A qualitative study on cultural sensitivity during survey fieldwork for early childhood caries in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: bridging the gap between culture and science.

Objective: The qualitative study described culture-related issues that may bridge the ethical conduct of fieldwork for a cross-sectional study of the oral health of preschool children in the Ife Central Local Government Area of Nigeria, conducted between December 2024 and January 2025.

Results: There were 1,411 mother‒child pairs recruited by 20 research assistants and nine dentists trained on ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity before data collection began. A group discussion (debriefing session) was held with 18 consenting research assistants and nine dentists of the fieldwork.

Dietary patterns and their associations with the occurrence and severity of early childhood caries among 1-5-year-olds in Iran: A multicenter cluster randomized survey.

Aim: A health-promoting and tooth-friendly diet can reduce the risk factors associated with early childhood caries (ECC) and promote overall health in children. This study aimed to identify dietary habits and feeding practices and their associations with ECC among 1-5-year-olds in Iran.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study utilized data from a survey conducted from August 1, 2020, to January 20, 2021.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a theory of planned behavior model-based instrument for evaluation of determinants of oral health behaviors in mothers of children younger than six years in Iraq.

Background: The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is one of the most commonly used theories to explain oral health behaviors. To gain a deeper understanding of the determinants of oral health behaviors, we aimed to design and evaluate the psychometrics of a theory of planned behavior model-based instrument for assessing the determinants of oral health behaviors in mothers of children younger than six years in Iraq.

Methods: Questionnaires and guidelines related to the topic were searched in 2023, and the appropriate items based on the domains of the TPB model were extracted.

Preventive and curative dental services utilization among children aged 12 years and younger in Tehran, Iran, based on the Andersen behavioral model: A generalized structural equation modeling.

World Health Organization invites the nations to progress towards universal health care coverage. This study evaluated preventive and curative dental services utilization among children aged 12 years and younger in Tehran, Iran, based on the Andersen behavioral model using a generalized structural equation modeling. A phone-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, on 886 children in 2023.

Designing and incorporating integrated oral health care pathways for pediatric and adult patients: touchpoints in a dental setting.

Background: Maintenance of oral health, prevention, and health promotion stand as primary competencies for dental graduates. Consequently, it is necessary to promote such an approach in dental schools, which are traditionally focused on treatment, to improve the attitude and practice of students in the field of prevention, the final result of which is the reduction of oral and dental diseases in patients. The study aimed to design Integrated Oral Health Care Pathways (IOHCPs) for adults and children referred to Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), School of Dentistry.

Evaluation of frequency of consumption of cariogenic snacks by freshmen versus the senior dental students in Tehran and the related factors: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Senior dental students are more aware of the harmful effects of cariogenic snacks and are expected to better watch their diet compared with freshmen dental students. This study aimed to compare the frequency of consumption of cariogenic snacks by senior and freshmen dental students of Tehran city and the related factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the senior and freshmen dental students attending dental schools in Tehran in 2018, who were selected by census sampling.

A scoping review of the impact of COVID-19 on dentistry: financial aspects.

Background: The technological advancements of the past few decades in various aspects that are directly or indirectly related to health, along with the emphasis on public health in societal development, have improved the quality of life. However, the occurrence of pandemics and crises underscores how various aspects of individual life can be impacted. The financial consequences resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have particularly affected the field of dentistry and public oral health.

Background Characteristics and Cognitive Factors as Determinants of Oral Health in Pregnant Women, Tehran, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pregnancy can lead to oral health issues, yet many women remain unaware of the potential negative impact on their pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the dental and periodontal health of pregnant women in Tehran, Iran, and identify its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 221 pregnant women attending 12 randomly selected public health centers in Tehran, Iran.

Child dental neglect and legal protections: a compendium of briefs from policy reviews in 26 countries and a special administrative region of China.

Background: Child neglect is a public health, human rights, and social problem, with potentially devastating and costly consequences. The aim of this study was to: (1) summarize the oral health profile of children across the globe; (2) provide a brief overview of legal instruments that can offer children protection from dental neglect; and (3) discuss the effectiveness of these legal instruments.

Methods: We summarized and highlighted the caries profile and status of implementation of legislation on child dental neglect for 26 countries representing the World Health Organization regions: five countries in Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe), eight in the Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Unites States of America, Uruguay), six in the Eastern Mediterranean (Egypt, Iran, Libya, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), four in Europe (Italy, Latvia, Serbia, United Kingdom), two in South-East Asia (India and Indonesia) and one country (China) with its special administrative region (Hong Kong) in the Western Pacific.

Oral Health Literacy and Its Determinants in Young Couples.

Oral health literacy (OHL) is an interplay of cultural, social and individual factors and plays an effective role in public health promotion. This study aimed to assess OHL and its socioeconomic and demographic determinants among young couples. This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 828 adults between 15 to 35 years in 2018 in Zanjan city.

