The journal Arquivos em Odontologia (ISSN: 2178 - 1990) is a continuous scientific publication of the Board of the Postgraduate Program in Dentistry of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (FO-UFMG). The journal has a B3 Qualis Capes classification and is peer-reviewed (double-blind system). The journal's mission is to promote and disseminate intellectual production in the field of health and education in Dentistry and related areas, evaluating and publishing original articles of basic and applied research in the following categories: original research, systematic and integrative reviews, clinical cases and letters to the Editor. Published articles are made available free of charge through the SEER platform.
A necessidade de avanços na produção científica sobre Odontologia Sustentável
Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães de Abreu
Aim: To analyze the characteristics of the 100 most-cited papers on Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) through bibliometric analysis. Methods: A search was performed on November 28th, 2023, using the Web of Science Core and density of citations; year and journal of publication; study design; main topic (objective of the study and type of GIC); authors; institutions; keywords; countries and continents. Scopus and Google Scholar were used to compare the number of citations. Bibliometric networks were generated in VOSviewer. Results: Papers received a total of 15,368 citations, ranging from 84 to 553. The papers were published between 1971 and 2018. The journal that predominated the most was Dental Materials (18%). The majority were laboratory studies (61%), evaluating the procedure performed with GIC (16%). GIC was applied mainly in restorative procedures (79%) the most used type was conventional (50%). The continent with the highest number of publications was Europe (63%), with emphasis on the United Kingdom (23%). The Government Chemist’s Laboratory was the most frequent institution (14%), and Wilson AD had the most publications (13%). Conclusion: The top 100 cited papers primarily originate from Europe and mostly consist of laboratory studies exploring GIC’s clinical performance in restorative dentistry. It’s recommended the development of further interventional studies on GIC, focused on the clinic improvement of the material.
Self-medication among Brazilian schoolchildren during the Covid-19 pandemic
Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-medication is defined as the use of medicinal products without medical indication or professional guidance, to treat self-diagnosed conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this practice may have intensified among children due to social isolation, making it essential to investigate its associated factors. Aim: To assess the frequency of self-medication and the factors associated with this practice among Brazilian schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 128 parents/guardians and their children aged 8–15 years from a public school in Maravilhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Participants were interviewed by a trained researcher via telephone call. Information was collected on sociodemographic characteristics of the children and their families, self-medication practices among schoolchildren and their parents/guardians during the Covid-19 pandemic, history of Covid-19 among household members, and the presence of social isolation. Fear of Covid-19 was assessed using the Brazilian version of The Fear of Covid-19 Scale. Descriptive analyses and unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05; 95% CI) using SPSS software, version 25. Results: Self-medication among children/adolescents was reported by 19.5% of the interviewed parents/guardians. The final model showed that children/adolescents whose parents/guardians practiced self-medication had a 6.80-fold higher frequency of self-medication (95% CI: 3.29–14.08; p < 0.001) compared with those whose parents/guardians did not self-medicate. Conclusion: The frequency of self-medication among children and adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic was 19.5% and was significantly associated with self-medication practices among their parents/guardians.
Development and validation of educational videos to improve adolescents’ ability to identify fake news and seek reliable online health information
Aim: this methodological study aimed to develop and validate six educational videos to improve adolescents’ ability to identify fake news and critically seek reliable online health information. Materials and Methods: ten adolescents and ten experts in Dentistry, Education, and Audiovisual Media participated in the study, which followed ten steps: literature review, script development, expert selection, script evaluation with an instrument, script improvement, video recording, video editing, expert evaluation through instrument and interview, feedback analysis, and final versions development. Results: both scripts and videos scored 80% or higher in all evaluations, indicating their adequacy. Videos scored 80% or higher in content, audiovisual quality, and character portrayal. Feedback on audiovisual elements and key information was incorporated into the final versions. The average video duration was 1 minute 48 seconds. Conclusion: both experts and adolescents found the videos a useful and valid tool for improving adolescents’ skills in identifying fake news and seeking reliable health information online.
