Dentistry Commons^™

How The Dental Workforce Personifies Servant Leadership, William Chase Dds, Maom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature article explores various leadership styles, identifying servant leadership as the most relevant model for dental professionals. The author connects servant leadership to emotional intelligence (EI), detailing how traits like empathy, self-awareness, and active listening empower clinicians to build trusting patient relationships. By dedicating themselves to high standards of care and maintaining respect for patients, dental teams personify trusted providers. The feature encourages dentists to view themselves as leaders and oral health counselors.

Government & Insurance Update, James Budd Mpp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This governmental update details Michigan House Bills 4593 and 4594, which aim to restore statutory standards for dental specialty advertising The proposed legislation restricts the use of specialty titles and letters to dentists who hold state-recognized specialty licenses in one of twelve specific fields, such as endodontics or pediatric dentistry Supported by the MDA, these bills seek to enhance patient protection and ensure transparency by preventing practitioners without accredited training from misleading the public.

Volumetric Buccal Bone Alterations At Immediate Implant Sites With Or Without Soft Tissue Augmentation: A 6-Month Assessment, Mary Jung, Duong Tran, Chi-Ching Chang, Sung K Kim, Yosuke Tsukiboshi, Seiko Min, Srinivas Ayilavarapu, Chun-Teh Lee

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: This study is part of a randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of soft tissue augmentation (STA) using subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) (immediate implant with subepithelial connective tissue graft [ICT] group) or acellular dermal matrix (ADM) (immediate implant with acellular dermal matrix [IAD] group) versus no STA (control) on the clinical outcomes following immediate implant placement (IIP). This study aimed to investigate volumetric buccal bone dimensional changes at immediate implant sites 6 months after the surgery.

Methods: Forty-five patients requiring extraction of a maxillary anterior tooth or premolar and randomly assigned to one of the three groups were …

Ex Vivo Comparative Analysis Of Retrievability Among Four Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers For Regaining Apical Patency, Darian Shomali, Timothy Kirkpatrick, Sang Won Kwak, Hyeon-Cheol Kim, Ji Wook Jeong

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: : Efficient retrievability is a key requirement for endodontic sealers. This study evaluated the retrievability of four different calcium silicate-based sealers (CSS).

Methods: A total of 153 single-rooted human teeth with straight canals were decoronated to a standardized working length of 12 mm. The canals were negotiated to working length using K files up to size 15/.02, followed by rotary instrumentation up to 35/.04, 2 mm short of working length. The teeth were randomly assigned to five groups: NeoSEALER Flo (NEO; Avalon Biomed), Ceraseal (CS; Meta Biomed), Endosequence BC Sealer (BC; Brasseler USA), AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (AHB; Dentsply …

Three-Dimensional Displacement Of Upper Cervical Vertebrae In Severe Mandibular Deviation Caused By Condylar Hyperplasia: A Tomographic Segmentation Study, Claudia Milena Ramírez, Rodrigo Cárdenas-Perilla, Luis Eduardo Almeida, Diego Fernando López

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: To evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) angular displacement (Roll, Yaw, and Pitch) of the upper cervical vertebrae (C1, C2, and C3) in patients with severe mandibular deviation (MD) due to condylar hyperplasia (CH), utilizing a computed tomography (CT)-based segmentation approach. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 50 patients with MD ≥ 6 mm caused by hemimandibular elongation (HE) or a hybrid form (HF) of CH. The skull, mandible, and cervical vertebrae (C1–C3) were segmented using 3D Slicer software. Angular deviations (Pitch, Yaw, Roll) were measured relative to the Frankfurt plane. Patients were categorized by the side of CH (right or …

Cytotoxicity Of Ammonia- And Water-Based Silver Fluoride Treatments, Merve Uctasli, Roda Seseogullari-Dirihan, Mustafa Murat Mutluay, Arzu Tezvergil-Mutluay

