Log In 
Language Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry. 2025. Vol. 17, no. 10
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
- Management of oral lesions in toxic epidermal necrolysis with photobiomodulation: report of three cases(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) da Silva, Weslay Rodrigues; Silva, Ana Paula de Medeiros; Cabral, Marcella Maria Santos; do Nascimento, Patrícia Batista Lopes; Lopes, Daniela Siqueira; Romeiro, KalineToxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a mucocutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to certain drugs and/or infections that can lead to multisystem involvement. The oral cavity is affected in almost all cases. The aim of this study was to report three clinical cases of TEN managed with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for the treatment of oral lesions. All patients presented with oral ulcers at various locations. Treatment consisted of oral hygiene with 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate combined with PBMT applied to strategic sites and aPDT applied to areas of secondary infection. The proposed therapeutic approach resulted in significant clinical improvement of the oral lesions, even prior to improvement of skin manifestations, including pain relief and accelerated tissue healing. These findings suggest that PBMT and aPDT may be effective in improving the oral condition of patients with TEN.
- Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the tongue: a case report and literature review(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Kalfarentzos, Evagelos; Louka, Venetia; Gkilas, Charalampos; Katsoulas, Nikolaos; Korkolopoulou, Penelope; Kolomvos, NikolaosLow-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is an extremely rare mesenchymal neoplasm. It arises from the differentiation of myofibroblasts and demonstrates a preference for the head and neck region. Herein, we present a case of LGMS in a 52-year-old man with painless swelling in the anterior right area of the tongue. Histologically, the lesion consisted of spindle-shaped cells exhibiting mild to moderate nuclear atypia, arranged in fascicles with a storiform pattern. Neoplastic cells were positive for SMA and negative for EMA, CD34, h-caldesmon, desmin, β-catenin, S100, SOX10, and NF, with a Ki-67 index of 15-20%. Complete surgical excision with clear margins was the treatment of choice. Very few cases of LGMS have been documented in the literature, and regular follow-up for these patients is essential for drawing reliable conclusions regarding local recurrence and the metastatic potential of this tumor.
- Pre-post intervention changes in salivary biomarkers after dental treatment in children with caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Ardila Medina, Carlos Martín; Contreras Morillo, Marian; Pineda-Vélez, ElianaDental caries is a prevalent chronic disease in children that induces local inflammation and oxidative stress. Salivary biomarkers offer a non-invasive tool for monitoring biological changes associated with dental interventions. This study aims to evaluate pre- and post-treatment changes in salivary biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in children with caries and to synthesize evidence on the biological response to treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO. A comprehensive literature search identified longitudinal and pre-post studies assessing salivary biomarkers in pediatric caries patients treated with restorative or preventive interventions. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I, and evidence quality with GRADE. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Six studies involving 202 children (aged 3–12) were included. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37–0.65), favoring a post-treatment improvement in biomarker levels. Heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 45.6%; τ² = 0.012). ROBINS-I indicated moderate risk of bias; GRADE rated overall certainty of evidence as moderate. Therapeutic dental interventions in children with caries are associated with measurable improvements in salivary biomarkers, suggesting reduced inflammation and oxidative stress following treatment.
- A scoping review of mathematical modeling techniques for gingival keratinization: a framework for periodontal research(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Yadalam, Pradeep Kumar; Anegundi, Raghavendra Vamsi; Ardila Medina, Carlos MartínGingival keratinization is a critical physiological process that protects against mechanical stress and microbial invasion. Disruptions in this process contribute to periodontal diseases, affecting over 50% of adults worldwide. Despite its clinical significance, the molecular mechanisms of gingival keratinization remain poorly understood. This scoping review evaluates three predominant mathematical modeling paradigms—Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs0, Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), and Agent-Based Models (ABMs)—to establish a framework for periodontal research. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore, identifying 42 studies for analysis. Models were assessed across six dimensions: biological scale, spatial-temporal resolution, stochasticity, computational complexity, and perturbation response. Quantitative scoring was applied to compare capabilities in gene expression, temporal dynamics, and spatial modeling. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. ABMs demonstrated superior versatility (total score: 75.0%) in simulating spatial organization and mechanical stress responses, while GRNs excelled in gene expression modeling (score: 9/10) and ODEs in temporal dynamics (score: 7/10). Perturbation coverage was highest for ABMs (87.5%), particularly for inflammation and mechanical stress. GRNs and ODEs scored 62.1% and 65.2%, respectively, with strengths in genetic and population-level dynamics. ABMs are optimal for spatial and stochastic modeling, whereas GRNs and ODEs are better suited for molecular and temporal analyses. Integrating these approaches could provide a comprehensive understanding of gingival keratinization. This review offers guidelines for model selection based on research objectives and computational resources.