Precariousness of dental professionals in popular clinics: analysis of testimonials on social media
Aim: To understand dentists’ perceptions of working conditions in low-cost dental clinics, focusing on experiences shared on social media. Methods: The netnographic method was used to analyze statements published by dental surgeons on an Instagram page. The statements were collected through screenshots and categorized according to the main themes identified, allowing for analysis of the actions and interactions of professionals in the digital environment. Results: A total of 105 testimonials were analyzed, with dissatisfaction regarding payment being the most frequent theme, reported in 49.52% of cases. Furthermore, 36.19% of testimonials mentioned incidents of harassment by clinic owners. Although the reports are based on personal perceptions and do not represent all experiences, they provide relevant insights into the working conditions faced by these professionals. Conclusion: Broader studies are needed to delve deeper into the topic. However, the results indicate that working conditions in low-cost dental clinics, particularly concerning remuneration and harassment, are a significant concern among dentists.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists regarding signs and reports of child abuse/maltreatment
Aim: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists regarding suspected and reported cases of child abuse and neglect. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists working in public health services in a municipality in Northeastern Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire originally developed and validated by Markovic et al. (2015), adapted for administration via the Google Forms platform. After data collection, responses were coded and analyzed using SPSS software, version 21.0 for Windows. The chi-square test (χ²) was applied to assess associations between dependent and independent variables. Results: Most participants worked in the Family Health Strategy (76.7%) and had over 10 years of experience in Dentistry (43.3%). Half of the professionals held a specialization degree (50%), with 26.7% trained in Public Health, Community Health, or Family Health. Additionally, 50% reported having received information about signs of child abuse and neglect during their undergraduate education. Statistically significant associations (p<0.05) were identified between the dependent variables and workplace setting, years of professional experience, time since graduation, and receipt of information on abuse during undergraduate training. Notably, the absence of case history and lack of prior information on the topic during academic training (p=0.046) were identified as factors that could justify the failure to report. Conclusion: Dentists still exhibit alarming levels of lack of knowledge regarding indicators and physical signs of child abuse, highlighting the need for training, curriculum modifications, and the establishment of clear protocols to support dentists when facing suspected cases of abuse.
Lack of parental time as a mediator between child challenging behavior and dentist refusal to treat children with ASD
Introduction: children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face individual and family barriers to accessing dental care due to behavioral and sensory characteristics inherent to the condition. Aim: to evaluate whether caregivers perceived lack of time mediates the relationship between children’s behavioral challenges during dental visits and dental care refusal. Materials and Methods: observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study with a census sample of parents and caregivers of children aged 4–12 years with ASD attended at a reference center in Paraíba, Brazil. Sociodemographic data and dental care-related variables were collected through a structured questionnaire applied by two trained examiners. Statistical analysis included a simple mediation model with 5,000 bootstrap resamples (95% CI) using Jamovi 2.7.6. Results: the sample included 104 participants, mostly male (82.7%) with a mean age of 6.7 years. Among caregivers, 20.2% reported lack of time to take the child to the dentist, 42.3% reported children’s cooperation difficulties, and 7.7% reported dental care refusal. Children’s cooperation difficulties were not directly associated with care refusal (β = 0.129; p = 0.185), but a significant indirect effect mediated by caregivers’ lack of time was observed (β = 0.135; p < 0.01). Cooperation difficulties were also associated with higher perceived lack of time (β = 0.393; p < 0.01) which, in turn, was associated with professional refusal (β = 0.343; p < 0.01). Conclusion: caregivers’ lack of time mediated the relationship between children’s cooperation difficulties and dental care refusal, suggesting that family barriers significantly influence access to dental services for children with ASD.
dental care for persons with disabilities
Knowledge of Dental Students about Child Abuse
Aim: evaluate the scientific literature on the knowledge of dental students regarding child violence. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases using the Population, Concept, and Context strategy. The population considered consisted of dental students; the concept addressed was knowledge about domestic violence against children; and the context referred to dental education. The guiding question was: “What is the scientific production on dentists’ knowledge regarding child violence?” Thirteen articles published between 2006 and 2024 were included, predominantly with a quantitative approach, with emphasis on studies conducted in the United States and published in journals such as the Journal of Dental Education. Results: The studies investigated students’ knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness concerning child violence, revealing significant gaps in academic training, particularly regarding the identification and reporting of cases. Despite students’ ethical and legal awareness, curricular deficiencies were noted, such as limited workload and lack of effective pedagogical approaches to the subject. Conclusion: The analyzed scientific literature highlighted substantial gaps in dental education curricula, emphasizing the urgent need to incorporate, in a structured and continuous manner, content related to child violence in order to equip future professionals to properly recognize and report such cases.
