Dental professionals are playing an imperative role in the healthcare system. It is important to distribute the dental workforce across the country. Therefore, this study aimed at analyzing the recent distribution of the dental workforce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and determining the current dentist-to-population ratio in the KSA. This is a cross-sectional study focused on the dental workforces working in the KSA between 2015 and 2020. Complete data of dentists working in the KSA with different professional ranks were obtained. The data were stratified by gender, professional rank (Saudi and non-Saudi), area of working (13 provinces in the KSA), and sector of working (public and private). A complete list of all dental universities was obtained to identify the increasing number of dental institutes at this current moment. In addition, the dentist-to-population ratio was also evaluated based on the current inhabitant in the KSA and the total dental surgeons. There are a total of 27181 dental surgeons and 8022 dental auxiliaries registered in different specialties as of 2020. Saudi citizens are holding the majority of the posts in both dentist and dental auxiliary categories. The percentage of males and female is slightly higher in dentists and dental auxiliaries, respectively. It also indicated that where most of the dental personnel work in the private sector, dental auxiliaries work in the public sector. Moreover, the highest number of dental workforces is identified in the Riyadh region among all the 13 provinces. Based on the databases, the current dentist-to-population ratio is 1 : 1288.16. In conclusion, the number of dental professionals is ample; however, rural areas lack specialists. Saudi dentists are progressively replacing foreign dentists in different professional ranks working in the KSA.

The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Prosthodontics: A Comprehensive Review - Article abstract #944310

Background: It is essential for practicing dentists to have adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its implications in the dental practice. Their attitudes should also be up to the professional expectations. This study aimed to assess knowledge of HIV/AIDS infection and attitudes towards its patients among dental students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared and distributed among a sample of dental students in Saudi Arabia. Twenty questions related to knowledge, attitudes, and oral manifestation of HIV were presented. Results: A total of 405 questionnaires were completed (67% response rate). Participants showed low knowledge of safety regarding HIV (39.5%) and 44.2% indicated that they would take an HIV test after needle stick injury. The proportion of correct answers regarding transmission of HIV through saliva, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and aerosols by hand pieces was 41%, 37.5%, and 26.4%, respectively. Almost 50% of the surveyed dental students expressed unwillingness to treat HIV-positive patients. Poor knowledge was noted regarding oral manifestations of HIV (32.7%). Of the participants, 57.8% indicated that infection control procedures are very important for the treatment of HIV patients and 50.6% believed that a dentist can make a decision to reject the treatment of HIV patients. According to the participating dental students, the three major oral manifestations in HIV patients are hairy leukoplakia (47.4%), oral candidiasis (44.7%), and Kaposi’s sarcoma (43.5%). Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge and unprofessional attitude towards HIV/AIDS patients were identified among this group of dental students in Saudi Arabia. Dental educators and health care planners in Saudi Arabia should plan to promote the knowledge and attitudes of dental students in Saudi Arabia towards the treatment of HIV patients.

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the additive manufacturing (AM) of cobalt chromium Co-Cr and titanium Ti alloy clasps for clinical use. After scanning the Ni-Cr die of the first molar, Akers' clasps were designed using computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The clasps were manufactured from Co-Cr-W dental alloy and Ti-6Al-4V alloy powder using AM machines. Then, they were divided into two groups. The initial retentive force of the clasps was measured using a universal testing machine. Cyclic loading of the clasps was carried out by a specially designed insertion-removal testing apparatus in wet condition up to 5000 cycles. Retentive force was measured at 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 cycles. Moreover, the intaglio surface of each clasp was scanned using the scanner; and superimposition between the pre- and post-cycling clasp files was performed to evaluate deformation after cyclic loading. The fitting surfaces of retentive clasp tips were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, it has been found that the initial retentive force for the Co-Cr group was 10.81 ± 0.37 N, and for the Ti group was 5.41 ± 0.18 N. Additionally, during the testing periods, both Co-Cr and Ti clasps continued to lose retentive force within the cycles of placement and removal. This effect was more prominent in the Co-Cr than in the Ti clasps. The distances between pre- and post-cycling in the retentive arm were -0.290 ± 0.11 mm and -0.004 ± 0.01 mm in Co-Cr and Ti alloys, respectively, and in the reciprocal arm were -0.072 ± 0.04 mm and -0.032 ± 0.04 mm in Co-Cr and Ti alloys, respectively. The retentive force required to remove the Ti clasps was found to be significantly lower than those required to dislodge the Co-Cr clasps. Co-Cr and Ti clasps lost significant amounts of retentive force from the initial use to the 3.5-year periods of simulated clinical use.

Tooth wear refers to the gradual loss of tooth structure over time, and it is a multifactorial condition where three main factors of tooth wear, attrition, abrasion, and erosion, contribute to its progression.The present review aims to discuss those challenges and to draw a summary of how they can be managed. Prosthodontic management of tooth wear cases presents several challenges that require careful assessment and comprehensive treatment planning. In managing tooth wear cases, the treatment will involve a combination of preventive, restorative, and prosthetic interventions. Prosthodontists play a key role in designing restorations that help prevent further tooth wear. This may involve strategies to reduce parafunctional habits and protect the restored teeth. Successful management of prosthodontic challenges in tooth wear cases requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a patient-centered approach.

Background and Objective: Dental implantology, a pivotal aspect of restorative dentistry, has seen significant advancements, including the widespread use of implant-supported crowns. The choice of luting agent in these restorations plays a crucial role in determining their long-term success. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate and compare the effectiveness of different luting agents. Methodology: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, sixty participants requiring single-tooth implant-supported crowns were randomly assigned to three groups: resin-based, glass ionomer, and zinc oxide-eugenol. Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and the study adhered to standardized protocols for crown placement and luting agent application. Clinical assessments, radiographic analysis, and patient-reported outcomes were systematically collected at baseline, post-implant placement, and during follow-up visits. Results: Findings revealed no statistically significant differences in retention values among the luting agent groups (Resin-Based: 5.40 mm, Glass Ionomer: 5.15 mm, Zinc Oxide-Eugenol: 5.30 mm; P > 0.05). Similarly, no significant variations were observed in clinical performance indicators, osseointegration scores (Resin-Based: 9.5, Glass Ionomer: 9.0, Zinc Oxide-Eugenol: 9.3; P > 0.05), or patient-reported outcomes (Discomfort: Control 2.1, Resin-Based 2.3, Glass Ionomer 2.0, Zinc Oxide-Eugenol 2.2; Satisfaction: Control 4.6, Resin-Based 4.4, Glass Ionomer 4.8, Zinc Oxide-Eugenol 4.5; P > 0.05). Conclusion: The study provides compelling evidence that the choice of luting agent does not significantly influence the retention and overall clinical performance of implant-supported crowns. Practitioners can, therefore, exercise flexibility in selecting luting agents based on clinical preferences without compromising key outcomes.