VALIDATION OF THE WHOQOL-BREF QUALITY OF LIFE QUESTIONNAIRE IN DENTAL MEDICAL STUDENTS

Oral health-related quality of life is a significant predictor of overall health and well-being. The aim was to validate the Romanian version of the WHOQOL-BREF as an instrument for measuring the quality of life of dental students. Material and method: Medical students from the fifth year of the Faculty of Dentistry, UMPh Grigore T. Popa Iasi, were invited to participate in the current study. Data were collected after completing the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which consists of 26 items. Results: the average Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the Global Quality of Life domain was 0.92 (p=0.026). Similarly, for the Global Health domain, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.78, for the Physical Domain it was 0.84, and for the Psychological Domain it was 0.91. The Social Domain exhibited a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.71, while for the Environmental Domain it was 0.77. The intra-class correlation coefficient showed consistent values (p=0.000 – 0.035). Conclusion: WHOQOL-BREF is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the quality of life of dental students

ORAL HEALTH AND TREATMENT NEED IN PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA

More and more elderly folks are living with dementia and yet have their natural teeth. The purpose of this systematic review is to present the available literature on the topic of dental hygiene and oral health in dementia patients aged 65 and up. Results for periodontitis, plaque, gingival bleeding, and help with dental care were all higher in the dementia-related older adults whose studies were considered. Dementia in the elderly is associated with decreased saliva production, stomatitis, and candidiasis

ADVANCES IN DENTAL PROSTHETICS: THE ROLE OF CAD/CAM TECHNOLOGY IN DENTURE FABRICATION

The advent of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (cad/cam) technology represents a paradigm shift in the field of dental prosthetics, particularly in the fabrication of dentures. this paper explores the evolution, current applications, benefits, challenges, and future directions of CAD/CAM technology in denture fabrication. traditional methods of creating dentures, while effective, come with limitations in terms of precision, customization, and time efficiency. CAD/CAM technology addresses these issues by enabling the production of dentures with unparalleled accuracy and fit, using a wide range of biocompatible materials, and significantly reducing the manufacturing time. This review highlights the significant improvements in patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes associated with cad/cam-fabricated dentures. However, the adoption of this technology is not without challenges, including the high costs of equipment and materials, the steep learning curve for dental professionals, and certain material limitations. despite these challenges, the future of CAD/CAM in denture fabrication is promising, with ongoing advancements in technology and materials, increased accessibility through education and training, and the potential for integration with other digital dental technologies. The paper concludes that CAD/CAM technology is poised to continue its transformative impact on denture fabrication, promising improved patient care and efficiency in dental practice

INNOVATIONS AND STANDARD PRACTICES IN DENTAL INSTRUMENTATION: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

This comprehensive review explores the evolution, current state, and future directions of dental instruments, emphasizing innovations, standard practices, and the implications for clinical dentistry. Drawing from an extensive review of literature and patents, this paper categorizes dental instruments into diagnostic, restorative, surgical, endodontic, periodontal, orthodontic, and prosthodontic tools, detailing their specific applications and innovations in design and materials. Special attention is given to technological advancements that enhance functionality, improve durability, and increase patient comfort, including laser technology, CAD/CAM tools, and ergonomic designs aimed at preventing occupational injuries among dental professionals. The paper also addresses the critical importance of sterilization and maintenance protocols for dental instruments to ensure patient safety and prevent cross-contamination. Despite significant progress, challenges such as cost, complexity of maintenance, and adherence to sterilization protocols persist. Looking forward, the paper speculates on the impact of emerging technologies like 3D printing and nanotechnology on the future landscape of dental instrumentation. This review highlights the dynamic nature of dental instrument development and its critical role in advancing dental care, suggesting a need for ongoing research, innovation, and education to fully leverage these tools in clinical pract

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE TO KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE IN A NORTH EASTERN ROMANIAN HOSPITAL: a descriptive study

Microbial resistance is a rapidly escalating phenomenon worldwide, with complex mechanisms and important involvement in the determinants of healthcare-associated and in-hospital infections. At European level, it is estimated that 80.000 hospitalised patients have at least one HAI every day with multi-antimicrobial resistant germs, leading to an extension of hospital stay by 16 million days every year. In high-income countries, the prevalence is around 7.5%, and in low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence ranges from 5.7% to 19.2%. Material and method. Through a retrospective, descriptive study carried out in the Clinc Emergency Hospital ,,Prof.Dr. Nicolae Oblu” in Iasi, Romania in the period 2020-2021, the 602 identified and reported intra-hospital infections were investigated, focusing on the etiology and microbial resistance of the pathogens involved.Results. The most frequent etiological agents of HAI identified in our study were K. pneumoniae (13.45%), A. calcoaceticus (10.11%), S. aureus (8.45%), E. coli (7.62%), P. aeruginosa (5.47%), noting the predominance of Gram-negative bacteria (GN) and the fact that they are part of the ESKAPE group of pathogens, the percentages obtained being similar to the European average. Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.45 %) was the most common in the aetiological palette of HAIs, allowing us to highlight certain peculiarities regarding its antimicrobial resistance.Conclusions. The present study provides useful data for monitoring the resistance of pathogens involved in HAIs at hospital level, for guiding antibiotic therapy in healthcare-associated infections and for substantiating the implementation of a set of measures related to antibiotic therapy and antibiotic prophylaxis