The current study aimed to compare the mechanical properties of CAD/CAM fabricated hybrid ceramic restorative materials. The current study assessed the mechanical properties of additively and subtractively manufactured CAD/CAM fabricated hybrid ceramic by conducting flexure strength test, compressive strength test, and Vickers hardness test. Flexural samples were subjected to a three-point bending test using a universal testing machine until the samples showed fracture. Moreover, samples for the compressive strength test were subjected to compression tests using a universal testing machine until samples were fractured. Samples for the Vickers hardness was tested using the Vickers hardness testing machine to determine the sample’s hardness values. There were significant differences (p = 0.0001) were observed among the additive and subtractive groups in terms of flexure strength and compressive strength test. Regarding the Vickers hardness test, significant differences (p = 0.0001) were observed between the polished and unpolished groups in additive manufacturing. However, no significant (p = 0.681) differences were observed in the subtractive manufacturing technique. The subtractive group achieved ISO specifications in terms of flexural strength and was superior to additive groups in hardness while exhibiting lower performance in compressive strength. Moreover, printing orientation had a significant influence on the performance of additive groups. Flexural strength and hardness were improved when the printing orientation was in alignment with the direction of load (90°) while compressive strength was improved when the printing orientation was perpendicular to the direction of load (0°).

Background and Objectives: Despite the identified benefits of early implant loading, studies have questioned its advantages compared to delayed loading in edentulous patients. This study aimed to evaluate clinical peri-implant parameters and marginal bone loss around early placed and loaded mandibular implant overdentures with a 60-month follow-up. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 43 patients were enrolled to receive 86 early loading sub-crestal dental implants through prosthetic guides. Implant overdentures were supported by two isolated implant locator attachments between two mental foramens. Clinical peri-implant parameters, including plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), peri-implant pocket depth (PIPD), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were evaluated using standardized techniques at 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months follow-up. At 60 months, complications associated with implant overdentures (IOD’s) were noted. The mean comparison of peri-implant clinical parameters was performed through ANOVA test. A p-value of ≤0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Out of the total 43 enrolled patients, 8 patients were lost during follow-up; as a result, 35 patients completed the 5 years follow-up. The mean values of PI, BI, and PIPD increased with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). For marginal bone loss, an increase in the mean values was noted at different time intervals with statistical differences (p < 0.001). The most common complications noted were loosening of the abutment, occlusal adjustment, retentive locator loosening and replacement, and relining of the denture. Conclusions: Early placement of IODs failed to prevent bone loss over time and was associated with complications, predominantly consisting of abutment loosening, occlusal adjustments, broken retentive locator components, relining, and rebasing.

Purpose This study aimed to provide a comprehensive national overview of the prosthodontic workforce in Saudi Arabia, focusing on its demographic composition, educational background, geographic distribution, and workforce trends. The findings are intended to support policymakers in postgraduate education planning, and equitable access strategies to prosthodontics care. Materials and methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using official data obtained from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) as of May 2025. The dataset included all registered practicing prosthodontists across Saudi Arabia. Key variables included gender, nationality, professional classification, practice region, and postgraduate training background. The prosthodontist-to-population ratio was calculated based on the 2024 national census data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the characteristics of the prosthodontic workforce. Results A total of 1,542 prosthodontists were identified across Saudi Arabia, resulting in a national ratio of 4.37 prosthodontists per 100,000 population. The workforce was predominantly male (65.8%), with females representing 34.2%. Non-Saudis accounted for 56.5% of the workforce, while Saudis made up 43.5%. Most prosthodontists were located in major metropolitan areas, with 34.1% practicing in Riyadh, 24.6% in Makkah, and 11.8% in the Eastern Region. The most common countries of postgraduate education were Egypt (29.3%), Saudi Arabia (27.3%), India (9.0%), and the United States (7.2%). The workforce was almost evenly divided between the public sector (48.3%) and the private sector (47.8%). Conclusion Saudi Arabia has witnessed steady growth in its prosthodontics workforce, marked by increased training capacity, diverse educational backgrounds, and encouraging participation of female practitioners. Despite this progress, challenges remain in achieving balanced gender representation, equitable regional distribution, and consistency in training standards. These findings highlight the importance of thoughtful workforce planning and the need to reassess classification systems and align training pathways with internationally recognized benchmarks. Such efforts will be essential to ensure high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable prosthodontics care across all regions.

This review evaluated various 3D-printing technologies and materials utilized in dentistry. Digital manufacturing, rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing have gained precedence over subtractive manufacturing or milling. This cutting-edge 3D printing technology offers precise and advanced manufacturing capabilities for various materials. Technologies have been used to fabricate 3D-printed models. Some problems were associated with 3D-printing technologies: (1) the layer-by-layer image superimposition causes distortion and reduces the mechanical properties of the material; (2) the thickness of the layer affects the final model's smoothness; (3) the lack of trained technicians and clinicians hinders the implementation of 3D printers in regular clinics; (4) most 3D printing machines are not customized for dental use. Even though 3D printers can create a model in a shorter period, acquiring data takes time. To implement 3D printing in dentistry, manufacturers should aim to reduce costs and time, increase surface quality, and improve the reproducibility, reliability, and performance of this technology. Dental practitioners can customize the fabrication of temporary and permanent crowns, occlusal splints, implants, and dental aligners. However, 3D-printing machines are still less accepted than traditional treatment methods.

Accuracy of 3 Intraoral and 1 Extraoral Digital Scanning Systems for Multiple Laminate Veneer Preparations: An In Vitro Study - Article abstract #951846