Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: Radiography is one of the most important para-clinical methods in diagnosing and selecting treatment in dentistry. Due to the potential dangers of X-rays for patients, the professional responsibility of the dentist requires that unnecessary radiographs to be avoided. The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness of dentists in Zanjan about the principles of radiation protection in 2019.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 107 general dentists and specialists working in Zanjan and the questionnaires were distributed among them. The level of awareness of dentists in 27 questions of radiographic prescribing questionnaire was evaluated and in each of the mentioned questions, their gender, age, work experience, participation in retraining, having X-ray machine in the field of dentistry and type of activity were evaluated. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test, Independent T-test, and ANOVA using SPSS software version 22.
Results: The results showed that the level of knowledge of general dentists about the principles of radiation protection (14.35±3.08) was lower than that of specialized dentists (17.19±2.35). Those who participated in retraining workshops (13.85±2.99) had less knowledge than those who did not (15.97±3.97), which was statistically significant (P<0.05); However, there was no significant difference in the dentists' knowledge about the principles of radiation protection based on gender, age, type of activity, having an X-ray machine at the place of treatment, and history of clinical experience (P≥0.05).
Conclusion: Awareness of dentists at various levels was moderate. Therefore, designing and holding more purposeful retraining courses to maintain and improve the level of awareness of dentists according to the guidelines provided by the authorities, still seems to be necessary.

Background and Aims: The stress, job satisfaction and depression can affect the performance of dental professionals in various fields. The aim of present study was to examin the level of stress, depression and job satisfaction among different specialized fields of dentistry in Zanjan provinc, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the depression, anxiety and stress scale questionnaire (DASS-21) and the Herzberg questionnaire were used to assess job satisfaction. The questionnaires were completed on the web, and the relevant link was sent to all specialists in different fields of dentistry in Zanjan province. Finally, 33 people participated in the study. Data were analyzed after appropriate code allocation using independent T-test and U-Mann Whitney tests and SPSS16.
Results: The results showed the mean of stress (24.4), depression (17.48) and anxiety (13.28) among specialists. The mean of stress and anxiety among female dentists was higher than male specialists, but there was no significant difference between these two variables between the two sexes (P>0.05). In terms of job satisfaction, 21.2% were dissatisfied with their job. By gender, 26.6% of female specialists and 16.7% of male specialists were dissatisfied with their jobs.
Conclusion: Despite the general perception that work conditions are suitable for dental specialists, these people suffer from the stresses, anxiety and depression and may not be satisfied with their job. As these conditions can affect the performance of these people in the workplace, it would be necessary to take measures, to identify, and to increase mental health and job satisfaction.

Background and Aims: Despite documentation on the antiviral effects of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and nano-silver colloid (Ag) on herpes simplex virus type 1, the synergistic effect of these two materials at different concentrations is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral effect of various concentration combinations of cetylpyridinium chloride and nano-silver colloid on herpes simplex virus type 1.
Materials and Methods: This laboratory study conducted at the molecular virology department of Iran Pasteur Institute in the year 1400. After testing the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of CPC and Ag, the disinfecting effect of safe concentrations of each substance individually and also in the form of three compounds, was examined on the cells infected with herpes simplex virus type 1. The study groups included groups 1 to 6 with 0.01 µg/ml to 1000 µg/ml of Ag, groups 7 to 12 with 0.1 µg/ml to 10000 µg/ml of CPC, and combination groups of Ag 10 µg/ml + CPC 10 µg/ml (G13), Ag 10 µg/ml + CPC 1 µg/ml (G14), and Ag 1 µg/ml + CPC 10 µg/ml (G15). Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Games-Howell and Tukey HSD pair comparison tests at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Based on the MTT test and the cell viability exposed to herpes simplex virus type 1, the highest number of living cells belonged to the 10 µg/ml Ag group, followed by 10 µg/ml CPC, 10 µg/ml Ag + 10 µg/ml CPC, 1 µg/ml Ag + 10 µg/ml CPC, and 10 µg/ml Ag + 1 µg/ml CPC groups. In terms of antiviral effect, there was a significant difference between group 1 and groups 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10 (P<0.001), between groups 2 and 3 (P=0.40), between groups 2 and 4 (P=0.041), between group 2 and groups 5 and 6 (P=0.035), between group 7 and groups 10, 11, and 12 (P<0.001), between group 8 and groups 10, 11, and 12 (P<0.001), and between group 9 and groups 10, 11, and 12 (P<0.001). Among combination groups, the most antiviral effect and the least cell toxicity was found in the 10 µg/ml Ag + 10 µg/ml CPC group, while the least antiviral effect was observed in the Ag 10 µg/ml + CPC 1 µg/ml group.
Conclusion: The highest cell viability rate belonged to the 10 µg/ml Ag group, followed by the 10 µg/ml CPC group, and their combination resulted in a reduction of its effect in this area. The antiviral effect of these materials individually was greater than in their combined state. Additionally , the most antiviral effect and the least cell toxicity was found in the 10 µg/ml Ag + 10 µg/ml CPC group among the combination groups.