European Journal of Science and Technology, Year 2026 Issue 58

A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Future and Employment Anxiety Among Dental Students

Meltem KarahanMeltem Karahan ,Yigit Aglamaz ,Bahar Basak Kiziltan Eliacik — 2026-07-16

This study aims to assess the levels of future and employment-related anxiety experienced by dentistry students enrolled in a public university before graduation. The study was conducted in a descriptive and cross-sectional design and included a total of 123 fourth- and fifth-year dentistry students. Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of demographic items, the Employment Anxiety Scale, and the Future Anxiety Scale for University Students. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Findings indicate that dentistry students experience significant levels of future and employment-related anxiety before graduation. Female students reported significantly higher anxiety levels across multiple sub-dimensions compared to male students. No significant difference in overall anxiety was observed based on academic year, although fourth-year students showed higher levels of discrimination-related concerns. A statistically significant moderate correlation was identified between future-related fear and employment anxiety, whereas hopelessness about the future showed a weak but significant association with concerns of inadequacy and discrimination. Dentistry students face considerable anxiety regarding their future careers and employment prospects. It is essential to guide career planning, employment opportunities, and alternative professional pathways. This study reveals employment concerns among future dentists.

The Role of Antibiotics in Pediatric Dental Practice

Aslıhan YelkenciAslıhan Yelkenci ,Günseli Güven Polat ,Deniz Tarakçıoğlu — 2026-07-16

Inappropriate and excessive use of antibiotics contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, one of the most serious threats to global public health. Antimicrobial resistance can reduce treatment success, necessitate higher antibiotic doses and longer treatment courses, and limit the effectiveness of antibiotics that were previously considered first-line therapies for common infections. In pediatric dentistry, prescribing antibiotics without an appropriate indication or using inappropriate doses and treatment durations may compromise treatment outcomes, prolong the course of treatment, and increase complications associated with unnecessary antibiotic use. This review summarizes the indications and contraindications for antibiotic therapy, conditions requiring antibiotic prophylaxis, key principles of antibiotic prescribing in pediatric patients, and the potential adverse effects of antibiotics in pediatric dental practice. The aim of this review is to promote rational antibiotic use by supporting appropriate antibiotic prescribing in children, including the selection of the correct indication, dose, and treatment duration.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Bioactive Bioceramic Materials Used in Pediatric Endodontics

Aslıhan YelkenciAslıhan Yelkenci ,Günseli Güven Polat ,Deniz Tarakçıoğlu — 2026-07-16

The use of bioceramic materials in pediatric endodontics has become increasingly widespread because of their biocompatibility and bioactive properties. The aim of this review was to evaluate the characteristics and clinical applications of current bioceramic materials used in pediatric dentistry. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, MTA Angelus, MTA Fillapex, Biodentine, Bioaggregate, TheraCal, and EndoSequence Root Repair Material were examined in terms of their composition, biological properties, physical characteristics, and endodontic applications. Findings from the literature indicate that bioceramic materials support hydroxyapatite formation, provide effective sealing ability, exhibit antibacterial activity, and contribute to pulpal healing. These materials have been reported to offer important advantages, particularly in treatments aimed at preserving pulp vitality in immature permanent teeth. However, prolonged setting time, sensitivity to moisture contamination, handling differences, and variations related to material components may influence their clinical performance. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the physical, biological, and clinical properties of current bioceramic materials and discusses their applications in pediatric endodontics.