IIUM Journal of Orofacial and Health Sciences

Perception on veneers in relation to Islamic perspective in Kuantan community

2025-05-16T08:42:22+08:00

In aesthetic dentistry, veneer has widely performed cosmetic treatments in dentistry. It has gained increasing popularity due to rising social and psychological demands for improved dental appearance to get the ‘idealized smile’ or ‘Hollywood smile’. This has raised ethical concern on dental treatment of overtreatment. Within Muslim communities, however, these procedures raise important concerns from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). This study aimed to assess the Kuantan community’s knowledge, perceptions, and understanding of veneer treatment within both dental and religious contexts based on clinical photographic given. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted through online platforms. A total of 250 respondents with mean age was 32.8 years (SD = 12.18), with 30% male and 70% female participants. Findings showed that overall knowledge of aesthetic dentistry and veneers was at a moderate level (52%). While 78.8% of respondents agreed that treatment decisions should be guided by intention (niyyah), only 24% correctly identified the hukm of veneers, and 43% remained unsure. No significant associations were found between knowledge and demographic or social variables. Although a significant difference was observed between knowledge and perception, their correlation was weak, suggesting that awareness does not necessarily translate into accurate understanding. These findings highlight limited comprehension of Islamic legal maxims concerning aesthetic dental procedures. While veneers may be permissible when addressing medical or psychological needs, their use solely for beautification remains prohibited. Therefore, a recommendation to broader the educational initiatives needed to enhance understanding of both the clinical and religious aspects of cosmetic dentistry.

Workforce entry preferences among final-year dental students in Malaysia: public or private sectors?

2025-11-04T12:39:56+08:00

Limited job opportunities and restricted advancement in Malaysia’s public dental sector have prompted graduates to explore private sector employment. This may lead to increased workforce mobility and possible instability across the sectors. This study aimed to investigate the workforce preference among the public and private final year undergraduate dental students in Malaysia. A validated questionnaire was disseminated in a cross-sectional study using stratified sampling methods among final year dental students in Malaysia. Chi-square test and multinomial regression were performed to determine factors related to workforce entry preference of the students. In multinomial regression, the public sector was set as the reference group versus the private and both sectors. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis, with a p-value set less than 0.05. A total of 204 final year dental students’ session 2022/2023 across 13 dental schools in Malaysia were recruited in the study. The majority of respondents have a high preference to work in both public and private oral health services at the same time (public = 58.5% vs private = 43.9%). Multinomial regression analysis showed that public university students had 83% lower odds (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.58; p= 0.005) of preference to work in private sectors compared to private university students. In conclusion, the majority of the final year undergraduate dental students preferred to work in both public and private sectors, with more students in the public institution preferring to work in government sectors. To ensure a seamless provision of oral healthcare services, the Ministry of Health Malaysia should come out with an efficient solution in regards with the issues of limited placement of new dental graduates in Malaysia.

Evaluating the effect of Tualang honey on the viability and migration of human gingival fibroblasts

2025-07-30T09:59:00+08:00

Tualang honey, produced by the wild bee species Apis dorsata, is predominantly found in the South Asian region, particularly in Malaysia. Tualang honey has attracted scientific interest for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, highlighting its potential for therapeutic use. The study aimed to assess the effects of Tualang honey on the viability and migration of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) using MTT and scratch assays. HGFs were cultured in standard fibroblast medium at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ humidified incubator. Cells were seeded at 5×10³ cells/well in a 96-well plate and incubated for 24 hours before being treated with varying concentrations of Tualang honey, with the negative control receiving only growth medium. After 24 hours, cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay and absorbance was measured at 570 nm. For the scratch migration assay, cells were seeded at 10×10³ cells/well in a 24-well plate and incubated for 24 hours. A scratch was made on the cell layer, followed by treatment with Tualang honey at various concentrations, a negative control (untreated cells), and a positive control (0.1% Gengigel mouthwash). Images were captured at 0-, 24-, and 48-hours using Image-Pro Express software. This study demonstrated that Tualang honey at concentrations of 2.5% and below promoted high cell viability (above 88%), while concentrations ?0.3% significantly enhanced cell migration. These findings indicate that Tualang honey, when applied at appropriate concentrations, is non-cytotoxic and promotes cell proliferation and possesses strong potential for periodontal tissue healing applications. Therefore, it shows potential as a natural agent for enhancing periodontal wound healing.

