Yonsei University College of Dentistry Secures Top Rank for Two Years in a Row for Global Rankings
Yonsei University College of Dentistry (YUCD) ranked 1st in Korea and 31st in the world, according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings for Dentistry. It was the second straight year that YUCD topped the rankings in Korea.
The QS World University Rankings for Dentistry uses four methodologies with different weightings that are combined to produce the final result, which are as follows: ▲Academic reputation (40%), ▲Employer reputation (10%), ▲Citations per paper (20%), ▲H-index (20%), ▲International Research Network (10%). Yonsei University College of Dentisty scored 90.7 out of 100 for Citations, indicating the high impact and quality of the scientific work done by university. We also scored 82.7 out of 100 for H-index, which measures the stability of impact and quality of the work published by the institution’s scientists and scholars.
Meanwhile, Yonsei University College of Dentistry ranked 43rd in the world and 1st in Korea, also for two years in a row in the clinical and health subject according to the THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings 2024.
Dentistry and Pharmacy Joint Symposium Explores Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities
On April 5, 2024, the joint symposium of the College of Dentistry and the College of Pharmacy was held at the Seobyungin Hall in the College of Dentistry. The symposium, themed "Interdisciplinary Research between Pharmacy and Dentistry: Current Challenges and Opportunities," featured presentations by three speakers from the College of Pharmacy and two from the College of Dentistry. The presentations focused on potential collaborative research areas for the advancement of interdisciplinary science between dentistry and pharmacy.
Professor Do-sik Min from the College of Pharmacy discussed the experimental animal facility established in November 2023 as part of the industry-academic cooperation complex project, which aims to enhance collaboration with researchers from the College of Dentistry.
Yonsei University College of Dentistry and College of Pharmacy signed an MOU in January 2024, further raising expectations for collaborative research efforts.
Yonsei Dentistry and US 8th Army 618th Medical Company Deepen Collaborative Efforts
Yonsei University College of Dentistry and the US 8th Army 618th Medical Company (Dental Area Support) have recently been enhancing their collaboration. The two institutions have maintained exchanges since the 1960s and formalized their relationship with an official agreement in 2002, which included academic exchanges such as sending students for the specialized elective courses. The renewal of the MOU last year has led to even closer cooperation this year.
On May 22, professors, residents, and undergraduate students from YUCD participated in The Spring Academics Dental Seminar hosted by the 618th Medical Company. The seminar featured clinical case presentations by YUCD residents, which drew attention and provided valuable opportunities for the undergraduate students.
On June 18, representatives from YUCD attended the Relinquishment of Command Ceremony, celebrating the departure of COL Azure L. Utley and the inauguration of COL Ken Jo. This event further solidified the commitment to active cooperation between the two institutions.
Prof. Kwang Mahn Kim Receives Presidential Commendation at 17th Medical Device Day
Prof. Kwang Mahn Kim from Yonsei University College of Dentistry was honored with a Presidential Commendation at the 17th Medical Device Day on May 29. This prestigious recognition was awarded to him for his exceptional contributions to the standardization of medical devices.
Prof. Kim has played a pivotal role in the localization of dental materials, ensuring that these materials meet international standards while being tailored to local needs. His work has significantly advanced the quality and safety of dental care in the region. Additionally, he has been instrumental in the development of comprehensive guidelines for the testing and evaluation of medical devices. These guidelines have not only improved the reliability and effectiveness of medical devices but also facilitated their approval and integration into the healthcare system.
His efforts have fostered innovation and enhanced the credibility of domestic medical devices in the global market, reflecting his dedication to improving healthcare standards through rigorous research and development. The Presidential Commendation highlights Prof. Kim's impact on the medical device industry and his commitment to advancing dental science and technology.
12th Yonsei International Mini-residency for Advanced Orthodontics Attracted 167 Participants from 30 Countries
The 12th Yonsei International Mini-Residency for Advanced Orthodontics took place from June 24 to July 2, 2024, attracting 167 orthodontists from 30 countries around the world. This program is one of the flagship offerings of the Yonsei International Dental Academy, renowned for its excellence in advanced orthodontic training. The number of participants has grown significantly compared to past years.
