Journal of Health and Dental Sciences

ZEBRAFISH AS AN EMERGING IN VIVO MODEL IN DENTOMAXILLOFACIAL RESEARCH

Wastuti Hidayati Suriyah — 2025-09-29

Animal models are vital in dental research for studying dentomaxillofacial anomalies, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Conventional models, such as those using rodents and higher mammals, provide valuable insights but raise ethical, financial, and translational challenges. Zebrafish (Danio rerio), widely established in biomedical sciences, offer distinctive advantages including genetic similarity to humans, transparent embryos, rapid development, and low maintenance costs. Despite their potential, their use in dental research remains relatively limited. This review evaluates current and emerging applications of zebrafish in dentistry based on peer‑reviewed literature and institutional resources. Research highlights three main areas. In tooth and craniofacial development, zebrafish contribute insights into odontogenesis, regeneration, and congenital anomalies through continuous tooth replacement and conserved pathways such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Hedgehog. In dental material studies, zebrafish embryos serve as sensitive models for assessing systemic and craniofacial toxicity of fluorides, nanoparticles, alloys, bioceramics, and resin-based monomers. In oral cancer research, transparent zebrafish lines and xenograft models enable real-time visualisation of tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment response, supporting high-throughput drug screening. Although limitations such as the absence of permanent dentition and anatomical differences restrict direct translation, zebrafish provide a rapid, ethical, and cost-effective complement to mammalian models—advances in genetics and imaging promise to expand their role in dental research and strengthen their translational relevance.

DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2.p113-126

INFLUENCE OF AUDIO MEDIA ON DENTAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS AT SLB-A JAKARTA INDONESIA

Silvia Sulistiani — 2025-09-29

Oral health is an integral part of overall health. Children with special needs, including the visually impaired, require appropriate information media to improve their knowledge of oral and dental health. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of audio-based counselling for visually impaired children. The method was quasi-experimental study used a pre-test and post-test design on 67 visually impaired students at SLB-A Pembina Tingkat Nasional Jakarta, selected through total sampling. Dental and oral health education was delivered via audio media, and knowledge was assessed using Braille-format questionnaires. Responses were recorded by the researcher. Inclusion criteria included adequate hearing, cognitive ability, and consent, while exclusions were similar ongoing studies, hearing impairment, additional disabilities, or communication difficulties. Data were analyzed with SPSS using normality tests, followed by the Wilcoxon test due to non-normal distribution. The results show that audio media is effective in increasing knowledge of oral and dental health, with ρ=0.000 (ρ<0.05), although other research factors did not have a significant effect. Conclusion: Audio media effectively improves dental and oral health knowledge of visually impaired students, independent of demographic factors, with strong support from parents and schools.

DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2.p127-140

CONVENTIONAL GINGIVECTOMY FOR GINGIVAL ENLARGEMENT: A CASE REPORT

Steffi Triany Arnov — 2025-09-29

Gingival enlargement can occur due to many factors, ranging from systemically caused plaque to hormonal disorders, due to medications, orthodontic treatments and genetic diseases. This case report aims to describe the management of gingival enlargement using conventional gingivectomy. A 35-year-old male patient came to the hospital with complaints of rounded gums of the upper jaw. The patient reported no pain in his gums. One month after scaling and root planing, the patient underwent a gingivectomy on tooth 12. Evaluation three weeks after the procedure revealed no inflammation, reduction in enlargement, and improved oral hygiene. The determination of etiological factors is crucial in determining the appropriate actions for managing gingival enlargement. Gingivectomy is a procedure to eliminate gingival enlargement and make it easier for patients to maintain oral hygiene. To prevent recurrence in the future, patients need supportive periodontal therapy, which they should undergo regularly

DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2.p141-150

POTENTIAL ROLE OF L – ARGININE IN SESAME SEEDS FOR DENTAL CARIES PREVENTION

Rini Puspita Sari — 2025-09-29

Dental caries is a chronic disease caused by damage to tooth enamel. The epidemiology of the prevalence of dental caries in Indonesia is 88.80%. Some cases are detected in more severe conditions that involve pulp damage. L-arginine is one of the substances that can prevent and inhibit the progression of dental caries pathogenesis. However, few studies have discussed the role of L-arginine. This literature review aims to evaluate the potential role of L-arginine in preventing dental caries. The research uses a systematic review approach on various databases, namely PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science published in the range of 2021 – 2025. Results: After the selection, as well as the screening of articles, 5 RCT articles were found, and 4 review articles were found in accordance with the research objectives. Most studies had observational analysis outputs less 1 year so they did not show long-term results, as well as side effects of L-arginine use. L-arginine can inhibit the progression of pathogenesis of dental caries disease, as well as reduce sensitivity symptoms in the oral cavity.

DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2.p151-162

DENTAL IMPLANTS TO RESTORE PATIENT'S QUALITY OF LIFE

Mieke Yunita Viryadi — 2025-09-29

Tooth loss can lead to physical and psychological problems such as impaired chewing, digestive disorders, changes in facial structure, speech difficulties, and reduced self-confidence, which may trigger anxiety and depression. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey reported that although 31.9% of people had experienced tooth extraction, only 3.1% had their teeth replaced, showing a significant treatment gap. Dental implants have emerged as the gold standard for tooth replacement due to their superior function, stability, and aesthetic outcome compared to conventional dentures. This case report discusses a 63-year-old female patient who presented with chewing difficulties and esthetic concerns due to the loss of mandibular teeth numbers 45 and 46. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed adequate alveolar bone volume, a healthy periodontal condition, and no systemic contraindications despite a history of anti-cancer drug use more than 15 years prior. Two implants, with a diameter of 4.6 mm and a length of 10.5 mm, were placed in the mandibular premolar and molar regions, followed by the placement of healing abutments and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns after osseointegration. Postoperative evaluations revealed excellent implant stability, improved masticatory function, and high aesthetic satisfaction, with a significant positive psychological impact. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of dental implants as a reliable rehabilitation option that enhances oral health and improves quality of life.

had them replacedprovide a functional, stable, and aesthetically pleasing

DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2/163-176

GLOBAL GOOGLE TRENDS ANALYSIS OF ORAL CANDIDIASIS: SYNONYMS AND CLASSIFICATIONS (2004–2020)

Abu Bakar — 2025-09-29

Oral candidiasis can be searched on websites using its synonyms and classifications. Google Trends, a product of Google Inc., is designed to display the level of popularity of search terms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral candidiasis search trends and Google Trends, based on synonyms, classifications, search times, and search locations. This research is an analytical study, utilising secondary data sourced from Google Trends from 2004 to 2020. The population consists of individuals who conducted searches on synonyms and classifications of oral candidiasis from 2004 to 2020 using the Google domain. The sample was obtained through a total sampling approach, and the data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test. The results showed that the global interest in oral thrush keywords gained the highest popularity value of 100. The results revealed a relationship between oral candidiasis and Google Trends, based on synonyms, classifications, search times, and search location distributions.

DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2/p177-186

LOW-STAKES ASSESSMENT WITHOUT EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK IS WORTHLESS: A DESCRIPTIVE-ANALYTICAL STUDY OF PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT IN UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL EDUCATION

Kertamaya Sundawan — 2025-09-29

Assessment plays a vital role in the education process. Assessment plays a significant role in the learning process in medical education, serving not only to evaluate learning outcomes but also to declare someone competent. Formative assessment is typically low-stakes, designed to stimulate learning. This low-risk assessment is effective when it is integrated into the ongoing teaching and learning program to facilitate timely, specific, and actionable feedback for students. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability factors of programmatic assessment based on the results of data analysis. The research method used is a descriptive analytical study. This study employed a descriptive-analytical design using a survey of undergraduate student grade data in the Periodontology study program, Faculty of Dentistry, Jenderal Ahmad Yani University. Inclusion criteria were students with longitudinal low-stakes grades, while those not participating in the low-stakes learning process were excluded. Data were analyzed using statistical methods to calculate mean and standard deviation, with institutional approval ensuring confidentiality. The results show that the average low-risk score is 83.94, while the high-risk score has an average of 68.47, with a passing percentage of 100% on low-risk scores, resulting in a very good predicate, and only 7% on high-risk assessments. It suggests that there is no holistic approach to programmatic assessment, which is influenced by several factors, including students not receiving timely feedback, poorly designed final exam questions, and internal factors such as nervousness during the final exam. The conclusion is that programmatic assessment should combine low-stakes and high-stakes assessments. Effective low-stakes assessments can enhance students' preparation for high-stakes exams. Low-stakes assessments can also increase students' motivation to study more deeply and regularly, but this depends on the quality of the feedback provided.

DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2.p187-198

BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS ARE STRONGLY ASSOCIATED WITH VCAM-1 LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

Iis Isnayati — 2025-09-29

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of metabolic risk factors that cause cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include high blood pressure, obesity, low HDL levels, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the components of metabolic syndrome and VCAM-1 levels, a marker of endothelial dysfunction, in patients with metabolic syndrome residing in RW 01 Cibeber, Cimahi. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design with analytical descriptive methods. The respondents were 44 people who were taken by consecutive sampling. The components of the metabolic syndrome based on the NCEP ATP-III criteria include waist circumference, blood pressure, triglyceride levels as measured by the colorimetric GPO-PAP (Glycerol Peroxidase Phosphate Acid) enzymatic test, fasting blood glucose levels using the GOD-PAP (Glucose Aminoantypirin Oxidase-Peroxidase), and HDL cholesterol levels with the Trinder PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) precipitation method. VCAM-1 levels were examined using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method as a marker of endothelial dysfunction. The results showed that most subjects had three or more of the five components (50%), and more than half of the subjects had high levels of VCAM-1 (63.6%). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the two components of the metabolic syndrome and VCAM-1 levels, namely fasting blood sugar (p = 0.000; r = 0.570) and triglycerides (p = 0.001; r = 0.501). Increased blood sugar causes changes in insulin signaling, interfering with NO production and increasing pro-inflammation, which in turn increases VCAM-1. At high triglyceride levels, it causes oxidative stress, leading to damage to vascular tissue, which in turn increases VCAM-1

DOI : 10.54052/jhds/v5n2.p199-212

PROSPECTIVE USE OF REUNDEU LEAVES (Staurogyne elongata) ON INFLAMMATORY MACROPHAGES IN SKIN EXCISION WOUND

Florence Meliawaty — 2025-09-29

Healing of skin excision wounds involves complex stages, with inflammatory macrophages playing a key role in regulating the inflammatory response and tissue regeneration. Staurogyne elongata (Reundeu leaves), a medicinal plant native to Indonesia, contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, and polyphenols, which exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This literature review aimed to explore the prospective role of S. elongata in modulating inflammatory macrophage activity during skin excision wound healing. Articles published within the last 10 years were retrieved from ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Science Publishing Group databases. The scientific implication is that Staurogyne elongata (Reundeu leaves) has potential therapeutic effects on skin excision wound healing by modulating inflammatory macrophage activity. Specifically, its bioactive compounds may promote the transition of macrophages from a pro-inflammatory (M1) to an anti-inflammatory (M2) state, leading to reduced inflammation and enhanced tissue regeneration. The results suggest that S. elongata could be developed as a natural, cost-effective adjunct treatment to improve wound healing outcomes, highlighting the need for further experimental validation, clinical studies, and pharmaceutical formulation development.

DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2.p213-226

ENDODONTIC MANAGEMENT OF IRREVERSIBLE PULPITIS IN MANDIBULAR SECOND MOLAR: CASE REPORT

Asih Rahaju — 2025-09-29

Irreversible pulpitis is a permanent inflammatory condition of the dental pulp, generally caused by bacterial invasion from deep caries, and is characterized by spontaneous pain that cannot be reversed even after the removal of etiologic factors. Permanent mandibular molars, such as tooth 37, often present complex root canal anatomies, including C-shaped canals, two distal canals, or a middle mesial canal, which may directly affect the success of endodontic treatment. This case report aims to describe the management of multiple root canal treatments in a permanent mandibular molar diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis due to deep caries, and to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes after therapy. A 35-year-old male patient presented to the Dental Hospital of Jenderal Achmad Yani University with a chief complaint of spontaneous pain in tooth 37 that interfered with daily activities. Clinical examination revealed extensive coronal destruction, a positive painful response to pulp vitality testing, and radiographic findings of deep caries approximating the pulp with periodontal ligament widening but without signs of abscess. A diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis was established, and root canal therapy was performed, including rewalling restoration, biomechanical preparation with hand K-files up to master apical file #25, irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and saline, followed by obturation using the lateral condensation technique with resin-based sealer. Final restoration was achieved with an indirect composite to restore masticatory function and prevent reinfection. At follow-up, the patient reported no symptoms, with normal clinical and radiographic findings, indicating successful treatment and functional tooth preservation. In conclusion, irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars with complex canal morphology can be effectively managed with conventional root canal therapy, where accurate preparation and proper coronal restoration play a more significant role in long-term success than the obturation technique employed.

DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2.p227-236