Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: The learning environment is defined as anything that happens in a classroom or educational group, faculty or university. Evaluation of dental students’ opinions  about their learning environment, can help those responsible to provide solutions for improving the quality and quantity of clinical education. One of the tools that quantitatively measures the environment and atmosphere governing dental education is DSLES (Dental Student Learning Environment Survey). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the educational environment of the Ilam School of Dentistry based on the DSLES questionnaire.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted on 114, clinical and pre-clinical students of the Ilam School of Dentistry were enrolled in the study in 2025. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24). Total scores were analyzed using Student's
t-test and the significance level was set at p<0.05.
Results: The results showed that the educational environment of the dental school was in the medium to relatively desirable range in various dimensions, but none of the components reached the excellent level. The highest score was related to the "relationships between students" and the lowest score was related to the "flexibility of the educational program". "Relations between students" was the highest score among the components (p=0.002). Curriculum flexibility had the lowest score among the components (p=0.000). The results of the study indicated statistically significant differences between the preclinical and clinical students' perceptions of the educational environment (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The educational environment of the school of dentistry had a suitable basic structure but needed to be transformed. Focusing on increasing the flexibility of educational programs, strengthening responsiveness to students' needs (especially in the clinical period), and maintaining existing gender equity can lead to improving the overall quality of educational environment.

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: Despite the functional and aesthetic benefits, orthodontic treatment is often associated with pain and discomfort that can adversely affect patients’ quality of life. Given the growing emphasis on the patient-reported outcomes in clinical care, this study aimed to investigate the association between the pain intensity caused by orthodontic treatment and orthodontic-related quality of life in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 on patients receiving fixed orthodontic treatment with a metallic MBT system (slot 0.022 inch) at a private clinic in Babol, Iran. A total of 85 patients aged 15–25 years were selected using convenience sampling. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10. Quality of life was evaluated using the persian version of the Orthodontic Quality of Life questionnaire, with a scoring range of 22 to 88. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient in SPSS, with a significance level set at P<0.05.
Results: Among the participants, 72.9% were female, 68.2% were under the age of 20, and 31.8% were aged between 20 and 25 years. The mean pain score was 4.75 ± 1.91, and the mean  Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) score was 37.95 ± 9.51. A significant negative correlation was found between the pain intensity and overall OHRQoL, as well as all of its subdomains (oral function, social impact, dentofacial aesthetics, and self-awareness of appearance) (P≤0.001). No statistically significant differences in pain or OHRQoL scores were observed based on gender or age group (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Orthodontic pain has a significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Early pain management strategies and supportive interventions during the initial phases of orthodontic treatment can enhance patients’ overall treatment experience and improve compliance.

This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of plant-derived polyphenols in restorative and preventive dentistry. As natural bioactive compounds such as polyphenols reshape the oral microbial ecology by attenuating virulence, inhibiting quorum-sensing communication, disrupting extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) formation, and reducing acidogenicity within dental biofilms. Beyond their antimicrobial effects, polyphenols can protect host tissues, namely, enamel, dentin, and gingiva, by cross-linking collagen fibrils, suppressing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, and modulating inflammatory pathways. Experimental, in situ, and clinical evidence consistently demonstrated improved bond durability at the dentin–resin interface. The most compelling data support the use of primers containing proanthocyanidins, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and resveratrol. In preventive applications, catechin-based varnishes have demonstrated remineralization effects comparable to those of fluoride varnishes. Conversely, pomegranate extract–enriched mouthrinses, in the presence of fluoride, could enhance both anti-demineralization and antibiofilm activity. In the context of implants and dental prostheses, the polyphenol-functionalized coatings, particularly those based on tannic or caffeic acid, would reduce biofilm formation and provide corrosion resistance for metallic surfaces. Nevertheless, several formulation challenges remain, including rapid oxidation, limited solubility, and discoloration, all of which require careful management. Strategies such as dose optimization, solvent selection, covalent stabilization, and microencapsulation are recommended to overcome these limitations. For broader and more effective clinical translation, standardization of multispecies laboratory models and harmonization of clinical endpoints are essential. Furthermore, future longitudinal trials are needed to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical performance. Ultimately, with the design of innovative delivery systems and long-term monitoring of parameters such as restoration survival, secondary caries, periodontal health, and color stability, polyphenols hold promise to define a new generation of antibacterial, biocompatible, and aesthetically stable dental materials.