The aims of this study were to develop, implement, and assess a contemporary dental curriculum that would be competitive internationally and take into consideration the specific needs of the community in a newly established all-female dental school in Saudi Arabia: Princess Nourah bint AbdulRahman University College of Dentistry (PNUCD). A six-step approach to curriculum development was used. Problem identification, general needs, and target needs were identified, and goals, objectives, and educational strategies were defined. The new curriculum emphasizes producing competent dentists focused on prevention and geared toward the needs of women and children. Leadership attributes, patient-centered care, and research are emphasized in the curriculum. Contemporary educational methods are used to implement the curriculum. In the assessment part of the study, evaluations of the curriculum by students, faculty, and external stakeholders (part-time instructors, program evaluators, and patients) have been mainly positive. Overall, PNUCD provided the opportunity to develop a curriculum that reflects the explosion of scientific knowledge, based on principles of modern educational theory in a unique cultural environment.

Objectives We investigated the clinical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Nigella Sativa oil compared with chlorhexidine in patients with gingivitis assessing clinical parameters and gingival IL-6 and IL-18 levels and supra-gingival plaque analysis to determine if Nigella Sativa oil is comparable in efficacy to chlorhexidine and if it could be used for treating gingivitis. Materials and Methods A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in patients having chronic generalized gingivitis. Patients were randomly assigned to Group 1: Nigella sativa oil (NS) (n = 18) or Group 2: chlorhexidine (CHX) (n = 19). GCF and plaque samples were collected on day 0 and day 15. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and gingival IL-6 and IL-18 levels were measured. Colony-forming units (CFU) were quantified from plaque cultures, and α-hemolytic streptococcus strains were identified. Results CHX and NS reduced PI and GI scores (p < 0.0001). NS was better at reducing gingival IL-6 (p = 0.0076) than CHX (p = 0.145). Neither NS (p = 0.284) or CHX (p = 0.418) reduced IL-18 levels. There was no difference in the post-intervention PI and GI scores and inflammatory cytokine levels between treatments. Both NS and CHX caused a significant reduction in the CFU (p < 0.0001) and a reduction of pathogenic bacteria; S. mitis, S. oralis, S. sanguinis, and S. parasanguinis in 50% of CHX patients (p = 0.1031) and 20% of NS patients (p = 0.7395). Conclusions NS demonstrated comparable efficacy to CHX at reducing clinical parameters. Clinical Relevance: NS may be an alternative therapeutic option in treating gingivitis.