An audit of the quality of orthodontic consent form completion among IIUM postgraduate residents: first-cycle findings

2026-03-01T23:43:12+08:00

Informed consent (IC) is both a legal and ethical requirement in clinical practice and holds particular importance in orthodontics due to the long-term nature of treatment. Comprehensive documentation of the consent process supports patient autonomy, enhances communication, and ensures professional accountability. This audit aimed to assess the quality and completeness of informed consent documentation within the Doctor in Orthodontics (DrOrth) postgraduate programme at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), as part of a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiative. A retrospective audit was conducted on 360 randomly selected patient records, managed by eight postgraduate residents between February and June 2024. Nine target criteria were assessed based on the Malaysian Medical Council’s Guidelines for Consent for Treatment, with each criterion benchmarked against a 100% compliance standard. The sample represented approximately 45% of the total eligible patient population. All active orthodontic cases under postgraduate care were included. While the presence of consent forms was documented in 96.1% of cases, overall adherence to the nine target criteria varied between 84.7% and 96.1%. The highest compliance was observed for patient/guardian signatures and clinician documentation. However, the ‘Benefits and Risks’ section showed the lowest completion rate (84.7%), indicating a potential gap in documenting the treatment implications. Additionally, good effort found in 23.3% of forms which included documentation of ‘Additional Specific Risks’. Consent forms were present in the majority of cases, the audit identified areas requiring improvement in the completeness of documentation. Targeted improvements, particularly in risks documentation, are recommended to enhance compliance with informed consent standards in orthodontic care.

Perceived knowledge and use of IOTN-DHC among dental officers in Sabah

2025-08-12T09:27:44+08:00

This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge and use of IOTN-DHC among dental officers in Sabah. A self-administered, anonymous, and structured questionnaire in the format of Google form were used. The questionnaire addressed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and use on IOTN-DHC. Data were entered into a standardised collection form and were analysed descriptively and inferentially. All respondents knew IOTN (n=224, 100.00%). More than half used both components (n=115, 51.34%). Most had training on IOTN-DHC (n=187, 83.48%). The main sources of training were workshop or course (n=128, 57.14%) and undergraduate training (n=109, 48.66%). More than half felt confident in using IOTN-DHC (n=135, 60.27%). Dental officers graduated from local public universities (n=54, 80.60%), had working experience five years and above (n=66, 72.53%), and had previous training (n=125, 66.84%) were confident. IOTN-DHC was used to assess treatment eligibility (n=220, 98.21%), to grade malocclusion (n=170, 75.89%), to communicate with colleagues (n=149, 66.52%), and to communicate with patients (n=69, 30.80%). Majority needed more training (n=210, 93.75%). Methods beneficial were hands on workshop or course (n=201, 89.73%), poster in surgery room (n=161, 71.88%), webinar (n=131, 58.48%), online educational materials (n=102, 45.54%), and textbooks (n=66, 29.46%). In conclusion, the perceived knowledge and use of IOTN-DHC among dental officers in Sabah were moderate. Graduated from local public universities, had longer working experience, and had previous IOTN-DHC training contributed to better confidence of the dental officers. Yearly training sessions are important to enhance the knowledge, use, and confidence in using IOTN-DHC.

