High-translucency zirconia and lithium disilicate are among the most used materials in contemporary fixed prosthodontics because of their excellent esthetic and mechanical properties. However, their different cementation techniques, physical properties, and biocompatibility profiles can influence the clinician's choice. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical strength and adhesive cementation techniques for zirconia and lithium disilicate materials through mechanical testing, including compressive and pull-out tests. The biocompatibility of these materials was also assessed. A total of 72 human maxillary molars that were free from damage were embedded in acrylic resin and prepared 1 mm occlusal to the enamel-cementum junction. The specimens were divided into 3 groups: lithium disilicate (CAD), zirconia High-Translucency HT (CAD), and lithium disilicate (PRESS). Following the recommended cementation protocols, compression and pull-out tests were performed. Twelve disks of each group were fabricated to test the integration of gingival fibroblasts. Human gingival fibroblasts were isolated from gingival biopsies and cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (DMEM). Cell viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-di-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, serving as an indicator of cellular respiration. Zirconia was the most mechanically efficient material, with a high resistance value (2081.4 ±405.4 N). The pull-out test determined that CAD-CAM lithium disilicate had similar adhesive cementation strength (244.3 ±29.3 N) to the other groups. In terms of biocompatibility, all materials demonstrated good results, with lithium disilicate CAD emerging as the most biocompatible material. Statistically significant differences were observed between the zirconia HT material and lithium disilicate PRESS (P=.006) and between lithium disilicate CAD and lithium disilicate PRESS (P=.002). All the monolithic restorations analyzed have shown excellent results in terms of mechanical properties, adhesion, and biocompatibility. Zirconia exhibited outstanding mechanical properties, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring high strength. To achieve adhesion results comparable with those of lithium disilicate, a protocol using airborne-particle abrasion and silane with 10-MDP is recommended. This approach ensures optimal adhesion, enhancing the longevity and effectiveness of the restoration.

Introduction: Having in mind the importance of providing continuous pediatric dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that children have similar viral loads to adults, the potential to spread the virus to others, and with variable clinical presentation of COVID-19 infection, this study aimed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on pediatric dentistry service provision, risks, and preventive measures before and during dental treatment. Method: Structured and closed epidemiological cross-sectional survey involved seven Southeastern European countries. The questionnaire was developed using the modified Delphi method, pretested, and tested in North Italy during April 2020. The sample consisted of licensed dental professionals reached via national dental chambers and social media using the best strategies according to the national setting. Results: A total of 3227 dentists participated in the survey, and we included 643 specialists in this study—among them, 164 were pediatric dentists. Most pediatric dentists worked in the public sector (61.0%) and provided emergency (64.6%) and routine dental treatment (18.3%) during the outbreak. One-third of pediatric dentists were COVID-19 tested, statistically significantly more than other specialties, and 3.0% tested COVID-19 positive. In addition, significantly more pediatric dentists (13.4%) reported the presence of at least one symptom related to COVID-19 compared to other specialists (6.1%). None of the pediatric dentists reported PPE shortage. However, 26.2% of all specialists stated that they lacked clear step by step professional guidance in a national language. Similarly, in both groups, around 10% of specialists attended education on coronavirus. Conclusions: Considering that most pediatric dentists provided dental treatment during lockdown in their countries in public health centers and that they will continue to work during pandemic, our results suggest that pediatric dentists might be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Further research should focus on finding better ways to promote and adapt preventive, protective measures and PPE in the pediatric dental setting to be behaviorally acceptable. Moreover, additional efforts should be invested in dental education regarding COVID-19 in the mother tongue.

