Journal of Dental Medicine

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: Due to the review of general dental courses, it was necessary to assess the students' satisfaction with this curriculum. The aim of this study was the assessment level of students’satisfaction with the new educational curriculum of the Ministry of Health at the department of restorative dentistry of Tehran university of medical sciences in 2019-2020.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional trial,72 sixth year dental students of Tehran University who passed the restorative dentistry courses based on the new curriculum were studied. A questionnaire was developed and for validity content assessment, it was presented to 5 professors and then revised. For reliability approval of the questionnaire, test-retest approach was used. The questionnaire was given to the 30 students of the main pilot group in one session and two-week later and agreement percentage and Kappa index were calculated.  After conducting the "test" process and re-testing, the "questions" were statistically analyzed using STATA software.
Results: The most level of satisfaction regarding to practicality of subjects was found for fundamental of restorative dentistry including principles of amalgam class I cavity preparations and restorations on the dentic (81.94% and 76.39% acceptable respectively) and the principles of amalgam classII cavity restorations on the dentic (72.22%). The least satisfaction levels were obsereved in the first and second theoretical restorative courses including tooth-colored restorations (47.22%), onlays and inlays (47.22%) and tooth-colored classII cavity preparations and restorations (48.61%). The amount (P-value or error of the first type) was reported in all questions>0.001.
Conclusion: Despite the limitation of this study, final-year dental students’ satisfaction of theoretical restorative dentistry courses was medium, while it was high for the fundamental and practical restorative courses of 2017 educational curriculum.

Background and Aims: Studies have shown that dental anxiety may be caused by various factors such as child mood, age, maternal emotional maturity, previous dental anxiety and parenting styles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between the parenting styles and pediatric dental anxiety and the predictability of this variable through parenting styles.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional correlational study. The study population was children aged 7 to 12 years who had referred to the dental clinics of Tehran in 1400. Sampling from one of the clinics was done randomly. A total of 100 questionnaires of modified child dental anxiety scale and parenting style inventory were given to the children and their parents and 95 of them could have been analyzed. The questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS22 software and Pearson correlation and regression tests.
Results: The results showed that dental anxiety had a negative and significant relationship with authoritative parenting style (r=-0.286, P<0.01) and a positive and significant relationship with authoritarian parenting style (r=0.342, P<0.01). Authoritarian parenting style can be a predictor of dental anxiety.
Conclusion: Knowing the predictors of dental anxiety can help a pediatric dentist analysing who is most prone to dental anxiety. Based on this approach, a relationship based on trust can be established between the dentist and parents to make the necessary recommendations to parents in the office, reduce dental anxiety and improve oral health conditions in children.
 

Background and Aims: For dental students, communication skills are essential to effectively transfer the necessary information to the patient and meet the patient’s needs and expectations. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the patient communication skills of dental students at Islamic Azad university of Isfahan in 2021.
Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional analytical study, an online standardized questionnaire DCCC (Dental consultation communication checklist) was provided to all clinical dental students applying a census sampling method. In total, from 248 clinical dental students, 230 students participated in the study (response rate=92.7%). The questionnaire included five dimensions of introduction, medical history, clinical examination, closure and patient. In order to determine the patient communication skills, its dimensions, and the association between patient communication skills and students’ demographic characteristics, friedman test, analysis of variance, independent t-test and a linear regression model were used for statistical analysis.
Results: The mean score of total communication skills of the students (117.16±15.6) was above average which was obtained from the maximum score of 155. There was a significant difference between the dimensions of communication skills (P<0.001). The highest scores were assigned to the clinical examination, patient, medical history, introduction and closure, respectively. No significant relationship existed between the score of students' communication skills with gender (P=0.08), age (P=0.17), marital status (P=0.19), and educational background in psychology (P=0.07). No significant relationship revealed between the total score of communication skills (P=0.92) and its dimensions (introduction P=0.79, medical history P=0.90, clinical examination P=0.77, closure P=0.35, and patient P=0.85) with the students’ academic year.
Conclusion: The total score of dental students’ communication skills and all its dimensions was above average. However, students reported poorer performance in dimensions of introduction and closure than the other dimensions. Therefore, it is recommended to design and implement educational interventions specially to improve the dimensions of introduction and closure.

