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Aim: This study aims to assess Croatian dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology, while also identifying perceived barriers to AI and modern technology adoption and evaluating the need for further education and training. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2024 among general dentists in Croatia using a self-structured questionnaire. A total of 200 respondents filled out the questionnaire. It included five sections: socio-demographic and professional information, self-assessment of AI and modern technology use, knowledge of AI in dentistry, current innovations and devices used in practice, and barriers to AI and modern technology integration in practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a regression analysis to explore relationships between socio-demographic factors and AI knowledge. Results: The mean knowledge of AI systems was 3.62 ± 2.56 out of a possible score of 7, indicating relatively poor knowledge, with 47.5% demonstrating knowledge below the median. Most respondents (76.0%) did not use AI systems and modern technology in practice; however, prosthodontics (13.0%) and oral surgery (10.0%) were identified as the primary fields utilizing these technologies. Respondents rated their knowledge of modern technologies and AI as weak or moderate, with 60.5% engaged in continuous education. Despite 76.0% not using AI daily, 71.0% believed that these technologies could enhance patient care. Participants interested in further training showed significantly better knowledge of AI applications (p = 0.030). Major barriers included acquisition and maintenance costs (59.0%) and financial constraints (58.0%). Conclusions: The study revealed that most respondents had poor knowledge of AI systems. Despite this, there is a recognition of AI’s and modern technology potential in dentistry, emphasizing the need for enhanced education and training in this field.

The aim of the study was to evaluate fluoride(F) release and re-release after recharging, and calcium(Ca) release from Fuji IX(Fuji) and Equia Forte HT(E) modified with 5wt% of experimental bioactive glasses BAG and BAG-F. F release was recorded over 91 days, and F re-release over 21 days in six groups (n = 12): (1) Fuji; (2) Fuji BAG; (3) Fuji BAG-F; (4) E; (5) E BAG; (6) E BAG-F. Ca release was recorded over a period of 21 days in samples stored in distilled water or lactic acid(LA) in eight groups (n = 10): (1) Fuji; (2) Fuji LA; (3) Fuji BAG-F; (4) Fuji BAG-F LA; (5) E; (6) E LA; (7) E BAG-F; (8) E BAG-F LA. F and Ca were recorded using ion selective electrodes. ANOVA and LSD test were performed at α = 0.05. F release was significantly higher in modified variants of Fuji and Equia (BAG-F > BAG > original) at all time points, before and after recharging ( p  < 0.001). Increased F release in modifications was more pronounced in E than in Fuji ( p  < 0.05). F release after recharging was lower but dropped more slowly in both materials and modifications. The differences in Ca release were significant regarding material and time intervals ( p  < 0.001). The highest Ca release was recorded in Fuji BAG-F LA, followed by Fuji BAG-F, Fuji LA, Fuji, E BAG-F LA, E BAG-F, E LA, and E.

Silver diamine fluoride/potassium iodide (SDF/KI) Riva Star (SDI) is a tooth desensitizing and anti-caries agent that may be indicated for arresting caries before restoring the tooth in selective caries approach. The aim was to determine the effect of SDF/KI pretreatment on the bonding of SDR Plus Bulk-Fill Flowable (Dentsply) with Clearfil SE Bond 2 (Kuraray) and G-Premio Bond (GC) in self-etch mode on sound dentin. A total of 240 dentin samples were prepared and assigned to 12 groups based on SDF/KI pretreatment (with or without), adhesive type, and testing time (1, 3, and 6 months). The shear bond strength (SBS) was measured using an UltraTester. SBS data were analyzed using three-way factorial model (Adhesive × Pretreatment × Time) and Wald (F) tests, with α = 0.05. Fracture modes were analyzed using χ2 and Fisher’s exact test, with α = 0.05. Clearfil performed significantly better than G-Premio at all time points (p < 0.001). Riva Star pretreatment significantly reduced SBS for both adhesives at all time points (p < 0.001). SBS reduction was significantly higher for Clearfil (p < 0.001). The effect of storage was not significant (p = 0.388). Fracture mode distribution differed significantly between adhesives (p < 0.001). Pretreatment × fracture interaction was significant for Clearfil (p = 0.0052). Mixed fractures in G-premio were rare.

