Removal of Endodontic Fiber Posts Using Robot-Assisted Haptic Guidance: A Novel Approach

Introduction: Fiber posts are frequently used for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth. Such posts are typically bonded to the tooth using a composite resin system. These posts often need to be removed during endodontic retreatment. While there are many techniques to remove fiber posts, most include drilling through the post itself which can be challenging and result in a perforation or excessive tooth structure being removed. Static and dynamic guided endodontic techniques have been proposed to safely remove fiber posts. Yomi (Neocis, Inc, Miami, FL) is a haptic robot guidance system has been FDA approved to assist in placing dental implants and may be able to be used for endodontic applications. This system combines the advantages of both static and dynamic guidance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability and efficiency of a robot-assisted haptic guidance system to remove bonded fiber posts in endodontically treated teeth. Methods: Forty-six natural extracted single-rooted maxillary anterior teeth with straight canals were selected and endodontically treated. Following obturation, a post space was created, and fiber posts placed and bonded with resin. The teeth were then mounted in acrylic blocks simulating a maxillary arch form. Preoperative CBCT volumes were acquired. The teeth were divided into 3 groups for fiber post removal. In Group 1 the fiber posts were removed by an endodontic resident using robot-assisted haptic guidance. In Group 2 the fiber posts were removed by an experienced endodontist using a freehand technique. In Group 3 the fiber posts were removed by the endodontic resident using a freehand technique. The volume of removed tooth structure was measured and time to remove the fiber posts recorded. Post-operative CBCT volumes were acquired. ITK-SNAP semiautomatic segmentation software was used to compare pre- and post-operative CBCT images for volumetric analysis in determining the amount of tooth structure removal. The data was statistically analyzed using independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and the Tukey post-hoc procedure. Results: All teeth were included for final analyses. The mean time to remove a post in Group 1 was 33.3 seconds, Group 2 was 446.2 seconds, and Group 3 was 607.2 seconds. There was a significant difference between each group regarding the time to remove the fiber post. The mean volume of tooth structure removed in Group 1 was 10.9 mm3, Group 2 was 15.6 mm3, and Group 3 was 24.3 mm3. The difference in volume of tooth structure removed was significant between Group 1 and the two other groups. Conclusions: The removal of resin bonded fiber posts in single canal maxillary teeth is possible using a robot-assisted haptic guidance system. The robot guided system is more time efficient and results in less volume removed when removing fiber posts compared to freehand techniques. An experienced endodontist is more conservative in removing a fiber post than an endodontic resident when considering the amount of tooth structure removed

Ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots: bridging the gaps in dentistry

Maintaining a microbe-free environment in healthcare facilities has become increasingly crucial for minimizing virus transmission, especially in the wake of recent epidemics like COVID-19. To meet the urgent need for ongoing sterilization, autonomous ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots have emerged as vital tools. These robots are gaining popularity due to their automated nature, cost advantages, and ability to instantly disinfect rooms and workspaces without relying on human labor. Integrating disinfection robots into medical facilities reduces infection risk, lowers conventional cleaning costs, and instills greater confidence in patient safety. However, UV-D robots should complement rather than replace routine manual cleaning. To optimize the functionality of UV-D robots in medical settings, additional hospital and device design modifications are necessary to address visibility challenges. Achieving seamless integration requires more technical advancements and clinical investigations across various institutions. This mini-review presents an overview of advanced applications that demand disinfection, highlighting their limitations and challenges. Despite their potential, little comprehensive research has been conducted on the sterilizing impact of disinfection robots in the dental industry. By serving as a starting point for future research, this review aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge and identify unresolved issues. Our objective is to provide an extensive guide to UV-D robots, encompassing design requirements, technological breakthroughs, and in-depth use in healthcare and dentistry facilities. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of UV-D robots will aid in harnessing their potential to revolutionize infection control practices in the medical and dental fields

Effectiveness and Student Perceptions of Haptic Virtual Reality Simulation Training as an Instructional Tool in Pre-Clinical Paediatric Dentistry: A Pilot Pedagogical Study

Simulation training for invasive dental procedures is a core component of the pre-clinical dental curriculum. Besides conventional mannequin-based simulators, dental schools are now incorporating haptic virtual reality simulation (HVRS) devices to facilitate the transition of students from the simulated dental learning environment to the clinical settings. This study aimed to assess student performance and perceptions of HVRS training as a pedagogical tool in pre-clinical paediatric dentistry. After practicing the primary molar pulpotomy procedure on plastic teeth, participants were randomized into test and control groups. Test group students performed the same procedure on a HVRS device, namely the SIMtoCARE Dente®. Subsequently, both the test and control group students attended another conventional pulpotomy simulation session where the quality of their access outline and pulp chamber deroofing steps were evaluated on plastic teeth. After the control group students also experienced the HVRS, all study participants completed a perception questionnaire on their experience. No significant differences were found between the study and control group students for the quantitative parameters assessed. Although the students regarded HVRS to be a useful adjunct to support their pre-clinical training, an overwhelming majority of the students did not consider HVRS to be a replacement for conventional pre-clinical simulation training