Background and Aims: Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is widely used in dentistry in addition to numerous other sectors that impact human life, including medicine. A dentist can use AI technology to analyze patient data, diagnostic processes, and management activities. This study was conducted in Iran to identify the dental applications of AI and prioritize them.
Materials and Methods: In the winter of 2022, this applied research was carried out in two stages using a mixed method. In the qualitative phase, 570 articles from 2011 to 2022 were identified in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar among the studies in the field of dentistry and related to artificial intelligence technology based on keywords and then the applications of artificial intelligence in dentistry were extracted. In the quantitative phase, the identified applications prioritized by a group of experts comprised 13 University faculty members with related research areas using the best-worst method (BWM).
Results: The factors identified in the first stage of research were classified into six categories: implant and surgery, executive management, disease diagnosis, analysis of images, clinical prediction, and orthodontics. According to the experts’ opinion, it was determined that medical photo analysis had the highest coefficient of importance (0.252) followed by orthodontics (0.234), disease diagnosis (0.151), implantology and surgery (0.143), clinical forecasts (0.127), and executive management (0.093).
Conclusion: Dentists can use the capabilities of artificial intelligence in examining patients' teeth and diagnostic tests in dentistry based on the analysis of patient information. Information technology policymakers with the support and reinforcement of knowledge-based companies active in the field of artificial intelligence and joint investment in the field of medicine can be the basis for progress and the development of this technology in the country and the field of treatment.

Background and Aims: One of the concerns of dentists is selecting a suitable brand of stainless steel crowns with maximum dimensional adaptation with primary teeth. The aim of this study was to compare the primary molar crown dimensions with that of two brands of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) in a sample of Iranian children.
Materials and Methods:  In this study, 130 eligible children between 3 and 12 years (66 boys, 64 girls) were selected. After recording the demographic information, the mesiodistal, buccolingual and occluso-gingival dimensions of first (D) and second (E) primary molars were measured on dental casts and compared with the dimensions of KTR (MeiMeiMinBenjing, Benjing, China) and Shinghung (Shinhungcompany, Seoul, South Korea) SSCs. Data were assessed using chi-square test and Pearson correlation coefficient. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: In this study, the most dimension matching of the teeth with that of SSCs were observed mesiodistally in upper D and lower D, buccolingualy in the upper D and lower D, and occluso-gingivaly in upper D and lower E. The most cases of mismatch in the mesiodistal dimensions of the teeth with that of SSCs were observed in the lower E and upper D. Also, the most cases of mismatch in the buccolingual dimension were found for upper E and lower E.
Conclusion: Both SSCs brands in this study showed significant dimensional adaptation with the primary teeth in Iranian children. The most dimensional adaptation was between KTR SSCs and maxillary primary molars, and between Shinhung SSCs and mandibular primary molars.

Background and Aims: Dentists are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to their job characteristics. The purpose of this study was to compare the posture and musculoskeletal disorders of dentists with high and low work experience.
Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study research was conducted on 76 dentists in Urmia city. Based on work experience, the samples were divided into two groups: less experienced (less than 15 years) and experienced (15 years and more). The variables of forward head, kyphosis, round shoulder, and musculoskeletal disorders were compared in two groups. Forward head and round shoulder variables were evaluated by photography, kyphosis variable by flexible ruler, and musculoskeletal disorders were evaluated by Nordic questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and analytical statistics (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Leven test, independent t-test and Yeoman-Whitney test).
Results: The independent t-test results showed that the angle of forward head, round shoulder, and kyphosis was higher in the high work-experience group than that of the low work-experience group (P=0.001). In comparing the prevalence of neck disorders, the results were significant such that the experienced group had more neck disorders (P=0.002). However, in examining the difference in the amount of disorders in other parts of the body, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Experienced dentists had a higher degree of forward head, round shoulder and kyphosis positions. Although, there are musculoskeletal disorders in both groups of dentists with low and high level of experience, neck disorders were more common in high-experienced dentists than that of low-experienced ones.

