Nurturing research curiosity among dental students: a transformative experience at the iv interdisciplinary dental conference

This project aimed to ignite research curiosity among fifth-year dental students at the Universidad Europea de Valencia through the organization of the IV Interdisciplinary Dental Conference. Recognizing that many students aspire to embark on clinical practice and often lack enthusiasm for basic research, the conference sought to emphasize the profound importance of research in their future profession. The main objective was threefold: first, to instill a thirst for investigation and a Data-Driven mindset; second, to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, engaging students in a transdisciplinary event encompassing all facets of dentistry; and finally, to offer a secure simulated environment, allowing students to defend their Final Degree Projects confidently. The project focused on reinforcing three essential pillars of the university's academic model: Research Curiosity, Professional Exposure, and Simulated Environments. To gauge the impact of the IV Dental Conference on these pillars, a comprehensive cross-sectional observational study was conducted, involving 119 participating students and 63 faculty members. The conference commenced with a thought-provoking welcome session, centering on the significance of scientific research in the realm of Health Sciences, thereby igniting research curiosity among the students. Distinguished experts from diverse dental specialties and scientific backgrounds delivered presentations, illustrating research as a fundamental aspect of professional growth. By exposing students to a wide array of dental disciplines, the conference aimed to foster curiosity, appreciation, and interest in exploring research opportunities beyond clinical practice. An integral part of the experience involved a simulated exercise, simulating a scientific communication defense in a conference setting. Students opting to participate adhered to rigorous guidelines set forth by the scientific committee. Evaluation rubrics, mirroring those employed in Final Degree Project defenses, were used to assess their presentations. Through this simulation, students gained confidence and enhanced their communication skills, realizing that research not only strengthens their academic journey but also serves as a cornerstone for success in their future careers. To assess the effectiveness of the conference in nurturing research curiosity, tailored satisfaction surveys were administered to all attendees. Participants were asked about their perceived growth in research competence. In addition, students delivering oral presentations received feedback on their simulated experiences, reinforcing the value of research in their future practice. In conclusion, the IV Interdisciplinary Dental Conference proved transformative in fostering research curiosity among dental students. By emphasizing the significance of research in their professional journey, the conference succeeded in inspiring a scientific approach and curiosity for investigation. The project's dedication to providing exposure to the professional world and the simulation of a conference setting empowered students to embrace research as an integral part of their future profession. This initiative has profound implications for dental education, ensuring that the next generation of dental practitioners embarks on their careers with a passion for research and a commitment to advancing the field of dentistry.2022/UEM12No data 2022UE

Concepts for prevention of complications in implant therapy.

The use of dental implants is nowadays a well-accepted and highly predictable treatment modality for restoring the dentition and reestablishing the masticatory function of edentulous and partially edentulous patients. Despite the high predictability and excellent long-term survival rates reported for implant therapy, complications may still occur and can jeopardize both short- and long-term success. The present paper provides an overview on the most important aspects related to the etiology, prevention, and management of complications associated with implant therapy. Data from the literature indicate that a number of factors, such as surgical trauma, implant diameter, type of implant-abutment connection, abutment disconnection and reconnection, presence of microgap, and implant malpositioning, can substantially influence the biologic processes of bone remodeling and biofilm formation, thus increasing the rate of short- and long-term hard- and soft-tissue complications. Other factors, such as excess cement at cement-retained prosthetic restorations, abutment mobility, and infections (e.g. peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis) caused by bacterial biofilm, are further causes for complications and failures. More recent evidence also indicates that besides the need for sufficient bone volume surrounding the implant, the presence of an adequate width and thickness of attached mucosa may improve biofilm control and limit crestal bone resorption. Furthermore, emerging evidence points also to the pivotal role of human factors as one of the most important causes of complications in implant dentistry. It can be concluded that clinicians need to consider all biologic and biomechanical factors affecting implant placement and survival, as well as undergo adequate training to improve their surgical skills to control and prevent implant complications. Careful patient selection and control of environmental and systemic factors, such as smoking, diabetes etc., coupled with an accurate surgical and prosthetic planning, enable a better prevention and control of infections