Objective: The objective of the study, which consisted of a motivational lecture and hands-on training, was to evaluate the role of oral hygiene education for adolescents. Methods: The study population included sixty-two high school students between fourteen and fifteen years of age (thirty males and thirty-two females). The response rate was 76.5%. The measurement of oral hygiene level was performed using the modified Green Vermilion Index (GVI). The values were recorded at baseline, one week, three months, and six months after education through motivational lecture and hands-on training was performed. Descriptive and nonparametric statistical methods were used in statistical analysis. Level of significance was 0.05. Results: At the beginning of the study, the GVI of all examined subjects was 3.52 (SD = 0.70). One week after the motivational lecture and training, it decreased to 2.64 (SD = 0.69). Three months later, the level of plaque index had the lowest value (1.44; SD = 0.66). At the end of the study the level of plaque index increased to 2.52 (SD = 0.86). Conclusions: A significant oral hygiene improvement in adolescents as a result of education was presented. However, due to a decline in oral hygiene level six months after the education, there is a need for educational programmes continuity.

The term “periapical lesion” refers to a pathological change in the tissues surrounding the apex of a tooth root, defined by its anatomical location rather than a distinct disease entity. Periapical lesions may be of endodontic origin, most commonly resulting from microbial infection of the root canal system following pulp necrosis due to caries, trauma, or other insults, or of non-endodontic origin, such as developmental cysts, benign and malignant odontogenic and non-odontogenic tumors, and fibro-osseous lesions. Accurate diagnosis requires a systematic approach combining patient history, clinical examination, pulp vitality testing, and radiographic assessment; histopathological evaluation is indicated when clinical and radiographic findings are inconsistent or suspicious. The pathophysiology of these lesions involves dynamic interactions between root canal microorganisms and the host immune-inflammatory response. The primary management for endodontic periapical lesions is root canal treatment, which aims to reduce or eliminate root canal microorganisms through mechanical debridement and chemical disinfection. Persistent or extensive endodontic lesions and non-endodontic lesions may require surgical intervention. Molecular and inflammatory biomarkers have been investigated as adjunctive tools for assessing disease activity and prognosis; however, these remain largely investigational and are not yet part of routine clinical practice. Future developments in artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, molecular diagnostics, and personalized therapies may enhance the diagnosis and management of periapical lesions, although further clinical validation is required.

Radiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of the early and advanced stages of head and neck cancer. To date, there is still no consensus on the effects of radiotherapy on the mechanical properties of fluoride-releasing restorative materials which can be used in patients undergoing radiotherapy with increased incidence of caries. The fluoride-releasing materials Equia Forte HT and Cention N were compared to the resin-based materials Tetric EvoCeram and Tetric Power Fill. Standard irradiation was performed with a linear accelerator. Vickers microhardness, mass, surface roughness and color were measured before and after irradiation. Cention N and Tetric PowerFill showed stability in the mass, while the surface roughness did not change in any of the examined groups. Resistance to microhardness change was shown by Cention N, Tetric PowerFill and Tetric EvoCeram, and the color change was significant in all groups (p < 0.05). It should be remembered that patients receiving head and neck radiation therapy may experience adverse effects from the treatment, including changes in the mechanical properties of the restorative materials. The obtained results suggest that Cention N can be used as a material in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy due to the mechanical stability and depo effect of fluoride release.

