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Dentistry Journal
Special Issues
Oral Pathology: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects
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Oral Pathology: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects

A special issue of Dentistry Journal (ISSN 2304-6767).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 9296

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana Andabak Rogulj

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: oral mucosal diseases; oral potentially malignant lesions; oral health care of medically compromised patients
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Božana Lončar Brzak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: oral medicine; burning mouth syndrome; potentially malignant oral lesions; oral cancer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit manuscripts for an upcoming Special Issue entitled “Oral Pathology: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects”. This Special Issue will provide a comprehensive review of the latest research and advances, as well as future directions, in the field of oral pathology.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case reports that address key aspects of oral pathology, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms behind oral diseases;
  • Innovations in diagnostic techniques, including imaging and biomarkers;
  • The relationship between oral and systemic health;
  • Advances in the treatment of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), oral cancer, and other lesions;
  • Emerging technologies, including AI and digital pathology, in clinical practice.

This Special Issue will provide an excellent opportunity for researchers and clinicians to share their insights and contribute to the ongoing development of oral pathology. We encourage submissions from diverse fields, as interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in advancing our understanding and management of oral diseases.

Dr. Ana Andabak Rogulj
Dr. Božana Lončar Brzak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Dentistry Journal is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • oral diseases
  • oral potentially malignant disorders
  • pathophysiology
  • diagnostic techniques
  • biomarkers
  • molecular mechanisms
  • systemic health
  • AI
  • clinical practice

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 4261 KB  
Article
Diagnostic Performance of Autofluorescence for Oral Lesions: A Comparison Between a Postgraduate and an Expert Clinician
by Alessandro Antonelli, Cristina D’Antonio, Anna Martina Battaglia, Riccardo Finamore, Antonio Madonna, Vincenzo Greco, Vincenzo Cosentino, Selene Barone, Flavia Biamonte, Amerigo Giudice and Francesco Bennardo
Dent. J. 2025, 13(11), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13110512 - 3 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1301
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Autofluorescence (AF) is a widely used adjunctive tool in the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and malignant lesions, but its performance can be influenced by clinicians’ experiences. This study aimed to examine how AF influences diagnostic decision-making and performances [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Autofluorescence (AF) is a widely used adjunctive tool in the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and malignant lesions, but its performance can be influenced by clinicians’ experiences. This study aimed to examine how AF influences diagnostic decision-making and performances of a novice clinician compared with those of an experienced examiner. Methods: A total of 80 patients with oral lesions participated in this cross-sectional study. Each underwent a standard oral examination (OE) followed by an assessment with the VELscope® System Vx (LED Medical Diagnostics Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada), independently conducted by an expert clinician (E) and a postgraduate dentist (PD), both blinded to each other’s results. Biopsy and histopathological analysis provided the reference diagnosis. After every examination, lesions were categorized as either “Risk of Malignancy” (RM) or “No Risk of Malignancy” (NRM). Results: Based on OE, PD identified 39 RM lesions, while E 29. AF with VELscope® identified an additional 12 RM lesions for the PD and 7 for the E that were not suspected on OE alone. Combining OE with VELscope® improved sensitivity (PD: 90.9%; E: 95.4%) and negative predictive value (PD: 91.7%; E: 97.6%), while decreasing specificity (PD: 37.9%; E: 70.7%) and positive predictive value (PD: 35.7%; E: 55.3%) compared with OE alone. Conclusions: AF increases diagnostic sensitivity, particularly for less experienced clinicians, while offering moderate advantages for experts. Nevertheless, the corresponding decline in specificity emphasizes the need for cautious interpretation. AF should be incorporated as a complementary tool within structured diagnostic pathways, accompanied by adequate training, and cannot replace histopathological confirmation or clinical expertise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathology: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects)
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20 pages, 2104 KB  
Article
Effectiveness of Individually Trained Oral Prophylaxis (iTOP) Education on Long-Term Oral Health in Medical and Dental Students: A Two-Year Prospective Cohort Study
by Zvonimir Lukac, Brigita Maric, Josip Kapetanovic, Mislav Mandic, Ivona Musa Leko and Andrija Petar Bosnjak
Dent. J. 2025, 13(9), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13090404 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1639
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Preventive oral health education plays a key role in preparing future healthcare professionals to promote and maintain good oral hygiene. Individually Trained Oral Prophylaxis (iTOP) is a structured, personalized educational program that emphasizes correct brushing techniques and interdental cleaning. This study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Preventive oral health education plays a key role in preparing future healthcare professionals to promote and maintain good oral hygiene. Individually Trained Oral Prophylaxis (iTOP) is a structured, personalized educational program that emphasizes correct brushing techniques and interdental cleaning. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a single-session iTOP intervention on clinical oral health outcomes among medical and dental students. Methods: A 2-year prospective cohort study included 82 first- and fourth-year medical and dental students at the University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The researchers randomly assigned participants to an iTOP intervention group or a control group. The primary analysis used multivariable linear mixed-effects models for repeated measures, adjusted for study program, academic year, smoking status, and baseline oral-hygiene habits, with effect sizes reported alongside 95% confidence intervals. Clinical periodontal parameters—plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing depth—were assessed at baseline, three months, and two years. All participants received professional cleaning and oral hygiene kits. Only the intervention group received personalized iTOP training, consisting of a single session with brief reinforcement at the 3-month follow-up. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07085013). Results: Seventy-six students completed the follow-up. The iTOP group had significantly lower plaque index and bleeding scores at both follow-up points (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Baseline differences were observed between subgroups (medical vs. dental; younger vs. older students), but these diminished over time. At the 2-year follow-up, only the plaque index remained significantly improved, while other clinical parameters returned to values comparable to baseline. Conclusions: The iTOP program resulted in significant short-term improvements in oral health among medical and dental students. For sustained long-term outcomes, iTOP or similar structured oral health education programs should be integrated into medical and dental curricula. Enhancing oral health awareness among healthcare providers may ultimately contribute to improved public oral health outcomes. Given the single-center design and the single-session nature of the intervention, the results should be interpreted with caution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathology: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects)
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13 pages, 612 KB  
Article
Efficacy of N-Acetyl Cysteine in the Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome—A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Lorena Horvat Aleksijević, Božana Lončar Brzak, Miroslav Sikora, Ivana Škrinjar, Vlaho Brailo, Ana Andabak Rogulj, Marko Aleksijević and Danica Vidović Juras
Dent. J. 2025, 13(8), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13080336 - 23 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3202
Abstract
Objectives: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic, painful, idiopathic condition of the oral cavity, characterized by the absence of visible pathological changes on the oral mucosa and normal laboratory findings. Recent evidence from the literature supports the classification of BMS as a [...] Read more.
Objectives: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic, painful, idiopathic condition of the oral cavity, characterized by the absence of visible pathological changes on the oral mucosa and normal laboratory findings. Recent evidence from the literature supports the classification of BMS as a neuropathic condition. It has been proposed that oxidative stress may contribute to neuropathic pain. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that exhibits neuroprotective properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of N-acetyl cysteine in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Methods: Eighty female patients with previously diagnosed BMS were randomly assigned to one out of two groups. One group received N-acetyl cysteine (600 mg/twice a day) and the other received placebo, for an eight-week period. The outcome was measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) quality of life questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale, for burning and discomfort, both before and after completing the therapy. Results: Both groups experienced a significant reduction in burning and discomfort sensations, along with a significant improvement in oral health-related quality of life. However, the difference between the treatment and control group was not statistically significant. Conclusions: NAC does not significantly improve the oral health-related quality of life, burning sensations, and discomfort in BMS subjects compared to placebo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathology: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects)
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Review

