The outbreak and diffusion of SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has caused an emergency in the health system worldwide. After a first development in Wuhan, China, the virus spread in other countries, with Italy registering the second highest number of cases in Europe on the 7th of April 2020 (135,586 in total). The World Health Organization declared the pandemic diffusion of COVID-19, and restrictive measures to limit contagion have been taken in several countries. The virus has a predominantly respiratory transmission through aerosol and droplets. The importance of infection control is therefore crucial in limiting the effects of virus diffusion. We aim to discuss the risks related to dental practice and current recommendations for dental practitioners. A literature search was performed to retrieve articles on the management of COVID-19 diffusion in dental practice. The documented clinical experience, the measures of professional prevention, and the actual Italian situation were reported and described. Four articles were retrieved from the literature search. Among the eligible articles, 3 reported measures to contrast COVID-19 diffusion. The infection management protocols suggested were reviewed. Finally, recommendations based on the Italian experience in terms of patient triage, patients’ entrance into the practice, dental treatment, and after-treatment management are reported and discussed. COVID-19 is a major emergency worldwide, which should not be underestimated. Due to the rapidly evolving situation, further assessment of the implications of COVID-19 outbreak in dental practice is needed.

Objectives: A panoramic radiograph (PAN) is the most frequently diagnostic imaging technique carried out in dentistry and oral surgery. The correct performance of image acquisition is crucial to obtain adequate image quality. The aim of the present study is to (i) review the principles of PAN image acquisition and (ii) describe positioning errors and artefacts that may affect PAN image quality. Methods: Articles regarding PAN acquisition principles, patient’s positioning errors, artefacts, and image quality were retrieved from the literature. Results: Head orientation is of the utmost importance in guaranteeing correct image acquisition. Symmetry, occlusal plane inclination, mandibular condyles localization, cervical spine position, aspect of upper teeth root apexes, exposure parameters, and metal and motion artefacts are factors that greatly affect the image quality of a successful PAN. Conclusions: Several factors are the basis for PAN performance; therefore, a systematic approach that takes into account correct patient positioning and preparation is strongly suggested to improve overall examination quality.

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HAp) is a biomaterial which is finding increasing application in dentistry due to its osteogenic properties and biocompatibility. The aim of the present study is to review the clinical applications of nano-HAp in dentistry. A literature search was performed in PubMeD and Scopus. In total, 154 articles were retrieved. Following title and abstract analysis, 122 articles were excluded. Further 6 articles were excluded through full-text analysis. The systematic review was conducted on 26 articles. In 3 studies, nano-HAp was employed for tissue remineralization, 8 studies applied nano-HAp for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, 2 studies evaluated the role of nano-HAp in orthodontics, 9 studies applied nano-HAp as a graft material, and 4 studies applied nano-HAp to periodontology and implantology. The available evidence supports the use of nano-HAp in the prevention of caries, as a desensitizing agent in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity and as a graft material. It should be, however, highlighted that further research appears mandatory in assessing and validating the full potential of nano-HAp in clinical dentistry.