Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: According to the research background and need to print CBCT images in case of emergency, this study has been done to compare the quality and accuracy of the two methods of film and paper printing for CBCT images.

Materials and Methods: The study of CBCT images taken from 5 patients was done and the cross-sectional slices on Fotolusio DNP papers and film AGFA were printed. Afterward, the images was exmined by a maxillofacial radiologist. The images’ quality were identified and recorded with anatomical, from 1 to 4 on forms. The accuracy was determined by the diagnosis of alveolar canal area and the comparison with the gold standard. Data were analyzed using independent chi-square and Fisher exact tests’.

Results: The images quality in anatomical landmarks consisting PDL (P=0.02), lamina dura (P=0.006), the inferior alveolar canal (P=0.01) and the filling (P=0.006) had a significant difference. There was no significant difference. For the lower border of the mandible landmark, there was no difference between the two methods of printing. In comparing the diagnostic accuracy between the two methods (P=1).

Conclusion: The results showed that the diagnostic quality in film printing is better than paper printing and the diagnostic accuracy is the same in both methods.

Background and Aims: Dental caries is the most common infectious diseases. Among the oral bacteria, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are considered as the main causes of tooth decay. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of hyperimmune bovine colostrum containing specific antibodies against cariogenic bacteria and its antimicrobial effects on the growth and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in the laboratory.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, three pregnant bovine immunized with killed antigens of strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mutans with Streptococcus Sobrinus and Streptococcus sobrinus through intramuscular injections. After delivery, The colostrum samples were collected, and the changes of anti-streptococci antibodies titers in colostrum and serum were determined by agglutination. Also,their antimicrobial effects against the growth and adhesion of oral streptococci were surveyed by the microtiter plate method. Data were analysed by One-Wey ANOVA in SPSS software.

Results: The results showed that in hyperimmunized bovine , the antibodies titers against injected bacteria were from 1.1000 to 1.3000 in sera samples and from 1.320 to 1.1280 in whey of colostrum samples. Colostrum of hyperimmune cows reduced the attachment of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus Sobrinus about 69 and 43 percents, respectively and also, the low dilutions of it reduced bacterial growth.

Conclusion:  According to the antibacterial effect immune colostrum on two strains of cariogenic bacteria in vitro, It appears that this material could be useful in the prevention and control of dental caries.

Background and Aims: There is an increased risk of periodontal diseases in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is frequently used to promote oral hygiene; however, it is associated with several complications. Herbal mouthwashes can be used as the substitute without having similar complications. The aim the present study was to compare the effects of herbal mouthwashes (Matrica and Persica) with CHX 0.2% on the periodontal parameters of patients under fixed orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 84 patients under fix orthodontic treatment were selected. After receiving oral hygiene instruction, the patients were randomly assigned to four groups (group 1: Matrica, group 2: Persica, group 3: CHX 0.02%, group 4: normal saline). Dental plaque scores (PI), gingival inflammation (GI) and papillary bleeding (PBI) indices were measured at the beginning, 1 week after receiving oral hygiene instructions and 30 days after mouthwash consumption. The scores of the periodontal indices were statistically analyzed by Kruskal Wallis, ANOVA the paired Mann-whitney U test and Tukey test.

Results: All of the indices were significantly reduced in study groups (except for the control). Matrica and Persica mouthwashes were similarly effective in improving the periodontal parameters. Their efficacy in decreasing the PBI scores was significantly higher than CHX 0.2% (P<0.01).

Conclusion: Application of the two herbal mouthwashes was effective in improving the periodontal parameters in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Background and Aims: Cancer is the second most common cause of death in developed countries. The goal of this study was to determine the important epidemiologic factors affecting diagnosis and survival rate of patients with laryngeal SCC, for prevention, control and increase longevity.
Materials and Methods: In this study, all the cases recorded at the Center of Cancer Office of the Iran Ministry of Health in Tehran between 2005-2009 were examined. From 513 cases, 279 that their follow-up was possible by phone or postal address were included in the study. Data collection were performed from questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. The Kaplan Meier survival curves were utilized and, moreover, the corresponding influential factors were examined by using the Cox regression test.
Results: The mean age of patients were 61.1 years (SD=10.54). The gender of 92.1% of patients were male. The most widely used method for the treatment was a combination of three methods of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The overall five-year survival rate was 75.7% (SD=0.03). The gender, histological differentiation, and professional delay did not exhibit a statistical correlation with the survival rate (P=0.38, 0.14, 0.52), whereas the age and patient delay had a statistically significant relation with the survival rate (P=0.03, 0.07).
Conclusion: The survival rate was lower in older patients. Patient and professional delays were high, which need more attention for improving the quality of life.
 

