Background: Resin infiltration has emerged as a micro-invasive strategy for managing enamel porosities, offering both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits. ICON^® (DMG, Hamburg, Germany) is the most widely used system; however, evidence on its penetration behavior in sound enamel remains limited. Objectives: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the penetration depth and morphological pattern of ICON resin infiltration in sound human enamel, using quantitative morphometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods: Fourteen freshly extracted, caries-free anterior teeth were sectioned longitudinally. ICON^® resin infiltrate was applied to the buccal enamel surfaces according to the manufacturer’s protocol, while the lingual/palatal surfaces served as internal controls. Penetration depth was measured quantitatively on both mesial (surface A) and distal (surface B) halves, and SEM was used to assess resin–enamel interface morphology. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk test, paired t-test, Pearson correlation, and percentage difference calculation. Results: The mean difference in penetration depth between surfaces A and B was −21.29 µm (p = 0.525), indicating no statistically significant variation. A strong positive correlation was observed between surfaces (r = 0.783, p = 0.001). The mean percentage difference was −3.57% (SD = 18.61%), suggesting minimal directional bias. SEM images confirmed continuous and homogeneous resin infiltration within enamel prisms. Post-hoc power analysis indicated 15.2% power, reflecting the impact of the limited sample size typical for SEM-based exploratory studies. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro investigation, ICON resin infiltration demonstrated uniform and consistent penetration in sound enamel, supported by both quantitative and SEM analyses. These findings validate its potential as a reliable preventive and micro-invasive biomaterial in dental practice, particularly for protecting enamel surfaces prior to orthodontic bracket bonding. Further clinical research with larger cohorts is recommended to confirm its long-term stability and prophylactic performance.

Background/Objectives: Within public health and preventive nutrition, food labeling plays a critical role in supporting healthier dietary behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the behaviors, perceptions, and nutritional literacy of young adults from Iași, Romania, regarding simple carbohydrates (SCHO) consumption and food label-reading habits. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May–June 2023 using 20-item Likert-scale questionnaire completed by 150 participants aged 18–30 years. Statistical analysis included descriptive metrics, Chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The cohort consisted of 72% females (N = 108) and 28% males (N = 42), with 42.7% (N = 64) holding university degrees. Although 22% (N = 33) considered SCHO consumption highly important, only 13.3% (N = 20) frequently read nutrition labels (p ≤ 0.05). Dietary patterns showed that 27.3% primarily consumed sweets, while others combined sweets with carbonated beverages, dairy products, or whole grains; overall, 44% (N = 66) reported frequent sweet consumption. Label reading was highest for sweets (40.7%), lower for dairy products (19.3%) and soft drinks (9.3%). Additionally, 30.7% (N = 46) checked only expiration dates, whereas just 11.3% (N = 17) reviewed nutritional content. Trust in label accuracy was low: 48% (N = 72) expressed neutrality and 14% (N = 21) disagreed. Although 77.3% (N = 116) recognized the link between sugar intake and dental caries, only 23.3% (N = 35) felt well informed about oral health risks. Taste dominated food selection (68.7%), while nutritional value was cited by 16.7% (N = 25). Conclusions: Young adults from Iași demonstrated notable gaps in nutritional literacy and suboptimal dietary behaviors, emphasizing the need for structured educational strategies to improve preventive practices relevant to systemic and oral health.

Background and Objectives: Community fluoridation is an effective public health measure for dental caries prevention; however, knowledge and risk perception vary. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographic determinants related to community fluoridation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May–June 2023 among 200 adults from Iași, Romania, using a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square tests were applied. Results: Most respondents were familiar with fluoride (94%) and its protective role (91%), but fewer knew fluoridation methods (34%) or dental fluorosis (53%). Educational level was associated with awareness of water fluoridation (χ² = 32.219, p < 0.001), and gender with safety perceptions (χ² = 6.031, p = 0.049). Perceived toxicity was strongly associated with fluoridation safety attitudes (χ² = 29.116, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although general awareness is high, understanding remains limited. Sociodemographic factors influence knowledge and risk perception, highlighting the need for targeted communication.