Many investigations have shown that the cooperation of the denture design between the dental clinic and laboratory is often inadequate, with many dentists leaving it to the technician to decide the denture design. The aim of this study was to compare the stability of the removable partial dentures, made of cast framework base of Cr-Co toward those from acrylic resin-base. Through this study, we show the importance of a good planning and design of RDP, the evaluation of direct retentions, especially those of clasps and precise attachments for their impact on the longevity of the supporting teeth and tissues in different clinical cases, classified by Kennedy. The removable partial dentures evaluated in the study are either with or without a cast framework. In this study, are taken into observation 65 prostheses from 53 patients (28 maxillary and 37 mandibular) aged 38-70 years old. We have analyzed the type of clasps used and evaluated mobility scale and periodontal and clinical conditions of the abutment teeth in each case. After clinical examination we concluded that the abutment teeth where correct choice of clasp types were applied, had a mobility scale within physiological parameters and overall better clinical conditions compared to the abutment teeth were different type of clasps were used.

Introduction. Occlusal splints are oral appliances that have been designed to relieve the temporomandibular symptoms. However, the thickness of occlusal splints in order to have optimal efficacy is still controversial. Methods. An electronic search in Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, using the following keywords up to 2025: (“occlusal splint” OR “stabilization splint” OR “bite splint”) AND (“vertical dimension” OR “thickness” OR “occlusal height”) AND (“temporomandibular disorder” OR “TMD” OR “disc displacement” OR “myofascial pain”). All titles and abstracts were screened. Studies comparing different thicknesses of occlusal splints were included. Results. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, of which five were randomized controlled trials, one a retrospective study, and two finite element analyses. Mixed quality of the studies was found. Based on current evidence, although limited, the following results could be deduced: Occlusal splints with moderate thickness, 3 mm, are recommended for cases that involve both muscular and joint components, particularly when masticatory muscle pain is the primary complaint. Occlusal splints with minimal thickness, 2 mm, may be appropriate in internal derangements in the early stage, though evidence is low. Thicker splints, ≥4 mm, are for DDwoR and cases with crepitus. Occlusal splints of ≤2 mm and >6 mm were associated with symptoms such as reduced functional outcomes or comfort. Conclusion. In most cases, occlusal splints with thicknesses of 3–5 mm seem to be optimal for most TMD cases; however, personalized treatment based on the respective diagnosis is recommended. The decision on splint thickness should be based on evidence according to the severity of the diagnosis, but also patient-centered, to achieve comfort, compliance of the patient, and oral structure preservation. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to gain evidence-based guidelines and to achieve consistent results.

This is a comprehensive analysis study related to the integration of internationalization at home among seven universities within the framework of the BIOSINT project: "Strengthening capacities and digital competences in biomedical education through internationalization at home," - Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project – Strand 2 (ERASMUS-EDU-2022-CBHE, action: ERASMUS-LS), 101082863, co-funded by the European Union. Surveys were conducted among 2,927 students, 308 academic staff, and seven Deans. The data were analyzed, and chi-square tests and descriptive comparisons were made to evaluate topics such as mobility interest, language proficiency, and institutional support. Qualitative responses were also examined to better understand barriers and opportunities. Based on the results, SWOT analyses were performed, and a common framework was developed for creating strategies for each institution for Internationalization at Home. Actions such as curriculum internationalization, the introduction of virtual classrooms, mentoring systems, incoming guides, security protocols, and training related to IaH for staff and students were implemented during the project. Statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in the IaH index among the participating institutions. Specifically, the overall IaH index increased from an average of 39.3% to 55.6%, a statistically significant change (t = 41.00, p < 0.001), reflecting enhanced maturity levels across the partner institutions. This demonstrates the efficacy of the BIOSINT project implementation. Further steps should be taken to increase the impact of activities related to IaH.

Edentulism is a concern worldwide, where the main focus remains restoring the function, phonetics, and proper aesthetics in edentulous patients. This is a case report of a totally edentulous patient who came to the University Dental Clinic, Tirana, intending to replace the old dentures with new ones. The patient was unsatisfied with the existing dentures, which she had worn for 7 years. She also had TMJ discomfort and TMJ clicking. Complete removable dentures using the piezography technique and