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two fluoride containing mouth rinses on the color stability of two different resin composites.
Materials and Methods: 27 specimens (2×4×5 mm) were prepared from each of the following materials: a micro filled composite (Gradia, GC) and nanohybrid (Grandio). The specimens were polished by Soflex fine and superfine disks and then incubated in artificial saliva at 37°C for 24 h. The baseline color values (L, a, b) of each specimen were measured using an Easyshade spectrophotometer according to the CIELab color scale. The specimens were immersed in 20 mL of each mouth rinse and stored in an incubator at 37°C for 12 h. After incubation, the color values of all specimens were measured again, and the color change value (ΔE) was calculated. Data were analyzed by a 2-way analysis of variance at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: None of the mouth rinses created clinical significant color changes in the samples. There was no statistically significant difference among color susceptibility between resin composites (P=0.330). The interaction between the effect of mouth rinses and type of restorative materials was not statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Accordance to the results of this study, the fluoride containing mouth rinses does not create color change in resin composites.

Background and Aims: Passive fitness of implant frameworks are important factors for long-term success of dental implant restorations. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the dimensional changes of implant supported zirconia frameworks fabricated by Zirkonzahn CAD/CAM system during fabrication stages.
Materials and Methods: The master model of 3-unit FDP was made of two implant abutments. The master model was scanned 12 times and data were saved as STL files (scanning groups). Using semi-sintered zirconia,
12 real-size frameworks (milling groups) and 12 enlarged frameworks which were then sintered (sintering group) were made in this system. Dimensions of master model and specimens of each stage were measured. The dimensional changes in respect to master model were calculated. Data were analyzed using Repeated measures ANOVA, independent t-test, and paired sample t-test at α=0.05 of significance.
Results: The milling stage showed greater dimensional changes comparing to the other stages (P<0.05). At all stages, the dimensional changes of premolar abutment height were greater than canine (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggested that the fabrication stages and size of abutments had significant effects on the dimensional changes of zirconia frameworks.

Background and Aims: One of the most important determinants of health is Oral Health Literacy (OHL). The aim of this study was to investigate the OHL among nomadic population in Kouhrang city as pristine society.
Materials and Methods: This was a  cross -sectional descriptive study among 200 nomadic population aged 18-60 years of Kouhrang city in 2018. Data were collected using a questionnaire and face-to-face interview, sampling method was performed by randomized cluster. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions in 4 sections of reading comprehension, listening, perception of number, and decision making. According to the number of questions, the questionnaire score was formed 0 to 17 and the nomadic populations were categorized into three groups with inadequate OHL (0-9), borderline OHL (10-11), and adequate OHL (912-17).
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the participants in this study was 35.49±12.00. The results showed that 7.00% of participants had sufficient OHL (12-17), 21.51% borderline (10-11), and 71.50% had inadequate OHL
(0-9). The mean and standard deviation of OHL score in general was 7.65±2.80, and the mean DMFT index was 8.03±5.64 (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the OHL score in the nomadic population was low, and also the mean DMFT index was very high. It is necessary to pay attention to the timely prevention and treatment of the teeth, as well as serious attention to the health education in this population.

Background and Aims: Dental diagnosis may be affected by the occurrence of the errors in the intra-oral radiographic images and the patients’ treatment plan can be problematic in these cases. The repetition of these radiographs increases the risks of radiation exposure for the patients in turn. The present study assessed the incidences of common periapical radiographic errors taken by dental students in oral and maxillofacial radiology department of Mashhad dental school in 2017.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 1470 periapical radiographs prepared by student during a semester of 2017 were collected and evaluated. Radiographic observations were done and the incidence of conventional radiographic errors were determined. Finally, the frequency and percentage of radiographic errors were determined based on the type of radiography sex, the age of the patient, and the history of radiography. Then, results were analyzed using the Chi-Square test and SPSS19 (P=0.05).
Results: Film placement (27.2%), cone-cut (27.2%), elongation (13.2%) and horizontal angle (10.9%) were reported as the most common radiographic errors. The repetition rate of the radiographs was 2.9%; among them, the highest errors were Cone-cut errors in the upper jaw
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the most radiographic errors included film position and Cone-cut errors and these two errors were the most frequent cause of repetitive radiographies that required the provision of specific training for the prevention of these errors.

