International journal of paediatric dentistry最新文献

Background

Artificial intelligence presents the potential to enhance consistency and objectivity in preclinical pediatric dentistry assessments.

Aim

To evaluate the reliability of multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) models (GPT-4o, Claude-3.7-Sonnet-Reasoning, o4-mini, DeepSeek-R1, DeepSeek-V3, and o3) compared to human experts in assessing stainless steel crown (SSC) preparations.

Design

This cross-sectional study analyzed 133 SSC preparations (27 mandibular first primary molars, 106 mandibular second primary molars) from dental students. Using a rubric assessing occlusal reduction, proximal reduction, and finishing criteria, five photographs were captured for each preparation. Images were analyzed using a Reflection-of-Thought prompt and compared to human assessments using a conventional p < 0.05 criterion.

Results

Claude-3.7-Sonnet-Reasoning demonstrated exceptional agreement with human experts (ICC = 0.89) across all preparations with consistent performance by tooth type. o4-mini showed moderate agreement (ICC = 0.57), GPT-4o weak agreement (ICC = 0.06), and o3 no agreement (ICC = −0.03), while DeepSeek models achieved 0% task completion. Error analysis revealed proximal reduction errors as the most common (39.2%), followed by finishing (33.6%) and occlusal reduction (27.1%) with significant variations in error detections between assessors, particularly for second primary molars.

Conclusions

Claude-3.7-Sonnet Reasoning demonstrates human-expert-level reliability in assessing SSC preparations. AI models offer promising complementary approaches to standardize preclinical pediatric dentistry assessments, provide immediate feedback, and reduce faculty workload.

Background

While preclinical (PC) training has historically been delivered through traditional methods, haptic virtual reality simulation (HVRS) has emerged as an increasingly popular alternative.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the performance of third-year dental students between traditional PC and HVRS in pulpotomy, pulpectomy, and stainless steel crown (SSC) placement. Furthermore, the study purposed to identify the more convenient educational approach for improving student performance in dental procedures, based on evaluations conducted by a pediatric dentist (PD).

Design

The study consisted of a total of 28 questions. Students' experiences, responses, and performances across both environments were analyzed. The relationship between these performances was evaluated by a PD. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

According to the results of the study, 96.7% of our students “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that a pediatric dentistry PC course is necessary for our faculty's curriculum, and 46.7% “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that HVRS is supportive of PC training. Students perceived a significantly greater sense of safety when opening the access cavity for pulpotomy and pulpectomy in the HVRS environment compared to the conventional PC.

Conclusion

The integration of HVRS into pediatric dentistry curricula may enhance clinical training.

Background

Stainless-steel preformed crowns (SSCs) are effective but esthetically unappealing, while zirconia preformed crowns require extensive tooth reduction. Bioflx preformed crowns combine esthetics and minimal preparation.

Aim

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Bioflx preformed crowns in restoring primary molars in children aged 4–8 years at Ho Chi Minh City Odonto-Maxillofacial Hospital in Vietnam.

Design

A single-arm pilot observational study (October 2023–June 2024) at Ho Chi Minh City Odonto-Maxillofacial Hospital involved primary molars treated with Bioflx crowns. Variables included clinical features and treatment outcomes, using descriptive statistics and an unpaired t-test.

Results

Forty primary molars from 17 children were treated (mean 2.35 ± 1.62 crowns/child). Most were first molars (55%), lower right quadrant (30%), with caries (65%). At the 3-month follow-up, 90% were rated as “excellent” masticatory ability, with 100% of “excellent” esthetics and restoration integrity, while 95% of crowns had “excellent” marginal adaptation, along with 92.5% healthy surrounding gums.

Conclusion

Short-term evaluation suggests Bioflx preformed crowns may be a promising new, flexible, and durable treatment option for primary molar restoration considering both esthetic and masticatory function. Yet, longer follow-up studies with control groups remain necessary for the long-term clinical evaluation to ensure a comprehensive approach for pediatric patients.

Trial Registration

The study received permission for implementation from the Board of Directors of Ho Chi Minh City Odonto-Maxillofacial Hospital and Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, which has also been confirmed in the document issued by the Ethics Council for Biomedical Research (23.341.HV/PCT-HĐĐĐ) signed on April 12, 2023

Objective

Adolescents living with orofacial clefts experience a range of physical, psychological and educational challenges that can impact their daily lives and overall wellbeing. This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experiences of children and adolescents with orofacial clefts outside the home environment and to explore the role of the cleft multidisciplinary team in providing support.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants aged 10–19 years at a paediatric tertiary hospital.

Results

Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed a spectrum of experiences, with adolescents reporting negative social interactions, extended treatment timelines and challenges associated with comorbid conditions and inconsistent support from educators. Older adolescents demonstrated resilience and described coping strategies fostered by supportive family dynamics. Positive experiences were linked to clear and proactive communication from the cleft team, particularly in helping schools and peers understand cleft-related needs. Participants highlighted the value of emotional support and expressed a desire for more comprehensive communication from healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Despite challenges, families expressed overall gratitude for the care received. These findings emphasise the need for tailored, holistic interventions from cleft teams, including the provision of clear educational resources for adolescents and their broader support networks.

