INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study was to evaluate color stability of two different types of bulk-fill composite resin and CAD/CAM hybrid ceramic materials after thermal ageing.
METHODS: 12 samples from Tetric-N-Ceram Bulk-Fill and Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow with 4-mm thickness 10-mm diameter were prepared in a teflon mould. Prepared samples were polished with discs from coarse-to-fine(10sec).12 samples from Vita-Enamic and Shofu-Block-HC were prepared with a microtome device. CAD/CAM blocks were polished with silicone abrasive papers. CAD/CAM samples were standardised in 4.0±0.1mm thickness with digital micrometer. Initial color measurements were taken with a spectrophotometer according to CIE-L*a*b*color system. All samples were put in a thermal cycle device, aged with 10000 cycles. Final color measurements were recorded after the thermal cycle procedure. The color change(ΔE) was calculated. To state the relationship between color change and clinical environment, data were transformed to National-Bureau of Standards(NBS). For statistical analysis Mann-Whitney-U Test with Bonferroni Correction were used with 0.008 degree of signifance.
RESULTS: According to the statistical evaluation, Vita-Enamic CAD/CAM hybrid ceramic material showed the highest color-stability when compared with other materials. Tetric-N-Ceram Bulk-fill composite resin was evaluated the lowest color-stability material(p<0.008).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In a matter of color-stability based materials, ceramic content, size and ratio of inorganic filler particles, structure of organic resin matrix could be concluded that determinative.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate a possible relationship between maxillary sinus volume (MSV) and the diameter and length of the nasolacrimal canal (NC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data.
METHODS: In this retrospective study, CBCT scans of 93 patients were evaluated. The maxillary sinuses and NCs were evaluated separately using Fujifilm-Synapse 3D software. 186 measurements of NC and maxillary sinuses were made in 93 patients.
RESULTS: The total mean patient age was 38.2 ± 15.2 years. There were no significant differences between genders in terms of MSV, length, and diameter of NC. No statistically significant differences were found between the two sides in terms of MSV, length, and diameter of NC. While a negative correlation was detected between MSV and NC diameter, a positive correlation was found between MSV and NC length.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: As the maxillary sinus medial wall forms the lateral border of the nasal cavity, the recognition and preservation of the nasolacrimal canal is essential for better postoperative results in surgical procedures to be applied to this area. In our study, it was found that as MSV increased, the diameter of the NC decreased and its length increased.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different polishing systems on the surface roughness of ten different resin composites.
METHODS: 60 samples were prepared for each resin composites. Plexiglass molds (8mm diameter and 2 mm depth) were used. The samples were divided into five subgroups according to polishing systems. Group 1: control (no polishing), Group 2: Clearfil Twist Dia, Group 3: Pogo, Gropu 4: Sof-Lex and Group 5: Super Snap. Surface roughness measurements were performed from three different points using a profilometer and surface roughness values were recorded. The obtained data were statistically analyzed with the Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U test (Bonferroni correction) at 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the surface roughness of polishing subgroups in each resin composites (p<0.05). Except for Geanial and Gradia Direct, all resin composites shown significantly lower roughness values in the control group (p<0.05). Also, it was determined that there was a significant difference between the roughness values of the tested resin composites in all polishing groups (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The properties of the resin composite used should also be considered while applying the finishing and polishing processes in aesthetic restorations.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the formats and indication-specific parameters of dental volumetric tomography (DVT) reports obtained from different dental schools.
METHODS: Specific forms were prepared under the guidance of reviews and position papers for DVT reports prescribed for most frequent dental indications, such as intra-osseous lesions, impacted teeth, implant planning and endodontic pathologies. Total of 200 DVT reports obtained from 26 dental schools were evaluated for formats and indication-specific parameters. The findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of the reports were in structured format. Demographics (91.5%) and device characteristics (56.5%) were the most written parameters but clinical findings were found in 22.5% reports. Morphological and dimensional characteristics of lesions were reported at 42% and 46% for intra-osseous pathologies respectively. Relationship with neighboring structures was reported in 64% of the reports prepared for implant planning. Root-canal morphology was described in 20% of the reports written for endodontic pathologies.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Structured format is the most preferred format for reporting. Reports written for endodontic pathologies were the most deficient in terms of content. In order to standardize the parameters that should be included in DVT reports and to develop a common terminology, revision of the education curriculum is recommended.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the theses made in orthodontic postgraduate education and to analyze the trends in terms of selected topics.