- Cryosurgery in oral lesions(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Georgakopoulou, Eleni A.; Loumou, Panagiota; Sgouros, Dimitrios; Chaurasia, Akhilanand; Panagiotopoulos, AntoniosCryosurgery is a treatment method that employs extremely low temperatures to address various diseases. Since the early 1960s, liquid nitrogen has been utilized in dermatology, oral surgery, ophthalmology, gynecology, urology, cardiology, and internal organ surgery. It is the preferred treatment for numerous skin conditions due to its versatility in addressing benign, precancerous, and malignant diseases.The application of cryosurgery as a therapeutic approach for oral mucosal diseases has been shaped by the treatment of analogous dermatological conditions. Considering the potential of cryosurgery applications, it has been utilized as an alternative therapy for various oral lesions.
- Effect of chemical surface treatments on the repair of composite restorations(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Rizzante, Fabio; Hales, Hannah; Silva, Italo; Cayouette, Monica J.; Ishikiriama, Sérgio Kiyoshi; Furuse, Adilson YoshioBackground: Repair of resin composite restorations consists in a more conservative solution compared to complete replacement. The objective of the present study was to evaluate different surface treatment protocols and their effects on the adhesive interface between the base and the repair resin composite, considering both new and aged restorations.Material and Methods: This study evaluated six resin composites (Admira Fusion Xtra/ADM, Filtek Supreme Flowable/FSF, Filtek One/FO, Vitra/VIT, Filtek Supreme/FS, Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable/FBF), five surface treatments (Hydrofluoric acid 120s+silane/HFs, Phosphoric acid 30s/P30, Phosphoric acid 30s+silane/P30s, Sof-lex+ phosphoric acid 30s/SP30, Sof-lex+phosphoric acid 30s+silane/SP30s), and two repair timepoints (immediate and after 1 year simulated aging aged). Forty disks for each resin were divided into 10 groups according to surface treatment and repair timepoints (n=4 disks per subgroup). Surface treatments were performed, followed by application of a universal bonding agent (Scotchbond Universal). Filtek Supreme/FS was used as the repairing resin, and three cylinders of material were cemented on each resin disk. Notched shear bond strength test was performed using a universal testing machine, contact angle tests were performed using a goniometer, and fracture mode analysis was performed using a stereomicroscope.
- Prevalence of lower second molar impaction on panoramic radiographs of Peruvian individuals. A cross-sectional study(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Rojas-Yauri, Milagros Carina; Arias-Quispe, Carlos Jherson; Arriola-Guillén, Luis-ErnestoTo determine the prevalence and primary radiographic characteristics of impacted mandibular second molars in Peruvian individuals using panoramic radiographs.Material and methods: This cross-sectional study examined 1,000 digital panoramic radiographs of young adults aged 15 to 40 years in Lima, Peru, conducted from 2022 to 2024. These radiographs were evaluated individually for each side, for a total of 2000 sides evaluated. Two trained evaluators performed the measurements. The selected radiographs included complete lower dentition and demonstrated good contrast and clarity. We evaluated the presence of second molar impaction and the level of impaction (coronal, cervical, or radicular). The direction of impaction was also assessed and categorized as vertical, mesioangular, distoangular, horizontal, inverted, or transverse. Additionally, the relationship between the third molar and whether the impaction was unilateral (right or left) or bilateral were evaluated. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0, applying Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, and logistic regression (p<0.05). The sample consisted of 514 females (mean age, 26.79 ± 10.12 years) and 486 males (mean age, 26.26 ± 9.76 years). The prevalence of impaction was found to be 6%. Among the impacted cases, females represented the majority (61.67%) compared to males (28.33%). The most frequently observed level of impaction was coronal (78.8%), followed by cervical (16.5%) and radicular (4.7%). The predominant angulation was mesioangular (71.8%), followed by distoangular (16.5%), vertical (7.1%), and horizontal (4.7%). Unilateral impaction was fairly distributed between the right side (28.3%) and left side (30%), while bilateral impaction was observed in 41.7% of cases. The prevalence of impacted second molars in our study was significant and has a considerable impact on orthodontic clinical practice. This issue was more common in females, with most cases occurring at the coronal level. The most frequent orientation of impaction was mesioangular, and unilateral cases were more common than bilateral ones.
