OAR@UM Community:

Digital workflow for a customized 3D-printed palatal stent to protect the donor site for connective tissue grafting

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Digital workflow for a customized 3D-printed palatal stent to protect the donor site for connective tissue grafting Authors: Teixeira-Neto, Alexandre Domingues; Ayres, Ana Paula; Akhmad, Rafik; de Moura e Costa, Alan Jony; Burgoa, Shaban; No-Cortes, Juliana; Gutierrez, Virgilio; Beuer, Florian; Cortes, Arthur R. G. Abstract: Connective tissue grafting remains the gold standard method for soft tissue augmentation in periodontal therapy. However, donor site morbidity is a challenge, as patient discomfort is frequently reported due to prolonged healing time with pain, inflammation, bleeding, and sometimes even infection. Current techniques aim to avoid complications by relying on collagen membranes, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and palatal stents. This report introduces a digital workflow to fabricate 3D-printed palatal stents individualized on virtual patients using an implant planning software program. The 3D-printed palatal stent is suggested to be more comfortable and effective to achieve better patient-reported outcomes related to connective tissue grafting; Bindegewebetransplantate (BGT) sind nach wie vor der Goldstandard für die Weichgewebeaugmentation in der Parodontalchirurgie. Problematisch bleibt jedoch die Morbidität der Entnahmestelle, denn die Patienten berichten häufig von Beschwerden aufgrund des langwierigen Heilungsprozesses mit Schmerzen, Entzündung, Blutung und in manchen Fällen sogar einer Infektion. Neuere Techniken versuchen solche Komplikationen mithilfe von Kollagenmembranen, thrombozytenreichem Fibrin (PRF) und Verbandplatten zu verhindern. Dieser Fallbericht zeigt einen digitalen Workflow für die Herstellung 3D-gedruckter Verbandplatten für den Gaumen, die nach Erstellung eines digitalen Patienten in einer Implantatplanungssoftware individuell konstruiert werden. Die 3D-gedruckte palatinale Verbandplatte verbessert den Komfort und die Patient-Reported Outcomes im Zusammenhang mit Bindegewebetransplantationen.

A study on oral health knowledge within the medical community

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A study on oral health knowledge within the medical community Abstract: Aims: The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the level of oral health awareness and oral health knowledge amongst the Maltese doctors and nurses. It also aimed to assess the level of oral health training and education received by the participants during their professional training together with their willingness to further their oral health knowledge. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was carried out by the dissemination of an anonymous questionnaire amongst medical doctors and nurses working within the Maltese national health sector. The questionnaire was made available as an online version and as a printed copy. The questionnaire was validated by a focus group. The data collected was analysed and inferences drawn. Results and Conclusions: 330 questionnaires were completed. The findings suggested there is an overall lack of oral health knowledge within the medical community in Malta – doctors averaged a total score of 66.7% while nurses a score of 48.9%. This can be attributed to the limited amount of oral health training received during their formal education to become health professionals as only 53% received oral health training. Doctors’ training focused on congenital oral defects (p<0.001), oral cancer (p=0.006) and TMJ disorders (p<0.001) while nurses’ training focused on caries prevention (p=0.036) and oral hygiene (p<0.001). Both professions appreciated the importance of oral health. Results showed that 83.9% claimed that the medical community does not have adequate knowledge, whereas 77% claimed to be willing to enhance their oral health knowledge through further training. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

Does smoking behaviours among medical staff influence the attitude and counselling on smoking cessation?

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Does smoking behaviours among medical staff influence the attitude and counselling on smoking cessation? Abstract: Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of smoking and its effects within the medical staff. Their personal smoking behaviour was also assessed to see if it affects their smoking cessation advice given to patients. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the healthcare workers via a Google Form link which was delivered by an intermediary of the respective association. Participants were accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cross-sectional questionnaire was constructed with demographic data, the participant’s current smoking status and smoking cessation related questions. Statistical analyses was conducted with the use of IBM SPSS Statistics software. Results: Ex-smokers agreed with the fact that smoking is a chronic relapsing medical condition whereas non-smokers and active smokers only somewhat agreed. Non-smokers and ex-smokers are the ones that give smoking cessation advice to their patients, whereas only a few of the active smokers stated that they provide such information. Conclusion: A replication of this study is encouraged with a larger population sample to be able to get more responses. More associations can be contacted to get this. More questions should be added to the questionnaire targeted to the ex-smokers, to gain a better perspective on what motivated them to quit. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.

Is oral hygiene emphasised enough for older adults with cerebrovascular accident?

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Is oral hygiene emphasised enough for older adults with cerebrovascular accident? Abstract: Aims of the study: The aims of the study were to 1) determine whether caregivers have enough time, skills, and motivation to conduct basic oral hygiene care for older adults who had a stroke, 2) investigate the ability of older stroke adults to carry out their own oral hygiene care independently and, 3) determine if further training is required for caregivers to assist older adults who have had a stroke in maintaining better oral hygiene. Methodology: Quantitative cross-sectional anonymous research methods were used to collect data through distributed questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Two separate standardised structured questionnaires were distributed to carers and stroke patients. Results: 75 caregivers completed the questionnaire, and 27 patients were interviewed. Significant differences between carers with different levels of education were observed in the frequency of routine dental hygiene visits, toothbrushing use of interdental cleaning aids, and mouth wash. These were higher among caregivers in the tertiary level education group(p<0.05). Caregivers with higher educational levels considered oral health to be an important factor contributing to general health (p = 0.008). Stroke patients acknowledged the needs for oral care. Significant differences were observed in reported oral care parameters between patients’ and carers’ reports (p<0.05). Conclusions: Caregivers of older adults who have had a stroke and the older adults themselves understand the importance of oral health care. There is scope to improve the current delivery of effective oral hygiene and create and implement an effective model which is part of the daily care plan for older adults who have had a stroke and are residing in long-term residential care. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)