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.

Regenerative dentistry uses advanced biomaterials such as nano scaffolds to address oral defects. These scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), promoting cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation and eventually, tissue regeneration, Common fabrication methods include electrospinning, self-assembly and thermal-induced phase separation (TIPS), allowing precise control over scaffold properties. This article reviews the use of nano scaffolds in repairing dental pulp, enamel, periodontal ligaments and bone tissue.

Dental biofilms are an important factor in the etiology of oral diseases, such as caries and periodontitis, and have posed a serious challenge to standard antimicrobial therapies. A good alternative is the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have strong antibacterial properties, a broad-spectrum range of activity, and good penetration through biofilms. The present review discusses the mechanism of AgNPs in the disruption of biofilm development by means of damage to bacterial cell walls, metabolic interference, and ROS generation. The effect of AgNPs is much better than that of regular antimicrobial agents, implying a low chance of developing resistance by bacteria and therefore better oral health outcomes. Incorporated into toothpaste, mouthwash, or dental coatings, the materials could further enhance long-term protection and adhesion inhibition of biofilms. Therefore, AgNPs show promise in dentistry. However, finding materials suitable for human use will be a great challenge, long-term effects, and optimal concentrations require further investigation. This review highlights recent advancements, applications, and challenges associated with AgNPs in dental biofilm control, emphasizing their role as a promising strategy for preventing oral infections.

Fungal infections pose a significant challenge in medical and dental fields, often leading to persistent and treatment-resistant conditions. Nano silver particles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising antifungal agents due to their broad-spectrum activity, minimal resistance development, and ability to penetrate biofilms. This article reviews the antifungal mechanisms of AgNPs, their effectiveness against common fungal pathogens, and their applications in medicine and dentistry. Furthermore, the challenges and future prospects of AgNPs as antifungal agents are discussed.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained significant attention due to their remarkable antibacterial properties, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics in the fight against microbial infections. These nanoparticles, with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nm, exhibit superior antibacterial efficacy compared to bulk silver due to their high surface area and unique physicochemical properties. The antibacterial mechanisms of AgNPs involve multiple pathways, including the disruption of bacterial cell membranes, the release of silver ions (Ag+), the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the interaction with bacterial DNA. These mechanisms contribute to the inhibition of bacterial growth and cell death. AgNPs have been applied in various fields, including medicine, consumer products, water treatment, and food preservation, due to their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. However, concerns regarding their potential toxicity to human cells, environmental impact, and the development of bacterial resistance need to be addressed for their widespread use. This review provides an overview of the antibacterial efficiency of AgNPs, highlighting their synthesis, mechanisms of action, applications, challenges, and future prospects for improving their safety and efficacy.

The convergence of artificial intelligence and nanotechnology has revolutionized the development of precision therapeutics for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), addressing critical challenges in drug delivery, tumor ablation, and early detection. This review systematically examines how AI-driven approaches—including machine learning (ML), generative adversarial networks (GANs), and reinforcement learning—optimize nanomaterial design for OSCC applications. ML algorithms predict critical nanocarrier properties (size, shape, surface charge) to enhance tumor targeting, while GANs explore novel nanostructures with stimuli-responsive drug release tailored to the acidic OSCC microenvironment. Reinforcement learning and genetic algorithms further refine surface functionalization and release kinetics, achieving unprecedented tumor-to-normal tissue ratios (18:1) and sustained therapeutic delivery. Clinically, AI-designed nanotherapeutics demonstrate remarkable advances: (1) polymeric nanoparticles with optimized mucoadhesion for localized delivery, (2) photothermal agents with 85% energy conversion efficiency for tumor ablation, and (3) nanosensors detecting salivary biomarkers at 0.1 pg/mL for early diagnosis. Despite these breakthroughs, challenges persist in manufacturing scalability and regulatory adaptation of AI-generated designs. Future directions highlight closed-loop systems integrating real-time patient data and multi-objective optimization for personalized nanomedicine. By bridging computational innovation with biological validation, AI-enabled nanomaterial design promises to transform OSCC management, offering targeted, adaptive, and minimally invasive therapeutic strategies. 

Nano silver has emerged as a promising agent in the management of dental caries, leveraging its potent antimicrobial properties to combat cariogenic bacteria. This review explores the role of nano silver in caries prevention and treatment, focusing on its mechanisms of action, applications, and potential benefits. Nano silver disrupts bacterial cell membranes, inhibits biofilm formation, and reduces the viability of pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus , which are key contributors to tooth decay. Its incorporation into dental materials, including composites, glass ionomer cements, and varnishes, offers sustained antimicrobial effects, enhancing the longevity of restorations and reducing the risk of secondary caries. Additionally, nano silver-based solutions and gels are effective in cavity disinfection and pulp therapy. Despite its advantages, challenges such as potential cytotoxicity, tooth discoloration, and the risk of bacterial resistance necessitate further research. This article highlights the current advancements, limitations, and future directions of nano silver in caries management, emphasizing the need for optimized formulations and rigorous clinical validation to ensure its safe and effective use in modern dentistry.

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.