ABSTRACT Background and Aims The impostor phenomenon (IP) is an individual's internal experience of intellectual phoniness, characterized by an inability to internalize success, leading to self‐doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud. We examined IP among Croatian and Bosnian‐ Herzegovinian undergraduate dental students. Methods A cross‐sectional study (n = 679) was conducted at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb (n = 355), and the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sarajevo (n = 324). We aimed to assess the risk associated with certain predictors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, quality of life, physical and mental health, social interactions, mental health issues, and academic and non‐academic stressors, in relation to a clinically relevant level of impostorism measured by the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). Results Dental schools in Sarajevo and Zagreb had similar average CIPS scores, 58.5 versus 58.7. Females had significantly higher average scores than males (Sarajevo: 60.1 vs. 53.7; Zagreb: 60.0 vs. 52.4). Every second student had a clinically relevant level of impostor feelings. Transitional years, 1st, 4th, and 6th, exhibited the highest average scores. Alcohol consumption, smoking, parental expectations, PHQ‐9 scores, and lower quality of life increased risk, while social inclusion in the broader community reduced risk. Conclusion IP is highly prevalent and influenced by internal and external factors. This study was the first to examine IP among Croatian and Bosnian and Herzegovinian dental students. Dental schools should implement targeted interventions and psychological support into curricula to build student resilience.

Introduction: Medical students, including dental students, are more likely to be burdened with depression, anxiety, burnout, and anorexic tendencies than their peers studying other subjects. In spite of major public health relevance, there is a large knowledge gap regarding mental health issues among Bosnian dental students. The aim of this research is to estimate the depression prevalence among dental students in Sarajevo according to age, gender, and academic year. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th year students at the Dental School, University of Sarajevo, during 2023-2024. Depression was evaluated using the self-reported patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Statistical analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk test, with data presented as means with standard deviations (SDs), medians (Mdn) with interquartile ranges (IQRs), and frequencies. Comparisons between males and females were analyzed using the Student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test and one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis test across academic years. Results: In the total sample (n = 324), females outnumbered males, 244 versus 80. Clinically significant depression (PHQ-9 ≥10) was reported in 52.79% of students. The average PHQ-9 value was Mdn = 10.00, IQR (6.00, 16.00), M = 11.1, SD = 6.66. The highest average PHQ-9 values were observed in the 4th year and the lowest in the 6th year. Female students had significantly higher average PHQ-9 scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Dental students in Sarajevo exhibited high depression prevalence, but female students were more affected. These findings emphasize an urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in dental education.

Objective: Ergonomics in dental practice plays a crucial role in maintaining professional health, as prolonged static postures and repetitive movements significantly increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. Understanding ergonomic risk factors and their impact on musculoskeletal health is essential for identifying vulnerable groups and developing effective preventive strategies in dental practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain as a manifestation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists and to analyze its association with demographic characteristics, work habits, and dental specialization. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 130 dentists from various dental specialties. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing demographic variables, work habits, ergonomic conditions, and the presence of musculoskeletal pain. Descriptive statistical methods were applied, and chi-square tests were used to analyze associations between categorical variables, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results indicated that the majority of participants experienced work-related musculoskeletal disorders, with prevalence increasing with age and length of professional experience. Occupational factors such as prolonged sitting or standing, improper working posture, lack of ergonomic chairs, and insufficient physical activity were significantly associated with the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (p < 0.05). A statistically significant association was also observed between dental specialty and the presence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (χ²(9) = 25.83; p < 0.01). The highest prevalence was reported among specialists in prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and endodontics, while lower prevalence was observed among oral surgeons, general dental practitioners, and periodontists. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of implementing ergonomic interventions, regular physical activity, and preventive strategies in dental practice to reduce the occupational risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Background: Endodontic treatment is an essential procedure for preserving natural teeth and preventing further oral health complications. However, patients' perceptions, knowledge, and anxiety related to root canal treatment may influence their willingness to undergo the procedure and their overall satisfaction with dental care. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between demographic characteristics-such as gender, age, and educational level-and patients' perceptions, attitudes, and expectations regarding endodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire among patients residing in Sarajevo Canton. A total of 171 participants who had previously undergone endodontic treatment completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire collected demographic data and information about patients' knowledge of endodontic treatment, previous treatment experience, satisfaction with the information provided by the dentist, perceived pain or discomfort, communication with the dentist, and overall treatment experience. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while the independent samples Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to assess differences between groups. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of participants were female (80.1%), and most had a university degree (60.8%). Male participants reported significantly higher satisfaction with the information provided, the dentist's professionalism, and comfort during treatment compared to female participants (p < 0.05). Participants aged 41 years and older reported significantly higher satisfaction with communication, information provided, and overall treatment experience than younger age groups. Participants with a lower level of education reported significantly higher levels of pain or discomfort during or after treatment (p < 0.004). Conclusion: Patients generally showed a positive perception of endodontic treatment. Effective communication, adequate patient education, and the dentist's professionalism play an important role in reducing anxiety and improving patient satisfaction and treatment experience.