Perceptions of digital education in dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic
Aim: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the experience of digital and hybrid education in undergraduate Dentistry during the pandemic, considering technical, emotional, and identity-related implications. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted through searches in PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the descriptors “Covid-19,” “Education,” “Dentistry,” “Dental Education,” “Hybrid Learning,” and “Virtual Education.” Articles published between 2020 and 2025, in English or Spanish, with full-text availability and addressing dental students’ perceptions of remote learning during the pandemic, were included. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically, without statistical methods. Results: Of the 24 records identified, 11 met the eligibility criteria, encompassing research conducted in countries such as the United States, Jordan, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Romania, El Salvador, and Peru. The studies revealed the rapid adoption of digital platforms to maintain theoretical activities and identified limitations in developing clinical and psychomotor skills. Emotional impacts such as anxiety, demotivation, and insecurity were recurrent. Nevertheless, hybrid education was positively evaluated for complementing face-to-face learning and promoting flexibility. The quality of teacher–student interaction and institutional preparedness emerged as key factors influencing the effectiveness of remote education. Conclusion: Digital education proved to be a viable alternative in emergency contexts and a valuable tool in dental training. However, it cannot replace hands-on clinical experiences. Planned integration of hybrid models that combine technological innovation with practical education is recommended to promote a more comprehensive and adaptable professional formation.
Association Between Parental/Caregiver Oral Health Literacy and Dental Caries in Preschool-Aged Children
Regional disparities in the use of public oral health services in Brazil
Aim: To estimate and compare annual rates of dental care attendance in Primary Health Care (PHC) from 2018 to 2022 across Brazilian regions. Methods: A nationwide ecological study utilized secondary data from the Health Information System for Primary Care to calculate the indicator “rate of dentist attendance per registered population” for Brazilian regions and the country. Indicators were calculated annually from 2018 to 2023. Ratios between rates were calculated to estimate relative disparities of the indicator among Brazilian regions, assuming the region with the highest rates as reference. All analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel®. Results: Dentists performed annually between 36 to 112 attendances per 1000 registered users in PHC. Between 2018 and 2023, the highest rates of dentist attendance in PHC were in the Northeast region and the lowest in the South and Southeast regions. There was a similar pattern of stability (2018-2019), decline (2019-2020), and increase (2020-2023) in the rate for all regions of the country during the analyzed period. Conclusion: The study revealed disparities in rates of dentist attendance per registered population in PHC across Brazilian regions. There was a decrease in rates from 2019 to 2020 followed by an increase until 2023.
The Role of the Dental Surgeon in Palliative Treatment in Oncological Patients
Aim: To demonstrate the relevance of the dentist’s inclusion in the multidisciplinary team in the palliative care of cancer patients. Methods: This is a literature review from searches performed in the SciELO, Lilacs, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The exclusion criteria were complete articles in Portuguese and English, dated from 2018 to 2023. Incomplete articles, annals of events, dissertations, theses, and manuals or management guides were excluded. Results: 12 articles were included, confirming a higher frequency of oral implications in patients affected by cancer, and submitted to radiotherapy treatments. The care of the oral mucosa, in this sense, is indispensable, because it eliminates risks of infection, leading to a better comfort of the patient and a better quality of life. Conclusion: The dentist’s participation in palliative care procedures for cancer patients is essential to ensure better health and well-being for these individuals.
Impact of COVID-19 social isolation on periodontal health in maintenance patients
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemics imposed a period of social isolation that led to the suspension of dental appointments, affecting the regularity of periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) sessions, which are essential for maintaining the stability achieved in the active phase of periodontal treatment. Aims: This retrospective observational study aimed to assess the impact of the suspension of PMT on the stability of periodontal condition of patients enrolled in this phase of periodontal treatment at the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais. Methods: We assessed the potential progression of periodontitis by evaluating probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), clinical attachment level (CAL), tooth loss and the number of residual pockets (≥5 mm). These parameters were assessed in two distinct moments, before (T1) and after (T2) social isolation, to evaluate the long-term impact of the absence of periodontal maintenance therapy. Data from before social isolation were collected from records available, and data from the first appointment after this period were collected by a single trained examiner. Data were registered in an electronic table and the statistical analysis was performed on SPSS, using descriptive measures such as frequencies, mean and median to characterize the sample and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare clinical periodontal variables between T1 and T2. Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled in this study. The results of the comparison of the available data indicate a deterioration of the periodontal condition between T1 and T2, shown by the significant difference of BoP (p<0.001), PPD (p=0.021), CAL (p=0.003) and NT (p<0.001) between T1 and T2. Conclusion: This study concludes that the suspension of PMT sessions during pandemic had a negative impact on periodontal stability of the patients showing the importance of regular visits during the periodontal maintenance therapy to maintain periodontal stability.
