Computer-based technologies play a central role in the dentistry field, as they present many methods for diagnosing and detecting various diseases, such as periodontitis. The current study aimed to develop and evaluate the state-of-the-art object detection and recognition techniques and deep learning algorithms for the automatic detection of periodontal disease in orthodontic patients using intraoral images. In this study, a total of 134 intraoral images were divided into a training dataset (n = 107 [80%]) and a test dataset (n = 27 [20%]). Two Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) models using ResNet-50 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) were developed. The first model detects the teeth to locate the region of interest (ROI), while the second model detects gingival inflammation. The detection accuracy, precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP) were calculated to verify the significance of the proposed model. The teeth detection model achieved an accuracy, precision, recall, and mAP of 100 %, 100%, 51.85%, and 100%, respectively. The inflammation detection model achieved an accuracy, precision, recall, and mAP of 77.12%, 88.02%, 41.75%, and 68.19%, respectively. This study proved the viability of deep learning models for the detection and diagnosis of gingivitis in intraoral images. Hence, this highlights its potential usability in the field of dentistry and aiding in reducing the severity of periodontal disease globally through preemptive non-invasive diagnosis.

Aim: To evaluate the dental effects of the treatment with clear aligners and intermaxillary elastics in adult patients with Class II malocclusion. Material and methods: A sample of 20 Class II patients treated with Invisalign aligners (5 M and 15 F; mean age of 27.6 ± 6.3 years) was included in this single-center one-group longitudinal study. Dental cast and cephalometric records were analyzed before (T0) and after treatment (T1). Data were analyzed with a t-test for paired data (p < 0.05). Results: There was a significant reduction of the Overjet (OVJ= −1.4 ± 0.2; p ≤0.001) and a retroposition of upper incisors (U1-NPo = −1.3 ± 1.7; p < 0.001). Furthermore, distalization of upper molars with an improvement of molar class (U6-PT Vertical = −0.93 ± 0.97; p < 0.001; Molar Relation = −0.75 ± 0.45; p < 0.001) was observed. A good control of the lower and upper incisor inclination was present, highlighted by the non-significant changes in these values (L1-GoGn = −0.12 ± 5.4; p = 0.923; U1-AnsPns = −1.1 ± 8.1; p = 0.551). In the lower arch, an increase in the intermolar diameter (0.6 ± 1.0; p = 0.01) was present. Finally, there were no statistically significant changes in all the skeletal variables (ANPg = 0.005 ± 0.687; p = 0.974; SN/MP = −0.47 ± 1.9; p = 0.298). Conclusions: Treatment with Invisalign aligners shows a reduction of the Overjet, a retroposition of the upper incisors, good control of the lower incisors, and an improvement of the molar relationship.

The aim of the current study was to assess patient and parental satisfaction following treatment during mixed dentition with two removable orthodontic devices: elastodontic appliances (EAs) and clear aligners (CAs). Consecutive patients below the age of 12 years who had completed the active phase of EA or CA therapy were recruited. A dedicated written questionnaire divided into four sections was used to measure parental and patient satisfaction regarding treatment experiences and treatment outcomes. The total sample included 56 subjects: 28 belonged to the EA group (7 girls and 21 boys; mean age 11 years); 28 belonged to the CA group (12 girls and 16 boys; mean age 9 years). Patients and parents of both the EA and CA groups were satisfied with the treatment experiences and outcomes. According to parental reporting, EA treatment was significantly more painful than CA therapy (p = 0.003), but this was not confirmed by the patients (p = 0.100). Both parents and patients reported EAs being significantly more difficult to wear than CAs (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Functional improvements were reported, including a reduction in grinding sounds in the CA group (p = 0.020) and breathing improvements in the EA group (p = 0.023). According to the parents, school life and social life were significantly improved in the CA group, as compared to the EA group (school life p < 0.001, social life p = 0.001). Finally, parents belonging to the CA group found that their child’s treatment was much shorter than expected (p = 0.003).