- Mechanical performance of 3D-printed resins versus CAD/CAM PMMA for provisional crowns: new evidence under simulated clinical conditions(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Zarate-Maquera, Aracy Diana; Sánchez-Tito, Marco; Tozo-Burgos, José-GiancarloProvisional restorations play a fundamental role in fixed prosthodontic rehabilitation. While current evidence has identified CAD/CAM-fabricated materials as the preferred option due to their excellent mechanical properties, 3D-printed resins have shown significant improvements in their performance in recent years. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to re-evaluate the fracture resistance of provisional crowns fabricated using 3D-printed resin and CAD/CAM-milled PMMA, considering the influence of artificial aging. An in vitro study was conducted on 60 provisional crowns divided into four groups according to material type (3D-printed resin or CAD/CAM PMMA) and aging condition; thermocycling and simulated brushing were applied, fracture resistance was tested using a universal testing machine, and data were analyzed using the Student’s t-test at a 5% significance level. After artificial aging, 3D-printed restorations showed significantly higher fracture resistance than CAD-CAM milled crowns (p = 0.0064). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two fabrication methods under non-aged conditions (p > 0.05). All groups exceeded the minimum values considered clinically accepTable. 3D printing demonstrated superior mechanical stability after artificial aging, supporting its clinical viability as an efficient, predicTable, and favorable option for provisional restorations in oral rehabilitation.
- Reliability of drilling torque values measured with a novel measurement drill for guiding implant placement protocols(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Morimoto, Yusuke; Doi, Kazuya; Kobatake, Reiko; Wakamatsu, Kaien; Izumikawa, Tomoko; Oki, Yoshifumi; Tsuga, KazuhiroA novel measurement drill was fabricated to analyze bone density. We hypothesized that evaluating the correlation between primary stability and bone density—assessed using drilling torque values obtained with a novel drill—under various bone density conditions could aid in selecting appropriate implant placement protocols. This study aimed to determine whether drilling torque values measured using the novel drill could serve as a guide for implant placement protocol. Experiments were conducted using solid rigid polyurethane bone blocks corresponding to Misch classifications D2–D4. After measuring the drilling torque, the implant sockets were prepared under two conditions: undersized and normal-sized drilling protocols. The implant was placed, and the insertion torque value was measured as the primary stability. A correlation was observed between the drilling and insertion torque values across different bone densities and surgical protocols. Drilling torque measurements using the novel drill may be a useful method for selecting appropriate implant placement protocols.
- Fracture Resistance of Teeth Restored with Anatomic, Universal 2-Piece, and CAD/CAM Milled Glass Fiber Posts in Various Weakened Root Conditions(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Alessi, Rodrigo Stadler; Gomes, Giovana Mongruel; Gomes, João CarlosThis study aimed to evaluate the performance of CAD/CAM milled, universal 2-piece and anatomical fiber posts in comparison with prefabricated fiber posts in root canals with varying degrees of structural compromise, using fracture resistance (FR) testing and failure mode analysis. Seventy mandibular premolars were selected, trimmed 2 mm above the cementoenamel junction, and subjected to endodontic treatment. The specimens were divided into seven groups based on the type of restorative approach (prefabricated, anatomical, CAD/CAM milled, and universal 2-piece fiber posts) and the extent of root weakening (no weakened, moderately weakened, and severely weakened). RelyX U200 cement was used for post luting, followed by the fabrication and cementation of metal-free crowns. Failure rates and patterns were evaluated, with statistical analysis performed using Student’s t-test, two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test, and chi-square tests to compare failure mode frequencies. The findings revealed that CAD/CAM milled and universal 2-piece fiber posts demonstrated significantly higher fracture resistance compared to anatomic fiber posts. Moderately weakened (MW) specimens outperformed severely weakened (SW) ones. All experimental groups exhibited fracture resistance comparable to the control group, except for the MW-MFP group, which exceeded the control. The majority of fractures were repairable, and no significant association was observed between failure mode and the type of restorative approach or the degree of root weakening. CAD/CAM milled and universal 2-piece fiber posts offer strong fracture resistance and predominantly repairable failure modes, making them suiTable alternatives for restoring weakened roots.
