COVID-19 Vaccination: To Lead by Example or an Opportunity Lost

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a global health emergency. Vaccine hesitancy and tremendous misinformation about the actual science are leaving the public with significant confusion. However, sound epidemiologic science is guiding us to a clear path toward mitigating this modern-day scourge. It is remarkable how putting an end to current COVID-19 outbreaks has such a simple solution—convincing the public to accept getting vaccinated. The dental research, dental education, and dental practice communities have a unique opportunity to act as trusted public exemplars as well as trusted interpreters of the science for the public.

The effect of librarian involvement on the quality of systematic reviews in dental medicine

Objectives To determine whether librarian or information specialist authorship is associated with better reproducibility of the search, at least three databases searched, and better reporting quality in dental systematic reviews (SRs). Methods SRs from the top ten dental research journals (as determined by Journal Citation Reports and Scimago) were reviewed for search quality and reproducibility by independent reviewers using two Qualtrics survey instruments. Data was reviewed for all SRs based on reproducibility and librarian participation and further reviewed for search quality of reproducible searches. Results Librarians were co-authors in only 2.5% of the 913 included SRs and librarians were mentioned or acknowledged in only 9% of included SRs. Librarian coauthors were associated with more reproducible searches, higher search quality, and at least three databases searched. Although the results indicate librarians are associated with improved SR quality, due to the small number of SRs that included a librarian, results were not statistically significant. Conclusion Despite guidance from organizations that produce SR guidelines recommending the inclusion of a librarian or information specialist on the review team, and despite evidence showing that librarians improve the reproducibility of searches and the reporting of methodology in SRs, librarians are not being included in SRs in the field of dental medicine. The authors of this review recommend the inclusion of a librarian on SR teams in dental medicine and other fields.

Level of Evidence of Dental Research in Saudi Arabia (2000–2020)

Objectives. The level of evidence (LOE) of Saudi dental research from 2000 to 2020 was evaluated, and factors associated with the LOE were determined. Methods. This study was a systematic review. PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline databases were utilized to retrieve available dental articles published in English between January 2000 and May 2020. The inclusion criteria consisted of clinical studies conducted in Saudi Arabia with at least one Saudi dental affiliation. The retrieved eligible articles were evaluated independently by two reviewers using a modified Oxford LOE scale. The LOE of the studies was compared between the last two decades. Results. Of the 7237 articles identified, 1557 articles met the inclusion criteria. Approximately 78% of the published articles reported Level IV evidence. A higher trend toward Level I, II, and III publications has occurred in recent years (i.e., 2010–2020). However, no statistically significant difference existed in LOE proportions between the two decades. The presence of international collaboration and high journals’ impact factor was significantly associated with a higher LOE. Conclusion. Most published dental research studies were low LOE studies (i.e., Level IV). National and international collaboration is highly encouraged as this is a factor, according to our findings, that would be a positive addition toward publishing dental research of a higher LOE in Saudi Arabia.

Robert Frank: A Pioneer and Visionary Scientist in Oral Medicine

The Faculty of Dental Surgery of the University of Strasbourg would not be the great institute it is today if it were not for an admirable, or rather extraordinary, man: Robert Frank (May 21, 1924–August 7, 2020). He was the first dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the University of Strasbourg, France. He was a dynamic and notorious leader. He brought forward amazing progress—in administration, dental research, and public health at both national and international levels. He was recognized for his top-quality innovative research and elected the 60th president of the International Association for Dental Research (1983–1984). Upon retirement, he continued his commitment to advancing humanity through painting his vision of the microscopic world and developing a “nanoart” vision.