Dentists’ role in oral care for head and neck cancer patients in GCC countries Bassel Tarakji, Anas B. Alsalhani, Faisal Mehsen Alali, Samer Rastam, Nasser Raqe Alqhtani, Abdullah Saad Alqahtahni, Ali Robaian, Faisal S. Alhedyan, Abdullah Bin Nabhan, Adel Alenazi, Khalid Ayidh Alqahtani, Ali Alrafedah, Abdullah Ahmed Abbas Alleft, Banna Alnufaiy, Rafif Alshenaiber, Rawda Omar Alghabban, Maram Alagla, Mohammed A. S. Abuelqomsan, Adel S. Alqarni, Refal Albaijan, Laila S. Almufleh, Qamar Hashem, Mohammed Noushad, Mohammad Zakaria Nassani Scientific Reports, 2025 This study evaluates dentists' knowledge of oral and dental procedures before and after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. A web-based cross-sectional survey was distributed via social media to dentists in six GCC countries, assessing knowledge of pre- and post-radiotherapy oral care. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Among 1,223 participants, the highest representation was from Saudi Arabia (n = 387). Overall, 40.1% had poor knowledge, 51.3% moderate, and 8.7% good. Dentists with less than five years of experience demonstrated better knowledge (p < 0.0033). Saudi dentists and those in government clinics had higher knowledge than private practitioners and dentists in other GCC countries. General practitioners outperformed specialists (p < 0.0033). Knowledge of post-radiotherapy care was better than pre-radiotherapy, with significant gaps in management awareness. The findings highlight substantial knowledge deficiencies, particularly in pre-radiotherapy care. Surprisingly, less experienced dentists performed better, likely due to recent education. Despite relatively higher knowledge among Saudi dentists and government employees, overall knowledge remains suboptimal. These findings underscore the need for targeted education and training programs to enhance dentists' understanding of radiotherapy-related oral care.
Knowledge and perception of dental interns on alveolar osteitis and related management: A cross-sectional study in two Arab countries Salah Sakka, Mohamed Kamal Eid, Nasser Raqe Alqhtani, Adel Alenazi, Abdullah Saad Alqahtani, Abdullah Bin Nabhan, Ali Al Rafedah, Banna Alnufaiy, Maram Alagla, Eman Abdel Salam Yousef, Marwa Taha Ibrahim, Emad El Said Fahim Essa, Mohammed Abdullah Alshehri, Anas Alsalhani, Samer Rastam, Mohammad Zakaria Nassani Current Problems in Surgery, 2025 Exploration of dental interns’ knowledge of alveolar osteitis will directly inform efforts to enhance excellent clinical procedures and ensure quality healthcare services. The purpose of this study was to thoroughly evaluate dental interns' knowledge and perception of alveolar osteitis OA in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Per the Checklist for reporting results of Internet e-surveys CHERRIES guidelines, an open web-based survey was created and administered in several Saudi Arabia and Egypt regions. The questionnaire was composed of five main sections including the participant’s demographic details, general knowledge; knowledge of signs and symptoms; knowledge of treatment and management; and learning experience of AO. 361 participants completed the questionnaire (187 from Saudi Arabia and 174 from Egypt). General knowledge was significantly higher among interns from Saudi Arabia (67.4%) compared to Egypt (61.5%) ( P < 0.05). Good knowledge of signs and symptoms was significantly higher among interns from governmental universities (75.5%, P < 0.05). Interns from Egypt displayed significantly better knowledge of treatment and management than their Saudi counterparts (59.2% vs. 41.2%, P < 0.05). Significant predictors of good knowledge of dry socket were affiliated with self-reported confidence in managing related cases and a perceived need for continuing professional training on the management and treatment of dry socket ( P < 0.05). The findings of the study showed that continuing professional development programs during the dental internship are recommended to improve the overall dentists’ skills to manage cases of alveolar osteitis.