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

This study aims to investigate the trans-dentinal and direct cell viability of ammonia- and water-based silver fluoride treatments. Deep dentin discs were prepared, balanced for permeability and autoclaved. Three-dimensional cultures of odontoblast-like cells were transferred to the pulpal aspect of the dentin slices inside perfusion split chambers designed for dentin-barrier cytotoxicity test, following ISO 7405. An experimental resin-based glass ionomer cement and a polyvinylsiloxane impression material served as positive and negative controls, respectively. The experimental treatments included: (i) ammonia-based silver fluoride = SDF, (ii) SDF + potassium iodide = KI, (iii) water-based silver fluoride = SF, and (iv) SF + …

Impacts Of Artificial Intelligence On Computed Tomography In Endodontics: An Integrative Review, Camila Da Silva Fagundes, Ana Ligya Monteiro Soares, Fabiofederal University Of Paraíba Luiz Cunha D'Assuncao, Elsbeth Kalenderian, Claudia Batista Melo

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Background. Artificial Intelligence (AI), defined as systems capable of replicating human tasks aimed at performing complex tasks and supporting decision-making, is entering the field of Dentistry, standing out with its application in research and clinical practices, such as diagnosis using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. The objective of this study is to identify and organize scientific evidence related to the use of Artificial Intelligence in computed tomography as an advanced resource in Endodontics.

Materials and methods. This study is an integrative review, structured in well-defined steps, namely: formulation of the guiding question, selection of inclusion and exclusion criteria, identification of descriptors …

Salivary Protein Quantity, Ionic Value, And Protein Movement In Stunted And Non-Stunted Children In Indonesia, Munifah Abdat, Sri Rezeki, Putri N. Zulkifli, Mela R. Adinda, Ardiansyah S. Pawinru, Eka Setyawardana

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: This study aimed to analyze total salivary protein quantity, ionic activity, and protein molecular movement in children with and without stunting.

Material and Method: Saliva samples were collected from 30 children aged 4-6years (15stunted and15 non-stunted). Proteins were extracted using 0.1 M HCI. The total protein quantity was determined using the Bradford assay and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Salivary ionic activity (dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and total dissolved solids) and salivary viscosity were measured using an ionic meter and an Ostwald viscometer, respectively. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman correlation analyses (a=0.05).

Results: Stunted children had …

A Virtual-Reality-Based Dental Simulator For Endodontics With Automated Formative Feedback, Yousef Salah Abo El Ela

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in virtual reality (VR) and haptic technology are transforming the landscape of medical and dental education, offering new avenues for safe, immersive, and repeatable training experiences. Within dentistry, endodontics presents unique challenges for preclinical education due to anatomical complexity, limited access to extracted teeth, ethical concerns, and the shortcomings of conventional plastic models. Despite endodontics specific plastic teeth being available, they fall short of replicating the hardness of real extracted teeth, are relatively costly compared to generic plastic teeth, and are ultimately a disposable item which makes them inadequate as a sustainable long-term solution. Extracted teeth do a much …

Rural Undergraduate Shadowing Program Bolsters Interest In Rural Healthcare Careers, Victoria Sanchez, Christie Zachary, April L. Vestal, Megan C. Govindan, A. Brianna Sheppard

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Background: Addressing rural healthcare provider shortages requires approaches to inspire and prepare future generations for rural health careers. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the impact of an undergraduate rural shadowing pipeline program in advancement to graduate health professional school and future rural practice.

Methods: Baccalaureate-level students from multiple cohorts (2016-2021) who participated in the [University] Rural Undergraduate Shadowing in Healthcare Program completed surveys to assess their experience immediately following program completion. Descriptive statistics of end of program and follow-up surveys conducted 2023 were examined to evaluate the undergraduate pipeline program’s effectiveness.