Background and Aims: Numerous researches have been conducted in the field of dental public health in the country so far, and therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of studies conducted in this field in terms of quantity and coverage of different subjects.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 4 phases in Iran in 2023. The initial phase or the comparative study was to extract the doamins and sub-domains related to the dental public health studies, types of the research dissemination models, and the list of researchers in this field. The second phase included holding virtual Delphi meetings with researchers to finalize the information collecting checklists including the domains and sub-domains. In a virtual group of about 140 researchers, the domains and their proposed sub-domains were discussed and revisions continued until consensus was reached. In the third phase, the necessary data were collected and entered into the forms. The main source for data collection was google scholar profile. The final phase included the design of the system in the Access program for archiving and classifying information with the ability to search and report. Finally, the frequency and relative frequency of research titles were categorized according to the topic and the university conducting the research and the reports presented in the form of graphs and tables.
Results: Based on the first and second phases of the study, the selected model had 6 domains and 11 sub-domains. Epidemiology with the largest share (35%) was first rank, and the health system (30%) and health promotion (19%) ranked second and third, respectively. Ethics (1%) was at the lowest rank. Universities of Tehran (33%), Isfahan (25%) and Shahid Beheshti (22%) had the most publications in the field of community oral health. In the domian of epidemiology, oral health surveys with 204 articles (74%) and oral health risk factors with 69 articles (26%) were the highest number of published articles.
Conclusion: Some sub-domains of the community oral health filed are not well covered that might interrupt their application to improve the oral health situation in the country.

Background and Aims: Today's working conditions in medical sciences, including dentistry, are changing rapidly. The explosion of scientific information on the one hand and the increase in consumer awareness on the other hand, along with the ever-increasing advances in artificial intelligence and access to the internet and the wide information network, has made health service providers face complex and different conditions. One of the ways to properly respond to the treatment needs of patients is to benefit from the best available evidence and clinical experience and to pay attention to the values and preferences of patients, which is manifested in the form of evidence-based practice. Dentists as members of the group of health service providers, must be familiar with evidence-based dental concepts and procedures and use them in their professional performance. This article discusses the steps of evidence-based dentistry to help empower dentists in the field of clinical decision-making based on the latest research benefiting from the best evidence and improving their clinical practice.
Materials and Methods: To find relevant articles in the field of evidence-based dentistry, PubMed scientific database and Google Scholar search engine were searched from 2000 to 2023 with keywords of Evidence-based dentistry, clinical practice, and decision making. Among the articles searched based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 articles in English whose main topic was evidence-based dentistry with an educational approach were selected and used to describe evidence-based dentistry and its components.
Conclusion: Due to the complexity of patients' issues and their increasing awareness, it is essential for dentists to possess specialized skills to meet patients' needs in accordance with their expectations and values, while also utilizing research findings.

Background and Aims: The display of an individual's teeth varies in different facial expressions, which significantly affects the beauty of the lower face and overall appearance. The ideal display of incisors is influenced by lip morphology and is an essential aspect of treatment planning. This study aimed to evaluate the ideal display of incisors at rest in women with different lip forms, as assessed by dentists and laypeople.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted in 2024 at Babol University of Medical Sciences. 46 dentists and 92 laypeople were selected and included in the study in an easy and accessible way. The distance between the uppermost area from the lower edge of the vermilion of the upper lip to the imaginary line between the two commissures was used to classify the lip shape, which was divided into three categories: straight (0-3 mm), medium (3-6 mm) and long (more than 6 mm). Smile images of three women in the age range of 15-30 years were collected and manipulated, resulting in six new images from each original image with varying degrees of incisor display using Photoshop (a total of 18 images). The designed images were randomly placed in a booklet and given to participants, who scored each image on a scale of zero to 100. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22 and using the Mann-Whitney test at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: A total of 138 participants took part in the study, including 46 dentists (33.3%), comprising 17 males (37%) and 29 females (63%), and 92 laypeople (66.7%), including 46 males (50.0%) and 46 females (50.0%). Laypeople gave higher scores to images of straight and moderate lip forms than dentists. However, this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In addition, dentists gave significantly higher scores to all images related to the  long lip form than laypeople (P<0/05). In addition, among laypeople, men gave a higher score than women to images related to straight and moderate lip form, which was statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that a 2.5 mm incisal display at rest was suitable for patients with a straight lip form. In general, it can be concluded that by changing the shape of the lip from straight to long, there is a preference for increasing the amount of incisal display in the resting state.