Purpose

To develop and validate a grading system for assessing the periradicular region of primary teeth on intraoral periapical radiographs.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising three phases: (1) Development of the grading system through a systematic literature review and analysis of 300 radiographs, (2) Delphi exercise with 20 expert pediatric dentists assessed face and content validity, and statistical measures such as Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were calculated, and (3) Initial user feedback (n = 50) for acceptability, time taken, and accuracy of grading were assessed after grading 10 radiographs.

Results

A pool of 41 items was devised after phase 1. Two rounds of deliberations by the Delphi group resulted in 49 items for inclusion, with ≥ 85% expert agreement and high content validity (CVR ranging from 0.7–1.0). The majority (60%) of the feedback group found the developed index to be acceptable. The correct response rate was 29.6% while it was 43% for the retest. The mean time taken for grading 10 radiographs was 51.12 ± 7.84 min, which decreased to 44.2 ± 4.47 min during the retest.

Conclusion

A novel grading system with high face and content validity was developed. Further evaluation of the feasibility and reliability is required prior to regular use.

Background

Conventional alginate impressions are widely used in paediatric dentistry but present several limitations. Digital intraoral scanning has emerged as a promising alternative, potentially improving patient experience and clinical efficiency.

Aim

Evaluate whether digital intraoral impressions differ from conventional alginate impressions in efficiency, comfort and acceptance among paediatric patients.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SIGLE were searched to February 2025. Eligible studies enrolled children receiving both digital and conventional full-arch impressions. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane RoB-1, and data pooled using random-effects models.

Results

Seven studies with 337 children were included. Digital impressions were faster than conventional (mean difference 165.48 s; 95% CI 157.74–173.21; p < 0.00001). Patient-reported outcomes also favoured digital scanning: lower pain (MD 13.03 mm), greater comfort (MD −34.02 mm) and less breathing difficulty (MD 32.51 mm) and gag reflex (MD 38.07 mm), all p < 0.00001. Children were over four times likelier to prefer digital scanning (RR 4.28; 95% CI 1.47–12.44; p = 0.008). Heterogeneity was high but directionally consistent.

Conclusions

Digital intraoral scanning is faster, more comfortable and better accepted than conventional impressions, supporting wider use in paediatric dentistry.

Trial Registration

Open Science Framework Registration number: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8EFHS

Probiotics have demonstrated Streptococcus mutans (SM) suppression. This in vitro study compared the SM inhibition capacity of bovine infant formula supplemented with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Gorbach Goldin (LGG) probiotic to a plain formulation.

Methods

Two bovine-based infant formulas, Similac Advance Optigro (formula non-probiotic, FNP) and Enfamil Nutramigen LGG (formula with probiotic, FWP) were compared. The formulas were reconstituted at different concentrations (0.1×, 0.5×, 1×, and 2×). LGG (ATCC BAA-3227) suspensions were used as positive controls. All assays were inoculated with SM, spiral plated (n = 8) onto selective Mitis Salivarius Agar plates, and incubated at 37°C for 96 h. SM growth was enumerated in colony-forming units (CFU). Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to assess concentration-dependent effects and statistical significance (α = 0.05).

Results

FWP recorded less SM growth than FNP at the 0.5×, 1.0×, and 2.0× concentrations (ANOVA p < 0.001). FWP concentration was negatively correlated to SM growth (p < 0.001, r = −0.864), whereas FNP showed strong positive trends (p < 0.001, r = 0.821). MANOVA tests confirmed that both group and concentration affect SM growth (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Commercial probiotic-enriched infant formula effectively suppresses SM growth in vitro. The observed suppression of SM growth in this study provides evidence for this dietary intervention's anticariogenic potential.

Background

Children and adolescents with special needs are at elevated risk for oral diseases. This study examines factors contributing to dental caries among students attending special needs schools in Sydney to inform targeted preventive strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using retrospective data from 320 individuals aged 5–19 years, obtained through school-based oral health assessments and parent/caregiver questionnaires.

Results

Autism was the most common condition (75%), particularly among younger children. Notably, 24% of children aged 5–12 had never visited a dentist. Chi-square analyses showed a higher caries risk in children with multiple medical conditions (χ² = 5.312, p = 0.021), but no significant associations were observed with autism, toothbrushing frequency, toothpaste type, or sweet drink intake. Logistic regression identified medication use (B = 6.421, p = 0.011) and frequent sweet snack consumption (B = 3.998, p = 0.046) as strong predictors, while autism remained non-significant. This suggests that broader behavioural or physiological factors may be more important determinants of caries risk than individual oral hygiene practices alone.

Conclusion

Reducing sugary snack intake may help lower caries risk. School-based oral health education and self-care support can promote better hygiene habits and long-term independence. Future research should evaluate the feasibility of these caries preventive strategies in children and adolescents with special needs.