Advancements in Translational Research in Dentistry

Dear Colleagues,

Translational research in dentistry is pivotal for bridging the gap between discoveries of fundamental science and clinical applications, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. This translational process evolves through the assimilation of data derived from foundational experiments conducted at a fundamental level (i.e., in vitro and/or animal studies), advancing sequentially through experimental human studies to ascertain their efficacy, efficiency, and safety before transitioning to implementation. As such, each phase of this progression demands a foundation rooted in studies of the utmost methodological rigor to ensure the derivation of precise and valuable information. Furthermore, the systematic dissemination of new procedures/techniques should be carried out judiciously after their efficacy and safety have been conclusively established.

Translational research that also involves secondary studies and meta-research, knowledge transfer, and quality improvement is also crucial in this context.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advancements, foster collaborations among multidisciplinary researchers, and stimulate further investigations that can be translated into tangible benefits for dental healthcare.

This Special Issue will encompass a wide range of topics within translational research in dentistry, including, but not limited to:

Innovations in dental biomaterials:
Development of novel biomaterials for restorative and prosthetic dentistry.
Translational approaches in tissue engineering for oral and craniofacial reconstruction.

Technological integration in dentistry:
Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in diagnostics and treatment planning.
Implementation of digital technologies in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery.

Molecular insights into oral diseases:
Translational studies elucidating the molecular basis of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancers.
Targeted molecular therapies for oral health conditions.

Clinical trials and evidence-based dentistry:
Reports on translational clinical trials with a direct impact on dental practice.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the effectiveness of translational interventions.

Implementation of science in dental care:
Assessing the integration of translational research findings into routine dental practice.
Evaluating the impact of translational research on oral healthcare policies and guidelines.

Submission guidelines:
Contributors are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, case studies, and perspectives that align with the theme of translational research in dentistry. Submissions should adhere to the guidelines of Medicina for manuscript preparation and submission.

This Special Issue on “Advancements in Translational Research in Dentistry” aims to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of dental healthcare. By bringing together diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research, we anticipate fostering a collaborative environment that accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions for the benefit of dental practitioners and their patients.

We sincerely appreciate your consideration of this proposal and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the scholarly dialogue within Medicina.

Prof. Dr. João Miguel Marques dos Santos
Prof. Dr. Eugenio Pedullà
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. Medicina 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 2200 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.