Aim: The objective of this study was to develop and validate the content of an educational memory game (MEMÓDENTE) about oral health for children. Methods: A bibliographic search for content development was carried out in books and national and international guidelines on oral health in pediatric dentistry. The game cards were developed in a “questions and answers” format, where the pair of cards is complementary in terms of content and design. After textual and graphic development, the game was submitted to content validation where nine pediatric dentistry specialists (judges) evaluated the clarity and relevance on the content of the game cards. The content validity index (CVI) for each card (C-CVI) and for the game as a whole (J-CVI) was calculated. The judges’ suggestions were evaluated, and those considered relevant were incorporated. For face validation, children and adolescents evaluated the cards regarding the comprehension of their content and the representativeness of the images used, and the content validity coefficient (CVC) was calculated. Results: Two pairs of cards were excluded after the judges’ evaluation, the C-IVC ranged from 0.78 to 1.0, and the J-IVC after modifications and exclusion of irrelevant cards was 1.0. Twenty children and adolescents participated in the face validation and evaluated the 12 pairs of cards retained after content validation, where the CVC of each pair of cards ranged from 0.9 to 1.0, representing that all pairs were considered acceptable. Conclusion: The MEMÓDENTE game had its content and face validation and can be used for children and adolescents. This game can be a complementary tool in oral health education in pediatric dentistry.
Dental Students’ Knowledge of the Differential Diagnosis of Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE)
Introduction: Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) are disturbances in enamel formation that can compromise tooth function and esthetics and increase susceptibility to dental caries. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate clinical management. Aim: To compare the ability to perform differential diagnosis of DDE among undergraduate dental students in their penultimate (3rd year; G1) and final (4th year; G2) years of study at a private university. Methods: A total of 121 students participated in this comparative cross-sectional study (G1: n=71; G2: n=50). Data was collected through an online questionnaire comprising ten clinical case scenarios that required differential diagnosis of DDE. One point was awarded for each correct response, and the total scores were analyzed within and between groups. Statistical comparisons were performed using Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test (α=5%). Results: The mean age of participants was 22.5 ± 4.0 years, with a predominance of females (82.6%). Integrated Dentistry for Children and Adolescents (71.9%) was the most frequently reported discipline addressing DDE. Regarding perceived preparedness, 39.7% of students reported that their coursework provided sufficient knowledge for DDE diagnosis. The overall mean score of correct diagnoses among all participants was 6.2 ± 1.8. Group G2 had a significantly higher mean score (6.6 ± 2.0) compared to G1 (6.0 ± 1.5) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Dental students demonstrated a moderate level of diagnostic accuracy in identifying DDE. Final-year students demonstrated greater proficiency in the differential diagnosis of DDE than penultimate-year students, suggesting progressive knowledge acquisition throughout the dental curriculum. Nevertheless, diagnostic challenges remain, underscoring the need for ongoing education and reinforcement of this topic.
The importance of the dentist in the early diagnosis of leukemia
Aim: Our study aims to estimate how dentists can contribute to the early diagnosis of leukemia through recognizing oral manifestations and initiating timely referrals. Methods: We conducted a scoping review search of the literature that analyzed the dentist’s role in the early diagnosis of leukemia, as well as its manifestations in the oral cavity. We followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The electronic searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar as a source of gray literature. Results: From a total of 3.578 potentially eligible articles, 34 were selected for full-text methodology assessment, and 20 were included in the scoping review. The most common oral manifestations suggestive of leukemia are: ulcers, severe bleeding, gingival hyperplasia, necrosis in the gingival papillae, petechiae, and color change in the mucosa. Conclusion: The dentist plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis of leukemia. When encountering the oral manifestations, systemic signs and symptoms presented in this scoping review, it is essential to promptly request complementary tests to aid in accurate diagnosis and a timely intervention.