Interactive e-learning lessons in patient-centred interview: an international multi-centred collaboration project piloted among dental and oral health students at the University of Otago, New Zealand

2026-01-14T22:19:59+08:00

This study examines the integration of e-learning tools into the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) curricula at the University of Otago, aiming to enhance pre-clinical dental education. Through a multidisciplinary approach, our research team developed interactive e-learning lessons for pre-clinical dentistry skills, which were piloted among 15 BDS and BOH students in 2022. Students' feedback was gathered through focus group discussions allowing for qualitative analysis of their experiences. The findings indicated a strong potential for merging curricula across both programs, as similarities were identified in the didactic and simulated learning experiences. Students reported overwhelmingly positive interactions with the digital materials, highlighting enhancements in their engagement and motivation while expressing their desire for more interprofessional education (IPE). Suggested improvements included increasing collaborative learning opportunities and refining content delivery. This study informs the necessity of integrating e-learning tools within dental curricula to foster a collaborative educational environment that effectively prepares future dental professionals. Ultimately, it underscores the significance of aligning educational practices with contemporary learning methods including interprofessional education to improve patient care outcomes.

Strengthening postgraduate dental education: upholding standards while preserving human-centered care

2026-02-28T23:42:51+08:00

Oral complications of diabetes mellitus and their underlying pathogenic mechanisms: a narrative review

2025-07-30T08:42:03+08:00

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a syndrome of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism causing tremendous mortality and morbidly worldwide. To date, there is no permanent curative treatment for diabetes and the patients have to rely on modification of their lifestyle and on the available timely medication. Understanding pathophysiology and complications of DM is crucial for clinicians and dental care providers in order to provide a proper management. Complications of DM are multisystemic with inevitable involvement of oral cavity. Diabetic patients have increased frequency of periodontitis, xerostomia, tooth loss, delay in wound healing, and impaired response to infection. Dental complications of DM exert medical, psychological, economical and national burden. This narrative review aims to outline the oral complications of DM and their underlying pathogenic mechanisms in the recent literature. The review concluded that; the commonest oral complications of DM are xerostomia, tooth decay, periodontal disease and gingivitis, oral candidiasis, altered taste sensation, oral mucosa alterations, and delayed wound healing. The important underlying pathogenic mechanisms include oxidative stress, alterations in salivary amylase protein, high level of sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) protein, impaired neural structure and function, use of sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, the influence of the IL-23R gene polymorphism, and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEP).

Advances in forensic odontology for human identification: a comprehensive review of methods, accuracy, and challenges

2025-10-03T09:52:42+08:00

Forensic odontology provides significant possibilities for human identification in the absence of DNA and fingerprints. Dental tissues, impervious to environmental damage, offer distinctive characteristics for sex estimation, age assessment, ancestry identification, and comparative analysis. This review rigorously integrates conventional and novel methodologies. Odontometric and non-metric characteristics are extensively utilized for sex estimation and ancestry assessment, however accuracy differs among groups and inter-observer variability continues to exist. Age estimate methodologies, including Demirjian, Willems, Nolla, AlQahtani, Kvaal, and Cameriere, have significant dependability in children and adolescents, although their accuracy diminishes in adults owing to wider error margins. Recent advancements, such as cone-beam computed tomography, three-dimensional imaging, and artificial intelligence, demonstrate potential for automated and reproducible assessments. Nonetheless, validation studies are scarce, established methodologies are absent, and legal admissibility is ambiguous. Comparative identification remains extremely reliable with antemortem and postmortem information, while diminishing dental restorations compromise distinctiveness. Forensic odontology is essential; yet, advancement necessitates the incorporation of digital technologies, population-specific criteria, and a heightened focus on validation and ethical-legal standards.