Results: From 2016-2021, 26 students participated …

Comparing Educational Pathways For Denturists To Become Maxillofacial Prosthetic Specialists In The Us And The Uk, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

In the absence of formal training, licensure, and professionalism, this scientific literature review will seek to include denturists in the American maxillofacial prosthetics industry. Denturists are oral health professionals who perform oral examination, design, manufacture, and place removable oral prostheses. In other regions of the world, they are also known as clinical dental technologists and dental prosthetists. This practice is not widespread in the US. The review can also be assessed on the model mediated by PRISMA, which is concentrated on the experiences of international education in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where the concentration further revolves around …

Shingles: A Case Report, Michele White Dds, Ryan Vahdani Dds, Mha, Gary Frey Dds, Ben Warner Ms, Dds, Md

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This case report details a 58-year-old male who presented at a dental urgent care clinic with oral pain and a facial rash. The report identifies the condition as shingles (herpes zoster), caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. It explores the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis—distinguishing it from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and Bell’s palsy—and emphasizes the importance of early antiviral treatment. Furthermore, the source highlights the role of dental practitioners in identifying infectious diseases and promoting vaccination. It serves as an educational tool for medical and dental clinicians to enhance collaborative care and expedite treatment through better recognition of shingles …

Awareness And Knowledge Of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Among Orthodontic And Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery Specialties In The United States., Kavita Nayar

ETDs from 2020-2029

Introduction: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic pediatric arthritis, frequently involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and resulting in facial growth disturbances, functional impairment, and complex multidisciplinary treatment needs. Despite its clinical relevance, limited awareness and inconsistent management strategies exist among specialists who are involved in the care of these patients including orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and rheumatologists. This study aimed to evaluate the understanding, knowledge and interdisciplinary management practices between board-certified orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) across the United States regarding JIA. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically via Qualtrics to …

Psychosocial Outcomes In Adults With Cleft Lip And Palate: Exploring The Relationship Between Cleft Severity, Mental Health, And Treatment Satisfaction, Haley Hannabass

ETDs from 2020-2029

Introduction:This study aimed to examine psychosocial outcomes in adults with cleft lip and palate (CL/P), focusing on how cleft severity (unilateral versus bilateral) influences depression, anxiety, social functioning, oral health–related quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment outcomes. Individuals born with clefts often continue to face psychosocial challenges even after surgical repair, and limited research has compared how these outcomes differ by cleft type in adulthood. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional design was used, including 24 adults aged 18 years and older who had undergone cleft repair and were finished or in active orthodontic treatment at UAB. Participants completed an online …

Cbct Evaluation Of Planned Vs. Achieved Expansion And Buccal Bone Thickness In Phase I Orthodontic Cases Treated With Clear Aligners, Jared Teeples

ETDs from 2020-2029

Introduction: Within orthodontics, CBCT technology has been used to analyze tooth movement with both fixed appliances and clear aligners. However, little research has evaluated alveolar bone remodeling outcomes in growing patients treated with clear aligner expansion. Methods: This study compared pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) CBCTs of Phase I patients treated with clear aligners who had expansion planned in the Invisalign® ClinCheck. CBCTs were collected and analyzed, including 27 maxillary and 22 mandibular arches. The aims were (1) to compare planned vs. actual expansion and (2) to evaluate the arch width (AW) and alveolar bone changes before and after treatment. …

Assessing Predoctoral Dental Student Interest In Nutrition Education: A Study Across Two Dental Schools, Nadine M. Tassabehji, Xiaoyuan Han, Parvati Iyer Dr., Michelle Brady, Matthew Finkelman, Shafa Nathani, Anna Garrison, Annie Han

Pacific Journal of Health

The mouth is a mirror of overall health. Dentists have a vital role in the diagnosis of oral diseases, prevention, for health promotion. The purposes of our exploratory study were to investigate dental students’ attitudes and perceptions regarding nutrition education and to propose a curriculum checklist for integrating nutrition content into dental curricula.

