Journal of Rehman College of Dentistry

Research Capacity Development in Dentistry: From Individual Projects to Sustainable Research Systems

Naseer Ahmed, Ghulam Rasool — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Development and Characterization of Moringa-Chitosan Gel for Gingival and Periodontal Diseases: an experimental study

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Moringa oleifera is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, while chitosan is biocompatible and mucoadhesive, making their combination a promising gel for sustained local drug delivery.

Objective: To develop and characterize Moringa-chitosan gels in the concentration 1% and 5%, and to evaluate the physical, rheological, release, antioxidant, and drug content uniformity.

Materials and Methods: Moringa extract was added into chitosan gel at the concentrations of 1% and 5%, by dissolving chitosan in acetic acid and adding the Moringa extract. Physical properties like the color, consistency, and smell were checked. Viscosity was measured using a Brookfield viscometer, the spreadability and swelling were assessed using the glass slide method and immersion in phosphate buffered saline. The total phenolic content (TPC) and invitro drug release were assessed, along with DPPH radical scavenging activity.

Results: The 5% moringa gel reported better antioxidant activity i.e., 63% DPPH inhibition, with IC₅₀ 108μg/mL, compared to the 1% gel with 43.33% DPPH inhibition, and IC₅₀ 125μg/mL. The 5% gel reported a higher drug release, reaching 80% release over 8h, compared to 68% release from the 1% gel. Both gels reported optimal swelling and sustained release, with the 5% gel reporting better spreadability and viscosity.

Conclusion: The 5% Moringa-Chitosan Gel showed better therapeutic properties with higher antioxidant potential and controlled drug release, making it suitable for oral cavity applications like gingivitis and periodontitis as well as an adjunct treatment.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception of Digital Dentistry in Lahore Medical and Dental College: A Cross-Sectional Study

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, awareness, and perception of digital dentistry among dentists at Lahore Medical and Dental College. The objectives of the study are to provide insight into the different digital techniques and materials used and to identify the reasons for lack of awareness.

Design: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

Setting: Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan from 6^th January 2025 to 25^th February 2025.

Materials and Methods: Hundred participants filled the questionnaire to assess the knowledge, awareness, and perception of digital dentistry. The survey consisted of questions assessing the participants’ knowledge of digital dentistry including advantages, uses, disadvantages of CAD-CAM technology, CAD-CAM systems and materials used in clinical applications. Score for each participant was calculated and categorized as low, moderate and high. Data was analyzed using SPSS and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences between the groups.

Results: Eighty-seven percent were aware of digital technology in dentistry and 77% were aware of the clinical applications of CAD-CAM technology. The median scores for knowledge, awareness and perception in the study population were 14 (±6.99), 4 (±1.76), and 13 (±2.33) respectively. The level of knowledge and awareness was moderate whereas perception was high among the participants.

Conclusion: The study showed that perception of digital dentistry was high whereas knowledge and awareness was moderate therefore policies must be developed to include trainings at an institutional level and make it a part of the undergraduate curriculum.

Effectiveness of Contemporary Irrigation Protocols in Paediatric Root Canal Treatment

Usman Nazir, Hajra Safeer, Suffiyan Saleem, Danish Shahnawaz, Bushra Ghani — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Successful paediatric root canal therapy requires not only mechanical instrumentation, but also excellent irrigation procedures that can disinfect complicated canal architecture while staying safe for young patients. Contemporary irrigation techniques and solutions have been developed to improve antibacterial effectiveness and smear layer removal while minimizing cytotoxicity.

Objectives: To assess and compare the efficacy of current irrigation regimens for paediatric root canal therapy in terms of microbial reduction, canal cleanliness, postoperative discomfort, and clinical outcome.

Materials and Methods: A comparative clinical study included ninety primary and immature permanent teeth that required pulpectomy or root canal surgery. Based on irrigation methods, teeth were separated into three groups: classic syringe irrigation with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), NaOCl with EDTA as an adjuvant, and NaOCl activated using a contemporary agitation device. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed over a six-month period.

Results: When compared to traditional syringe irrigation, contemporary activation-based irrigation approaches demonstrated significantly greater microbial reduction and canal cleanliness. The groups that employed activated irrigation had higher clinical success rates and lower postoperative pain scores.

Conclusion: Contemporary irrigation technologies in paediatric root canal therapy significantly improve disinfection and therapeutic outcomes, and they may be considered superior to conventional methods.

Rheological and Mechanical Evaluation of Metformin-Modified Restorative Glass Ionomer Cements: A Preliminary In-Vitro Analysis

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Glass ionomer cements are being widely used in dentistry, with the incorporation of pharmaceutical agents enhancing their physical properties.

