Developing an Interactive Computer Program for Integrated Dental Education

Objectives: The knowledge of anatomy is an integral part of dental and medical education that builds the foundations of pathology, physiology, and other related disciplines. Traditional three-dimensional (3D) models used to teach anatomy cannot represent dynamic physiological processes and lack structural detail in the oral regions relevant for dental education. We developed an interactive computer program to teach oral anatomy, pathology, and microbiology in an integrated manner to improve students’ learning experiences.Methods: The computer program, Jawnatomy, was developed as a 3D human head. Cognitive load theory guided the design of the tool, with the goal of reducing the heavy cognitive load of learning anatomy and integrating this knowledge with pathology and microbiology. Keller’s attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) model of motivational design was used while creating the tool to improve learners’ motivation and engagement. Blender was used to create the graphics, and Unity 3D was used to incorporate interactivity in the program. The 3D renderings of oral anatomy and progression of tooth decay were created with the input of content experts.Results: Jawnatomy will be launched in our institution’s dentistry and dental hygiene program to support project- and team-based learning. This program will also be introduced to students as a self-directed learning tool to help them practice and strengthen their anatomical knowledge at their own pace.Conclusions: Surveys and focus groups will be conducted to evaluate and further improve the computer program. We believe that Jawnatomy will become an invaluable teaching tool for dental education.

Three-Dimensional Modeling and 3D Printing of Biocompatible Orthodontic Power-Arm Design with Clinical Application

Three-dimensional (3D) printing with biocompatible resins offers new competition to its opposition—subtractive manufacturing, which currently dominates in dentistry. Removing dental material layer-by-layer with lathes, mills or grinders faces its limits when it comes to the fabrication of detailed complex structures. The aim of this original research was to design, materialize and clinically evaluate a functional and resilient shape of the orthodontic power-arm by means of biocompatible 3D printing. To improve power-arm resiliency, we have employed finite element modelling and analyzed stress distribution to improve the original design of the power-arm. After 3D printing, we have also evaluated both designs clinically. This multidisciplinary approach is described in this paper as a feasible workflow that might inspire application other individualized biomechanical appliances in orthodontics. The design is a biocompatible power-arm, a miniature device bonded to a tooth surface, translating significant bio-mechanical force vectors to move a tooth in the bone. Its design must be also resilient and fully individualized to patient oral anatomy. Clinical evaluation of the debonding rate in 50 randomized clinical applications for each power-arm-variant showed significantly less debonding incidents in the improved power-arm design (two failures = 4%) than in the original variant (nine failures = 18%).

A review of non-plaque-related gingival conditions. Part Two: Reactive processes, potentially dysplastic and malignant neoplasms, and pigmented conditions

The dental gingivae are a unique part of the oral anatomy and an integral part of the periodontal tissues. Although the vast majority of abnormalities affecting the gingival tissues are due to a simple inflammatory reaction directly related to the presence of dental plaque, a range of non-plaque-related conditions also occur due to either local or systemic factors. Such factors include developmental abnormalities, the presence of malignancy and manifestations of underlying systemic conditions. Recognition and diagnosis of non-plaque-related gingival disease is essential for comprehensive dental health care. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper provides a review of the spectrum of non-plaque-related conditions that can affect the dental gingivae.

A Review of Non-plaque-related Gingival Conditions. Part One: Genetic/Developmental Disorders, Specific Infections and Inflammatory and Immune Conditions

The dental gingivae are a unique part of the oral anatomy and an integral part of the periodontal tissues. Although the vast majority of abnormalities affecting the gingival tissues are due to a simple inflammatory reaction directly related to the presence of dental plaque, a range of non-plaque-related conditions also occur due to either local or systemic factors. Such factors include developmental abnormalities, the presence of malignancy and manifestations of underlying systemic conditions. Recognition and diagnosis of non-plaque-related gingival disease is essential for comprehensive dental health care. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper provides a review of the spectrum of non-plaque-related conditions that can affect the dental gingivae.

Differences in external, internal oral and chondrocranial morphology of the tadpole of Corythomantis greeningi Boulenger, 1896 (Anura: Hylidae)

ABSTRACTThe genus Corythomantis currently comprises a single species, Corythomantis greeningi, a hylid widely distributed in xerophilic and subhumid morphoclimatic regions of Brazil, mainly in the Northeast region. Recently the external morphology, internal oral anatomy, and chondrocranium of C. greeningi tadpoles were described from specimens collected in the state of Bahia, however, we observed some differences in morphology of individuals from the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil. The tadpoles were collected during the 2019 rainy season and 14 individuals were used to describe and compare the larval characters. We observed differences in external, internal oral and chondrocranial morphology in relation to specimens previously described, especially in oral disc, number and shape of oral cavity papillae, and some chondrocranium structures, as: cartilago suprarostralis, cornua trabeculae, fontanella frontoparietalis, cartilago orbitalis e planum hypobranchiale. Our results point to the occurrence of heterochrony in C. greeningi, but we do not rule out the possibility that tadpoles belong to different species. Further studies involving a greater number of tadpoles at different stages, combined with genetic, acoustic, and morphological factors of adult specimens may establish the variation degree of C. greeningi in different regions of northeastern Brazil.RESUMOO gênero Corythomantis compreende atualmente uma única espécie, Corythomantis greeningi, um hilídeo amplamente distribuído nas regiões morfoclimáticas xerofílicas e subúmidas do Brasil, principalmente na região Nordeste. Recentimente foram descritas a morfologia externa, anatomia oral interna e condrocrânio do girino de C. greeningi a partir de espécimes coletados no estado da Bahia, no entanto, observamos algumas diferenças na morfologia dos indivíduos coletados na região norte do estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil. Os girinos foram coletados durante o período chuvoso de 2019 e 14 indivíduos foram utilizados para descrição e comparação dos caracteres larvais. Observamos diferenças na morfologia externa, oral interna e no condrocranio do girino em relação ao descrito anteriormente, sobretudo no disco oral, no número e formato de papilas cavidade oral e algumas estruturas do condrocrânio, como: cartilago suprarostralis, cornua trabeculae, fontanella frontoparietalis, cartilago orbitalis e planum hypobranchiale. Nossos resultados apontam a ocorrência de heterocronia em C. greeningi, porém não descartamos a possibilidade dos girinos pertencerem a espécies diferentes. Estudos futuros envolvendo uma maior área de distribuição e maior número de indivíduos em estágios diferentes, aliados a fatores genéticos, acústico e morfológicos dos espécimes adultos poderão estabelecer o grau de variação de C. greeningi em diferentes regiões do Nordeste brasileiro.

Oral Cavity Lesions

This chapter presents a systematic approach to the diagnosis and management of the most common oral cavity lesions. Oral cavity lesions are broadly categorized based on etiology and are further characterized according to clinical features such as location, shape, size, associated symptoms, and duration. Some of these conditions present with pathognomonic signs and symptoms, whereas others may present nonspecific features, making clinical diagnosis challenging. Formulating a differential diagnosis requires taking a thorough history and performing a detailed physical examination, often along with investigative studies and tests. Management protocols differ according to the specific condition, ranging from observation alone to medication-based and/or surgical therapy. This review 32 figures, 6 tables, and 53 references. Key Words: hematologic malignancy, immune-mediated disease, mucosal melanoma, oral anatomy, oral cancer, oral examination, oral infections, oral manifestations, oral mucosal disease, oral precancerous lesions, salivary gland disease