An optional exploratory survey was distributed at two North American urban dental schools to 351 students, to compare student perspectives regarding implementation of nutrition education. The results were analyzed as a step to improve nutrition education in dental curricula. A validated stepwise checklist was developed to guide …

Determining The Fidelity Of Multiple Casts Made From A Single Polyvinylsiloxane Impression, Steven Curtis, Steven Sadowsky, Eric Salmon

Oral Health

ABSTRACT

Statement of problem: Indirect restorations may not fit the patient’s teeth, or they may require excessive adjustment. If multiple casts from the same impression are equivalent, dentists can use new pristine casts to determine if fit problems have a laboratory or clinical cause. If the problem is from the laboratory, it may be correctable on a pristine cast.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study is to determine if the areas critical for indirect restoration fit are equivalent on 6 casts made over 29 days from a single polyvinylsiloxane impression.

Material and Methods: Eight impressions were made …

Oral Streptococcus And Vitamin B12 Deficiency In E-Cigarette Users: A Microbial–Nutrient–Neurotransmitter Axis Linking To Mood Disturbances, Maryam Sabah Naser, Ali Jabbar Abd Al-Hussain Alkawaz, Ali Abbas Hashim Almusawi, Ali Jalil Obaid, Hasanain Ayed Mohammed Al-Khafaji, Reihaneh Sabbaghzadeh

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Background: With the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, questions have emerged regarding their broader influence on oral ecology, nutrient absorption, and psychological health. Disruptions in the oral microbiome may alter vitamin B12 dynamics. This, in turn, may indirectly influence serotonin biosynthesis and mood regulation.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study involved 150 young adults segregated into groups of 50 each as vapers, smokers, or non-users. Streptococcus sanguinis and vitamin B12 metabolism-related variable statuses methylmalonic acid and holotranscobalamin were quantified in samples, along with inflammatory markers interleukin-6, kynurenine/tryptophan ratio, and serotonin. Statistical techniques, including ANOVA and the Kruskal-Walli’s test, correlation, and serial mediation …

A Programmable Genetic Platform For Engineering Noninvasive Biosensors, Asish N Chacko, Kaamini M Dhanabalan, Jinyang Wan, Roy Chien, Nolan T Anderson, Binzhi Xu, Katie Pham, Ritu Tiwari, Arnab Mukherjee

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Creating genetic sensors for noninvasive visualization of biological activities in optically opaque tissues holds immense potential for basic research and the development of genetic and cell-based therapies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stands out among deep tissue imaging methods for its ability to generate high-resolution images without ionizing radiation. However, the adoption of MRI as a mainstream biomolecular technology has been hindered by the lack of adaptable methods to link molecular events with genetically encodable contrast. Here, we introduce modular aquaporin-based protease-activatable probes for enhanced reporting (MAPPER), a platform for the systematic creation of genetic sensors for MRI. To develop MAPPER, …

Effect Of Remineralization And Resin Infiltration On Microhardness, Mineral Content And Cervical Microleakage Of Restored Demineralized Enamel, Sara Adel Botros, Caroline Maged Massieh

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Follow-Up Of Midface Hypoplasia In A Patient With Cleft Lip And Palate, Jui-Jen Fang, Hui-Ching Yu, Li-Ling Cheng, Yu-Jen Chang

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Introduction: Severe midface hypoplasia is a common craniofacial deformity in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP), often linked to functional impairment and esthetic concerns. Although surgical and orthodontic advances have improved outcomes, long-term stability remains challenging. This report presents the management of a bilateral CLP patient and evaluates stability after more than 12 years of follow-up. Diagnosis: A 31-year-old male with bilateral CLP showed a concave facial profile, widened lip scars, reverse overjet of –30 mm, complete crossbite, and missing teeth (12, 22, 36). Palatally displaced premolars (15, 25) produced an hourglass-shaped arch. The diagnosis was skeletal Class III …