Assessment of the impact of a lecture on dental students’ knowledge of dental trauma
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an in-person lecture on dental trauma (DT) on the knowledge and attitudes of dental students. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered at three time points: before the lecture (T0), one week after (T1), and 12 months later (T2). The lecture covered concepts and management of DT based on the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines. Descriptive analysis, Cochran’s Q test, and Friedman’s ANOVA were performed (p≤0.05). Results: Thirty 8th-period students participated in the study. At T0, students had an average of 6.43 correct answers out of 12, which increased to 7.57 at T1 (p=0.020). However, no significant difference was observed between T0 and T2 or between T1 and T2. A significant increase in correct answers was found between T0 and T1, as well as between T0 and T2, for two of the 12 specific questions on DT. No participant reported having “very good” knowledge of the subject at T0, whereas at T1, 10% did (p=0.009). A significant difference was found in knowledge of the IADT guidelines (p=0.001) and the “Tooth SOS” app (p<0.001) before and after the intervention. The majority of participants reported a continued need for more information on DT management at T0, T1, and T2. Conclusion: The lecture had a positive short-term impact on participants’ knowledge of DT. However, no long-term retention of this knowledge was observed.
The gubernacular canal in tooth eruption
Introduction: The gubernacular canal (GC) is an anatomical structure that remains poorly studied by dental professionals. It is theorized that this structure is directly related to the tooth eruption process, acting as a path followed by the erupting tooth. Supposedly, alterations in this structure may lead to eruptive disturbances. It has also been observed a close relationship with odontogenic cysts and tumors, potentially playing a role in the etiology of these lesions and serving as an additional factor in their diagnosis. Objective: To gather and compile information regarding the imaging features of the GC, its role in the eruption process, and its possible association with odontogenic lesions. Materials and Methods: This is an integrative literature review based on searches conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, and Scielo databases, using the descriptors “gubernacular canal,” “gubernacular cord,” “gubernaculum dentis,” “gubernacular tract,” “gubernaculum tract,” “gubernaculum cord,” and “gubernaculum canal.” Case reports and scientific studies were included without restriction on year or language. Articles available only as abstracts, studies without full text, animal studies, literature and systematic reviews, studies not primarily focused on characterizing the GC, and studies unrelated to dentistry were excluded. Results: The search yielded 480 articles, of which 15 were included. Among these, 14 studies used computed tomography and 1 performed histological analysis. In total, 2,400 individuals and 4,812 teeth were evaluated. The prevalence of GC in tomographic exams ranged from 3.7% to 98.9%, being higher in teeth with normal eruption and no eruptive disturbances. The GC was also identified in molars, indicating that it is not restricted to permanent teeth with deciduous predecessors. Conclusion: The gubernacular canal presents specific imaging characteristics that contribute to the understanding of the tooth eruption process. Moreover, when associated with lesions, the GC proves to be a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of odontogenic lesions, as it is found in association with these but not with lesions of non-odontogenic origin.
Extensive Oral Melanoma on the hard palate
Aim: Oral mucosa melanoma (OMM) is a rare malignant neoplasm with aggressive behavior. This report aims to present a case of a large OMM on the hard palate. Methods: A 54-year-old Caucasian man attended the Program of Specific Care for Stomatological Diseases of the Federal University of Uberlândia, referred by a general dentist for evaluation of a lesion on the palate. On oral examination, a focal black pigmentation with red areas was observed in the median region of the hard palate. The diagnostic hypothesis was OMM. Upon incisional biopsy, microscopic assessment of the tissue fragment revealed features compatible with OMM. After diagnostic confirmation, the patient was referred to the head and neck surgery service of the local cancer center, where sessions of radiotherapy and brachytherapy were performed. Results: Although the medical team found an apparent complete radiological response and no cervical lymphadenopathy after treatment, the disease recurred within one year and the patient presented with a poor prognosis. Conclusion: Systematic clinical examinations of the oral cavity for the detection of asymptomatic and isolated pigmentations are necessary since early diagnosis is essential to increase the chances of curing this aggressive malignancy.