- Ready-to-use or Powder/Liquid Bioceramic Sealer: Micro-CT analysis of root canal filling removal according to ultrasonic agitation(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Feitosa, Marcia Eugênia de S- D.; Limoeiro, Ana-Grasiela; de Oliveira-Neto, Raimundo Sales; Luna-Cruz, Suyane Maria; Vivan, Rodrigo R.; Alcalde, Murilo-Priori; Duarte, Marco Antônio Hungaro; Vasconcelos, Bruno CarvalhoThis study evaluated the effectiveness of ultrasonic agitation in removing residual root canal filling material (RFM) from mandibular molars with isthmuses and to assess the influence of different bioceramic endodontic sealers, Bioroot RCS (BCS), and EndoSequence BC Sealer (ESBC). Forty human mandibular molars were prepared with Reciproc R25 and divided based on the obturation material. The retreatment was performed (Reciproc R40) and the roots were randomly divided between agitation protocols (PUI/CUI) using a large solution volume (60 mL/canal). The percentage reduction of RFM was measured after agitation. Ultrasonic agitation resulted in a percentage reduction of RFM ranging from 54.39% to 68.10% in the total area, and from 56.25% to 73.21% in the apical third (P .05). While none of the protocols completely removed RFM, ultrasonic agitation proved effective in its reduction, independent of the sealer presentation and agitation method used.
- Degenerative changes of the mandibular condyle and their relationship with joint space: a CBCT study(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Nina-Aguilar, Lourdes; Ramos-Gómez, Frederick; Sánchez-Tito, MarcoThis study aimed to identify degenerative changes in the mandibular condyle and to evaluate joint space conditions in sagittal and coronal sections using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, it sought to determine the frequency of these changes relative to sex, age, and side of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 88 CBCT scans meeting inclusion criteria. Degenerative changes were assessed, and joint spaces were measured following standardized tomographic protocols. Statistical analysis included chi-square, Student’s t-test, and Mann-Whitney U tests, with significance set at p 0.05) or between sexes (p = 0.445). However, degenerative changes varied significantly with age (p = 0.005), with sclerosis, osteophytes, and subchondral cysts more frequent in older adults. Comparison of joint spaces in sagittal and coronal sections revealed no significant differences between condyles with and without degenerative changes (p > 0.05). Degenerative changes in the mandibular condyle were common but did not significantly alter joint space dimensions. Erosion and flattening were the predominant findings, and age was associated with specific changes, while sex and side showed no association. CBCT proved effective for detailed assessment of condylar morphology and joint space.
- Identifying key factors for implant failure in a periodontally treated population: a retrospective analysis(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Chatzopoulos, Georgios S.; Wolff, Larry F.The long-term success of dental implants is often compromised in patients with a history of periodontitis. This study aimed to identify the specific pre-implant clinical, demographic, and systemic risk factors associated with implant failure in a large cohort of periodontally susceptible patients who had received prior non-surgical therapy. This retrospective cohort study utilized electronic health records from the multi-center BigMouth network (2011-2022). A final cohort of 434 patients with a history of periodontitis was analyzed at the patient level. Patients were stratified into an implant failure group (n=32) and a survival group (n=402). A comprehensive range of pre-implant variables, including detailed periodontal measurements from the most recent exam before surgery, demographics, and systemic conditions, was compared using t-tests and Chi-squared tests. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for significant predictors. The analysis revealed that the severity of pre-existing periodontal disease was the primary predictor of failure. The failure group had a significantly higher pre-implant Mean Probing Depth (3.34 mm vs. 3.07 mm, p=0.0311) and more sites with PPD ≥ 4mm (p=0.0488). Logistic regression showed that for every 1 mm increase in Mean PPD, the odds of implant failure increased by a factor of 2.45 (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.08-5.56). Other patient-level factors, including demographics, systemic conditions, and medication use, as well as implant-level characteristics, were not significantly associated with implant failure. The severity of residual periodontal disease, specifically elevated pre-implant probing depths, is the most significant and powerful predictor of dental implant failure in patients with a history of non-surgically managed periodontitis. Achieving periodontal stability before surgery is paramount for long-term implant success in this high-risk population.