Treatment Of Skeletal Class Iii Malocclusion With Spaced Arch And Anterior Crossbite Using Low-Hysteresis Improved Super-Elastic Ti-Ni Alloy Wire (Isw), Szu-Ying Yu, Yuag-Hou Chen, Ching-Yu Yang, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

This article presents the orthodontic treatment of a non-surgical, non-growing skeletal Class III malocclusion using an Improved Super-elastic Ti-Ni Alloy Wire (ISW), developed by the Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Medical and Dental University). Teeth 28 and 48 were extracted, and ISW with long Class III intermaxillary elastics (L3–U6) was applied to eliminate anterior occlusal interference, retract the mandible, and induce a clockwise rotation of the mandibular plane. In addition to mandibular space closure, the deviated dental midline and chin asymmetry were corrected using elastic chains and intermaxillary elastics. Proper arch coordination, space management, and midline alignment were achieved, …

Orthodontic Space Closure And Third Molar Uprighting For Simultaneous Maxillary And Mandibular Molar Loss On The Same Side, Chun-Yi Huang, Yuan-Hou Chen, Ching-Yu Yang, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

This case report describes the successful non-surgical orthodontic management of a complex Class I malocclusion characterized by unilateral posterior tooth loss and functionally induced facial asymmetry. A 28-year-old male patient presented with a non-restorable maxillary first molar (#26) and a missing mandibular second molar (#37). The resulting occlusal discrepancy contributed to a mandibular functional shift and facial asymmetry. The patient declined prosthetic and surgical options, prompting a conservative orthodontic approach.

The treatment plan incorporated third molar protraction and upright to substitute for the missing second molar, combined with occlusal rehabilitation to correct the asymmetry. Space closure was achieved using elastic …

Nonsurgical Orthodontic Management Of A Severe Skeletal Class Ii Malocclusion Using A Modified Intrusive Arch, Ting-Wei Liu, Chun-Liang Kuo, Chun-Hsiu Yang

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Treating skeletal Class II malocclusion in non-growing patients remains a significant challenge in contemporary orthodontics. Treatment options range from dental camouflage, often involving extractions, to combined orthodontic–surgical approaches. In this case, orthodontic camouflage with extractions was selected to manage a severe skeletal Class II discrepancy in a 28-year-old female patient. A modified intrusive arch was employed to achieve simultaneous retraction and intrusion of the maxillary anterior teeth, effectively reducing excessive overjet. The biomechanical system of the modified intrusive arch generates an anterior intrusive force, a posterior extrusive force, and a posterior tip-back moment. The combined use of Tip-Edge Plus brackets …

In Memoriam: Dr. Marvin E. Pizer (1926-2025), Richard F. Roadcap Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

The Dental Oenophile, Zaneta Hamlin Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Why Haven’T Annual Maximums In Dental Insurance Plans Kept Up With Inflation?, Chris Pyle

Virginia Dental Journal

This document discusses the challenges of increasing annual maximums in dental insurance plans amidst rising costs, network participation issues, and premium sensitivity. It highlights Delta Dental of Virginia's innovative solutions, including higher maximum plans and gradual coverage increases, while emphasizing the balance between affordability and coverage.

Dental Detective Series - Word Search, Zaneta Hamlin Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Ethics In Dentistry Amid Local And Nationwide Dental Hygienist Shortage, David T. Marshall Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

This article discusses the ethical challenges and operational impacts of the nationwide dental hygienist shortage, with a focus on Virginia, which faces a significant deficit of over 1,000 full-time-equivalent hygienists. The shortage has led to increased workloads, reduced access to care, and pressure to compromise treatment standards. Dental professionals are urged to uphold ethical principles, including informed patient decision-making, transparency about staffing limitations, and adherence to legal scopes of practice. The article emphasizes the importance of collaborative, patient-centered solutions, such as reassessing scheduling models, supporting educational programs, and advocating for policy changes to address workforce shortages and improve access to …

Save The Date - 2026 Virginia Dental Showcase, Megan Wyman

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.