Background: The study investigates newly developed composite materials with advanced filler technology and modified resin matrices, designed to enhance esthetic quality, clinical efficiency, and mechanical properties. This study evaluated the effect of two light-curing protocols—a conventional low-voltage (LV) protocol (10 s at 1200 mW/cm2) and a high-voltage (HV) protocol (3 s at 3000 mW/cm2)—on the microhardness (MH), bottom/top MH ratio, and the correlation between filler content (wt%, vol%) and MH of bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs). Four RBCs were tested: Tetric PlusFill (TPF), Tetric Plus Flow(TPFW), Tetric PowerFill (PFL), and Tetric PowerFlow (PFW). Materials and Methods: Samples were fabricated in the laboratory using specially designed cylindrical molds (diameter = 8 mm, height = 4 mm). Initial MH was measured on the top and bottom surfaces of composite specimens 24 h after light curing using a digital microhardness tester (QNESS 60 M EVO, ATM Qness GmbH, Mammelzen, Germany). The correlation between the filler content (wt%, vol%) and the MH of the RBCs was tested. For the calculation of depth-dependent curing effectiveness, the bottom/top ratio for initial MH was used. Conclusions: The MH of bulk-fill RBCs was found to be influenced by both material composition and the applied light-curing protocol. An increase in filler content resulted in higher MH values under both protocols, with the filler volume fraction exhibiting a stronger correlation than the weight fraction. While both flowable and sculptable Tetric Plus composites exhibited higher MH values under the HV protocol, Tetric Power composites demonstrated greater initial hardness under LV protocol. The flowable composite PFW showed the most pronounced reduction in MH under HV curing. The bottom/top MH ratio exceeded 80% in all tested materials, confirming adequate polymerization throughout the composite layers.

Introduction: The main purpose of root canal filling materials is to provide an apical sealing that prevents the movement of bacteria and the diffusion of their metabolic products from the root canal system to periapical tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate’s (MTA), epoxy resin, and zinc oxide eugenol- based sealer with single cone obturation techniques using the dye extraction leakage method. Methods: Seventy-five extracted human single-rooted teeth were instrumented using the crown-down technique with the Mtwo rotary file system to file 25/6. The teeth were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n = 15); Group 1 obturated with AH plus, Group 2 obturated with MTA BIOSEAL, Group 3 obturated with Endoseal, Group 4 positive control (POS CTRL) root canals are processed but not obturated, and negative control- apex of teeth completely covered with nail varnish, canals are not treated or obturated. In the first three groups, the single cone obturation technique with gutta-percha 25/6 was used. Apical microleakage was assessed with the dye extraction method, where the absorbance of 2% methylene blue was measured using a spectrophotometer. Results: The mean dye concentration values were MTA 22.79, AH plus 31.16, Endoseal 36.67, POS CTRL 280.15, negative control 9.01. Analysis of variance and pairwise comparisons indicated a significant difference in apical microleakage between the investigated groups (F = 3448, p < 0.001). The MTA BIOSEAL showed significantly less apical microleakage than the AH plus and Endoseal. The AH plus showed less apical microleakage than the Endoseal, although there was no significant difference between these two sealers. Conclusion: With the limitation of the study, it was concluded that MTA sealers show statistically less apical leakage than AH Plus and Endoseal.

Herbal medicine has long been essential in preventing and treating oral health issues, dating back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries, different cultures have developed advanced herbal remedies for conditions such as toothaches, gingivitis, oral ulcers, and bad breath. Recent research highlights the therapeutic benefits of plants like sage, aloe vera, miswak, clove, neem, chamomile, and mint, many of which are now incorporated into modern oral care products. The combination of ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific research reinforces the ongoing role of phytotherapy in modern dental practice.

Introduction: Diabetes is progressive condition which requires various ways of treatment. Adequate therapy prescribed in the right time helps patient to postpone development of complications. Adherence to complicated therapy is challenge for both patients and HCPs and is subject of research in many disciplines. Improvement in communication between HCP and patients is very important in patient’s adherence to therapy. Aim: Aim of this research was to explore validity and reliability of modified SERVQUAL instrument in attempt to explore ways of motivating diabetic patient to accept prescribed insulin therapy. Material and Methods: We used modified SERVQUAL questionnaire as instrument in the research. It was necessary to check validity and reliability of the new modified instrument. Results: Results show that modified Servqual instrument has excellent reliability (α=0.908), so we could say that it measures precisely Expectations, Perceptions and Motivation at patients. Factor analysis (EFA method) with Varimax rotation extracted 4 factors which together explain 52.902% variance of the results on this subscale. Bifactorial solution could be seen on Scree-plot diagram (break at second factor). Conclusion: Results in this research show that modified Servqual instrument which is created in order to measure expectations and perceptions of the patients is valid and reliable. Reliability and validity are proven indeed in additional dimension which was created originally for this research - motivation to accept insulin therapy.