Identification and Characterization of Key Genes Associated with Amelogenesis Tahsinul Haque, Fatema Akhter, Nourelhoda Alim, Abdullah Nabhan, Fawzia Al kahtani, Abdullah Mohammed Sambawa European Journal of Dentistry, 2025 Objectives The identification of key genes associated with amelogenesis would be helpful in finding solutions to genetic disorders in oral biology. The study aimed to use in silico analysis to identify the key genes involved in tooth development associated with preameloblasts (PABs) and secretory ameloblasts (SABs). Material and Methods The data was subjected to quality analysis and uniform manifold approximation and projection analysis. To examine the distribution of the genes and identify important upregulated loci, a p-value histogram, a quantile plot, a mean difference and mean-variance plot, and a volcano plot were generated. Finally, protein-protein interaction and gene enrichment analyses were performed to determine the ontology, relevant biological processes, and molecular functions of selected genes. Results A total of 157 genes were found to be significant in the PAB versus SAB comparison. HIST1H31 revealed strong interaction with HIST1H2BM, and EXO1, ASPM, SPC25, and TTK showed strong interactions with one other. The STRING database revealed that NCAPG, CENPU, NUSAP1, HIST1H2BM, and HIST1H31 are involved in biological processes. NCAPG, CENPU, SPC25, ETV5, TTK, ETV1, FAM9A, NUSAP1, HIST1H2BM, and HIST1H31 are involved in cellular components. Conclusion The TTK, NUSAP1, CENPU, NCAPG, FAM9A, ASPM, SPC25, and HIST1H31 genes demonstrate functions in cell division. These genes might play a role in ameloblast development. These results will be useful in developing new methods to stimulate ameloblast development, which is essential for tooth regeneration and tissue engineering. However, more research is required to validate the functions of these genes and the genes with which they interact. A wide variety of genetic, epigenetic, and exogenous signaling factors regulate these genes and pathways throughout development and differentiation, cell fate, and behavior.
Dental students, interns, and junior dentists’ awareness and attitude toward the inferior alveolar nerve block technique and related failure Salah Sakka, Nasser Raqe Alqhtani, Abdullah Saad Alqahtani, Abdullah Bin Nabhan, Mohamed Kamal Eid, Maram Alagla, Khalid Alfaifi, Mohammad Zakaria Nassani Journal of Dental Sciences, 2024 Exploration of early practicing dental professionals' awareness and attitude toward inferior alveolar nerve block IANB will directly inform efforts to improve clinical practices and ensure patient safety. The aim was to highlight the students, interns, and junior dentists’ awareness and attitude toward the IANB, failure, and related complications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). An open web-based survey prepared according to the Checklist for reporting results of Internet e-surveys CHERRIES recommendations was designed and carried out across different regions of the KSA. The questionnaire was composed of four main sections including the participant's details, and qualifications; inferior alveolar nerve block delivery; participants' education, and training-related questions; and attitudes toward proposed solutions to overcome the related failure and complications. 262 participants completed the questionnaire (94 dental students, 79 interns, and 89 junior dentists). There was a significant difference in the following findings: males performed IANBs more frequently than females (P < 0.05); females, students, and private practice/University type showed less attendance to workshops and seminars on IANB with more need for training (P < 0.05); females were more in agreement with ‘‘continuous education courses’’ and ‘‘workshops done by specialists’’ to propose solutions to overcome IANB failure (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that qualification and attendance of a training course were strong predictors of participants' readiness to manage IANB complications (P < 0.05). The findings emphasize how crucial it is for early dental practitioners to participate in continuing professional development programs to enhance their capacity to administer IANB and handle complications.
