable for both pediatric patients and physicians. This study aims to evaluate the readability and content of patient information texts on websites related to the delivery of dental treatments with sedation in pediatric patients. Material and Methods: The first 60 Turkish websites were scanned in Google (Google LLC, MountainView, California, USA) search using the keywords “pediatric dental treatment with sedation”. The patient information texts in 31 websites meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated according to the Ateşman Readability Index (ARI) and their contents were also examined in terms of whether or not providing sufficient information about the procedure. Results: The texts examined in the study were moderately difficult (52.9±9.4) according to the ARI and at Grade 11-12 level, most of the websites examined were owned by private clinics (64.5%) and the texts were prepared by pedodontists. The content of information on the examined websites could be deemed sufficient in terms of definition of sedation (100%), the indications (100%) and the benefits (83.8%); however, the complications (29.1%), possible procedure-related complications (16.2%), its difference from general anesthesia (54.8%) and the cost (29.1%) were not addressed sufficiently. Conclusion: The results of the study suggested that the relevant patient information texts on Turkish websites need to be organized in a more understandable manner. For this purpose, readability tests may be used before publishing the text. The reason why most of the texts did not mention contraindications, complications, and cost of sedation may be intending not to create fear or prejudice about the procedure among readers. However, when preparing an information text on an interventional medical procedure, it is legally and ethically required to inform the reader about that procedure fully and clearly.

Background: Dental anxiety is a prevalent concern affecting patients undergoing various dental procedures, particularly surgical interventions. Understanding the impact of patients’ anxiety levels on their physiological responses during dental surgeries, such as third molar impaction surgery, is crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of patients’ anxiety levels on vital signs during third molar teeth impaction surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 45 randomly selected, healthy patients. Demographic information was recorded after obtaining consent from the patients prior to surgical intervention. Preoperative anxiety levels were determined using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Pupil measurements were taken from the patients before surgery, at 10 min after the surgery began, and at 10 min after the surgery ended. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, and haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO₂) values were recorded. Results: The MDAS test results were statistically significantly higher in women compared to men (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were observed between MDAS score and both preoperative pulse rate (r = 0.344, p = 0.021) and SpO2 level during the operation (r = 0.462, p = 0.001). However, no significant correlations were found between MDAS and DBP (p = 0.575), SBP (p = 0.176), fever (p = 0.238), or pupil diameter (p = 0.338). Conclusions: Third molar impaction surgery induces anxiety in adult patients 20 years and older. Vital sign monitoring provides information about the patient’s emotional state, both before and during the procedure. Since anxiety causes changes in vital signs during dental procedures, it is important to follow these findings to have an idea about the general condition of the patients.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is a widespread health issue causing discomfort, pain, and distress in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It significantly impacts daily activities and diminishes the overall quality of life. As individuals increasingly turn to online platforms for health information, the accuracy and reliability of such information become pivotal. The accuracy, quality, and reliability of online information, especially concerning therapeutic exercises like those for TMJ pain, are of paramount importance. This study aims to assess the content, quality, and readability of online information related to TMJ pain exercises in the Turkish language. A total of 54 websites obtained from Google searches using the keyword "jaw pain exercises" were examined. Evaluation criteria included Ateshman Readability Scale, DISCERN, and JAMA, which were employed to assess medical accuracy, content quality, clarity, and suitability for the general readership. The results revealed that the online information on these platforms generally lacked quality and was not sufficiently understandable for the intended audience, particularly patients. Many sites provided incomplete or vague information about the correct techniques for exercises, potentially leading to incorrect applications by patients, adversely affecting their treatment outcomes. These findings highlight the deficiency and inaccuracy of exercise guidelines available on online platforms, posing a potential risk to patients' treatment processes. It emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals monitoring online resources, ensuring their accuracy, and making them more comprehensible. Access to accurate and reliable information is crucial for patients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and treatment options.