Exploring the activities and outcomes of digital teaching and learning of practical skills in higher education for the social and health care professions: a scoping review

Higher education for health care professionals faces numerous challenges. It is important to develop and apply methods supporting education, especially the practical skills. This scoping review aimed to explore the activities and learning outcomes of digital technology in practical skills teaching and learning in higher education for the social and health professions. Scoping review recommendations and the PRISMA-ScR checklist were applied. Randomized controlled trials published between 2016 and 2021 involving students in higher education who were taking courses in the social sciences and health care and reported interventions with digital technology activities and practices in practical teaching and learning were included. The CINAHL Plus, PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, and Sociological Abstracts/Social Services Abstracts databases were searched. Teaching methods were blended, e-learning or other online-based, and digital simulation-based activities. Teaching and learning environments, methods, resources, and activity characteristics varied, making a summary difficult. Interventions were developed in a face-to-face format prior to digitalization. The outcomes were measured at the knowledge level, not at the performance level. One-third of the studies showed a significant improvement in practical skills in the intervention group in comparison to the control conditions. The use of digital technology in the learning and teaching process have potential to develop of students' skills, knowledge, motivation, and attitudes. The pedagogy of technology use is decisive. The development of new digital methods for teaching and learning practical skills requires the engagement of students and teachers, in addition the researchers.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Dental Hygiene Faculty Using Simulation With Dental Manikin Head Devices To Teach Local Anesthesia

This study employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology to explore the lived experiences of dental hygiene faculty using simulation with dental manikin head devices to teach local anesthesia. This study aimed to address the gap in the literature given the lack of discussion regarding dental manikin head simulation use in teaching local anesthesia within dental hygiene education. The purpose extended to explore if educators could guide students and ease anxieties by incorporating simulation in the development of treatment skills on a manikin before applying these skills to real-life interactions. John Dewey’s (1938) concept of interconnectedness between education and experience and David Kolb’s (1984) theory of experiential learning were the frameworks that directed this study. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted to answer this study’s research questions. Four themes emerged from this study’s findings, including empowerment, beneficial preparation, concerns as a challenge, and support. This study’s participants reported their experiences related to the use of simulation with dental manikin head devices in teaching local anesthesia education and described the benefits and challenges in preparing students to administer local anesthesia. This research added additional perspective to the limited body of literature regarding the lived experiences of dental hygiene faculty using simulation with dental manikin head devices to teach local anesthesia. Findings implied that simulation training fosters faculty teaching methods and student development by easing student uncertainties, increasing confidence levels, and enhancing hands-on skills and critical thinking skills within a safer and less intimidating learning environment

Feasibility of Post-Operative Mobile Health Monitoring Among Colorectal Surgery Patients

Post-operative readmission following colorectal surgery is a common and costly occurrence. Remote health monitoring via mobile applications has the potential to reduce post-operative readmissions by early identification of complications. This intervention depends on patient acceptance and compliance with available technology. The feasibility of home monitoring using automated daily surveys and wound photo uploads, delivered via a mobile health application, was tested in the immediate post-operative period after colorectal surgery. Patient compliance, the association between generated alerts and readmissions, and patient satisfaction were measured. Patient satisfaction was high; 80.5% of patients reported that they felt safer going home knowing that they were monitored and 76.2% of patients reported that they would use the current app for post-operative monitoring again. However, only 37.0% of patients answered the survey at least 80% of the time in the first 2 weeks following discharge. Patient compliance significantly limited the feasibility of post-operative monitoring using our mobile health application

What Factors Predict an Anesthesiologist’s Willingness to Proceed with an Anesthetic?

Anesthesiologists are exposed to higher stress levels than many other physician specialties. They are also at an increased risk for developing mental disorders, alcohol and drug dependencies, sleep disturbances, and suicidal ideations. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to explore the factors that predict an anesthesiologist’s willingness to proceed with an anesthetic. The current study consisted of two stages. The first stage was developing a regression equation that was used to predict anesthesiologists’ willingness to proceed with an anesthetic. During the second stage, additional data was collected to test the model that was developed in the first stage. Six predictors were examined: the number of adverse events experienced by physicians, a recent history of errors, openness, agreeableness, imposter syndrome, and risk-taking. These predictors were tested across four different scenarios. In scenario 1, the significant predictors were imposter syndrome and risk-taking. In scenario 2, the significant predictors were openness and agreeableness. Finally, in scenarios 3 and 4, there were no significant predictors that were included in the final model. Practical applications and future studies are also discussed

Correlational and Configurational Analysis of Factors Influencing Potential Patients’ Attitudes toward Surgical Robots: A Study in the Jordan University Community

Depto. de MarketingFac. de Ciencias Económicas y EmpresarialesTRUEpu

Issues in Contemporary Orthodontics

Issues in Contemporary Orthodontics is a contribution to the ongoing debate in orthodontics, a discipline of continuous evolution, drawing from new technology and collective experience, to better meet the needs of students, residents, and practitioners of orthodontics. The book provides a comprehensive view of the major issues in orthodontics that have featured in recent debates. Abroad variety of topics is covered, including the impact of malocclusion, risk management and treatment, and innovation in orthodontics