Promising results were observed in developing a decellularized biological scaffold derived from the dental pulp with the perseveration of extracellular structural components which are required for tissue-specific regeneration.

Background Traumatic dental injuries involving the pulp are quite common and there is a need to evaluate the quality of evidence on the success of vital pulp treatment (VPT) interventions in traumatised permanent teeth. Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to assess the success of VPT in the management of traumatised human vital permanent teeth diagnosed with complicated crown or crown‐root fractures. Methods An electronic search of the following databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Clinical Trial Registries and the grey literature was performed until 25th/8/2021. Controlled clinical trials, cohort studies, case‐control studies, case series with at least five cases and a minimum of 12‐months follow‐up were included. Non‐English language literature was excluded. Two independent assessors performed study selection, data extraction and quality assessment using the National Institutes of Health’s quality assessment tool. Disagreements were resolved through consensus/with a third assessor. Results A total of 14‐studies (2‐controlled clinical trials, 1‐case‐control, and 11‐case series) published between 1978–2020, with a total of 1081 permanent teeth and an age range between 6–42 years‐old were included. Bias analysis ranged considerably from ‘good’ to ‘poor’. Meta‐analysis was not performed due to data heterogeneity, unclear reporting, and limited number of controlled clinical studies. Partial pulpotomy was the main reported clinical procedure with an overall success rate between 82.9–100%. Complete pulpotomy and direct pulp capping were associated with lower success rates of 79.4–85.7% and 19.5%, respectively. Calcium hydroxide was the main pulp capping material with favourable clinical and radiographic success (79.4–100%). Biodentine®, mineral trioxide aggregate and IRoot® BP were also associated with a high clinical and radiographic success, 80–91%, 80–100%, and 90–100%, respectively, albeit in fewer studies. Discussion Although a high success rate has been reported when using VPT in managing pulpally involved traumatised teeth, the results of this systematic review clearly highlighted a paucity and low quality of the available evidence. Conclusions Overall high success of VPT in the management of traumatised vital permanent teeth were reported, although based on limited evidence of well‐conducted clinical studies. Registration PROSPERO database (CRD42020205213).

Background Career choice is a complex, multifaceted process affecting all aspects of life. Motivational factors of aspiring dentists are crucial to inform institutions and aid with the admission process. The aim of this study was to explore undergraduate dental students’ perceived motivation for their career choice in the first dental institution in the State of Qatar to bridge the gap in knowledge in this area. Methods Homogeneous purposive sampling technique was employed to collect data from all year 2 and year 3 undergraduate dental students to gain a deeper insight into their motivation of career choice. An explorative qualitative method using face-to-face focus group sessions were utilized. All focus groups were conducted in English and contained a moderator and observer. A topic guide was used to ensure data collection standardization. Participants’ views were recorded and filed notes obtained. Data was transcribed and analysis performed utilizing an inductive thematic approach. Results A total of 34 students (89.5%) from year 2 and 3 participated in the focus groups. Data analysis revealed six main themes emerging from this study namely; altruism and patient care, family influence factors, childhood aspirations, hands-on practical skills, professional and social status, and the opportunity to reconsider and transfer. Based on frequency, altruism, opportunities to learn hands-on practical skills and professional status appeared to be the main drivers influencing students’ choice of dentistry as a professional career. Conclusion This qualitative study presents the first national study providing insightful information regarding current undergraduate dental students’ decision process in relation to their profession selection, and shows that opportunities to provide patient care seems to be the key to motivation. There was also a strong inclination towards performing hands-on practical tasks as a dentist, and developing a professional status. Interestingly, financial reward did not feature as a motivational factor in this study. The study highlights the influence of socio-cultural and economic factors on choosing dentistry as a career. This data could help dental institutions better understand future applicant’s motivations to join dentistry and assist with the academic recruitment/admission process and targeting students with a potential to excel in the profession.

Regenerative/revitalisation endodontic techniques are increasingly used as a treatment approach for the management of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps. Different chemical irrigants and medicaments are routinely used clinically for intra-canal disinfection. However, despite remarkable progress in this field, coronal discolouration, cell cytotoxicity, difficulty of removal of organic biofilm from the root canal, development of sensitisation and antimicrobial resistance are still challenges to this line of treatment. This review critically discusses and challenges the current status quo of antimicrobials used in regenerative endodontics and sheds the light on future alternative antimicrobial materials with regenerative potential.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of exposure to additional preclinical endodontic training on undergraduate students’ technical quality of root canal treatment and overall confidence levels in endodontics. Methods. Technical quality of root canal treatment performed clinically by fifth-year undergraduate students was evaluated and divided into two groups: Group 1, teeth treated by students who had attended both a preclinical endodontic block course and an elective preclinical course. Group 2: teeth treated by students who had not attended the elective preclinical course. All students were also invited to participate in a survey to rate their undergraduate endodontic training and confidence levels performing endodontic treatment. Statistical analysis of data was performed using Person chi-square test, Fisher Freeman Halton exact test, and t-test. A p -value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. There was no significant difference between the two groups in overall obturation quality ( p = 0.619 ). However, more teeth treated by attendees were of adequate obturation length ( p = 0.015 ) and lacked procedural errors ( p = 0.004 ). Significantly more elective course attendees rated their undergraduate endodontic training as adequate ( p = 0.002 ), but there was no significant difference in the level of confidence between the attendees and the non-attendees. Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, additional preclinical training showed minimal effect on overall quality of root canal treatment performed clinically by undergraduate students and did not enhance their confidence levels; however, it was associated with more satisfaction with their undergraduate endodontic education.