Background and Aims: Immediate implant placement following tooth extraction is a treatment with many advantages. Alveolar bone preservation after immediate implant, need minimum of 2 mm thickness in buccal bone plate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the thickness of buccal cortical bone of maxillary premolars by Cone Beam Computational Tomography (CBCT) technique.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive epidemiological study, Cone Beam Computed Tomography image was obtained from 29 patients (male and female) referred to the radiology department of Jundi Shapoor dental school of Ahvaz from 1393 (Mehr) to 1394 (Shahrivar) for implant insertion insertion. The thickness of buccal cortical bone was measured in 3 and 5 mm apical to the CEJ and root apex, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. All the measurements were done by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists, separately. Data were analyzed by SPSS22 software, using descriptive statistics, and T-test.
Results: The thickness of buccal cortical bone in second premolar was significantly more than 1 mm (P=0.001), but in first premolar, the thickness was close to 1 mm with a non-significant difference (P=0.29).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that immediate implant insertion could be done in the maxillary second premolar area with more predictability compared to the first premolar area.

Background and Aims: Interest and satisfaction of students toward their field of study has important role in knowledge promotion, future activities, and also healthcare of country. This study aimed to evaluate the attitude of dental students toward their field of study and also their future career.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was based on a standardized researcher designed questionnaire in 2018. Demographic data was collected and questions were based on the attitude of students toward their field of study and their future. ANOVA and Backward stepwise regression methods were used for statistical analysis. Significance level was determined at 0.05.
Results: In this study 62.2% of responders were female and 37.8% were males. Students chose dentistry under the influence of following matters consecutively: high income, recommendation of people around and self-interest. Girls compared to boys, were significantly influenced more by self-interest and also had more interest compared to boys for working in dentistry (P<0.05). Also, most of students were anxious about the increase in the number of dental students.
Conclusion: Students had positive attitude toward their field of study and their future. They were interested in working in this field but factors such as not having enough familiarity toward this field and also an increase in the number of students in recent years created some worries for them.

Background and Aims: Dental anxiety and fear can act as a barrier to seek dental care leading to insufficient oral health in people. The aim of this study was to determine the relations between dental fear and anxiety with dental caries status (DMFT) and clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (PUFA) among the adult patients referred to the faculty dental clinic of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study in 2019, the patients above 18 years old were assessed. Two standard questionnaires, Dental Fear Scale (DFS) and Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), were used to assess the scores of dental fear, and dental anxiety, respectively. The demographic data of the patients were recorded. Dental caries status and clinical consequences of untreated dental caries, using DMFT and PUFA, respectively, were measured. Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression model (Backward method) were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Totally, 283 patients with the mean age of 38.6±11.8 years old participated. The mean scores of MDAS, and DFS were 12.04±4.49, and 41.33±16.87, respectively. Educational level (P=0.03, β=-0.14) and marital status (P=0.01, β=0.17) had significant relationships with MDAS scores. Moreover, a significant relationship was found between marital status and DFS scores (P<0.001, β=0.25). Significant correlations were found between dental anxiety level and D (P<0.001, r=0.36) and M components (P=0.02, r=0.14) of DMFT index. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between dental anxiety and U components of PUFA index (P=0.045, r=-0.12). Furthermore, the correlations between dental fear and D and M component of DMFT were significant (P<0.001, r=0.36; P<0.001, r=0.23; respectively).
Conclusion: Dental anxiety and dental fear were infrequent in the studied population; however, significant relationships were found between dental anxiety and dental fear with dental caries indices. Therefore, it was concluded that the more MDAS and DFS scores, the worse dental caries status.