- Color stability of resin composites immersed for different durations in alcohol-based and alcohol-free mouthwashes: an in vitro study(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Álvarez-Horna, Jano; Aliaga Mariñas, Ana Sixtina; Castro-Ramírez, Leonor; López Gurreonero, Carlos; Cornejo-Pinto, Alberto; Scipion Castro, Rafael Douglas; Cayo Rojas, César FélixAlcohol in some mouthwashes can dissolve the polymer chain of resin composites, potentially altering their properties. The aim was to evaluate the color stability of resin composites immersed for 24 hours and 7 days in alcohol-based and alcohol-free mouthwashes. This experimental, longitudinal, in vitro study included 90 resin composite discs divided into three equal groups (n = 30): Filtek Z350XT, Tetric N-Ceram, and Opallis. Each group was split into two equal subgroups (n = 15) and immersed in Listerine Zero and Listerine Cool Mint. Color variation was recorded with a Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer after 24 hours and 7 days of immersion. Welch’s robust ANOVA with an intergroup factor and Student’s t-test for related samples were used, with significance set at p0.05) and 7 days (p>0.05), although the average color variation in all samples exceeded the clinically accepTable threshold (ΔE > 3.3). When comparing resins immersed in alcohol-based mouthwash, Filtek Z350XT showed greater color variation at 24 hours (p<0.05) and 7 days (p<0.05). Tetric N-Ceram resin immersed in alcohol-based mouthwash significantly increased color variation (p = 0.036) between 24 hours and 7 days. In this in vitro study, all evaluated resin composites showed color variation exceeding the clinically accepTable threshold. Filtek Z350XT was the most susceptible to color change following exposure to alcohol-based mouthwashes, while Tetric N-Ceram showed a significant increase in color variation between 24 hours and 7 days. These findings suggest that the presence of alcohol in mouthwashes could negatively affect the color stability of certain resin composites.
- Fluoride release and recharge from bioactive resins in vitro(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) da Silva, Antônio Igor Figueira; Santos, Lukas Herycles do Nascimento; Oliveira, Marcus Vinícius; Rezende, Lyzia Vitoria Mendes; Vale, Glauber CamposBioactive resins can release fluoride ions, but their potential for fluoride recharge is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the fluoride (F) release and recharge capacity of bioactive resins using an in vitro pH cycling model. Six specimens were prepared for each group: two bioactive resins (Beautifil Flow Plus and Biocoat), a conventional resin (Opallis Flow), and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Ionoseal). For pH cycling, each specimen was immersed in an acidic solution (Sprite, pH 3.6) for 6 hours at 37 °C, rinsed with distilled water, and then stored in artificial saliva (pH 7.0) for 18 hours. This cycle was repeated for three consecutive days. Afterward, the samples were brushed with fluoride toothpaste and subjected to a second pH cycling phase. For F determination, 1 mL of TISAB was added to each solution, and fluoride levels were measured using an ion-selective electrode. Data were tested for normality using the Shapiro–Wilk test and analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. In the initial fluoride release phase, Beautifil resin demonstrated similar performance to Ionoseal and exhibited a significantly higher fluoride release compared to the other materials (p < 0.05). However, during the recharge phase, Ionoseal demonstrated superior fluoride release compared to all other materials (p < 0.05). Beautifil resin and Ionoseal exhibited the highest fluoride release in both phases of pH cycling when compared to the other materials. Nevertheless, Ionoseal outperformed the others in fluoride recharge following treatment with fluoridated dentifrice.