Objective: The objective of this work was to assess the mechanical and setting characteristics of metformin-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorative materials.

Materials and Methods: The research design adopted for this study was an in-vitro experimental study involving the testing of two types of restorative glass ionomer cements (GICs), FUJI and 3M Ketac Molar, with concentrations of 0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% metformin hydrochloride (MF). The control group (CG) consisted of a conventional GIC without MF. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the sample. Flexural strength (FS), tensile strength (TS), and Vickers microhardness testing were used to analyze mechanical properties, and the Vicat test was used to examine setting behavior. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way ANOVA.

Results: It was observed that 3M Ketac Molar groups showed higher FS and Vickers microhardness values than FUJI IX groups. 3M-CG had maximum microhardness (69.0 ± 0) and FS (48.0 ± 1), while FUJI + MF 4.5 wt% had lowest values (61.0 ± 1.4 and 33.6 ± 1.3). Mean TS values of 3M groups exceeded those of FUJI groups, except for FUJI with 3% and 4.5% MF. 3M-CG had highest TS (23.0 ± 0), and 3M + MF 4.5 wt% the lowest (11.2 ± 1.5).

Conclusion: The inclusion of metformin in GIC caused a reduction in the mechanical and setting properties of the GIC in relation to the concentration level, with comparatively less change at 1.5 wt.%. Further biological and clinical studies are required.

Frequency, Etiology and Covariates of Maxillofacial Trauma in Children Presenting to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at Tertiary Care Hospital

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Maxillofacial traumas is one of the most common pediatric emergency and has which requires urgent care and hospital admissions. Rapid urbanization, poor implementation of safety regulations, a rise in traffic accidents, and restricted access to specialized healthcare all make the burden worse in low- and middle-income nations.

Objective: To determine the frequency, etiology, and associated covariates of maxillofacial trauma among children presenting to the oral and maxillofacial surgery department of Hayat Abad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: The study design was cross-sectional observational and was conducted from 1 October 2024 to 30 November 2025 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan. Pediatric patients aged 1–13 years presenting with maxillofacial trauma were included and the sampling technique was consecutive sampling. Data collection included data regarding the demographics, mechanism of injury, anatomical site involved, type of injury, associated injuries, and management. For summarization of finding descriptive statistics were used and for checking the associations between variables the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 180 pediatric patients were included in the study and the mean age of the participants was 6.23 ± 3.47 years. Males constituted 61.7% of cases. The most common cause of injury was falls, followed by road traffic accidents and sports-related injuries. Fractures and combined injuries accounted for a substantial proportion of cases, with the dentoalveolar region and multiple facial bones being the most frequently involved sites. There was a significant association between age group and mechanism of injury, mechanism of injury and type of injury, and type of injury and hospital admission. The most common injured were younger children which was due to falls, whereas older children sustained more injuries related to road traffic accidents and sports related activities.

Conclusion: Pediatric maxillofacial trauma in Hayatabad Medical complex Peshawar Pakistan was predominantly associated with preventable mechanisms such as falls and road traffic accidents, with distinct age-related injury patterns. The findings of our study emphasized the need for age-specific injury prevention strategies, early risk stratification, and appropriate resource allocation for the management of pediatric trauma in tertiary care hospitals.

Introducing a Comprehensive Care Model in Clinical Undergraduate Dental Education at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro: Students’ Perception.

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: We hypothesized that comprehensive care clinic exposed students report higher self-perceived preparedness in both procedural and professional domains of the Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU-PAS) than students in fragmented clinical postings.

Materials and Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional, multi-institutional comparative design at Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences. Final year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students from four dental colleges in Pakistan were recruited using convenience sampling, including one institution (LUMHS) that implemented an integrative CCC rotationand compared with students from three institutions with conventional, discipline-based clinical rotations. Preparedness was assessed using the validated DU-PAS instrument. Scores were compared using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests.

Results: A total of 166 students participated. LUMHS students had the highest mean ranks in radiographic prescription (p=0.005), periodontal treatment (p=0.013), caries management (p=0.011), and multidisciplinary treatment planning (p=0.004). They had the lowest mean ranks in single-rooted (p=0.031) and multi-rooted endodontics (p=0.001) and crowns (p=0.006). Six of 26 professionalism and communication items differed significantly, all highest at LUMHS. Part A scores did not differ across institutions (p=0.165); Part B (p=0.020) and total scores (p=0.023) did, with LUMHS highest.

Conclusion: A CCC rotation was associated with higher self-perceived preparedness in selected items, and with lower self-perceived preparedness in endodontics and crowns. Because only one institution offered the CCC, institutional differences may explain part of these results. Further longitudinal and multi-center studies are recommended to determine the long-term educational impact of comprehensive care models within diverse dental training environments.