Background: The adoption of 3D printing in restorative dentistry is increasing, with the post-curing duration of a material being identified as a key determinant of its performance. This study evaluated the effect of the post-polymerization time on the flexural strength (FS) and Vickers microhardness (VHN) of a 3D-printed composite. Methods: Specimens of Formlabs Permanent Crown Resin were 3D printed and divided into four groups according to their post-curing time: no post-curing time and 20, 40, and 60 min post-curing time. Flexural strength testing was carried out using a three-point test of 40 bar-shaped specimens (n = 10/group), followed by fractography observations under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Vicker microhardness testing was also conducted with 40 disk-shaped specimens (n = 10/group). The inorganic filler content was measured using the ash method, and the filler morphology was characterized under an SEM. Statistical analyses were performed using adjusted ANOVA and regression tests. Results: The highest median FS values were observed at 40 min post-curing (133.07 MPa), with significant differences across all groups (p < 0.0001). The highest median VHN values were found at 40 min post-curing (32.09 VHN), with significant differences between groups (p < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation (rho = 0.7488; p < 0.0001) was found between the flexural strength and Vickers hardness with changing post-curing durations. The 3D resin composite had an average filler content of 66.82% based on weight. Conclusions: With the limitation of the current in vitro setup, a post-polymerization time of 40 min was shown to lead to the best material performance. The post-printing polymerization time significantly affects the Vickers hardness and FS of 3D Formlabs Permanent Crown Resin. Further research should explore the effects of different resin compositions, clinical conditions, and curing protocols to enhance the general applicability of these findings. Clinical implications: Extending the post-printing polymerization time does not inherently result in improved material properties. A considered adjustment of the post-curing time can significantly impact the mechanical properties of a 3D-printed composite.

Aim: Teledentistry has gained popularity worldwide because it is cost-effective and increase accessibility to dental healthcare. This study assessed the self-perceptions of teledentistry among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia and examinedany gender-related differences. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and December 2017 and recruited a convenience sample of dental practitioners, whose self-perceptions of the practice-related use of teledentistry were assessed viaateledentistry survey (TDS). The TDS consisted off our sections:efficiency in patient care, cost reduction,capabilities forimproving practice, and security and confidentiality.Data analyseswere conducted throughdescriptive statistics,internalreliability tests(Cronbach’s alpha), andchi-squaredtests of the TDS. Results: The response rate was 620/800(78%). Most respondents were female (62%), and 58% of themworked in the public sector. The internal reliability of the TDS was 0.85 for the whole sampleand 0.85 and 0.90 for males and females, respectively. Among the entire sample, 51% agreed that teledentistry reduced potential cost, and 65% reported shortened waitlists. More females (42%, p<0.001) than males (22%) agreed that teledentistry could help monitor a patient’s condition.More females (35%) than males (13%, p<0.001) considered that teledentistry would require additional appointments for imaging. More females(29%, p=0.0001) than males (22%) expressed great concern aboutpotential violations of confidentiality. Conclusion: These findings suggest thatteledentistry in dental practiceis well perceived by practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Gender differences in perceptions are linked to certain aspects of teledentistry.

Background: Dental trauma is one of the most commonly encountered dental emergencies. The prognosis is determined by the appropriate intervention and immediate management of the traumatized teeth. Thus, public awareness is a leading determinant of treatment success. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah residents regarding the management of dental trauma. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between December 2016 and January 2018. A two-part self-administered questionnaire comprising 13 closed-ended questions was used. Part one contained questions to elicit demographic data that included information related to the participants’ sources of dental trauma. Part two assessed their knowledge and attitudes regarding the most common types of dental trauma. The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 software. Results: A total of 598 participants were included in this study. The results indicated that 64% of the participants knew where to go to receive treatment for dental trauma, and 74% were aware of the differences in the management of the primary and permanent teeth after trauma. A majority (83%) did not have any information about these issues; however, 83% were interested in learning about the appropriate management of dental trauma. Conclusion: The study participants were found to have low levels of knowledge. A majority had never received information about the management of dental trauma or avulsed teeth. Education programs are necessary for promoting positive attitudes by increasing the knowledge about dental trauma management.