Disparities in the provision of individual and collective preventive procedures in oral health in Primary Health Care in Brazil
Aim: This study estimated indicators of the provision of individual and collective preventive procedures in oral health within Primary Health Care, and to assess the magnitude of geographical disparities of these indicators in Brazil. Methods: An ecological study was conducted utilizing secondary data from the Primary Care Health Information System, 2022. The proportion of individual preventive dental procedures, the proportion of collective practices in oral health, and the ratio between individual procedures and collective practices in oral health (ind/col) were calculated for Brazil, by Federative Units (UF), and regions. The Disparity Index (DI) measured the geographical differences of these indicators. Results: Individual preventive procedures and collective practices accounted for 47.7% and 34.4% of PHC procedures, respectively. Higher DIs were observed for collective practices. The ind/col ratio was >30, with lower DIs in the South region. Conclusion: Disparities exist in the provision of preventive actions with a predominance of individual procedures.
The pathophysiology of Hereditary Hemochromatosis and its impact on the oral cavity
Background: Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive disease of the HFE gene, characterized by increased intestinal iron absorption, leading to its slow deposition in several organs, more specifically soft tissues. Aim: The objective of this work was to gather and analyze the scientific evidence on HH. Methods: Using the PUBMED database and the CAPES journal portal, iron metabolism, epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy, and systemic and oral clinical manifestations of this disease were discussed. Results: These manifestations occur mainly from the age of 40, after the excess iron accumulates progressively in different organs, particularly in the liver, heart and pancreas. Oral manifestations occur through hyperpigmented lesions and changes in salivary flow, which can be detected by the Dentist. Conclusion: HH is a very common genetic condition and its late diagnosis can cause irreversible damage to organs and systems, including in the oral cavity, and it is important that the Dentist is aware of its clinical manifestations, in order to contribute to its diagnosis, which, is often only established after the onset of secondary complications of the disease.
Machine Learning for Predicting lncRNA–Disease Associations Related to Periodontitis-Associated Alveolar Bone Loss
Introduction: Periodontitis-associated alveolar bone loss is characterized by the gradual destruction of alveolar bone and is regulated by intricate genetic and immunological processes. Although non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become important regulatory components in these processes, little is known about how they relate to disease, especially in periodontitis. Although there are few comparative evaluations of various architectures, graph-based machine learning presents promising tools for modeling such biological associations. Aim: To predict and reconstruct lncRNA–disease associations related to periodontitis-associated alveolar bone loss, this study compares and assesses the performance of Graph Auto-Encoder (GAE) and Adversarial Regularized Graph Auto-Encoder (ARGAE). Materials and Methods: A heterogeneous bipartite graph with ncRNA and disease nodes was created using experimentally verified data from the LncRNADisease database. A straightforward one-hot scheme was used to encode node features. A two-layer Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) encoder was used in the GAE and ARGAE models. An extra discriminator for adversarial regularization was incorporated into ARGAE. The models were evaluated using embedding coherence (cosine similarity, t-SNE visualization), clustering quality (Silhouette Score, ARI), and link prediction metrics (ROC-AUC, Average Precision). Results: While ARGAE added embedding diversity that allowed for the exploratory identification of less evident lncRNA–disease relationships, GAE showed a strong reconstruction capacity with superior clustering interpretability. The study found clear trade-offs between latent space generalization and prediction accuracy. Conclusions: This comparative analysis fills a substantial knowledge gap by examining the structural and predictive abilities of GAE and ARGAE in modeling lncRNA–disease associations related to alveolar bone loss commonly observed in periodontitis. The results provide useful information for scientists using graph-based models to search for lncRNA biomarkers and aid in advancing periodontology precision diagnostics and treatments.
Maxillofacial injuries in elderly victims of falls
Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the epidemiological profile of elderly fall victims during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods of COVID-19. Methods: Secondary data from medical records of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service at a reference public hospital were analyzed for this type of injury. Cases involving elderly individuals with maxillofacial injuries resulting from falls between January 2017 and December 2022 were included. The independent variables were sex, age (60 to 74 years and over 75 years), fall mechanism, types of maxillofacial injury, weekday, time of day, and type of proposed treatment. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.0 (p < 0.05). The sample consisted of 835 individuals. Results: In the pre-pandemic period, the frequency of falls (51.3%) was higher than during the pandemic period. Falls from standing height were reported in more than 85% of cases. The majority of falls (51.1%) occurred during daytime hours, and 72.8% occurred on weekdays in both periods analyzed. The most prevalent types of trauma were soft tissue injuries (54.9%). Conservative treatment accounted for more than 90% of cases. In the pre-pandemic period, women showed a higher frequency of falls than men (54.4% vs. 46.8%), whereas during the pandemic period, men showed a higher frequency of falls than women (53.2% vs. 45.6%) (p < 0.05). No statistically significant associations were observed among the other variables. Conclusion: Men experienced more falls during the pandemic period, whereas women predominated in the pre-pandemic period. In most cases, falls occurred from standing height in both periods. A reduction in the number of falls was observed during the pandemic period. Maxillofacial soft tissue injuries and simple fractures were the most prevalent injuries in both the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Conservative treatment was the most frequently indicated approach.