A scoping review on the association of early childhood caries and maternal gender inequality.

Aim: The objective of this scoping review is to present current evidence regarding the association between early childhood caries (ECC) and maternal-related gender inequality.

Methods: Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive literature search using three databases: EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Literature published in English from 2012 to 2022 was included in the search and was restricted to only primary research by using the following key terms: "dental caries", "tooth decay", "gender", "sex", "preschool", "toddler," and "infant".

Effectiveness of mouthwashes on reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load in oral cavity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The risk of SARS-COV-2 transmission is relatively high during dental procedures. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of mouthwashes on SARS-COV-2 viral load reduction in the oral cavity.

Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for relevant studies up to 20 July, 2022.

Teledentistry from research to practice: a tale of nineteen countries.

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated teledentistry research with great interest reflected in the increasing number of publications. In many countries, teledentistry programs were established although not much is known about the extent of incorporating teledentistry into practice and healthcare systems. This study aimed to report on policies and strategies related to teledentistry practice as well as barriers and facilitators for this implementation in 19 countries.

The effectiveness of motivational interviewing on the oral health of leukemic children and oral health care knowledge, attitude and practice of their mothers: a hospital-based intervention.

Background: Some studies suggest a higher effectiveness of motivational interviewing compared to common oral health instruction in healthy individuals. As regards to higher prevalence of dental diseases like early childhood caries, oral mucositis, and gingivitis are reported for leukemic children, the present study aims to compare the effectiveness of educating mothers through MI with the common instruction (CI) for the oral health of children with leukemia under six years old.

Method: This quasi-experimental study was designed in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Dentistry and conducted on 61 mothers with leukemic children under age six hospitalized in Mahak Hospital and Rehabilitation Complex which is a Pediatric Cancer Research and Hospital Center, in 2021.

Designing and Evaluation of an Elective Oral Health Course for Fifth-Year Medical Students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on oral health-related knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical students. This study was performed on the fifth-year medical students attending an elective oral health course at the Faculty of Dentistry of Tehran University (intervention group) and 25 other students attending another elective course (control group) in 2018. A 2-week internship program including 6 sessions of a workshop program plus 2 days of school field and 2 days of attending dental departments was designed for the intervention group.

Perspectives and Preferences of Preschoolers and Their Parents Regarding Dentist's Attire and Gender.

For decades, the white coat has been the uniform of medical professionals. Recently, medical professionals show interest to use alternatives. We aimed to evaluate the perspectives and preferences of children and their parents regarding dentists' attire and gender.

Are Iranian graduating dental students prepared to act as future role models of good oral health behaviour? A 10-year study.

Introduction: Dentists by their professional knowledge of prevention have a key role in providing a positive role model for oral health-promoting behaviours. We aimed to investigate the health behaviour of Iranian senior dental students in terms of oral self-care and tobacco use during a 10-year period to assess their preparedness to act as role models for health-promoting behaviours.

Materials And Methods: The study was performed in six dental schools selected through stratified cluster random sampling to have a representative sample of all dental schools in Iran.

Gender differences in concerns, stress levels and behavior changes in dental academics in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed a significant psychological burden on the healthcare personnel. Dental academics play a crucial role in the promotion of public oral health and the education of dental students.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess COVID-19-related concerns, stress and behavior changes in Iranian dental academics, determine the associated factors, and assess the potential gender differences.

Impact of COVID-19 on dental education- a scoping review.

Background: A new corona virus called COVID-19 and its epidemic has affected health care systems in many ways. There have also been significant changes in dental education. The present study summarizes the findings about dental education resulting from a scoping review of COVID-19 and dentistry.

Oral health literacy and socio-demographics as determinants of oral health status and preventive behavior measures in participants of a pre-marriage counseling program.

This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to assess the correlation of oral health literacy (OHL) and oral health status and behavior in participants of a pre-marriage counseling program. Also, it aimed to determine the target population's OHL needs to design necessary interventions. A total of 828 couples with a mean age of 24.

Self-reported experience of orofacial injury, preventive practice, and knowledge of Iranian adolescent martial art athletes towards sports-related orofacial injuries.

Background: Increased engagement of adolescents in martial arts exposes them to a relatively high risk of experiencing orofacial injuries. We evaluated self-reported experience of orofacial injuries, preventive practice, and knowledge of management of sport-related orofacial injuries and related factors in adolescent Karate and Taekwondo athletes in Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian martial arts athletes including Karate and Taekwondo aged 11-17-year-old in 2020 via an online questionnaire.

Oral health status of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder considering oral hygiene habits.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the oral health status of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods: Ninety-two participants, aged 18 years and older from which 46 had OCD symptoms, were included in this comparative cross-sectional study. Data on age, sex, smoking habit, educational level, and potential mediators including brushing frequency (BF) and brushing duration (BD) were collected.