- Investigating the relationship between the occlusal plane and the tragus-ala line in patients with different jaw skeletons(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Ranjzad, Hadi; Ostovarrad, Farzaneh; Saidi, Elnaz; Eftekhar, Mahyar; Ghorbani, ZahraThis study investigated the relationship between the occlusal plane and the ala-tragus lines (ATL) for restoring the upper and lower jaws and analyzed the ATL in different jaw classifications. This analytical cross-sectional study included lateral cephalometric radiographs of 172 patients with teeth in a normal position. The three ATLs and the occlusal plane were delineated, and jaw classification was determined using Waits and Steiner analysis. For jaw classes 1 and 2, the parallelism between the lower ATL and the occlusal plane was not statistically significant. However, for class 3 patients, significant parallelism was observed between the lower ATL and the occlusal plane, regardless of the maxillary classification. In the gender-based analysis, the parallelism between the occlusal plane and the lower ATL was significant for women. In the age-based analysis, the parallelism was significant in the age group of 15–21 years. These findings suggest that the lower ATL can be a reliable reference for determining the occlusal plane. The study also highlights that age and gender are important factors influencing the determination of the occlusal plane using the ATL.
- Predictive models for stylohyoid complex elongation: a multivariate statistical analysis with evidence-based diagnostic criteria(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Caraballo-Meza, Sofia; Barakat-Polo, Nelson; Plazas Román, Jaime; Díaz Caballero, Antonio José; Ardila Medina, Carlos MartínStylohyoid complex elongation represents significant anatomical variations with clinical implications, yet comprehensive morphometric analyses using advanced statistical modeling remain limited in establishing evidence-based diagnostic criteria. This cross-sectional study analyzed 100 digital panoramic radiographs from a Colombian population. Advanced statistical methods included multivariate regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, cluster analysis, and factor analysis. Morphometric measurements were validated using intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis. Mean styloid process length was 36.79±10.15 mm. A 97% prevalence of elongation >25mm was observed. Multivariate logistic regression identified age (β=0.31, p<0.001) and female gender (β=4.23, p=0.030) as independent predictors. ROC analysis revealed optimal diagnostic cutoff at 32.5 mm with excellent performance (AUC=0.87, sensitivity=89.2%, specificity=78.6%). Factor analysis identified three principal components explaining 78.4% of total variance. K-means clustering revealed four distinct phenotypic groups. This study establishes evidence-based diagnostic criteria for stylohyoid complex evaluation through advanced statistical modeling. The 32.5 mm cutoff demonstrates superior performance compared to traditional values, while predictive models provide reliable risk assessment capabilities for precision medicine applications.
- Geographical disparities in orthodontic treatment demand: 15-year-old vietnamese population analyzed by dentist-population ratio(Medicina Oral S.L., 2025) Hoang, Hung T.; Huynh, Nam-Cong-Nhat; Cao, Uyen M-N; Ngo, Chau U.; Pham, Quyen L.; Nguyen, Khoa DangWhile orthodontists determine the need for treatment, the demand for treatment is a patient’s own decision, based on a questionnaire that addresses their self-perception of their dentition and facial aesthetics. The demand for professional treatment depends on a wide range of factors, such as socioeconomic status, culture, age, and self-perceived appearance, which is sometimes poorly correlated with the normative need for treatment. This study investigated the malocclusion prevalence and orthodontic treatment demand among 15-year-olds in Ho Chi Minh City, considering geographical disparities based on dentist-to-population ratios in three distinct areas: the urban center (6 dentists/10,000 population), para-center (1.6 dentists/10,000 population), and peri-urban areas (0.9 dentists/10,000 population). Utilizing multi-stage cluster sampling, 673 children were selected, ensuring representation from each area. Participants completed questionnaires on treatment demand and underwent orthodontic examinations using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Analysis involved conventional statistics and decision tree models. Results revealed a prevalence of 37% and 46.95% for severe malocclusion, with a noTable demand for treatment (51%), particularly prominent in the urban center area. Decision tree analysis achieved 0.67 accuracy in predicting treatment demand, identifying children from urban centers with DHC-IOTN scores ≥4 as most likely to demand treatment. Our study reveals geographic disparities in orthodontic demand among 15-year-olds in Ho Chi Minh City, driven by differences in dentist-population ratios. A decision tree model could be effective for clinicians and strategists in determining the most appropriate way to meet the demand for early orthodontic treatment in adolescents across different neighborhoods.