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20 pages, 2498 KB  
Review
Buccodental Toxicities Induced by Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients Diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma—A Literature Review
by Adina Nemeș, Diana Voskuil-Galos and Olimpia Bunta
Dent. J. 2025, 13(10), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13100439 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1756
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), either as single agents or in combination with other drugs, have become a gold standard in many oncological pathologies. The identification, analysis, and clinical management of their multiple and various systemic adverse events are a clear requirement and represent [...] Read more.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), either as single agents or in combination with other drugs, have become a gold standard in many oncological pathologies. The identification, analysis, and clinical management of their multiple and various systemic adverse events are a clear requirement and represent a true challenge in daily practice. For this narrative review, registration clinical trials that have led to the approval of certain TKI protocols in the setting of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were identified via the latest version of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) kidney cancer guidelines. The following keywords were used: Axitinib, Cabozantinib, Lenvatinib, Pazopanib, Sorafenib, Sunitinib, and Tivozanib. RCC therapies have been proven to frequently induce oral symptoms and pathologies such as stomatitis, dysgeusia, xerostomia, osteonecrosis of the jaws, oral dysesthesia, geographic tongue, and dental and periodontal damage. The aim of this review is to emphasize the mechanisms of these common drug-induced buccodental toxicities associated with TKI therapies in RCC and to draft a general clinical management of these adverse events, in order to improve patients’ quality of life and treatment adherence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathology: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects)
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Other

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24 pages, 1103 KB  
Systematic Review
Changes in Salivary Biomarkers and Oral Immune Parameters in Patients with Psoriasis: A Systematic Review
by Anna Skutnik-Radziszewska, Virginia Ewa Lis, Alicja Skutnik, Julita Szulimowska and Anna Zalewska
Dent. J. 2026, 14(3), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14030184 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 369
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by systemic inflammation and complex immune dysregulation that extends beyond the skin and may affect the oral environment. Increasing evidence suggests that saliva may serve as a non-invasive diagnostic medium reflecting both local and [...] Read more.
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by systemic inflammation and complex immune dysregulation that extends beyond the skin and may affect the oral environment. Increasing evidence suggests that saliva may serve as a non-invasive diagnostic medium reflecting both local and systemic pathological processes. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate current evidence on salivary biomarkers in psoriasis, focusing on inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress parameters, immune-related factors, and oral microbiota alterations, and to assess their potential clinical and diagnostic relevance. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering studies published between 1994 and October 2024. Original human studies evaluating salivary biomarkers in patients with psoriasis were included based on predefined PECOS criteria. Studies involving confounding inflammatory oral diseases without separate analysis were excluded. Eleven eligible studies were included in a qualitative synthesis. Results: The analyzed studies consistently demonstrated multidimensional alterations in salivary composition in psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2) and reduced anti-inflammatory IL-10 indicated persistent immune activation. Elevated oxidative stress markers, including total oxidant status and oxidative stress index, supported the role of redox imbalance in disease pathogenesis. Alterations in innate immune components, such as salivary α-amylase, immunoglobulin A, and lysozyme, suggested impaired oral immune regulation. Moreover, emerging microbiome data revealed shifts toward pro-inflammatory bacterial taxa, including Prevotella and Porphyromonas. Some studies indicated that biologic therapy may modulate salivary biomarker profiles. Conclusions: Salivary biomarkers reflect systemic inflammatory and immunological alterations associated with psoriasis and represent promising non-invasive tools for disease monitoring and clinical assessment. Nevertheless, substantial methodological heterogeneity and limited sample sizes highlight the need for large-scale, standardized, and longitudinal studies to validate their diagnostic applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathology: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects)
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