This year's highlight was the '2024 YUCD Global Empowerment Meeting & Gala Dinner,' a prestigious event attended by esteemed guests, including the president of the Korea Dental Devices Industry Association, the vice president of the Korea Dental Association, and the Cambodian Ambassador. The gathering underscored Yonsei University College of Dentistry's global influence and commitment to advancing orthodontic practices through international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
1. Dentists' Intention to Use Teleconsultation for the Treatment of Patients With Osteoporosis: An Online Survey Study
To properly combine osteoporosis treatment with dental treatment and to prevent medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a system of communication between health providers can be smoothly made within a short time is required. With the recent increase in the possibility of telemedicine being introduced in Korea, we surveyed dentists about their intention to use teleconsultation when treating patients with osteoporosis. 70% of the respondents answered that they were willing to use teleconsultation. The more experienced or the higher the educational level, the higher the intention for teleconsultation. Although dentists' intention to use teleconsultation was high, satisfaction with the cost of medical care for teleconsultation was low, so it seems that this should be coordinated. This study was published in the international scientific journal ‘Telemedicine and e-Health (impact factor 4.7)’ in April 2024.
Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Yonsei University College of Dentistry
2. Low concentration zinc oxide nanoparticles enrichment enhances bacterial and pro-inflammatory resistance of calcium silicate-based cements
Zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining health, being key essential element in the human body. Especially, zinc not only has an antibacterial effect but also reduces pro-inflammatory response. Calcium silicate-based cement (CSC) has excellent sealing property and biocompatibility so that it is mostly used for endodontic treatment such as pulp capping, perforation repair, and pulpotomy. However, CSC cause inflammation due to primary bacterial infection over time, leading to failure of endodontic treatment. To hardness the benefits of zinc in CSC, a research team from Yonsei University College of Dentistry, including Professors Sung-Hwan Choi (Department of Orthodontics), Jae-Sung Kwon (Dental Biomaterials and Bioengineering), and post-doctoral fellows from Department of Orthodontics, Dr. Jeong-Hyun Ryu, explored optimal parameters for maximum bioactive effects. This research yielded significant results: a 1 wt% zinc oxide nanoparticle integrated CSC, named CSZ1, exhibited a maintenance physico-mechanical properties and promoted the antibacterial effect. In addition, CSZ1 showed the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine markers through the macrophage derived from mouse. Published in ‘Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials’ (Impact Factor: 6.6) in January 2024, this study positions CSZ1 as a highly promising material for endodontic applications, representing a notable advancement in biomaterials for dental health.
Jeong-Hyun Ryu, Department of Orthodontics, Institute of Craniofacial Deformity, Yonsei University College of Dentistry
Jae-Sung Kwon, Department and Research Institute of Dental Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Yonsei University College of Dentistry
Sung-Hwan Choi, Department of Orthodontics, Institute of Craniofacial Deformity, Yonsei University College of Dentistry
Abstract
Calcium silicate-based cement (CSC) is a commonly used material in endodontic treatment. However, it has limited antibacterial activity, especially for cases involving primary infections. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are recognized for their potential in biomedical applications due to their antibacterial properties and ability to reduce inflammation. This study aims to optimize CSC by incorporating ZnO-NPs to maintain its physical properties, enhance its antibacterial activity, and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. ZnO-NPs were integrated into a commercial CSC (Endocem MTA) at 1 wt% (CSZ1) or 3 wt% (CSZ3). Setting time, compressive strength, and X-ray diffraction were then measured. In addition, pH, calcium ion release, and zinc ion release were measured for 7 days. Antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and viability of murine macrophages (RAW264.7) were determined using colorimetric assays. Gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide induced RAW264.7 were evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results were compared to an unmodified CSC group. In the CSZ3 group, there was a significant increase of approximately 12% in setting time and a reduction of about 36.4% in compressive strength compared to the control and CSZ1 groups. The presence of ZnO-NPs was detected in both CSZ1 and CSZ3. Both CSC and CSZ1 groups maintained an alkaline pH and released calcium ions, while zinc ions were significantly released in the CSZ1 group. Additionally, CSZ1 showed a 1.8-fold reduction of bacterial activity and exhibited around 85% reduction in colony-forming units compared to the CSC group. Furthermore, the CSZ1 group showed a more than 39% reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels compared to the CSC group. Thus, enriching CSC with 1 wt% ZnO-NPs can enhance its antibacterial activity and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines without showing any tangible adverse effects on its physical properties.
