The ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar (EEM) is a local alteration of dental eruption with a multifactorial aetiology. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of the EEM in children and to analyse whether there is a relationship between EEM and dento-skeletal characteristics. A total of 322 children were analysed with the Ricketts cephalometric study and descriptive and analytical statistical analysis was carried out. The prevalence of EEM was 8.7%, with no statistically significant differences regarding gender or location, but a higher prevalence in the 7-year-old age group (18.8%) and bilateral EEM was more prevalent than unilateral EEM (p < 0.05). The most frequent findings were a shortened anterior cranial base, a retroposition of the maxilla and a distal position of the upper permanent first molar in relation to the pterygoid vertical in children with EEM. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the cephalometric parameters except a decreased palatal plane in the bilateral EEM group and a distal upper incisor position in the EEM group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of the EEM was 8.7%, more frequently bilateral, and significantly in seven-year-old patients. Children with bilateral EEM have decreased palatal plane values and a more posterior position of the upper incisor.

Background/Objectives: Preclinical training in pediatric dentistry is traditionally performed on acrylic primary teeth or natural extracted teeth in phantoms or dental manikins. With technological advancements, virtual simulation has become increasingly common, enhancing the development of cognitive and motor skills in dental students while complementing traditional methods. Specific objectives included assessing whether preclinical theoretical knowledge impacts motor skill scores, comparing the quality of dental preparations on acrylic teeth versus those performed using virtual simulation (Simodont^®) and evaluating students’ perceptions of Simodont^® use. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. Students first completed a theoretical knowledge survey on dental preparations, class II caries, and pulpotomies. They then performed dental preparations on both acrylic primary teeth and the Simodont^® simulator, with their work assessed by a pediatric dentistry professor. Finally, students completed a perception survey regarding their experience. Results: The introduction of the Simodont^® was positively received. Theoretical knowledge prior to preclinical exercises did not significantly influence practice scores. Average scores for preparations on acrylic teeth (class II: 2.57; pulpotomy: 3.60) were higher than those achieved using Simodont^® (class II: 1.97; pulpotomy: 2.92). Conclusions: Dental preparation scores were higher on acrylic teeth compared to the virtual simulation. While students reported a positive experience with Simodont^®, they expressed a preference for traditional learning methods involving acrylic teeth on phantoms or dental manikins.

The aim of the present study was to analyse root resorption of the primary mandibular molars and their relationship with their permanent successors and the age of the patient. Methods: The sample consisted of 408 digital panoramic radiographs. The mesial and distal crown-to-root ratios (CRR) of #74 and #75 were calculated by dividing the measures of the length of each root by its coronal height. The Demirjian formation stage of the premolar was established, and dental age was determined. A descriptive and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to determine the correlation between the variables (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) and to identify the differences between them (Student’s t-test), with a confidence level of 95%. Results: 723 molars were measured, and tables of CRR depending on dental and chronological age were obtained. The CRR decreased with increasing dental and chronological age, but not uniformly. The CRR of #74 and #75 decreased slightly when the successor premolar was in the initial stages of formation. Gender differences were obtained with respect to chronological age, mainly in girls, because the root resorption of #74 was always more advanced, and the formation of the #34 more advanced. Conclusions: Root resorption of the molar is slight and progressive when the successor premolar begins formation until stage D, and becomes higher starting at stage E. It is possible to determine the state of the child’s maturation and the CRR according to dental and chronological age.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oral hygiene (OH) efficiency and manual dexterity skills in Spanish five-year-old children using two fine motor tests. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a pre–post evaluation was designed. The children’s OH was measured according to the Silness and Löe plaque index (PI) before toothbrushing upon arrival at school (pre) and after supervised toothbrushing (post). Motor skills (children’s dexterity) were determined with the Visual Motor Skills and Resistance to Fatigue test (VMSRF test) and the scale for the Behavioural Assessment of Preschool Skills (BAPS scale). Data were analysed with the SPSS^® statistics software with a 95% confidence interval and bilateral significance. Results: One hundred and twenty-nine children were evaluated. The mean PI was 2.5, indicating generally poor OH in the sample. No difference in OH was observed between genders or in the brushing frequency categories. No significant differences in OH or the PI were found between right- and left-handed children either (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found between the OH category pre and post toothbrushing in the total sample, as well as in the various sextants and surfaces evaluated. The results of the VMSRF and BAPS tests indicate moderate visuomotor skills and fatigue resistance and a poor average skill level. A statistically significant improvement in the PI was found in children with higher scores in the VMSRF and BAPS tests. Conclusions: A significantly higher OH efficacy was found in children with better motor skills, although five-year-old children showed moderate visuomotor skills and fatigue resistance and a poor average preschool skill level.

Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a congenital disease comprising a heterogeneous group of inherited connective tissue disorders. The main treatment in children is bisphosphonate therapy. Previous animal studies have shown that bisphosphonates delay tooth eruption. The aim of this study is to determine whether patients with OI treated with pamidronate and/or zoledronic acid have a delayed eruption age compared to a control group of healthy children. Methods: An ambispective longitudinal cohort study evaluating the age of eruption of the first stage mixed dentition in a group of children with OI (n = 37) all treated with intravenous bisphosphonates compared with a group of healthy children (n = 89). Within the study group, the correlation (Pearson correlation test) between the type of medication administered (pamidronate and/or zoledronic acid) and the chronology of tooth eruption is established, as well as the relationship between the amount of cumulative dose received and tooth eruption. Results: The age of eruption of the study group was significantly delayed compared to the age of eruption of the control group for molars and lateral incisors (p < 0.05). Patients who received higher cumulative doses had a delayed eruption age compared to those with lower cumulative doses (p < 0.05). There is a high positive correlation between age of delayed tooth eruption and Zoledronic acid administration. Conclusion: Patients with OI have a delayed eruption of the 1st stage mixed dentition compared to a control group of healthy children. This delayed eruption is directly related to the cumulative dose of bisphosphonates and the administration of zoledronic ac.

Collaborative learning (CL) is the instructional use of small groups in such a way that students work together to maximize their own and others’ learning. In this study, the aim was to implement online collaborative learning (OCL) using the Microsoft Teams (MT) platform and to analyze the students’ preferences regarding presential or online learning. Material and Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 79 students from the Degree in Dentistry. Four groups were created with MT and clinical cases or problems were uploaded for online discussion with each group. Additionally, as part of the course program, the students were divided into the same groups for to carry out Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in person. Afterwards, students completed a project assessment and satisfaction survey. Results: The survey revealed that the students found participation in this project to be useful or very useful. Their experiences with MT were rated as positive or very positive. However, a significant portion of the students (42.6%) preferred conventional face-to-face (FF) problem-solving, while 27.9% preferred using online tools. Based on the execution of this project and the open feedback on the use of MT, we have outlined a series of recommendations to enhance the use of this platform. Conclusions: MT is a highly useful platform for online teaching, offering multiple tools to promote learning in a virtual and asynchronous manner. However, when comparing CL through PBL conducted FF versus online, students still prefer in-person teaching to virtual methods.