Ossifying fibrous epulis: case reports and diagnostic insights into gingival swellings

2026-03-03T23:43:24+08:00

Ossifying fibrous epulis, also known as peripheral ossifying fibroma in literature, is a relatively common, benign reactive lesion that exclusively affects the gingival tissue. It arises in response to chronic local irritation such as plaque accumulation, calculus, faulty restorations, or repeated trauma. Though non-neoplastic in nature, it can present as a slowly enlarging, firm, and fibrous mass, mimicking a range of other more aggressive or neoplastic conditions. Histopathological examination is paramount for achieving a definitive diagnosis. This report presents two cases occurring in young adults, highlighting the clinical features, diagnostic process, surgical management, and post-operative outcomes. The lesions, located in the anterior maxilla and mandibular gingiva respectively, shared common clinical traits including nodular appearance, surface colour resembling surrounding mucosa, and occasional bleeding upon provocation. Histopathological analysis in both cases revealed parakeratinised stratified squamous epithelium with focal degeneration, mineralized components such as trabeculae of bone and cementum-like materials, and chronic inflammatory cells infiltrate. Following surgical excision and removal of local irritants, healing was uneventful with no recurrence observed during short-term follow-up. This paper further elaborates on the histopathological spectrum, recurrence risk, and differential diagnosis of ossifying fibrous epulis, supported by a tabulated overview of similar gingival lesions. Recognising the clinical behaviour and key distinguishing features of this lesion is crucial in general dental practice to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate intervention. Early detection, thorough removal, and patient education are integral to effective management and prevention of recurrence.

Anatomical variation of maxillary first molar with two roots and two canals: a rare case report

2026-03-01T23:43:29+08:00

This case report describes the endodontic management of a maxillary first molar with an unusual anatomical configuration, consisting of a single buccal root and a single palatal root, each containing one root canal with a Vertucci Type I configuration. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) confirmed the atypical root morphology and facilitated appropriate treatment planning. The case highlights the significance of recognizing anatomical variations and the utility of advanced imaging techniques in complex endodontic cases.

Furcation management: a viable surgical for apical migration of the gingival margin on mandibular molar

2026-03-01T23:42:56+08:00

Furcation involvement (FI) poses significant challenges in periodontal management due to anatomical complexities and limited accessibility for cleaning, often resulting in the progression of periodontal diseases if not properly addressed and treated. This case report presented a 50-year-old male patient with gingival recession and FI in the left mandibular molar, tooth 36. A f) procedure was performed under local anaesthesia, involving incision and flap reflection, exposure and debridement of the furcation area, and apical repositioning of the flap to facilitate plaque control and reduce disease progression risk. Post-operative healing was satisfactory, with no signs of inflammation observed at the two-week follow-up. Supportive p therapy (SPT) was implemented to maintain long-term satisfactory clinical outcomes. This case highlights the efficacy of FP as a treatment modality for FI, emphasising the significance of meticulous and proper case selection.

Atypical features of mixed epithelial and stromal tumour of kidney: a case report with histopathology correlation

2026-03-03T23:43:07+08:00

Adult cystic nephroma and mixed epithelial stromal tumours (MEST) are classified under the mixed epithelial and stromal tumour (MEST) family, which is a part of the 2016 World Health Organisation (WHO) renal tumour classification. They are rare, benign tumours which have similar imaging appearance as certain types of renal carcinoma. Hence, it is often regarded as malignant pre-operatively and histopathologically confirmed to be benign. We present a case of a 66-year-old lady who complains of gradual abdominal distension for 9 months, associated with loss of appetite, loss of weight and early satiety. Other than clinical findings that point towards ascites, the rest of her physical examination was unremarkable. Blood investigations including tumour markers were normal. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) showed a huge unilocular intra-abdominal cystic mass with enhancing solid component attached to the right kidney which was exerting significant mass effect to the surrounding structures. The patient developed impending abdominal compartment syndrome and underwent right nephrectomy with tumour excision. The final histopathological diagnosis revealed mixed epithelial and stromal tumour (MEST). The patient recovered well. Mixed epithelial stromal tumour (MEST) is a rare clinical entity. Ultrasound and CT imaging are the usual investigating modalities. Histopathological correlation is needed to reach the diagnosis. This case has an unusual and different radiological imaging appearance when compared to past literature and contributes an additional case to our collective knowledge of these lesions.