Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of surface roughening and acid etching on clinical success rate and removal and insertion torque of orthodontic miniscrews. Materials and methods Sixty-two orthodontic miniscrews (Jail Medical Corporation, Seoul, Korea) with the same design and dimensions (10-mm length, 2-mm diameter) are divided into two (sandblasted and acid-etched versus control) groups. The sample of the study was 31 patients whose miniscrews were needed for en masse retraction of the upper six anterior teeth. In this split-mouth study, the miniscrews were placed in the attached gingiva between the second premolar and the first molar. The side (left or right) was selected randomly. The miniscrews were loaded 6 weeks after insertion, and the patients were followed up after 3, 6, 10, 14, and 18 weeks and then for 4 weeks interval. Chi-square, correlation, and independent t tests were done using SPSS ver24 to interpret the data. Results The survival rate was 90.3% and 83.9% for the sandblasted and acid-etched versus the control group, respectively. The difference in survival rate was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Removal torque was higher for the sandblasted group (p < 0.05). Younger patients showed less survival rate (p < 0.05) in both groups. Insertion side, namely, left or right, was not statistically significant. Conclusions Although sandblasting increased removal torque, it did not influence the survival rate of orthodontic miniscrews significantly.

Background: Interclinoid ligament calcification and dimensional changes in Sella Turcica seen on cephalometric radiographs are associated with some bone abnormalities as well as normal variations. Merging of anterior and posterior clinoid processes, known as Sella Turcica bridging or roofing and other changes in this area may occur as a part of large skeletal growth changes in body and may have association with craniofacial skeletal patterns development.

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Background. Continuing assessment of the quality of evaluation programs promotes the quality of exams and ensures learners’ accurate evaluation. This study aimed to examine the quality of the competency-based evaluation program for dentistry based on the context, input, process, and product (CIPP) model. Methods. In a mixed-methods study (quantitative-qualitative), dentistry students’ evaluation program using competency-based assessment methods was examined by dentistry professors based on the CIPP model and via a reliable and valid researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire had three sections on demographic information, evaluation questions, and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics (mean and SD) were used to analyze the questionnaire items. Open-ended questions were analyzed by content analysis, and the quantitative part was analyzed using SPSS. Results. Twenty-five faculty members from the departments of orthodontics and dental prosthesis completed the questionnaires. The overall level of faculty members’ satisfaction with the new evaluation program was above average (54±17.02). They had the highest degree of satisfaction with output indices and the lowest degree with input indices. The analysis of the open-ended questions yielded two general categories of "providing the human and physical infrastructure" and "spiritual support and encouragement of educational innovation." Conclusion. The competency-based evaluation program needs the support of managers and planners. The faculty should provide the infrastructure for the implementation of these methods. By meeting the requirements, the professors will be motivated to implement these methods, and the paradigm can shift from traditional to novel evaluation methods.