Background and Aims: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in various fields, including orthodontics. AI has demonstrated encouraging results in enhancing diagnostic precision, treatment decision, and outcome prediction. With the accessibility of different AI software, its utilization in orthodontics has grown significantly. In this review study, we examined various applications of artificial intelligence within the field of orthodontics.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed database using the keywords; “Orthodontics” and “Artificial intelligence” between 2020 and 2025. 643 articles were found in the initial search. After eliminating articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 293 articles remained for full-text review, and finally 38 articles were included in our review to obtain a comprehensive review of the applications of artificial intelligence in orthodontics.
Results: Today, artificial intelligence has been used in different stages of orthodontic treatment, including diagnosis, decision making, outcome prediction and education. It has shown high accuracy in many areas, including cephalometric analysis and treatment planning. However, enhancements are necessary in certain aspects, particularly in space analysis and the prediction of treatment outcomes.
Conclusion: Conducting systematic reviews focusing on each of these applications can provide a better perspective for clinicians to use this technology in their everyday practice.

Background and Aims: Educational planning is one of the main areas of education and training, which plays an essential role in the optimal training of human resources. The aim of this study was to compare the educational program (curriculum) of general dentistry in Iran with that of several prestigious dental schools in the Middle East countries.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive comparative study using the dental education curricula of six prominent countries in the Middle East in the field of dental sciences. Their selection was based on similarities and common cultural, economic and social characteristics. After collecting the selected curriculums, four steps including description, interpretation, juxtaposition and comparison were done. Tables were drawn based on goals such as the number of years of education, mission, general goals, and the role of graduates in the medical system of that country.
Results: The educational curriculum of the countries reviewed in the Middle East have many similarities in terms of the number of years of study in the field of dentistry, the general mission and goals, and the role of students in the medical system of that country. The main differences were in the number and type of teaching units in the curriculum of this countries. The method of teaching and the distribution of topics in the curricula of the countries differentiated them from each other. According to the results of this study, the curriculum of the countries of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were the most similar among the countries of the Middle East. The teaching method and distribution of topics in the curricula of countries distinguished them from each other.
Conclusion: Countries that are based on Russian language education have a shorter number of years of education and are similar to Russia. However, countries with an American educational base such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and even Iran have a longer academic years and more general similarities in educational content.

Background and Aims: The development and regular use of adhesive systems has started to revolutionize many aspects of restorative and preventive dentistry. The success of adhesive restorations highly depends on correct application of them. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the knowledge of dentists in Rafsanjan city (Iran) in choosing correct dental adhesive systems in 2023.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, all dentists working in Rafsanjan city were included. The data was collected by a valid and reliable electronic questionnaire, which included two parts of demographic information (gender, age, place of work and year of graduation) and the 12 multiple-choice questions aimed to assess respondents' knowledge regarding the selection of dental adhesive materials in combination with self-cure or dual-cure composites, anterior and posterior composite restorations, fiber posts, fissure sealants, primary teeth, anterior composite veneers, ceramic laminates, and non-carious cervical lesions. The scoring of this questionnaire was as follows: 0 to 3 correct answers = Low level of knowledge; 4 to 6 correct answers = Moderate level of knowledge; 7 to 9 correct answers = Good level of knowledge; 10 to 12 correct answers = Very good level of knowledge.  The four answer choices included "etch-and-rinse (three-step)", "etch-and-rinse (two-step)", "self-etch (two-step)", and "self-etch (all-in-one bottle)". Then data were analyzed by parametric tests (ANOVA, t-test, and Pearson). The significant level was considered as P<0.05.
Results: Out of 91 dentists in Rafsanjan, 79 (86.8%) participated in the study, of which 35 (46.3%) were men. The average work experience was 3.49±3.96 years for men and 2.98±3.73 years for women. The average knowledge score was 4.38±2.16 out of 12 (4.29±2.23 in men and 4.45±2.12 in women). The results showed that there was no significant relationship between the knowledge score and the gender, age, work experience, and workplace (P>0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results which indicated the insufficient knowledge of dentists in  choosing correct dental adhesive systems, it is suggested to pay more attention on teaching in this field at the dental schools. For graduate dentists, new and practical information about the choice of adhesive systems should be provided by continuous education programs.