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Different Occlusal Caries Detection Methods: A Comparative Study Abdullah B Nabhan World Journal of Dentistry, 2024 Aim:The aim of this research was to evaluate the extent and level of accuracy of two different occlusal caries detection techniques.Materials and methods: Freshly extracted 40 permanent human premolars for orthodontic or periodontal reasons were utilized in the study.The current study used two different methods of testing-a visual examination and an air-water syringe.Occlusal surfaces were inspected under a normal dental operatory light.Laser fluorescence examination-the DIAGNOdent (DD) pen tip was positioned perpendicular to the testing location, and the area where the lesion progressed more was recorded by rotating the pen tip.For every site, three readings were taken in a row, and all the teeth underwent both tests.Following section photography and attachment to a stereomicroscope set to ×10 magnification, the samples were validated.The student's t-test was used for intragroup and intergroup comparisons, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.Results: On visual examination, with air-drying score was 1.418, and without air-drying was 1.722.On laser fluorescence examination, with airdrying score was 1.142, and without air-drying, it was 1.286.The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values were determined using the reference standard.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis approach was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC).The diagnostic accuracy was higher (88.4%) in laser fluorescence examination with air-drying, with 93.7% sensitivity and 60.8% specificity.The diagnostic accuracy without air-drying was 85.8% with 88.2% sensitivity and 63.2% specificity.On visual examination, the diagnostic accuracy with air-drying was 84.2% with 90.4% sensitivity and 70.3% specificity.The diagnostic accuracy without air-drying was 75.8% with 74.8% sensitivity and 76.4% specificity. Conclusion:In conclusion, enhanced efficacy in terms of sensitivity and specificity has been demonstrated by both the visual and laser fluorescence (DD) methods.However, the DD laser fluorescence instrument has demonstrated better diagnostic performance for occlusal caries.Clinical significance: Dental caries is a common chronic condition that affects virtually all individuals in developing nations.Early caries detection is essential for successful remineralization and a better prognosis.The subjective nature of visual examination makes it difficult for many healthcare professionals worldwide to diagnose smooth surface caries in their early phases, and newer methods are required to identify them.
Knowledge and Awareness of Dental Students Regarding Human Papillomavirus and Oral Cancer in Saudi Arabia Anas Alsalhani, Bassel Tarakji, Faisal Mehsen Alali, Faisal Alhedyan, Nasser Abdulaziz Alduaydi, Muhannad Saleh Alshlwi, Abdullah Saad Alqahtahni, Nasser Raqe Alqhtani, Fahad Musa'ad Almutairi, Abdullah Bin Nabhan, Khalid Ayidh Alqahtani, Ali Robaian, Mohammed Noushad, Mohammad Zakaria Nassani Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2024 OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of dental students and interns in Saudi Arabia regarding human papillomavirus and oral cancer using a cross-sectional web-based survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken to assess the knowledge of dental students and dental interns regarding oral cancer and awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) in public and private dental schools in Saudi Arabia. The survey included 18 questions grouped into three sections. The responses were analyzed for variations between dental students and interns, among males and females, and those attending private or public colleges. The Chai-square test assessed the correlation between participants' demographic data and their knowledge/awareness of oral cancer and HPV. RESULTS: A total of 451 dental students and dental interns responded. The results show that dental students at private and public dental schools in Saudi Arabia are generally knowledgeable regarding knowledge of oral cancer and awareness of human papillomavirus. The dental interns exhibited significantly superior knowledge compared to the undergraduate dental students (p<0.05), particularly in the areas of identifying the most common location of oral cancer and recognizing the signs and symptoms of oral cancer (76.5% versus 65.1% correct answers). The dental interns showed a significant difference and better awareness (p<0.05) than dental students regarding HPV having a relationship with AIDS and HPV causing common warts. CONCLUSION: Dental students and interns in this study presented a good but less than optimal knowledge and awareness regarding HPV and its prevention. Improving education courses and training for dental students in Saudi Arabia is crucial for improving their knowledge and awareness regarding oral cancer and HPV infection.
