This study explores the recent advances of and functional insights into hydrogel composites, materials that have gained significant attention for their versatile applications across various fields, including contemporary dentistry. Hydrogels, known for their high water content and biocompatibility, are inherently soft but often limited by mechanical fragility. Key areas of focus include the customization of hydrogel composites for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and tissue engineering scaffolds, where improved mechanical properties and bioactivity are critical. In dentistry, hydrogels are utilized for drug delivery systems targeting oral diseases, dental adhesives, and periodontal therapies due to their ability to adhere to the mucosa, provide localized treatment, and support tissue regeneration. Their unique properties, such as mucoadhesion, controlled drug release, and stimuli responsiveness, make them ideal candidates for treating oral conditions. This review highlights both experimental breakthroughs and theoretical insights into the structure–property relationships within hydrogel composites, aiming to guide future developments in the design and application of these multifunctional materials in dentistry. Ultimately, hydrogel composites represent a promising frontier for advancing materials science with far-reaching implications in healthcare, environmental technology, and beyond.

Background/Objectives: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represent a special population whose characteristics may adversely affect both their own and their families’ quality of life. These characteristics include poor oral health, sensory hypersensitivity, restrictive and repetitive behaviours, communication difficulties, medication-related adverse effects, and associated comorbidities. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and adolescents with ASD, as perceived by their parents/caregivers, and to identify the factors associated with these outcomes. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Studies published between 2016 and May 2026 were considered for inclusion. Results: Of the 799 records identified, 23 studies met the eligibility criteria. Among these, 15 used the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ), an instrument specifically developed for children with cognitive impairments. Most studies reported statistically significant associations between poorer OHRQoL and dental caries experience, lower household income, older age, male sex, and lower parental oral health literacy. Conversely, preventive interventions and comprehensive dental rehabilitation performed under general anaesthesia were associated with improvements in the quality of life of both children and their families. Parents of children with ASD also reported a greater emotional burden, primarily related to responsibility for toothbrushing, dental attendance, the child’s general health status, and the family’s financial situation. Conclusions: The majority of the included studies indicate that, according to parental reports, children and adolescents with ASD experience poor OHRQoL, particularly in the domains of emotional well-being, social well-being, functional limitations, and oral symptoms. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies and multidisciplinary interventions aimed at improving both oral health and overall quality of life in this vulnerable population.

Background/Objectives: Anaphylaxis is a rare occurrence in dental practice, yet when it happens, it demands swift management, as untreated cases can be fatal. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge among dental students and residents regarding the symptoms and management of anaphylactic emergencies in dental surgery. Methods: The study involved a sample of 236 students from the 3rd and 5th years, and residents in their 1st and 2nd years of the General Dentistry programme at the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iași, Romania. The response rate to the invitation was 85.8%. Knowledge was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 18 questions organised into three sections, which were tested for internal consistency, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.731. Results: Statistically significant differences in the responses provided by the three categories of participants were observed for the following items: management of patients with an allergic background (p = 0.033), factors aggravating allergic predisposition (p = 0.001), the correct dose of epinephrine (p = 0.001), secondary medication (p = 0.001), and the timing of treatment initiation (p = 0.009). Questions where answers indicated moderate to low levels of knowledge (25–50% correct answers) concerned the therapeutic approach for patients with an allergic background, the site of adrenaline administration, and secondary medication. Conclusions: Overall, it can be observed that students demonstrated a high level of knowledge in questions related to the symptomatology of anaphylaxis and the therapeutic management of allergic patients, whereas residents showed better performance in questions addressing the therapeutic management of anaphylaxis. However, significant knowledge gaps were identified across all participant categories, suggesting that there must be periodic supplementary training.