Background: Pit-and-fissure sealants are a fundamental preventive strategy in occlusal caries management, particularly in children and adolescents. The effectiveness of sealants largely depends on their marginal sealing ability, which prevents microleakage and subsequent bacterial penetration. Objective: This in vitro study aimed to compare the microleakage performance of three sealant protocols: Fissurit FX, Perma Seal with an adhesive system, and Perma Seal without adhesive. Methods: A total of 18 extracted human molars were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6/group). Following standard enamel cleaning and acid etching, sealants were applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were thermocycled, immersed in 5% methylene blue, sectioned bucco-lingually, and evaluated for dye penetration under magnification. Microleakage was scored on a 0–3 scale. Intra-examiner reliability was assessed with Cohen's kappa. Statistical analysis included Kruskal–Wallis, Chi-Square, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: The Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences between groups (p = 0.006). Perma Seal with adhesive demonstrated the lowest microleakage scores, followed by Fissurit FX, while Perma Seal without adhesive showed the highest leakage. Cohen's kappa of 0.952 indicated excellent scoring reliability. Chi-Square analysis confirmed the association between material and leakage pattern (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The use of an adhesive system prior to self-etch sealant application significantly enhances marginal sealing and reduces microleakage. These findings support incorporating adhesive pre-treatment protocols into clinical practice to optimize sealant efficacy.

Background: Pit-and-fissure sealants are a fundamental preventive strategy in occlusal caries management, particularly in children and adolescents. The effectiveness of sealants largely depends on their marginal sealing ability, which prevents microleakage and subsequent bacterial penetration. Objective: This in vitro study aimed to compare the microleakage performance of three sealant protocols: Fissurit FX (VOCO GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), Perma Seal Perma Seal (Ultradent Products Inc., South Jordan, UT, USA) with an adhesive system, and Perma Seal without adhesive. Methods: A total of 18 extracted human molars were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6/group). Following standard enamel cleaning and acid etching, sealants were applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Samples were thermocycled, immersed in 5% methylene blue, sectioned bucco-lingually, and evaluated for dye penetration under magnification. Microleakage was scored on a 0–3 scale. Intra-examiner reliability was assessed with Cohen’s kappa. Statistical analysis included Kruskal–Wallis, Chi-Square, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: The Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences between groups (p = 0.006). Perma Seal with adhesive demonstrated the lowest microleakage scores, followed by Fissurit FX, while Perma Seal without adhesive showed the highest leakage. Cohen’s kappa of 0.952 indicated excellent scoring reliability. Chi-Square analysis confirmed the association between material and leakage pattern (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The use of an adhesive system prior to self-etch sealant application significantly enhances marginal sealing and reduces microleakage. These findings support the incorporation of adhesive pre-treatment protocols into clinical practice to optimize sealant efficacy.

Background/Objectives: Aim: Dental practice involves continuous exposure to saliva and blood, creating persistent opportunities for cross-infection if contaminated instruments are not processed correctly. This study aimed to evaluate dental students’ knowledge regarding blood-borne infections and infection prevention measures, and to compare knowledge levels according to academic year and sex. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire consisting of 21 single-best-answer questions was administered to 93 undergraduate dental students (Years I–VI) from the Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania. The questionnaire evaluated knowledge related to instrument classification, cleaning and disinfection procedures, sterilization parameters, autoclave monitoring tests, and storage conditions. Demographic data were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 31, and associations between responses and demographic variables were assessed using chi-square tests. Associations between responses and demographic variables (academic year and sex) were evaluated using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: Most participants correctly identified several key steps in the instrument processing circuit, including the use of high-level disinfectant–detergent solutions (88.2%) and the need for disinfection followed by sterilization (76.3%). However, important knowledge gaps were identified regarding autoclave pre-use checks, correct sterilization temperatures and exposure times, recommended sterile storage periods, and the interpretation of sterilization monitoring tools such as type 5 chemical integrators, Bowie–Dick tests, and Helix tests. Knowledge levels differed significantly according to academic year (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although overall awareness of instrument processing procedures among dental students was generally satisfactory, several inconsistencies were observed in critical technical aspects of sterilization and monitoring. These findings highlight the need for strengthened infection control education and repeated practical training to reduce the risk of cross-infection in dental practice.