Among various clinical skills, critical thinking (CT) is foundational for quality patient care. However, existing literature suggests deficiencies in applying analytical reasoning skills in healthcare education. As CT integration gains momentum in dentistry, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies introduces new dynamics. This article explores the potential impacts of emerging technologies of AI on the development and application of CT in the dental profession. A narrative literature review of English-language publications was conducted using sources such as PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Wiley-Online-Library, and Oral-Health-Group. Our review focused on relevant articles published up to June 30,2024, representing a peak period of CT awareness. The search terms used included: "Critical thinking," "healthcare," "rubric," "dental education," and "Artificial intelligence." No inclusion or exclusion criteria were applied. The search strategies aimed to synthesize collective healthcare experience in implementing CT in education, providing a cohesive understanding of the current state of CT and highlighting gaps in its integration in education. Strategies for incorporating CT into dental education are still developing. Although dental educators recognize the importance of CT-based curricula, barriers hinder effective implementation. Additionally, the rise of advanced technologies with human-like cognitive and non-cognitive capabilities necessitates agile, adaptable strategies to integrate CT in dental education. A simplified model is proposed for integrating AI into the development of CT skills at multiple levels in dental education. Furthermore, a rubric for assessing CT skills in problem-based learning is presented. This review emphasizes the urgent need to strategically prioritize CT integration in dental education. Inadequate application of CT may increase the risk of AI misuse, and overreliance on AI could potentially undermine clinical decision-making. We propose that emerging technologies should be embraced as tools to enhance the development of CT skills while mitigating potential negative impacts. Plausible approaches to addressing this challenge are outlined.

This in vitro study investigates the impact of the chemical modification of resin composite surfaces on repair bond strength of micro-hybrid resin composite material. First, 7 mm circular × 3 mm thick resin composite disks were prepared using teflon molds. Then, 50 specimens out of 100 were allocated for stimulated aging using a thermo-cycling (10,000 cycles) device. Both the 24 h and 1-year-aged composite discs were embedded in epoxy resin using a 2.5 cm wide × 1.5 cm thick circular mold. The surfaces were treated with Clearfil S3 bond alone or with the additional application of silane or porcelain primer. The other two groups were bonded with CRB bond with or without a porcelain primer. Using a teflon mold, a 2 mm circular and 3 mm high repair composite cylinder was built on the treated surfaces. The specimens were then stressed to de-bond by applying shear force to measure repair bond strength, and they were observed under the microscope to determine the failure pattern. The data were analyzed using SPSS26.0. Univariate analysis showed a significant effect (p = 0.013) of the bonding protocol on the repair bond strength; however, the effect of aging was insignificant (p = 0.170). The S3 bond with additional silane and the CRB bond showed the significantly higher repair bond strength of the 1-year-aged micro-hybrid composite. However, in case of 24 h aged specimens, the repair bond strength was statistically insignificant among the tested groups (p = 0.340). Chemical surface modification with silane has the potential to improve the repair bond strength of micro-hybrid resin composite materials.

Background: Universal-shade resin composites (USRCs) have gained popularity for their simplified shade-matching and reduced chairside time. However, their long-term performance under oral environmental stresses remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the mechanical and esthetic properties of five commercially available single-shade resin composites and one conventional micro-hybrid resin composite (MHRC) after simulated aging. Methods: A total of 18 disc-shaped specimens (10 mm circular × 3 mm thick) were prepared from five USRCs (Omnichroma, Zenchroma, A-Uno, TRANSCEND, and Ecosite One) and one MHRC (Clearfil AP-X). The polymerized specimen disk was polished using 2500 grit SIC paper. The mechanical properties, Vickers microhardness (HV), elastic modulus (EM) and creep (CR), and the esthetic properties, color and gloss, were measured after 24 h water storage and after 1-year stimulated aging. The data was analyzed using SPSS 27.0 software. A significance level of α = 0.05 was used for all statistical analyses. Results: Both the aging and types of material showed a significant effect on the mechanical and esthetic properties of the tested resin composite materials. The MHRC showed a significantly higher HV and EM compared to the USRC (p < 0.05). The MHRC showed significantly lower CR compared to USRC (p < 0.05). The color retention of USRCs was comparable to the MHRC (p > 0.05) and some USRCs showed superior gloss values compared with MHRC (p < 0.05). The solubility of USREs were comparable to MHRC (p > 0.05) except A-Uno which showed significantly higher solubility compared to MHRC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it concludes that the USRC possesses inferior mechanical properties compared with the convention MHRC. Thus, their use should be limited when strong and durable mechanical properties are required under heavy occlusal stress. The use of USRCs could be beneficial for achieving a highly esthetic outcome of the restoration that does not includes the area that comes under heavy occlusal stress.

Self-adhesive resin composites (SARCs) are gaining popularity due to their simplified clinical steps. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the bonding performance, mass stability and mechanical properties of three SARC materials and to compare them with those of two conventional RC materials using a universal adhesive system (UAS). Materials and Methods: A total of 80 bovine enamel blocks with 5 mm × 5 mm dimensions were prepared and embedded in acrylic molds. The surface of the enamel was polished using 600-grit carbide to create the smear layer. After acid etching, 2 mm × 2 mm cylinder-shaped restorations were made either with one of the three SARCs or with two types of RCs using UASs. Shear bond strength tests were performed after 24 h of water incubation and after 1 year of artificial aging. The mass stability of the hexagonal-shaped SARC and conventional RC was evaluated using water sorption and solubility tests. Then the mechanical properties of the bonded composites were tested, including Vickers hardness, elastic modulus and creep, after 24 h of water incubation and after 1 year of artificial aging. Results: Both the material types and aging showed a significant effect on the bonding performance, mass stability and mechanical properties of SARCs and conventional RCs (p < 0.05). The shear bond strength of SARCs was comparable to that of a conventional RC + UAS. Conventional RCs showed lower water sorption and solubility compared to SARCs. The Vickers hardness, elastic modulus and creep properties of some SARCs were inferior compared to conventional RCs both at 24 h and at 1 year. Conclusions: The bonding performance of SARCs can substitute the conventional RC+ UAS; however, its inferior mass stability and mechanical properties limit its use in routine dental restorative procedures.