Journal of Oral and Dental Health Nexus

This study aimed to explore the entrepreneurial strategies employed by dental startups and private practices. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 29 dental entrepreneurs from diverse countries, recruited through online announcements. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were conducted via video calls and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software. The analysis followed an inductive approach, identifying key themes related to business model strategies, financial sustainability, patient engagement, and technological advancements. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes. In business model development, practitioners adopted various ownership models, service differentiation strategies, and scalability plans to enhance market positioning. Financial management strategies included securing diverse funding sources, optimizing operational costs, and diversifying revenue streams to mitigate risks. Patient acquisition and retention strategies emphasized digital marketing, referral programs, customer relationship management, and community outreach. Technological integration played a significant role, with practitioners adopting AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, and secure patient data management systems to improve efficiency and service delivery. The findings align with previous studies, highlighting the necessity of adaptive business strategies in modern dental practice. Entrepreneurial success in dental startups and private practices depends on a combination of strategic business planning, financial resilience, patient engagement, and technological innovation. Dentists must adopt diverse revenue models, leverage digital tools, and maintain a strong online presence to remain competitive. Future research should explore the financial sustainability of different business models and assess the long-term impact of technological advancements on dental entrepreneurship.

This study explores the application of lean management strategies in dental clinics. This qualitative study employed a descriptive-analytical approach using semi-structured interviews with 24 dental professionals from diverse countries. Participants were selected through online announcements, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were conducted via video calls, recorded, and transcribed for analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software, identifying key themes related to lean management in dentistry, including waste reduction, workflow optimization, and productivity enhancement. The results indicate that waste reduction strategies, such as minimizing material waste, eliminating redundant procedures, and optimizing inventory management, contribute to increased efficiency in dental clinics. Participants highlighted process optimization methods, including standardizing workflows, improving patient scheduling, and integrating automation, as crucial for reducing operational delays and enhancing service quality. Additionally, productivity enhancement was linked to effective time management, staff coordination, and performance monitoring, with digital tools and structured training programs playing a key role in facilitating lean adoption. The findings align with previous research demonstrating that lean management improves resource utilization, staff efficiency, and patient satisfaction in healthcare settings. Lean management strategies offer a structured approach to improving operational efficiency and patient care in dental clinics. By reducing waste, streamlining workflows, and enhancing staff productivity, lean methodologies contribute to cost savings, optimized resource allocation, and improved patient experiences. Successful implementation requires leadership commitment, ongoing staff training, and investment in digital technologies to sustain lean initiatives in dental practice.

This study aimed to explore the role of psychological safety in promoting mental well-being among dental professionals. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 34 dental professionals from diverse countries. Participants were recruited through online announcements, and interviews were conducted via video calls. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software, with theoretical saturation guiding data collection. Key themes were identified, including supportive leadership, collegial relationships, workplace culture, mental well-being strategies, and patient interaction dynamics. The results revealed that supportive leadership, characterized by open communication and emotional support, significantly enhanced psychological safety. Collegial relationships, particularly peer support and team cohesion, played a crucial role in reducing workplace stress. A positive workplace culture that prioritized respect, inclusivity, and ethical conduct fostered a sense of security and belonging. Access to mental health resources and structured well-being programs further contributed to practitioners' psychological resilience. Managing emotional labor in patient interactions was identified as a key challenge, with participants emphasizing the need for training on coping strategies. These findings align with existing literature on psychological safety in healthcare, reinforcing the importance of organizational interventions to support mental well-being. Psychological safety is a fundamental component of workplace well-being in dental clinics, influencing both professional satisfaction and patient care quality. Dental organizations should implement leadership training, peer support programs, and mental health initiatives to create psychologically safe environments. Addressing emotional labor challenges and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity can further enhance the well-being of dental professionals. Future research should explore the long-term impact of psychological safety interventions on mental health outcomes in dental settings.

This study aims to explore the key aesthetic considerations in prosthodontics, including color and shade matching, material selection, surface texture, tooth proportions, gingival aesthetics, and patient-centered perceptions, while examining current challenges and future advancements in aesthetic prosthetic rehabilitation. A narrative review was conducted using a descriptive analysis method to synthesize relevant literature on aesthetic principles in prosthodontics. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 were retrieved from databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Selection criteria included peer-reviewed journal articles, clinical trials, and systematic reviews focusing on the aesthetic outcomes of prosthodontic treatments. The analysis categorized findings into essential aesthetic components, clinical challenges, and technological advancements in prosthetic rehabilitation. Aesthetic outcomes in prosthodontics are influenced by multiple factors, including shade-matching accuracy, material translucency, surface polish, and gingival integration. Digital dentistry and artificial intelligence have significantly enhanced treatment planning, with CAD/CAM technology improving the precision and customization of restorations. Material advancements such as multilayered zirconia, lithium disilicate ceramics, and bioactive composites have contributed to better aesthetic performance. Despite these improvements, challenges persist in managing patient expectations, optimizing long-term color stability, and addressing soft tissue aesthetics. Limitations in aesthetic assessment tools and subjective patient perceptions further complicate treatment planning, emphasizing the need for more reliable evaluation methods. Aesthetic prosthodontics requires a multidisciplinary approach integrating advanced materials, digital workflows, and patient-centered design principles. While significant progress has been made in improving aesthetic predictability, further research is needed to refine material properties, enhance digital aesthetic assessment tools, and develop more effective interdisciplinary treatment strategies. Continuous innovation will be essential in addressing current limitations and ensuring long-term aesthetic success in prosthetic rehabilitation.