Awareness and practice of dentists in gulf cooperation council countries regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw – A web-based survey Mohammad Zakaria Nassani, Bassel Tarakji, Abdulaziz Maree Alqahtani, Faisal Mehsen Alali, Mohammed Noushad, Samer Rastam, Anas B. Alsalhani, Mohammed Khalid Alfadel, Abdulaziz Abdullah Alzuabi, Abdulhaleem Muhammad Ateen, Abdullah Bahjat Khojah, Mahmud Uz Zaman, Abdullah Saad Alqahtani, Nasser Raqe Alqhtani, Abdullah Bin Nabhan, Faisal S. Alhedyan, Omar Kujan, Sadeq Ali Al-Maweri Journal of Dental Sciences, 2023 Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious complication among dental patients undergoing treatment with antiresorptive medications such as bisphosphonate and denosumab. The present survey investigated the awareness and practice of dentists in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries regarding MRONJ. This questionnaire-based study was conducted among dental practitioners in all six GCC countries. A questionnaire was designed and distributed among all potential participants via different social media platforms. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis, and P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall, 1685 dentists from the six GCC countries participated in the present study. The surveyed dentists revealed relatively fair practices and awareness regarding MRONJ and its prevention, with the majority reported asking their patients about history of anti-osteoporotic medications (67.8%), recording name of the medication (73.1%) and duration of treatment (75.5%). However, the majority of the participants were unconfident about the duration of drug holiday prior to dental surgical interventions (70.6%) and the overall good level of knowledge/practice related to MRONJ was just 50.6%. The regression analysis revealed that previous exposure to MRONJ cases and attending a seminar, course, meeting, or conference about osteonecrosis of the jaw were independent predictors for positive awareness/good practice regarding MRONJ (P < 0.05). The results show inadequate awareness and practices of dentists practicing in GCC countries regarding MRONJ, with significant variations among the countries. Therefore, appropriate interventions such as periodic continuous education courses are required to improve dentists’ knowledge and practices regarding MRONJ.
The analysis of periodontal diseases and squamous cell esophageal cancer: A retrospective study Tahsinul Haque, Abdullah Bin Nabhan, Fatema Akhter, Hamad Nasser Albagieh Saudi Dental Journal, 2023 Aim: The potential links between periodontal disease and various cancers have drawn more and more attention in recent years. The objective of the current study was to investigate any potential associations between parameters of periodontal disease, the number of teeth lost, and the risk of developing squamous cell esophageal cancer in a representative adult sample. Materials and Methods: The study sample included 178 healthy individuals with matched age and socioeconomic status as controls and 60 patients with the primary histological type of esophageal cancer, Squamous Cell Esophageal Cancer. Data were collected from cases and controls on epidemiological factors like age, gender, smoking status, alcohol intake, socio-economic status, level of education, and prior medical/dental history. The clinical data on periodontal health status was obtained through a clinical examination. This data concerned Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), the number of teeth lost, and the common risk factors for Squamous Cell Esophageal Carcinoma. Additionally, univariate, and logistic regression models that were modified for potential confounders were used to estimate unadjacent and adjacent odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Lower socioeconomic status (p = 0.048) (OR = 1.882, 95% CI = 0.987-3.591), smoking (p = 0.052) (OR = 1.768, 95% CI = 0.931-3.359), moderate and heavy alcohol abuse (p = 0.035) (OR = 1.880, 95% CI = 0.987 3.579), and irregular tooth brushing frequency (p = 0.001) (OR = 0.326, 95% CI = 0.171-0.619) were indeed discovered to be significantly linked. Conclusion: Individuals with lower socio-economic status, smoking, moderate and heavy alcohol consumption, and irregular tooth brushing frequency were significantly associated with Periodontal diseases and Squamous Cell Esophageal Cancer.
Covid-19—awareness and practice of dentists in Saudi Arabia Bassel Tarakji, Mohammad Zakaria Nassani, Faisal Mehsen Alali, Anas B. Alsalhani, Nasser Raqe Alqhtani, Abdullah Bin Nabhan, Adel Alenzi, Ali Alrafedah International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021
