Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most crucial growth factors and an assistant for the adjustment of bone regeneration. In this study, a 3D scaffold is fabricated using the method of fused deposition modeling. Such a fabricated method allows us to fabricate scaffolds with consistent pore sizes, which could promote cellular ingrowth into scaffolds. Therefore, we drafted a plan to accelerate bone regeneration via VEGF released from the hydroxyapatite/calcium sulfate (HACS) scaffold. Herein, HACS will gradually degrade and provide a suitable environment for cell growth and differentiation. In addition, HACS scaffolds have higher mechanical properties and drug release compared with HA scaffolds. The drug release profile of the VEGF-loaded scaffolds showed that VEGF could be loaded and released in a stable manner. Furthermore, initial results showed that VEGF-loaded scaffolds could significantly enhance the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In addition, angiogenic- and osteogenic-related proteins were substantially increased in the HACS/VEGF group. Moreover, in vivo results revealed that HACS/VEGF improved the regeneration of the rabbit’s femur bone defect, and VEGF loading improved bone tissue regeneration and remineralization after implantation for 8 weeks. All these results strongly imply that the strategy of VEGF loading onto scaffolds could be a potential candidate for future bone tissue engineering.

The integration of digital technologies in dental technician education revolutionized the profession in Asian countries. Despite the growing adoption of digital methods, national examinations predominantly relied on traditional techniques. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of national examination standards and digital course integration in dental technician education among 5 countries including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, and China. Data were collected from government agencies, universities, academic organizations, professional associations, and relevant certifying institutions. The study examined the educational methodologies and regulatory frameworks in these countries, focusing on incorporating digital technologies in training and assessment. The findings revealed significant variations in the integration of digital technologies. Japan and South Korea made substantial progress in embedding digital education in their curricula, while the Philippines and China remained in the early stages. Taiwan showed a balanced approach with a mixture of digital and traditional methods. Practical examinations in most countries remained rooted in conventional techniques, highlighting a gap between educational advancements and examination practices. To better prepare students for the evolving demands of the dental technology industry, it was crucial to adopt a balanced approach that combined digital learning with hands-on training. This study advocated for educational reforms that bridged the gap between traditional training methods and modern digital practices. Enhanced international cooperation and the continuous updating of training programs were essential for advancing the quality of dental technician education, which in turn improved overall oral health outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bone regeneration in developed bioceramics composed of dicalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite (DCP/HA). Critical bony defects were prepared in mandibles of beagles. Defects were grafted using DCP/HA or collagen-enhanced particulate biphasic calcium phosphate (TCP/HA/Col), in addition to a control group without grafting. To assess the efficacy of new bone formation, implant stability quotient (ISQ) values, serial bone labeling, and radiographic and histological percentage of marginal bone coverage (PMBC) were carefully evaluated four, eight, and 12 weeks after surgery. Statistically significant differences among the groups were observed in the histological PMBC after four weeks. The DCP/HA group consistently exhibited significantly higher ISQ values and radiographic and histological PMCB eight and 12 weeks after surgery. At 12 weeks, the histological PMBC of DCP/HA (72.25% ± 2.99%) was higher than that in the TCP/HA/Col (62.61% ± 1.52%) and control groups (30.64% ± 2.57%). After rigorously evaluating the healing of biphasic DCP/HA bioceramics with a critical size peri-implant model with serial bone labeling, we confirmed that neutralized bioceramics exhibiting optimal compression strength and biphasic properties show promising efficacy in fast bone formation and high marginal bone coverage in peri-implant bone defects.

A new root canal sealer was developed based on urethane acrylates using polycarbonate polyol (PCPO), a macrodiol prepared in the consumption of carbon dioxide as feedstock. The superior mechanical properties and biostability nature of PCPO-based urethane acrylates were then co-crosslinked with a difunctional monomer of tripropylene glycol diarylate (TPGDA) as sealers for resin matrix. Moreover, nanoscale silicate platelets (NSPs) immobilized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and/or zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were introduced to enhance the antibacterial effect for the sealers. The biocompatibility and the antibacterial effect were investigated by Alamar blue assay and LDH assay. In addition, the antibacterial efficiency was performed by using Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) as microbial response evaluation. These results demonstrate that the PCPO-based urethane acrylates with 50 ppm of both AgNP and ZnONP immobilized on silicate platelets, i.e., Ag/ZnO@NSP, exhibited great potential as an antibacterial composite for the sealer of root canal obturation.