3. Combined distalization and lingual cortex remodeling during mandibular growth for facial profile improvement: a case report
Borderline crowding poses a challenge in deciding whether or not to prescribe premolar extraction. This case report describes the two-phase nonextraction orthodontic treatment of an 11-year-old girl with a hyperdivergent skeletal Class I pattern exhibiting anterior crowding and moderate lip protrusion, exhibiting the limitation in the amount of molar distalization. At the age of 13, with fully erupted permanent second molars, bimaxillary total arch intrusive distalization, using interradicular temporary skeletal anchorage devices resulted in gradual bone remodeling was observed in the lingual cortex of the mandibular body, enabling sufficient orthodontic tooth movement without noticeable side effects. This report is the first that revealed the possibility of tooth movement beyond the lingual cortex of mandible, broadening the scope of nonextraction treatment in orthodontics.
Department of Orthodontics, Institute of Craniofacial Deformity, Yonsei University College of Dentistry
4. Treatment outcome comparison of Invisalign vs fixed appliance treatment in first premolar extraction patients
Invisible orthodontic appliances(Invisalign) are gaining more popularity due to the more esthetic and convenient features. However, only few studies have assessed the clinical outcome of patients treated by Invisalign involving premolar extraction due to bialveolar protrusion. Professor Ji-Hyun Lee and Kyung-Ho Kim compared the angular and linear measurement changes based on cephalometric and panoramic X-rays and revealed that the Invisalign group showed more lingual tipping of the maxillary central incisors, distal tipping of the maxillary canines and mesial tipping of the maxillary molars. Therefore, when treating premolar extraction patients with Invisalign, these tooth movement patterns should be considered in treatment planning and measures should be taken in order to reduce unwanted side effects from the beginning of treatment. This study was published in the international orthodontic journal 'American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics', in April 2024.
Department of Orthodontics, Gangnam Severance Dental Hospital, Yonsei University College of Dentistry
Abstract
Introduction: In this study, we compared the dentitional changes after Invisalign and conventional orthodontic treatment with 4 first premolar extractions.
Methods: This retrospective study included 57 patients whose orthodontic treatment involved the extraction of 4 first premolars because of bialveolar protrusion. A total of 27 patients were treated with Invisalign (mean age, 25.5 ± 5.2 years) and 30 patients with the fixed appliance (mean age, 24.4 ± 5.8 years). The angular and linear changes of the maxillary and mandibular central incisors, second premolars, first molars, and second molars were measured from the recordings on the basis of the lateral cephalograms taken before and after treatment. The angular changes of the canines and second premolars were measured using panoramic radiographs.
Results: The overbite and interincisal angle increased significantly in the Invisalign group compared with in the conventional fixed appliance group (P <0.05). The maxillary central incisors showed increased lingual tipping in the Invisalign group (P <0.05), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in the angular change of the mandibular incisors between groups (P >0.05). The maxillary first and second molars showed mesial tipping in the Invisalign group (P <0.05). The maxillary second premolars, first and second molars, and the mandibular second molars showed mesial movement in the Invisalign group (P <0.05).
Conclusions: The Invisalign group showed more statistically significant lingual tipping of the maxillary central incisors, distal tipping of the maxillary canines, and mesial tipping of the maxillary first and second molars after maximum retraction of the anterior teeth compared with the fixed appliance group.