Prosthetic rehabilitation in mandibulectomized patients
Introduction: Surgical intervention for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma often involves partial or total mandibulectomy, resulting in the loss of teeth and mandibular bone. The sequelae of these surgeries can lead to functional and morphological deficits, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Dental prostheses have become a therapeutic alternative for mandibulectomized patients; however, their use remains challenging for clinicians due to anatomical changes caused by surgery, as well as complications associated with radiotherapy, such as hyposalivation and the increased risk of osteoradionecrosis. Additionally, the general and psychological health conditions of these patients may further complicate rehabilitation. Aim: This study aims to describe two successful clinical cases of patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and were prosthetically rehabilitated using different strategies. Materials and Methods: In these case reports, we describe the fabrication of two prostheses: one with a modified contour due to the presence of a retained bridge, and another consisting of an overdenture supported by a single implant. Conclusion: These cases demonstrate that prosthetic rehabilitation in patients treated for oral cancer must be individualized in order to restore adequate oral function.
Epidemiological Profile of Treatments for Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Facial Pain in Outpatient Care in Brazil
Introduction: Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Facial Pain (TMD/FD) are characterized by pain associated with the face, neck, and oral cavity structures, with neurological, muscular, psychosocial, and/or traumatic etiologies. Objective: To characterize the epidemiological profile of treatments performed by the Unified Health System (SUS) regarding Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Atypical Facial Pain. Methodology: Cross-sectional study carried out with data from the Outpatient Information System of the Unified Health System (SIA/SUS), accessed through the DATASUS FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server. Procedures performed in Brazil in 2023 were analyzed, with main diagnoses of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (ICD-10: K07.6) or Atypical Facial Pain (ICD-10: G50.1). Sociodemographic characteristics (age group, sex, race/color, region of residence) and care (procedure, diagnosis, complexity, nature) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: Regarding the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, the age group in which TMD and Atypical Facial Pain treatment was most performed was 20-59 years, with a focus on females (71.9%) and brown race/color (76.4%). The Southeast region concentrated the majority of procedures (52.3%), being performed mainly due to Temporomandibular Dysfunction (76.0%) and in Medium Complexity establishments (74.0%). The most common procedures were “Consultation with higher education professionals in specialized care (except physician)” (19.8%), “Medical consultation in specialized care” (14.2%) and “Medical care in emergency care unit” (12.9%). Conclusions: Thus, regarding sociodemographic distribution, the Southeast region stood out for the number of procedures performed, patients in the adult age group (20 to 59 years old), of mixed race and female, being mostly treated in medium complexity establishments, with the respective procedures of consultation with higher education professionals in specialized care, medical consultation in specialized care and medical care in an emergency care unit.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome
Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly through chatbots like ChatGPT, has transformative potential across various areas of knowledge, including Dentistry, gaining prominence for generating human-like text and being increasingly explored in the industry. Objective: To map and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the impacts of ChatGPT in dental education. Methodology: The PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews were followed, and methodological details were previously registered on the Open Science Framework platform. The search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases in May 2024, to identify relevant studies. Studies that reported different uses, benefits, and limitations of ChatGPT in dental education for students, professors, and patients were included. Results: Of the 161 articles identified in the search, 14 were selected for descriptive analysis according to eligibility criteria. Regarding the type of evidence provided, cross-sectional studies were the most common (n=5), followed by experimental studies (n=3), comparative studies (n=2), and descriptive studies (n=2). Conclusion: ChatGPT can be a useful complementary tool in dental education if used with caution and supervision, offering benefits in patient education and information. However, significant limitations exist, such as the accuracy of information, technological dependence, and ethical concerns.