This study examines shifts in dental education, organization of dentists, changes in regulation of dental practice across European countries and comparing differences between 2016 and 2023 of member states of the FDI World Dental Federation and WHO-Europe region. Surveys conducted by the ERO-FDI in 2016 and 2023 included 45 countries (34 ERO and 11 non-members). Data on practice types, legal frameworks, education, and organization were collected via national dental associations. Statistical analyses employed t-tests and Fisher's exact tests to compare the two surveys over time. Private practice (self-employment) remained the dominant model (48.65%±28.28%, confidence interval (CI) [43.11 / 54.19]), followed by employment in private practice (24.32% ± 20.33%, CI [20.34/28.30]) and group practice (15.27%±20.39%, CI [11.27/19.27]), public health system (13.76%±20.17% (CI [9.81, 17.71]), municipal/national clinic (8.98%±17.86% CI [5.48/12.48]), oral healthcare center (6.61%±14.19% CI [3.83/9.39]), university clinic (4.90%±6.82% CI [3.56/6.24]), and industry (0.36%±0.78% CI [0.21/0.51]). Statistically significant growth was observed in group practice (two-tailed; F=14.53 P < .01) and oral healthcare center (two-tailed; F=30.72 P < .01). Male/female dental student ratio remained stable at approximately 1:2 (two-tailed; F=0.87, P = .66 (m); F=0.85, P = .60 (f)). A total of two-thirds of the countries allow non-dental investor-led oral healthcare centers (P = 1.00). European dentistry is currently undergoing significant changes, including an increasing adoption of corporate and group practice models, approximately a 2:1 female to male ratio in dental education, and a growing urban-rural divide in care. Legal frameworks and the increasing involvement of non-dental investors could affect the quality and accessibility of care, particularly in rural areas. Future research should examine the long-term impact of these changes on patient care, dentist satisfaction, and the demand for flexible working models.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are considered the most common histological type of head and neck cancer. This study aims to develop a drug delivery system based on zein protein nanoparticles (Zein NPs) to enhance the therapeutic effect of the anticancer peptide, Pistacia zardin1 (PZ1), for the treatment of maxillofacial cancers. PZ1-Zein NPs were synthesized by the desolvation method. These spherical nanoparticles (size: 162.8 nm, PDI: 0.27) showed high encapsulation efficiency (89%) and pH-responsive release (with higher drug release in the acidic tumor microenvironment). In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that PZ1-Zein NPs significantly reduced IC50 values in HNSCC cell lines (e.g., SCC-25: 7.5 µM vs. 19.3 µM for free peptide, p < 0.001) while exhibiting improved selectivity for cancer cells over normal HaCaT cells. Mechanistic investigations confirmed that PZ1-Zein NPs significantly increased apoptosis, as shown by increased caspase-3/7 activity (5.8-fold vs. 2.6-fold). These findings highlight PZ1-Zein NPs as a promising nanomedicine strategy and a candidate functional component for future dual-functional scaffolds aimed at targeted hard tissue engineering and surgery in HNSCC management.

The aim of this study was to collect and analyze country-specific information on corporate dental chains in the European Union, with a particular focus on their prevalence, organizational structures, business models, and legal frameworks, as well as the role of national dental associations and chambers in this context. A standardized questionnaire developed by the Council of European Dentists (CED) was distributed to its national dental associations from EU member states, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom of Great Britian and Northern Ireland, and Switzerland. The response rate was 86.6% (26/30). In 22 countries (84.6%), non-dentists can own a dental practice; 4 countries prohibit such ownership. Dental chains are permitted in 24 (92.3%) and present in 21 countries (80.7%). In 9 countries (34.6%), dental chains not exclusively owned by dentists must include a dentist in management. Since 2018, 11 countries (42.3%) report an increase of dentists working in chains, while 5 (19.2%) observed no change. Dental chains mainly operate in large cities (n = 12; 46.2%). Their preferred models are opening new practices (n = 9; 34.6%) or acquiring existing ones (n = 8; 30.8%). Unethical conduct toward patients by dental chains was observed in 5 countries (19.2%), while 6 countries (23.1%) reported unsatisfactory, poor working conditions and employment contracts for dentists. The European dental care sector is undergoing structural transformation. While dental chains are permitted in most countries, legal clarity and professional oversight remain limited. Reports of unethical conduct and inadequate working conditions highlight the need for further research. The increasing presence of dental chains in Europe highlights regulatory gaps and ethical concerns. This study emphasizes the importance of clear legal frameworks and professional oversight to maintain high standards in patient care, particularly as market-driven models reshape dental service delivery.