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

This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic reliability in the diagnosis of furcation involvement in first molars. A total of 52 subjects were included in the current study. Personal history regarding smoking was recorded and a periodontal examination was performed. Pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession, and furcation involvement in all first molars were assessed for each patient. Periodontal staging and grading were evaluated using the new classification of periodontal disease. Class II and Class III furcation classification were more frequently observed in radiographs than the Class I furcation; however, no significant differences were observed. Radiographic observation of the furcation was seen more when PD and CAL were >5 mm in all molars. The presence of gingival recession and its relation to the radiographic assessment did not reveal any statistically significant association (p > 0.05) except for tooth #16. The trend of visibility of furcation radiographically was more as the grade of staging was increased. Moreover, the presence of smoking habits and visibility of furcation radiographically did not have any statistical significance. Smoking may not be a factor in the furcation involvement. There is a direct relationship between the staging and grading of the periodontitis and furcation involvement.

Background: Data from the systematic review, with or without meta-analysis, form the basis of evidence-based medicine. Therefore, these studies should be conducted and reported according to the mandatory Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This study evaluated compliance with the PRISMA guidelines for conducting and reporting systematic reviews in three major periodontology journals. Material and Methods: A hand search was conducted in three major periodontal journals to identify Systematic Reviews (SRs) published between January 2018 and July 2022 using the words “Systematic Review” or “meta-analysis” in the title, abstract, or methodology of an article. The PRISMA statement checklist was used to evaluate eligible SRs, covering various sections of the review process. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses, and inter-examiner and intra-examiner reliability assessments were conducted for data analysis. Results: A total of 87 SRs with meta-analyses were included in the current study. The proportion of published systematic reviews during the investigation period was 5.7% of the total published articles. 16 items were reported adequately in less than 75% of the included papers. Notably, items such as abstracts, data items, sensitivity analysis methods, synthesis results, reporting biases, evidence certainty, registration and protocol, data, code, and other materials availability were reported inadequately in some reviews. Conclusion: The findings from this study support previous research demonstrating that compliance with the PRISMA guidelines for the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews can vary, potentially attributing to a lack of understanding regarding these guidelines and their clinical significance.

Background and Objectives: In socket preservation, the goal is to minimize bone resorption after tooth extraction to maintain the volume and contour of the alveolar ridge. The use of PRF in post extraction sites may reduce ridge resorption by encouraging the growth of new bone and acting as a scaffold for tissue. In addition, PRF may enhance healing and minimize postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in maintaining the ridges’ dimensions at the extraction site, in the maxilla and mandible, as well as its impact on post-extraction discomfort. Methods: The study was conducted on 60 patients presenting for extraction of posterior teeth and was randomly divided into three groups: group I PRF (n = 20), group II PRF + collagen (n = 20), and group III control (n = 20). Sockets were filled with PRF (group I) and PRF + collagen (group II). At baseline and follow-up after 3 months, CBCT was used to assess the bone dimensions. The postoperative pain evaluations were performed at 24 h, 3 days, and 7 days after the tooth extraction. The pain rate was evaluated using a numerical rating scale from the British Pain Society. Results: The study examined the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and PRF combined with collagen on the height and width of the ridges, as well as the pain experienced by the patients following alveolar ridge preservation surgery. ANOVA and t-tests were used to evaluate and compare the ridge dimensions. Comparing the results to the control group, there were no significant differences in the height or width of the ridges. However, both the PRF and PRF + Collaplug^® treatments effectively reduced the short-term postoperative pain. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and PRF combined with collagen do not exert significant effects on ridge width and height compared to the standard treatment following alveolar ridge preservation. However, it is noteworthy that both the PRF and PRF + collagen treatments demonstrated efficacy in reducing postoperative pain in the short term, offering a potential advantage over standard treatment protocols.