Ethics in scientific research and the use of artificial intelligence
Surveillance of dental trauma in Primary Health Care by Federative Units and Brazilian geographic regions between 2014-2023
Aim: To analyze the temporal trend of dentoalveolar trauma notification in PHC between Federative Units (UF) and Brazilian regions between 2014 and 2023. Methods: The time series used secondary data from oral health surveillance of dentoalveolar trauma, extracted from the Health Information System for Primary Care, referring to the annual data from 2014 to 2023. Population data were extracted from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The occurrence, annual rate, and Annual Percentage Change (APC) (%) were calculated. Temporal analysis used generalized linear regression using the Prais-Winsten method (p<0.05) and serial autocorrelation using the Durbin-Watson test. Results: In ten years, 1,659,903 cases of dentoalveolar trauma were reported in Brazil, with the highest annual rate in 2023 (47.24 per 10,000 inhabitants/year) and the lowest in 2014 (0.08 per 10,000 inhabitants/year). The reporting rates of dentoalveolar trauma in PHC showed an increasing trend over the ten years (2014-2023) for Brazil (APC=28.8%; 95%CI: 7.4%; 54.9%) and for all Brazilian geographic regions, with the greatest variation in the Southeast (APC=36.1%; 95%CI: 9.9%; 68.7%) and North (APC=35.2%; 95%CI: 11.7%-64.1%) regions, and the smallest variation in the Northeast region (APC=18.6%; 95%CI: 3.8%; 35.5%) (p<0.05). Among the UFs, Alagoas showed the greatest increasing variation (APC=55.6%; 95%CI: 3.0%; 135.5%) and the smallest, Bahia (APC=11.5%; 95%CI: 2.7%-21.1%). However, some UFs showed a tendency towards stability (Acre, Roraima, Tocantins, Paraíba and Sergipe) (p>0.05). Conclusion: The surveillance rates of dentoalveolar trauma in the PHC showed an increasing trend in the years analyzed, but with disparities between the Federative Units and the different geographic regions of the country. Uniterms: tooth injuries; public health surveillance; Primary Health Care.
Impact of oral health on the quality of life of public school teachers in Minas Gerais
Introduction: Before the pandemic, teachers were already facing precarious working conditions and health risks, and the health crisis has intensified the need for support to improve physical and mental well-being, in addition to affecting oral hygiene habits and the use of dental services. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of the impact of self-perceived oral health on the quality of life of public school teachers in Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,907 teachers from state schools in Minas Gerais who completed an electronic data collection form. The response variable was the perception of the impact of oral health on quality of life, assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The explanatory variables were grouped into sociodemographic characteristics, access to dental services, self-assessed oral health, general health issues, and work aspects. Binary Logistic Regression was conducted. Results: Among the teachers, 16.8% showed self-perception of the impact of oral health on quality of life, with an association with age (p<0.003), marital status (p=0.020), need for dental treatment (p<0.001), toothache (p<0.001), self-assessment of oral health (p<0.001), depression (p=0.040), common mental disorder (p<0.001), back pain (p=0.001), and psychological demands of work (p=0.001).
Weight stigma and its implications for health and dental care
Aim: To analyze the manifestations of weight stigma in healthcare settings, with emphasis on the dental context, and to propose evidence-based strategies to reduce its consequences on access and quality of care. Methods: A narrative review was conducted in November 2024 in the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases, using descriptors in Portuguese and English combined with Boolean operators. A total of 23 articles published between 2010 and 2024 were included, selected by two independent reviewers following the application of inclusion criteria (addressing stigma in healthcare services) and exclusion criteria (pediatric studies or lack of full-text availability). Results: The findings of this review show that weight stigma manifests recurrently in healthcare services, both through interpersonal interactions, such as disparaging comments and hasty assumptions, and through structural barriers, including the lack of appropriate equipment. This phenomenon contributes to avoidance of healthcare services, lower treatment adherence, and worsening of anxiety and depression symptoms. In the dental care context, additional challenges are noted, including the lack of professional preparedness and the need for specific training, as well as the importance of institutional strategies and structural adaptations to ensure equitable care. Conclusions: Weight stigma represents a systemic barrier to access and quality of healthcare, including dental care. Strategies such as professional training, service adaptations, and inclusive policies are essential to mitigate bias and foster more equitable and integrated care environments.
Andréa Maria Eleutério de Barros Lima Martins