Dentistry Commons^™

The Pent-Up Demand For Humanities And Ethics In Dentistry, Nathan Carlin, Nanette Elster, Catherine Flaitz, Nicholas Mercado Drph, Ms, Laurie Munro, Chelsey Patten, Joelle Robertson-Preidler, Margie Hodges Shaw Jd, Ma, Phd, Christine Slobogin Phd, Matthew Wynia, Michael Yunker Dds

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Editorial is a feature in each issue of the JACD. It includes commentary on issue content, relevant topics, or other items of interest to the fellowship.

The Vipeholm Experiments: A Case Study Of Unethical Dental Research, Lainie Ross Md, Phd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Modern-day research ethics training often begins with a discussion of the medical research atrocities committed by Nazi health care professionals and the resulting 10-principle Nuremberg Code, which is often considered to be the beginning of modern-day medical research regulations. It is occasionally mentioned that Nazi dentists also conducted unethical research in the concentration camps, and a few were brought to trial. In this manuscript, I compare two studies (one medical and one dental) conducted after World War II that violated the Nuremberg Code.

I describe and compare the well-known Willowbrook Hepatitis studies conducted by infectious disease doctors on vulnerable institutionalized …

The Mouth As A Mirror: A Parent- Hygienist’S Ethical Reflections On Oral Healthcare And Pompe Disease, Anika Atkins Ma, Rdh

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This reflective narrative explores the ethical tensions and emotional realities of a dental hygienist who is also the parent of a child with Pompe disease. Drawing from personal experience and care ethics philosophy, the author examines how traditional clinical frameworks—centered on autonomy, beneficence, and protocol— often fall short when addressing the needs of medically fragile children. The piece weaves in the work of care ethicists and pastoral ministry to embrace the philosophy of caregiving as presence, to suggest that oral healthcare must evolve to include responsiveness, context, and relationship-based decision-making. Through the dual lens of provider and parent, the narrative …

Restoring Trust: A Fair Chance At A Bright Smile And The Human Side Of School-Based Dentistry, Rubin Sorrell Ii, Mph, Dds

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Fair Chance at a Bright Smile (FCAABS) program represents a humanistic, community- centered approach to dentistry that redefines access, education, and dignity in oral health. Developed and refined through a year-long pilot partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District, FCAABS integrates preventive dental care, oral health education, and career exposure for students from pre-kindergarten through high school. This manuscript argues that beyond clinical outcomes, FCAABS reveals a deeper truth: oral health is intrinsically social, emotional, and moral. It examines the program through the lens of the humanities and ethics, exploring how narrative, empathy, and cultural context inform both …

Integrating Music Therapy Into Dental Clinics For Whole Person Care, Dana Osterling Benoit Mba, Mt-Bc, Nisreen Al Jallad Dds, Ms2, Shasha Cui Ed.D. Mba, Mandy Fraser, Gaelen Mccormick Mm1, Rosemary Oliva Obi Ms, Lcat, Mtbc1, Adela Planerova Dds, Ms2, Madeline Vinolus Mt-Bc1, Angela Valeria Perez Pita Dds, Ms2

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This case study describes the integration of a board-certified music therapist into two specialty dental clinics at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Initiated in collaboration with the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center, the effort reflects a humanistic and biopsychosocial approach to dentistry that leverages music therapy to reduce anxiety, improve patient experience, and support better clinical outcomes.

Before implementation, monthly interdisciplinary planning meetings were held, bringing together dental faculty, research and administrative staff, and the music therapy team. These meetings built a shared understanding of each clinic’s unique patient population, workflow, and clinical priorities, …

J Am Coll Dent 2026 92 2a

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This special issue of the Journal of the American College of Dentists responds to a growing but long-underrecognized demand for humanities and ethics in dental education, practice, and scholarship. It emerges from the work of the National Collaborative on Humanities and Ethics in Dentistry (NCHED), a multi-institutional partnership formed in 2023 to address the persistent exclusion of dentistry from broader health humanities conversations. Through national webinars and scholarly collaboration, NCHED has demonstrated substantial interest in ethical reflection, historical analysis, narrative inquiry, and the arts as essential to understanding oral health and dental care. The unexpectedly strong response to the call …

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.

Adapt Vr In Dental Education: Boosting Preclinical Skill And Self-Confidence, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

Introduction: Preclinical dental training requires extensive feedback and repetition, which traditional manikin exercises often lack. Adapt VR is a cost-effective, immersive system that delivers interactive, adaptive training with real-time feedback. Methods: This comparative study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Adapt VR system in preclinical training. A total of 126 third-year dental students were randomly assigned to an Adapt VR Group 1 (n = 63), acquiring VR learning experience before practicing on laboratory simulators, or a control group (n = 63) who started their training on simulators directly. After practising Class I and II cavity preparations, laboratory performance was …

Ce Spotlight, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This spotlight provides a comprehensive preview of the 2026 MDA Annual Session in Grand Rapids, themed “Where Big Ideas Are Brewing It introduces significant logistical changes, including one-day or full conference passes and a more flexible on-site course selection process The event offers curated tracks for new dentists and dental teams, social networking events, and extensive opportunities to visit the Exhibit Hall It serves as a primary resource for Michigan dentists looking to meet state continuing education requirements through high-quality sessions.

Volumetric Buccal Bone Alterations At Immediate Implant Sites With Or Without Soft Tissue Augmentation: A 6-Month Assessment

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

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 …

Let’S All Give Kids A Smile, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial highlights the Give Kids a Smile program, focusing on the professional and moral imperative for dentists to provide charity care to underserved children. The author shares her personal experience hosting a day of volunteer dental services, providing exams, X-rays, and cleanings to families lacking insurance or Medicaid access. The piece serves as a call to action for dental offices to give back to the community, stressing that helping those in need fulfills the core purpose of the dental profession.

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.

J Mich Dent Assoc February 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The February 2026 (Volume 108, No. 2) issue of the Journal is published in a digital format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Risk Management and 2025 Servant Leadership as well as a clinical reprint …

Endorsed Programs News, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Endorsed news section outlines several financial and operational resources endorsed by the MDA to support dental practices. It highlights practice financing through Bank of America, significant savings on credit card processing with Best Card, and AI-driven marketing trends via ProSites Additionally, the news features the MDA Medicare Educational Seminar and wealth management services offered by DBS Investment Advisers. These programs are designed to enhance practice efficiency and provide professional guidance for dentists at all career stages.

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 + …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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

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, …