Dundee Dental Hospital

Research-informed action is central to the mission of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR). The IADR Presidential Symposium in Bogotá, Colombia, in June 2023 explored the regional research agenda to support the WHO Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health 2023–2030. Facilitated by the Global Oral Health Inequalities Research Network and supported through the participation of World Health Organization representatives, this symposium involved researchers and policy makers across 4 regions. Each presented the unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities for their region, highlighting key topics for research and methodological approaches for future consideration. This article presents a series of contrasting regional perspectives to inform collaborative action among the global research community and strategic organizations. IADR’s national and regional associations can play a vital role in ensuring that by 2030, at least 50% of countries will have a national oral health research agenda focused on public health and population-based interventions, supported by the breadth of dental, oral, and craniofacial research to improve population health and facilitate universal health coverage.

Jacob Watwood explores the effects of yo-yo dieting on oral health.

Background: Orofacial traits are influenced by a large number of loci; requiring large population-based studies for their detection. Public willingness to participate in and share three-dimensional (3D) image data from orofacial genetic research is essential to ensure feasible implementation of these studies. This preliminary study aims to explore the Scottish public’s willingness to participate in and share 3D image data from orofacial genetic research, providing baseline data for future research. Methods: The online survey was administered from the 14th June–14th July 2017. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test for association with willingness to participate in and share image data from orofacial genetic research, with baseline demographics and prior knowledge of orofacial research as covariates. Results: A total of 82 members of the Scottish public were recruited. The majority of respondents (83%) would participate in a research project that involves the collection of facial images. Of those who would participate, most (93%) would share their data outside of the UK. Fewer (3%) would only share their data within the UK. Education level and prior knowledge of the oral-systemic health relationship were associated with respondent’s willing ness to participate. Education level was also associated with respondent’s willingness to share image data. Conclusions: This preliminary study indicates a high level of willingness among the Scottish public to participate in and share data from orofacial genetic research. The findings suggest that education level and prior knowledge of oral-systemic health influence participation, highlighting the need for targeted public engagement in orofacial genetic research. These results lay the groundwork for larger, more diverse studies to further explore these associations.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDH) on adolescents' Quality of Life (QoL), especially in vulnerable communities. While most research has focused on adults or general clinical conditions, this study addresses the gap in adolescent-specific COVID-19 impacts, emphasizing SDH’s role in Brazilian youth’s health outcomes.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study analyzed 235 adolescents from 89 cities in a northeastern state of Brazil, registered in the Unified Health System's notification system, with data collected nationally in 2022 and referring to the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Statistical tests, including the Levene test for variance equality, Student's t-test, and ANOVA with a 95% confidence interval, were used, supplemented by the Games-Howell multiple comparison test. The study found lower scores in vitality and mental health domains. Males showed higher scores across all domains (p < 0.001).ResultsAdolescents aged 10 to 14 scored higher in the vitality domain. Those who engaged in physical activity had better scores in general health, vitality, and mental health domains. Adolescents with sleep difficulties had lower scores in pain, general health, vitality, and mental health domains. Additionally, those living with high-risk individuals had lower scores in vitality and mental health domains.ConclusionSDH related to demographic factors, physical activity, and sleep quality significantly impacted adolescents' QoL, particularly affecting vitality and mental health.

To determine if re-establishment of occlusal contact was achieved within 6 months after insertion of a fixed anterior bite plane in individuals with Class II division 2 incisor relationship, and to evaluate the occlusal and vertical skeletal changes and acceptance of the intra-oral scanner and bite plane. Single-centre two-arm parallel group randomised controlled trial with 1:1 allocation to intervention and control groups. Dundee Dental Hospital and Research School, UK. A total of 38 participants aged 9-16 years (11 males, 27 females) with Class II division 2 incisor relationship and increased overbite (greater than one-third incisor overlap). Participants were randomised to intervention (n = 19) and control (n = 19) groups using block randomisation. The intervention group had a fixed anterior bite plane, and the occlusion and vertical facial dimensions were monitored with intra-oral scans, lateral cephalograms and photographs. The control group received no treatment and occlusal and vertical facial dimensions were monitored with scans and photographs. Questionnaires were completed by participants and parents/carers. An intention-to-treat analysis was planned. The overbite reduced in all participants in the intervention group (mean initial overbite: 5.07 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.15-6.00; mean overbite after 6 months: 2.45 mm, 95% CI = 1.93-2.96). There was a mean incisor intrusion of 0.29 mm (95% CI = 0.17-0.42) and mean eruption of the first molars of 0.23 mm (95% CI = 0.09-0.37). There was no significant change in incisor inclination or vertical skeletal change. Feedback from participants and their parents/carers were generally positive. Fixed anterior bite planes effectively reduce an increased overbite in adolescents with a Class II division 2 incisor relationship, due to a combination of incisor intrusion and molar eruption with no change in incisor inclination or vertical skeletal change. Intra-oral scanning and fixed anterior bite planes are acceptable in adolescents.