Background and Aims: Dentists’(specialists and general practitioners) perceptions of smile esthetics, which are often shaped academically based on standard criteria and hard and soft tissue relationships, may differ from those of the general public and patients, potentially failing to meet patients’ expectations of treatment. This study aimed to assess and compare the views of dental specialists, general dentists, and members of the general public regarding the influence of different labio-palatal inclinations of maxillary incisors on smile esthetics.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on general dentists, dental specialists, and laypersons. General dentists and specialists practicing in Mazandaran Province were recruited, while laypersons were selected through convenience sampling from patients attending the Faculty of Dentistry in Babol-Iran. One male and one female subject were chosen based on the clinical and lateral cephalometric criteria, and two photographs (neutral facial expression and smiling) were taken of each. After image editing, five final photographs of each subject were prepared and presented in a questionnaire to evaluate participants’ perceptions of smile esthetics according to different labio-palatal inclinations of maxillary incisors, rated on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with independent t-tests and ANOVA.
Results: A total of 92 laypersons, 47 general dentists, and 141 specialists (47 orthodontists, 47 restorative dentists, and 47 oral and maxillofacial surgeons) participated in this study. Across all three groups, the most attractive male smile was associated with the -5° inclination (medium negative), whereas, the most attractive female smile was rated at 0°. Conversely, the least attractive smile in all groups was the −10° inclination (severe negative) in female images. Photographs with −10° inclination received the lowest scores for both male and female subjects. Specialists assigned lower mean scores to the 0° inclination images compared to general dentists and laypersons.
Conclusion: The divergence between dentists’ and laypersons’ perceptions of the impact of different labio-palatal inclinations of maxillary incisors on smile esthetics highlights the need for greater attention to patients’ expectations and treatment goals.

Background and Aims: Oral self-care among health care workers not only increases the oral health of individuals and their patients, but also improves the society's understanding of the prevention methods of oral disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the oral self-care and compare it among dentistry, nursing, and midwifery students.
Materials and Methods: In this cross- sectional study in 2023, the HU-DBI questionnaire (Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory) was applied to compare the oral self-care status among the first and final year students of dentistry, nursing, and midwifery. Volunteer students entered the study by a census sampling method. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests (P<0.05).
Results: In total, 348 students including 67% women participated in the study. No significant differences in the  mean score of oral self-care were found (P=0.676) among the first-year dental students (5.01±1.71), nursing students (4.81 ±1.81), and midwifery students (4.79±1.63). The mean scores of oral self-care among the final-year students in dentistry, nursing, and midwifery were 6.71±1.59, 5.13±1.62, and 5.17±1.61, respectively. Dental students had a significantly higher score of oral self-care (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Oral self-care among medical students in Azad University of Isfahan was average. Although, dental students revealed a higher level of self-care compared to the nursing and midwifery students, more training in this field is necessary.

Background and Aims: Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common and costly occupational injuries, and dentists are more prone to musculoskeletal problems than other medical professionals. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a course of corrective exercises on the alignment of the thoracic spine and balance in female dentists with increased kyphosis.
Materials and Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design, conducted in the field. Thirty female dentists from Amol and Babol cities (Iran) with increased kyphosis were selected using purposive sampling. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: control (n=15) and intervention (n=15). In the pre-test, the thoracic curvature angle, static balance, and dynamic balance were assessed using a flexible ruler, the stork balance test, and the Y balance dynamic test, respectively. Then, the intervention group were assigned to perform the exercises for six weeks, while the control group only engaged in daily activities. After completing the exercises, the post-test was conducted. Paired t-tests and analysis of covariance were used to compare intra-group and inter-group differences.
Results: The statistical analysis  showed a significant difference between the two groups in the thoracic curvature angle (P=0.001), static balance (P=0.001), and dynamic balance (P=0.001). The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement in these parameters compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that corrective exercises under the supervision of a specialist be included in the weekly exercise program of female dentists with increased kyphosis.

Background and aims: Dental anxiety is one of the most common barriers to utilizing oral health services. It can lead to delayed dental visits, treatment avoidance, and worsening of oral health problems. This study aimed to assess the level of dental anxiety among patients visiting general dental clinics in Babol, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on 400 patients over the age of 18 who attended private general dental practices in Babol and were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Persian version of the standard Dental Anxiety Inventory (DAI), consisting of 36 items rated on a five-point Likert scale (score range:
36-180), the validity and reliability of which have been confirmed in previous studies. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 31.61  ± 9.03 years, and 61.8% were female. The mean dental anxiety score was 129.52 ± 31.04 out of 180, indicating a relatively high level of anxiety among the participants. Dental anxiety was significantly higher in female (P=0.002) and single participants (P=0.007), while no significant differences were observed based on the age, occupation, education level, or number of previous dental visits (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicated a high level of dental anxiety among patients attending general dental clinics in Babol. It is recommended that educational, psychological, and communication-based interventions be implemented in dental settings to help the reduction of anxiety and improvement of patient care.