Background and Aims: Removable partial denture (RPD) is a common treatment to restore partially edentulous areas; however, a limited number of studies have been made on oral hygiene habits among patients with RPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the patients’ knowledge about various cleaning methods of RPD to consciously improve hygienic habits of the patients.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study performed on 96 RPD patients referred to Jundishapur faculty of dentistry from 1395 to 1396. Demographic data namely age, sex, level of education, and other information about general health status, duration of dentures usage, and denture cleaning frequency were taken by the census through questionnaires. The descriptive statistics, chi-square, and T-test were used for statistical analysisof data (P<0.05).
Results: The patient age, sex, and smoking habits had significant effects on the prosthesis maintenance habits (P<0.05). The patients over 50 years of age, females, and nonsmokers significantly preferred dipping method over other RPD storage methods (P<0.05). The frequency of denture cleaning was significantly greater in males (53.3%) compared to females (23.9%) (P<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, most RPD patients did not clean their dentures appropriately and have little knowledge on how to maintain and clean them. Regular and periodic recall and written instructions might be helpful to improve patients' awareness on proper cleaning and maintenance of partial dentures.

Background and Aims: Pulpal exposures originated from the external cervical root resorptions have major effects on the treatment and prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was performed to compare the two different imaging systems-digital radiography with PSP (Photostimulable Phosphor) sensor in three horizontal different views and CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) images to assess the pulpal exposure in simulated cavity of external cervical root resorptions that was performed in 1398 in the School of Dentistry of Azad University.
Materials and Methods: 40 intact maxilla anterior teeth with straight roots were included. Teeth were randomly divided to two groups (20 teeth with and 20 without pulpal exposures). Each sample was assessed using PSP digital radiography (in 3 horizontal angles) and CBCT image system, to detect the presence of pulpal exposures. False negative and false positive results in 2 imaging procedures were judged with ratio test.
Results: The results showed in CBCT (P.P.V=85.7%) and (N.P.V=89.5%), and in digital intraoral radiography (P.P.V=80%) and (N.P.V=80%) in proximal defects. Ratio test showed that there were no significant differences in the proximal defects (P<0.4).
Conclusion: The results showed that there were no significant differences in detection of exposure in the proximal surfaces between two imaging systems.

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: Root canal treatment failures are often attributed to incomplete removal of bacteria, particularly Enterococcus faecalis. While, chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite serve as conventional treatments. herbal medicine has been today considered as an alternative to synthetic medicine due to its safety. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the antibactrial effect of Scrophularia Striata extract with chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite on Enterococcus Faecalis in the tooth root canal. Materials and Methods: In this study, sixty extracted teeth were examined. Following the infection of dental canals with Enterococcus faecalis, materials were tested in 3 groups: 1) chlorhexidine 2% (18 teeth), 2) sodium hypochlorite 2.5% (18 teeth), and 3) Scrophularia striata (at the concentration obtained from MIC, 20%; 18 teeth). Additionally, the positive control and negative control were included (3 teeth in each group). Samples were then cultured on bile esculin agar. After 72 hours, black colonies were eaxamined. Chi-squared test was used to analyze the results. Results: Enterococcus faecalis bacteria grew in 6, 8, and 17 out of the 18 teeth within the sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, and Scrophularia striata extract groups, respectively. Consequently, the bactericidal effects for sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, and Scrophularia striata extract were 66.6%, 55.5%, and 5.55%, respectively.

Conclusion: The antibacterial effect of the Scrophularia striata extract was significantly lower than chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite on Enterococcus faecalis in dental canals viewed as a suitable replacement to the already in use synthetic therapeutic irrigants.