The curricula for UK dental specialty training have recently been under review and until 2024, completion of a research component during training in Dental Public Health, Oral Microbiology and Orthodontics has been mandatory (with an alternative route for Orthodontics involving the submission of two scientific papers for those trainees not wishing to undertake a higher degree). Anecdotally, some trainees in other dental specialties choose to undertake higher degrees alongside specialty training. The aims were to investigate how many dental specialty registrars study for higher degrees alongside specialty training, and whether undertaking a higher degree alongside specialty training has an impact on completion of training, research skills, research experience, patient care and career opportunities. This was a cross-sectional study design, involving the distribution of an online, anonymous questionnaire-based survey to UK dental specialty registrars in November and December 2022. In total, 38 questionnaires were completed, representing a 7.7% response rate of the entire dental specialty registrar cohort in the UK and 42% of those who received it. Most respondents (76.3%) were either studying or had completed a clinically relevant higher degree prior to specialty training. Most respondents (76.3%) reported that the higher degree increased career opportunities and gave them additional skills. Dental specialty trainees who responded to this survey perceived the higher degree to be beneficial in terms of preparing for exams, gaining skills in critical appraisal and for increasing future career opportunities.

Lichen planus is a chronic, mucocutaneous inflammatory condition which, due to its prevalence, will be familiar to the dental profession. However, diverse forms of presentation, important differential diagnosis, potential malignant change and monitoring requirements often result in challenges for those in primary care. This paper looks to examine these challenges and provide information to support those who are involved in recognition and management of patients with lichen planus.

BackgroundCitizen science is a way to democratise science by involving groups of citizens in the research process. Clinical guidelines are used to improve practice, but their implementation can be limited. Involving patients and the public can enhance guideline implementation, but there is uncertainty about the best approaches to achieve this. Citizen science is a potential way to involve patients and the public in improving clinical guideline implementation. We aimed to explore the application of citizen science methods to involve patients and the public in the dissemination and implementation of clinical guidelines in oral health and dentistry.MethodsWe developed GUIDE (GUideline Implementation in oral health and DEntistry), a citizen science online platform, using a participatory approach with researchers, oral health professionals, guideline developers and citizens. Recruitment was conducted exclusively online. The platform focused on prespecified challenges related to oral health assessment guidelines, and asked citizens to generate ideas, as well as vote and comment on other citizens' ideas to improve those challenges. Citizens also shared their views via surveys and two online synchronous group meetings. Data were collected on participant's demographics, platform engagement and experience of taking part. The most promising idea category was identified by an advisory group based on engagement, feasibility and relevance. We presented quantitative data using descriptive statistics and analysed qualitative data using inductive and deductive thematic analysis.ResultsThe platform was open for 6 months and we recruited 189 citizens, from which over 90 citizens actively engaged with the platform. Most citizens were over 34 years (64%), female (58%) and had a university degree (50%). They generated 128 ideas, 146 comments and 248 votes. The challenge that led to most engagement was related to prevention and oral health self‐care. To take this challenge forward, citizens generated a further 36 ideas to improve a pre‐existing National Health Service oral care prevention leaflet. Citizens discussed motivations to take part in the platform (understanding, values, self‐care), reasons to stay engaged (communication and feedback, outputs and impact, and relevance of topics discussed) and suggestions to improve future platforms.ConclusionCitizen science is an effective approach to generate and prioritise ideas from a group of citizens to improve oral health and dental services. Prevention and oral health self‐care were of particular interest to citizens. More research is needed to ensure recruitment of a diverse group of citizens and to improve retention in citizen science projects.Patient or Public ContributionThis project was inherently conducted with the input of public partners (citizen scientists) in all key aspects of its conduct and interpretation. In addition, two public partners were part of the research team and contributed to the design of the project, as well as key decisions related to its conduct, analysis, interpretation and dissemination and are co‐authors of this manuscript.

Data sourcesSearches were carried out across PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science for studies published until 28th March 2022.Study selectionIn vitro studies assessing colour stability of resin-based composites (RBCs) exposed to conventional cigarette smoke (CS), tobacco heating systems (THS) or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) were considered. Included studies used a spectrophotometer or colorimeter for assessment of discolouration and measured discolouration using CIELAB or CIEDE2000 colour difference formulas. Literature not published in English was excluded.Data extraction and synthesisData was extracted from thirteen studies which met the inclusion criteria. A data collection form was used to collate the extracted information on sample shape, sample diameter, sample thickness, time elapsed before smoke exposure, smoke exposure protocol, colour measurement device, sample finishing method, brushing simulation and whether exposure was to CS, THS or ENDS.ResultsAll 13 included studies analysed CS, four studies analysed ENDS and two studies analysed THS. A high level of variability was identified between the studies in relation to smoke exposure protocol. CS caused the highest level of discolouration of RBCs.ConclusionsThis systematic review of in vitro studies found CS caused irreversible RBC discolouration. ENDS and THS caused less colour change, which could be reversed with repolishing or bleaching procedures, although evidence was limited. Further research is required to consider the long-term effect of CS, ENDS and THS on discolouration of RBCs.