Students’ opinion survey on online dental education

The purpose of the present study is to examine the students’ opinion regarding the conducted online education. Sociological methods: an anonymous Google forms survey was conducted including dental medicine students studying in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the need to switch to an online form of education. It was conducted online on a voluntary basis in the month of March 2021. A total of 50 students from various years, studying Dental Medicine at the Medical University of Varna took part in the study. The provided survey consists of 20 questions. The majority of students categorically state that face-to-face study is preferable and that digital learning methods are motivating for them. Almost half of the students have a positive opinion regarding online lectures. Through them, they get more advice and guidance from the teachers and it is easier to participate in discussions. The participants in the survey shared that online training, as a result of the introduced anti-epidemic measures, was a good option for learning the theoretical study material

Advantages and disadvantages of digital technologies in dental medicine education

Digital technologies have begun their journey in dentistry in recent years. Thanks to this development, clinical practices and laboratory techniques are moving to digital processes. The merging of these digital puzzles into one whole is the logical continuum of this trend - the creation of a 3D virtual patient. In the context of medical education, the virtual patient is defined as an interactive computer simulation of a real-life clinical scenario for the purpose of teaching, learning and evaluation. This review is limited to one area of e-learning in dentistry. It is a fact that few studies have been published as to compare the effectiveness of new virtual and augmented reality systems in dental education. Advanced simulation technology shows the potential to improve training methods and quality. With the widespread adoption and integration of these technologies into the curriculum, students can achieve a higher level of competence before embarking on a clinical practice. Scientific researches will continue to offer a variety of technologies and effective treatments. To take full advantage of modern science, new knowledge and technology must be incorporated into the core of dental education. The aim of this study is to present the advantages and disadvantages of digital technologies and virtual simulators in dental education

Dental health in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and the role of biomarkers in diagnosis

Because the oral cavity is the entrance portal and part of the gastrointestinal tract, oral manifestations occur in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Oral manifestations of IBD manifest as a systemic complication or extraintestinal manifestation that may precede, exacerbate, or regress with changes in disease severity. Some of these manifestations are aphthous ulcers, gingivitis, periodontitis, halitosis and others. The oral cavity is one of the most affected areas in patients with CKD - 25-30% of patients. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between dental health and chronic inflammatory bowel disease and the role of biomarkers in their diagnosis. For the period between December 2020 and March 2021 is conducted a systematic analysis of scientific publications in the available databases (PubMed, BioMedCentral, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science), examining the relationship between dental health and chronic inflammatory bowel disease and the role of biomarkers in their diagnosis

The application of simulators in dental medicine students’ training

The simulation training of dental students has developed rapidly in recent years. The development of new technologies and virtual reality are an indispensable part of the education of dental students. The introduction of simulators in the education of dental students supports the harmonization and integration of knowledge from the pre-clinical and clinical education of the students. The opportunity to train on simulators in the field of dentistry helps future dentists to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and gain confidence to work with patients. Simulation operators are included in the students’ pre-clinical exercises. In recent years, computer-based simulation and virtual reality-based simulation have become an indispensable part of the pre-clinical training of dental students. Nowadays, there is a wide range of dental simulator models with different features and functions. Some of them are: DentSim, Haptic Technology, Moog Simodont Dental Trainer, HapTEL, the Geneva System, Robotic Patients for Virtual Dental Patient Simulation, Virtual Reality Dental Training System, PerioSim, the VirDenT system, the Forsslund System, DSETM Expert Dental Simulation Units—KaVo Dental. In addition to student training, these simulators can also be used to assess learner performance or quality control various teaching methods. The development of new technologies marks successes in the development and improvement of the simulators applied in the training of dental medicine students. The virtual patient application provides many opportunities to recreate clinical situations in virtual reality and will make learning even more rewarding and interesting for dental students

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine–The New Reality nowadays

Digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) have been evolving rapidly in recent years. These are the new reality that will bring improvements and innovations to the healthcare sector. It will support the work of health professionals and bring new hope to patients to improve their health. The aim of the current study is to investigate the application of artificial intelligence in medicine. In recent years the innovations in the health sector are immense. The digitalization of information in medicine creates many new opportunities for improving and perfecting the healthcare sector and providing health services at a very high level. AI is successfully implemented in medicine and dental medicine education. Artificial intelligence and digital health are one step forward in modernizing and improving the educational and healthcare system, which would benefit both physicians and patients

The effect of nutrients on oral dental health

Introduction: The oral health of each individual is related to and dependent on the nutrients they take. They determine the duration and quality of life of each person. Nutritional prevention of oral diseases is the proper balancing of nutrition during different periods of development of oral structures.Aim: The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between nutrition and dental disease and to present nutritional recommendations for their prevention.Materials and Methods: For the period January 2022–February 2022, in the available database (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus), a systematic analysis of scientific publications examining the impact of nutrients on oral health was conducted.Discussion: Nowadays, principles for rational nutrition are constantly being created and updated. A food pyramid has been set up at the US Department of Agriculture. It presents the intake of various foods and seeks to reduce oral diseases. The essential nutrients that are protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins are extremely important for oral health. Proper nutrition in the period of growth and development determines the construction and maintenance of oral structures. The links between oral health, diet and nutrition status, and general health are complex with many interrelated factors. Inaccurate nutrition can affect oral health, including dental caries, periodontal disease, oral disease, and anemia. Impaired oral health can change food choices and negatively affect food intake, leading to suboptimal nutritional status, which in turn can lead to chronic systemic diseases. One of the causes of dental diseases is the intake of unhealthy and incomplete food.Conclusion: Achieving and maintaining oral health is done through nutritional prophylaxis. Recognizing and treating oral health and nutrition problems are important for improving health and quality of life