METHODS: Doctoral (PhD), master's (MSc) and specialization theses completed between 2017-2021 in the field of orthodontics in Turkey were examined. Turkish National Thesis Center database was searched online. Theses completed at both public and private universities were included in the study.
RESULTS: A total of 563 theses were analyzed. 24 (4.2%) of the theses were master's, 125 (22.2%) doctorate and 424 (73.6%) specialization thesis. 173 (30.7%) of the thesis were reports the treatment outcome, 170 (30.2%) were diagnostic, 147 (26.1%) were material studies, 27 (4.8%) of theses were on finite element analysis, 22 (3.9%) were on animal experiment and 5 (0.9%) were about education. According to the methodology, it was found that 235 (41.7%) of theses were based on clinical studies, 121 (21.5%) were laboratory studies, 126 (22.4%) were measurement studies (models, films, photographs etc), 45 (8%) were questionnaires and 33 (5.9%) were computer-based studies.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Due to the widespread use of 3-D imaging methods, most of the theses were made using these technologies. Deep bite, artificial intelligence, vibration therapy, lingual orthodontics and aligners were the least studied subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Laboratory studies were demonstrated promising performances of fiber-reinforced materials with respect to fracture resistance and polymerization shrinkage, especially for non-vital teeth restorations. However, few clinical trials on this topic had been published. The aim of the present study is to investigate the clinical performance of short glass-fiber reinforced composite restorations.
METHODS: Thirty patients with root canal treated and temporarily filled molars include in this study. Half of them were restored with short glass-fiber reinforced composite restorations while the other half was restored with a nanohybrid resin composite only. Modified USPHS (US Public Health Service) criteria were used to evaluate restorations by two restorative dentistry specialist, at baseline, 6th month and 12th-month control sessions. Mc-Nemar test was used to compare baseline scores and control scores in the 6th and 12th months.
RESULTS: Although the restorations performed showed slight changes according to the marginal integrity, marginal coloration and anatomical form criteria, these changes did not create a significant difference between the groups (p> 0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, all restorations were provided adequate aesthetics and function during the 12-month follow-up regardless of fiber reinforcement.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study is to revise Ege University Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Graduation Education Curriculum according to DUÇEP, to construct a learning outcome-oriented curriculum, and to evaluate developments using a software.
METHODS: Study was conducted in 4 stages. In first stage, DUÇEP compatibility of curriculum was ensured, while in the 2. stage, curriculum was transferred to software. In third stage, program qualifications that were not met were determined and arrangements were made. At last stage, online survey of 15 questions was applied to faculty members, and their views on curriculum development process implemented through software were learned.
RESULTS: DUÇEP compliance and level of meeting program qualifications can be achieved efficiently through a software. Template content tables on software helped instructors speed up their learning objective writing processes. Most of the faculty members reported that use of a software (68.35%, n=52) in ensuring standardization is important in monitoring DUÇEP compliance (78.8%, n=60). Participants stated that weaknesses and strengths of curriculum can be determined quickly and effectively with educational software.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Educational software offers fast solutions in evaluating compatibility of curriculum with program outputs and core programs. In our faculty, transferring curriculum to electronic environment saved time and provided standardization.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate statistically whether there was a strong correlation between the skeletal anatomical features in the skull and the height of the lower face in occlusion, and to determine the occlusal vertical dimension of complete dentures with an objective and repeatable method.
METHODS: The occlusal vertical dimension increases determined by the cephalometric analysis method in 21 patients were 2 mm to 16 mm, with an average of 9 mm. Clinical examination, functional evaluation of the stomatognathic system with the Helkimo index were conducted with the dentures. Additionally, MRIs of the patients were obtained and evaluated.