This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of advancements in biomaterials for dental implants, focusing on their mechanical, biological, and bioactive properties. A systematic narrative review approach was used, analyzing literature published from 2019 to 2024. Major scientific databases were searched using defined keywords, and studies were selected based on inclusion criteria such as the relevance of biomaterial properties, surface modifications, and clinical outcomes. Extracted data were synthesized to identify key trends and emerging technologies in dental implant materials. Advancements in biomaterials have improved the osseointegration, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties of dental implants. The introduction of bioactive coatings, nanostructured surfaces, and 3D printing technologies has significantly enhanced implant performance, reducing healing times and minimizing complications. Smart biomaterials have shown promise in promoting bone regeneration and combating infections. Additionally, the development of biodegradable and sustainable materials represents a growing trend toward environmentally friendly and patient-specific implant solutions. However, challenges remain, including material degradation, cost barriers, and the need for more robust clinical validation. Recent innovations in biomaterial science have transformed dental implantology, offering new possibilities for improving implant longevity, patient outcomes, and overall success rates. Further research and development will be essential in addressing current limitations and ensuring the long-term viability of advanced biomaterials in clinical practice.

This study aimed to explore the psychological impact of chronic occupational exposure to patient pain on dentists’ mental health. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological research design to investigate dentists’ lived experiences related to chronic exposure to patient pain. A total of 27 dentists from diverse countries were recruited through online announcements, and data were collected via semi-structured video call interviews. Theoretical saturation determined the sample size, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of recurring themes. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis, and NVivo software facilitated the coding and identification of patterns related to emotional strain, coping strategies, and professional challenges. The results indicated that chronic exposure to patient pain led to significant emotional exhaustion, burnout, and compassion fatigue, with many participants reporting psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and muscle tension. The stigma surrounding mental health in the dental profession contributed to reluctance in seeking psychological support. Workplace coping mechanisms, including peer support, mindfulness, and professional counseling, emerged as protective factors against burnout, although access to such resources varied. Ethical dilemmas, particularly in pain management and fear of malpractice litigation, further exacerbated psychological distress. Participants described struggling to balance empathy with professional detachment, leading to moral distress and emotional suppression in their clinical practice. Chronic occupational exposure to patient pain has profound psychological implications for dentists, increasing their risk of emotional exhaustion and professional burnout. Addressing mental health challenges in dentistry requires institutional changes, including improved access to mental health resources, peer support programs, and stress management training. Recognizing the emotional toll of pain management in dental practice is essential for sustaining the well-being of practitioners and ensuring high-quality patient care.

This study aimed to explore the causes, consequences, and coping strategies associated with burnout syndrome among dental professionals. This qualitative research utilized a phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences of burnout among dental professionals. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 36 participants, including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from diverse countries. Participants were recruited through online announcements, and interviews were conducted via video calls. Theoretical saturation determined the sample size. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software through inductive thematic analysis, involving open, axial, and selective coding to identify key themes related to burnout. The results indicated that burnout in dental professionals is primarily caused by excessive workload and time pressures, emotional exhaustion from patient care, lack of autonomy, workplace conflicts, financial pressures, and work-life imbalance. The consequences of burnout included chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, professional dissatisfaction, strained interpersonal relationships, and a decline in patient care quality. Participants adopted various coping strategies, including stress management techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation, social support from colleagues and family, professional development through continuing education, organizational changes like improved workload distribution, and psychological coping mechanisms. These findings align with previous research on burnout and stress management in healthcare professionals. Burnout syndrome is a significant occupational challenge for dental professionals, leading to adverse physical, mental, and professional outcomes. Addressing burnout requires systemic changes, including better workload management, enhanced mental health resources, and promoting work-life balance. Future research should investigate long-term interventions and organizational policies to mitigate burnout in dentistry.

This study aimed to explore the factors influencing operational efficiency in multi-specialty dental clinics. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 20 dental professionals working in multi-specialty clinics across diverse countries. Participants were recruited through online announcements, and interviews were conducted via video calls. Theoretical saturation was used to determine the sample size. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software, following an inductive coding approach to identify key themes related to clinic efficiency. The study identified three main themes influencing operational efficiency: workflow optimization, resource allocation, and technological integration. Participants reported that ineffective patient scheduling, poor delegation, and inadequate interdepartmental coordination were major barriers to efficient workflow. Challenges in human resource management, financial planning, and supply allocation affected clinic operations, with staff retention and equipment maintenance being critical concerns. The integration of electronic health records, automation in administrative tasks, and artificial intelligence-enhanced diagnostics emerged as key solutions, although cybersecurity risks and interoperability challenges persisted. Patient engagement through digital platforms was found to improve adherence and overall clinic efficiency. The findings suggest that operational efficiency in multi-specialty dental clinics can be enhanced through structured workflow strategies, optimized resource allocation, and strategic technological adoption. Implementing automated scheduling, improving staff retention, utilizing predictive analytics for resource planning, and ensuring cybersecurity compliance are essential for maintaining clinic productivity and service quality. Future research should explore the long-term impact of these interventions in different clinical settings.