To examine the effect of ionizing radiation on fluoride release from restorative dental materials, samples of Equia Forte HT, Fuji Triage, Fuji IX, Cention Forte, Activa Presto, Beautifil II, and Luminos (n = 10) were made in Teflon molds and divided into a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group was exposed to ionizing radiation for a total of 35 days (70 Gy, 2 Gy per day). The fluoride release was measured with a fluorine-selective electrode. The median recorded fluoride values were higher with Equia Forte HT, Fuji Triage, and Fuji IX compared to others during the entire period in both groups. With Activa Presto, a higher release of fluoride was recorded in the experimental group on the first day of irradiation, while a higher release was recorded in the control group, as well as with Luminos and Beautifil II. With Cention Forte, there was no significant difference in fluoride release between the experimental and control groups except on the sixth day. With Fuji Triage and Fuji IX, the release of fluoride was higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, while with Equia Forte HT, there was no difference between the groups. In conclusion, ionizing radiation has no major effect on fluoride release in all the tested materials.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of human blood contamination, before and after hardening of the materials, on microhardness of high-viscosity Fuji IX GP Extra (Fuji IX) and resin-modified Fuji II LC (Fuji II) glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and glass-hybrid material EQUIA Forte HT (EQUIA), with and without protective coating EQUIA Forte Coat (Coat), before and after thermocycling. Four groups (n = 40): 1. Fuji IX; 2. Fuji II; 3. EQUIA and 4. EQUIA + Coat were further subdivided into 3 subgroups: (1) Control; (2) blood contamination before hardening; (3) blood contamination after hardening, resulting in a total of 12 groups of 10 samples each. Samples were prepared using teflon molds (5 mm × 2 mm). Microhardness was measured using a Vickers microhardness tester before and after thermocycling (10,000 cycles), and data were statistically analyzed (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, ANOVA, Scheffe’s test). In the control groups, the highest microhardness was measured for EQUIA+Coat before thermocycling (70.71 ± 8.79) and after thermocycling (68.6 ± 7.65). Within the groups exposed to blood after hardening, the highest microhardness was recorded in the thermocycled EQUIA+Coat group (73.07 ± 8.85). Blood contamination before hardening negatively affected the microhardness of Fuji II, Fuji IX, and EQUIA+Coat. Exposure to blood after hardening increased the microhardness of Fuji IX and EQUIA, thermocycled Fuji IX and thermocycled EQUIA + Coat samples.

Background: Radiotherapy is a key treatment for head and neck cancers but often compromises oral health, partly through its impact on restorative materials. A specific concern is whether ionizing radiation alters the water absorption and solubility of fluoride-releasing restoratives, potentially affecting their durability. This study aimed to evaluate these properties following clinically relevant radiation exposure. Methods: Seven contemporary fluoride-releasing restorative materials (Fuji IX, Equia Forte HT, Fuji Triage, Activa Presto, Cention, Luminos, and Beautifil II) were tested (n = 10 per group). Specimens were either irradiated with 70 Gy in 35 fractions using a clinical linear accelerator or maintained as non-irradiated controls. Water absorption and solubility were measured over 35 days according to ISO 4049 protocols, and data were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Across all materials, irradiated specimens exhibited slightly higher water absorption and solubility values compared to controls; however, differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Material-specific trends were observed, with Fuji IX, Fuji Triage, Beautifil II, and Equia Forte showing relatively higher absolute values. Conclusions: Clinically relevant ionizing radiation did not significantly affect the water absorption or solubility of the tested fluoride-releasing restorative materials, suggesting preserved physicochemical stability under therapeutic conditions.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to segment and profile socially responsible investment (SRI) funds based on investment strategies they use. Specifically, the paper investigates how different SRI strategies are applied and how they are related to fund-level characteristics, with the goal of recognising their potential dominant combinations in SRI practice.Design/methodology/approachCluster analysis was complemented with one-way ANOVA to classify 147 SRI funds from 11 European countries into different groups based on the diversification (number and type) and application (intensity of usage) of the investment strategies. Discriminant analysis and chi-square tests were conducted to profile the clusters. Financial performance was examined by running multiple hierarchical regression and dominance analyses to determine meaningfulness of particular investment strategies within each of the SRI fund clusters.FindingsThree basic SRI fund clusters were recognised: strong-intensity strategic heterogeneity, weak-intensity strategic heterogeneity and weak-intensity strategic homogeneity. The combination of SRI strategies used in the weak-intensity strategic homogeneity cluster significantly explained the variance in mid-term financial returns.Practical implicationsFund managers may use these results to make more informed investment decisions on the selection and the application of SRI strategies.Social implicationsFinancial industry has significant and broad and not only economic but also social implications. This research effort results in better understanding of the SRI universe, potentially leading to a broader consideration of the societal impact of financial investment.Originality/valueThe author provided useful insights into existing bundles of SRI strategies used in the European SRI market, recognised dominant investment strategies within SRI strategy portfolios and reported how strategic variety is related to fund-level characteristics.