RESULTS: 85% of the patients adapted to their new dentures immediately. 85.7% of the patients stated that they could eat comfortably, 90.5% of the patients explained that the appearance of their new dentures were better. Symptoms evaluated by Helkimo indexes were reduced.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: An average of 9 mm increase in the vertical dimension of occlusion gave a successful treatment outcome for most of the patients. With the construction of the new complete dentures, functions of the stomatognathic system were improved. Also, MRI evaluations revealed that for this study, increase in OVD did not cause any pathological conditions in the temporomandibular joint area.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the level of stress in OLP patients using STAI-II and to compare the results with healthy group.
METHODS: Patients who were clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with OLP were included in the test group while patients who applied for routine control and had no oral mucosal lesions constituted the control group. All participants were asked to fill in the STAI-II scale. Demographic data and STAI-II values of groups were analyzed with the chi-square test while the correlations of between STAI-II values and age/gender were evaluated with non-parametric correlation analysis.
RESULTS: 77.7% of the OLP group were females and 22.3% were males, the mean age of the group was 52.35. 75% of the participants in the control group were female and 25% were male, the mean age was 28.5. The mean age of the OLP group was statistically higher than the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender distribution. The mean STAI-II values of the OLP group were higher than the control group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In oral diseases which stress is an etiological factor, including psychological treatments in the general protocol along with dental and medical treatments may be beneficial for the remission of OLP lesions.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) for children requiring dental treatment due to severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) following dental treatment under general anaesthesia (GA).
METHODS: Child patients under 72 months old who have received dental treatment under GA due to S-ECC, and their parents have been included in this study. Demographic information such as; age of the children in months, gender, The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, dmft index, treatment types, procedure length, participating parent information, parents’ education level have been recorded. Parents have been asked to fill the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) to measure QHRQoL of children on baseline and the following month. Independent samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test have been used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Total ECOHIS score and scores of subscale domains have reduced following treatment, and this reduction was found statistically significant (p<0.05). A large improvement was observed in all of the domains except the child self-image/social interaction and family function which exhibited a moderate effect size.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study concluded that in cases where children suffer from S-ECC, extensive dental treatment under GA effects children’s QHRQoL and their parents positively.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with implant loss in patients who underwent maxillary sinus augmentation with lateral window technique and simultaneous implant placement.
METHODS: Thirty-six patients, who underwent maxillary sinus augmentation, and 105 implants were retrospectively analyzed between January 2015 and December 2018. Age, gender, implant structure, length, diameter and location, bone graft, barrier membrane, sinus membrane perforation, graft loss, graft infection, residual bone height and failed implants were recorded. Implant survival rate was calculated as a percentage of the total implant number, and Multiple Logistic Regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors associated with implant loss.
RESULTS: Of the 105 implants, 10 were lost, and implant survival rate was %90.4. There was found that the implants with machined collar surface were 12.96 times more likely to result in implant loss than the implants with rough collar surface (p=0.018), and a 1mm increase in residual bone height was approximately 71% less likely to result in implant loss (p=0.012).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to the results of the study, the use of implants with machined collar surface, and residual bone height less than 4 mm could increase the risk of implant loss.

Together with professional knowledge and technical competence, communication skills are an important requirement for successful clinical practice in dentistry. At present, patients are more aware of oral health issues and good dentist-patient communication improves clinical outcomes, patient cooperation, as well as satisfaction. For a satisfactory dentist-patient communication, the dentist should be able to use active listening, obtain comprehensive data from the patient, give clear and concise information, and empathize with the patient. It is acknowledged that a successful dentist has to be competent in communication skills. Therefore, communication skills education is recommended to be given within the undergraduate program in dental schools. Traditional lectures, video recording of presentations, role acting, standardized patients, real patients, peer teaching, small group discussions can be used for the training of communication skills. The recommended education strategy can be to use interactive methods together with traditional training methods for the best outcomes in communication skills training. However, many dental schools currently lack such specific programs in their curriculum. Overloading of the undergraduate dental curriculum, and trainers as well as the financial burden of patient simulation are the major problems that need to be overcome.