Background and Aims: Dentists faced the highest risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Educating competent students is the first task of the dental school to overcome the created problems and thus, it is necessary to recognize the created educational deficiencies. This study aimed to assess the students' perspectives from the Dental School at Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the academic year 2019-2020, concerning the competencies expected to be developed during the clinical phase of the general dentistry curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are intended to inform the formulation of educational strategies in the post-pandemic period to address identified gaps in training.
Materials and Methods: During the academic year 2019-2020, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The study consisted of three phases: checklist design, psychometrics, and a survey of general dentistry students in their third to sixth year. The checklist design phase involved a team of four individuals, including educational officials from the faculty, academic staff members, and medical education experts. Experts confirmed the content validity of the checklist, while reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), which indicated favorable validity and reliability. Subsequently, questionnaires formatted as Google Forms and a census approach were distributed to all students enrolled in the general dental course within the clinical section of the School of Dentistry at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Ultimately, following the data collection process, statistical analysis was conducted utilizing descriptive statistics, including the mean and standard deviation, and the findings were communicated to the group managers.
Results: The assessment of content validity was established at a minimum of 71%, based on the evaluations provided by five experts. Additionally, reliability was measured using an intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC) exceeding 0.79, signifying a strong level of both validity and reliability. 122 students (53%) in the clinical stage completed the forms related to the pre-clinical/clinical units passed during the Covid era. Despite having enough training, basics Removable Partial Prosthodontics, Surgery 1, and Restorative 3 courses needed more training. In addition, Basics Removable Partial Prosthodontics, Surgery 1, and Surgery 4 needed the most practical training to acquire the necessary competencies.
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicated that the dental students expressed a desire for increased practice across various levels of pre-clinical and clinical courses. This would suggest that the challenges associated with patient interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic may not be the sole contributing factor. Consequently, alongside the need for educational planning to address the requirements of enrolled students, it appears essential to conduct similar studies in the post-pandemic context. Furthermore, this approach may also prove beneficial in evaluating educational needs for ongoing professional development courses.

Background and Aims: Idiopathic osteosclerosis is an asymptomatic local growth of cortical bone and is discovered incidentally on panoramic radiographs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis and its radiographic features in panoramic images of patients referred to the Department of Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Arak University of Medical Sciences (Iran) in 2022-2023.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 460 panoramic images from the radiology department of Arak Faculty of Dentistry were randomly selected and analyzed. The demographic information of patients, frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis, location, and also its relationship with adjacent teeth in terms of proximity to lamina dura and periodontal ligament and radiographic features in terms of size and morphology were evaluated. The data were analyzed using the SPSS24 software.
Results: Panoramic images of 460 patients (266 men and 194 women) with an average age of 38.12 (11.75) years were evaluated. The frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis was 6.1% (28 images). 92.9% of the lesions were in the lower jaw and 46.4% of them were near the premolar teeth. In 39.3% of the cases, the lesion was adjacent to the periodontal ligament and laminadora of the tooth. In 3.6% of the cases, it was associated with a small displacement of the adjacent tooth, and 17.9% was associated with tooth root resorption. According to the results, there was no correlation between the incidence of this lesion with age and gender (P>0.05).
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis in the patients referred to Arak dental school was reported as 6.1%. Most of these lesions were observed in the back of the lower jaw and thus, it is important to be able to distinguish this lesion from the radiopaque lesions of the jaw which need treatment.

Background and Aims: Emotional intelligence helps dental students better manage stress and establish effective communication with patients, while self-efficacy strengthens their confidence in performing clinical tasks and acquiring professional skills. The connection between these two factors leads to improved academic and professional performance. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and academic success among dental students.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 55 dental students from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences - Iran, selected by convenient sampling. To measure academic self-efficacy beliefs, the Sherer questionnaire was used, which consisted of 17 questions with a theoretical score range of 17-85. To measure emotional intelligence, the Bar-On questionnaire was used, consisting of 90 questions with a theoretical score range of 90-450. Academic achievement was assessed using the students' grade point average (GPA). Additionally, gender, living at home or in a dormitory, and parental education levels were considered as background variables. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results: Among the 55 students who participated in this study, including 30 women and 25 men, the average emotional intelligence score was 84.85, the average self-efficacy score was 62.02, and the average GPA was 16.42. There was a significant difference in the emotional intelligence scores based on gender and living situation, with male students scoring higher than female students and dormitory residents scoring higher than those living at home (P=0.02). There was no significant difference in the self-efficacy scores and GPA between males and females. Students whose mothers had higher levels of education and those living at home had higher GPAs (P<0.03). No statistically significant relationship was found between the academic success and emotional intelligence or self-efficacy (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that while emotional intelligence and self-efficacy may not directly influence academic success, other factors like living environment and parental education can play a role. Understanding these dynamics can help educators focus on holistic student development, addressing not just academic skills but also personal and social factors that contribute to student performance and well-being.

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.