Background and aims: Dental procedures carry a significant risk of transmitting viral and bacterial infections to both patients and healthcare personnel. Patients' awareness of infection control principles can play a crucial role in improving the safety of the clinical environment and promoting public health. This study aimed to assess the level of patients’ awareness regarding infection control principles in dental treatments.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 on 390 patients attending the Dental School Clinic of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire consisting of 24 items related to infection control. Each correct answer was awarded one point. The total score and awareness level of participants were analyzed based on the gender, age group, educational level, and number of dental visits using independent samples t-test, chi-square test, and ANOVA in SPSS, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: The mean age of patients was 33.89 ± 13.24 years and 62.8% were female. The mean awareness score was 18.37 ± 3.21. A total of 76.4% of participants demonstrated a good level of awareness. The awareness mean score was higher in female than male patients (P=0.006). A statistically significant difference was observed in mean awareness scores educational level (P<0.001) and age group (P=0.01). However, no significant difference was found based on the number of dental visits (P=0.867).
Conclusion: Although, the overall level of patient awareness regarding infection control principles was acceptable, gaps remain in certain areas. The implementation of targeted educational programs is recommended to enhance patients’ awareness and to promote infection control practices in dental treatment settings.

Background and Aims: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common occupational health problems faced by dentists. Given their impact on dentists’ health and performance, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MSDs among general and specialist dentists practicing in Babol, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the standardized Nordic questionnaire, consisting of general and specific sections, was distributed in person among dentists practicing in Babol, based on data obtained from the local Medical Council. Distribution was carried out after a telephone invitation and confirmation of willingness to participate. The questionnaire included items regarding pain and discomfort in different body regions such as the neck, shoulders, and lower back. The frequency of participants with MSDs was assessed based on gender, right/left handedness, specialty, playing sports, and participating in a specific sport. The mean age, weight, height, body mass index, weekly working hours, and work experience of dentists with and without MSDs were also compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, employing independent t-tests, Chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact test, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: Of the 182 dentists approached, 17 declined participation and 5 met the exclusion criteria. A total of 160 dentists (mean work experience: 15.65 ±9.26 years) were included in the study; of these, 100 (62.5%) were male, 95 (59.4%) were general practitioners, and 65 (40.6%) were specialists. The overall prevalence of MSDs in this population was reported to be 90%. The most commonly affected region was the neck (76.4%), while the least affected was the ankle (3%). A statistically significant association was found between engaging in a specific type of regular physical activity and a reduced incidence of MSDs (P<0.001). No significant associations were observed with other variables such as gender, handedness, specialty, or field of specialization (P>0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were found in the mean height, weight, body mass index, weekly working hours, or years of experience between dentists with and without MSDs (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among dentists in Babol. Given this high prevalence, the development and implementation of educational programs on ergonomics, along with recommendations for targeted physical activity appear to be essential.

Background and Aims: Given the rapid growth of digital technologies in dentistry, assessing dentists’ awareness and attitudes toward this transformation is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and attitudes of general dentists in Yazd-Iran toward digital dentistry in 2025.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 135 general dentists in Yazd-Iran were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected via an online questionnaire including demographic information and the questions related to awareness and attitude. Dat were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and the statistical analysis tests were Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-square to examine the variables.
Results: A total of 59 men and 76 women with a mean age of 31.92 ± 7.87 years participated in the study. The mean knowledge score was 7.76 ± 2.77 out of 12. Higher knowledge and a more positive attitude were significantly associated with older age, longer work experience, and male gender (P<0.05). Overall, 74.1% of participants were unaware of the well-known CAD/CAM system, 74.8% were unfamiliar with digital implant software, and 60% did not have adequate knowledge of correct application of intraoral scanners. While, 81.5% reported an overall positive attitude, only 11.9% considered their knowledge to be aligned with modern digital technologies.
Conclusion: General dentists demonstrated a moderate level of awareness and the existing knowledge gaps warrant greater attention in both undergraduate and continuing education. Enhancing knowledge among specific groups-such as younger, less experienced, and female dentists—is essential. Significant differences in attitudes were observed according to the age, gender, and years of professional experience.