Laryngostroboscopic examination of voice characteristics in patients before and after dental treatment

The progress of modern medicine and the widespread introduction of new technologies in the treatment process requires health professionals to be informed about the opportunities offered by science to improve the results of procedures. For the first time Topler and Ortel, in the period 1866–1878, applied the stroboscopic effect to decompose the motion of fast-moving objects. It is known that the image we get in phonation is collective due to the peculiarities of the retina and vocal apparatus. The stroboscopic effect is based on the use of a high-frequency pulse lamp, which allows the illumination of the rapid movements of the vocal cords up to 5 times per second, by interrupting the light source. Thus, the actual phonatory oscillations of the vocal folds are replaced by delayed, observable visual perceptions, possessing properties of the real movements. When the patient is asked to sing a vocal, the energy of the sound is converted into light. The pulse lamp starts to light up and goes out with the frequency of oscillation of the vocal cords. The stroboscopic indicators that can be evaluated are: frequency of movement of the vocal cords, amplitude of oscillations, course of movement, etc. Laryngostroboscopy is used to assess vocal abilities for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of functional dysphonia, and the diagnosis of processes associated with infiltration of a pathological process in the vocal muscle. In recent years, high-magnification laryngostroboscopes have been used. They allow better magnification and visibility, as well as video recording of the image.The prosthetic base is an important element in the construction of prosthetic structures. It not only provides stability to the prosthesis, but also affects the speech function. The relevance and importance of scientific issues for the study of voice capabilities in dental prosthetics are due to the fact that, in recent years, dental medicine has undergone a number of changes related to the evolution of technologies and methods for manufacturing dentures and materials that are used in the process. The aim is to synthesize a structure that, on the one hand, is strong enough not to fracture during mastication and thin enough not to affect the patient’s speech function. This means that dental professionals need to develop their skills to work with new and innovative technologies

Opportunities for environmental sustainability in dentistry

Introduction: Life on Earth is at risk due to human activity. It is estimated that daily the world generates 3.5 million tons of plastic and other solid waste. The sea levels are rising, the pH level of the oceans is decreasing, deforestation is the main cause for the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Acknowledging these facts businesses, including dental practices, can make decisions for reducing the consequences on the climate.Aim: The aim of the present study is to examine the types of materials and methods contributing to the development of sustainable and resource-efficient dental practices.Materials and Methods: For the period September 2021–February 2022, in the available database (PubMed, BioMed Central, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase), a systematic analysis of scientific publications investigating the ecologically friendly resources methods used in dentistry was conducted.Results: In recent years, technology has developed rapidly, thus allowing the replacement of obsolete with new environmentally friendly methods. It is now possible to use computer technologies, new materials, and approaches in the treatment.Conclusion: It has been concluded from the conducted research that it is required to use sustainable materials and methods in dentistry. The correct approach and patient instruction aid in reducing the negative impact on the environment

Diagnosis of nasal breathing using a rhinomanometer in patients with OSA prescribed conservative treatment with intraoral devices

In recent years, diagnostics in the field of medicine has developed at an extremely rapid pace, thanks to the use and improvement of new medical devices and devices. The problem of timely and adequate diagnosis and treatment of the syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring is particularly relevant worldwide. The disease has been proven to worsen the patients’ quality of life, and may even threaten it. Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring syndrome (OSAS) is a widespread disease of social importance in which there is a reduction or cessation of airflow through the nose/mouth during sleep due to upper airway collapse. Obstructive sleep apnea affects the cardiovascular, endocrine, neurocognitive and other systems of the body. There are symptoms of loud snoring, choking, hypoxemia, and micro-awakenings, leading to sleep fragmentation, daytime fatigue, and sleepiness. The latter greatly worsens the quality of life of patients. There are real risks to the life and health of the patient and others, given the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel in drivers with sleep apnea and participation in traffic accidents. To diagnose the syndrome, a polysomnographic study is performed, which is still the gold standard. For a better diagnosis, it is recommended to combine it with rhinomanometry. Treatment of OSA includes control of risk factors and removal of obstructive factors that make breathing difficult. Severe OSA syndrome is treated with continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP) during sleep, possibly in combination with intraoral devices. Rhinomanometry can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of CPAP therapy in severe forms of the syndrome by determining tissue resistance. The impact on patients with a milder form of OSA treated with intraoral devices is also monitored. The method can also be used in patients with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis of rhinogenic and other origin, and patients with orthodontic deformities. The correct choice of intraoral appliances for conservative treatment of OSA and timely diagnosis are key to successful treatment

Factors influencing the communication between dental specialists and patients

The profession of a dental specialist is complex. It has a social element and can be successfully practiced only if dental doctors have acquired theoretical knowledge and practical communication skills. According to Alan Pease, words make up 35% of a message, and the remaining vocal and non-verbal elements comprise 65%. The aim of the present study is to systematize the factors influencing the communication between dental professionals and their patients. A research was carried out in the scientific databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science to obtain the information needed. The keywords used were: influencing factors, effective doctor-patient communication, child communication, and geriatric dentistry. The factors influencing the communication between the dentist and the patient are divided into three groups: factors from the patient’s side, factors from the dentists and their team’s side, and factors pertaining to the working microclimate (working environment) in the dental practice. The age of the patient is one of the most important factors influencing the communication in the dental practice. Another factor that is extremely important is the patient’s health management and competence. In order for the dental practice to be successful and for the patients to be satisfied with the quality of the dental services provided, one of the most important factors is effective communication