Title: Role of inorganic trace elements on dental hard structures in the context of mineralization/remineralization – Prof. Univ. dr. Ramona Amina Popovici

Prof. univ. Dr. Ramona Amina Popovici is a specialist with an impressive career in the field of health management and medical sciences, with two PhDs and extensive activity in research, education and innovation.

Education and Training

– PhD in Management (2010): the topic of the thesis was *”Managerial Policies in the Health System. Diagnosis and Development Strategies”*, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Gheorghe Băileșteanu, West University of Timișoara.

-Doctor in Medical Sciences (2007): thesis topic was “Oral Health Education”, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Elisabeta Bratu, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara.

Professional Activity

Dr. Popovici is a professor and PhD supervisor at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” in Timisoara, contributing to the training of future specialists by coordinating doctoral theses in areas such as malignant oral pathology, dental nanocomposites or the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the oral mucosa.

Research and Innovation

– Patents: Developed innovative oral hygiene products, including two patents for mouthwash and herbal complex products.

– Grants and Projects: Coordinated or participated as a member in numerous national and international projects such as:

  – MUCODENTOSAN: Research on natural extracts for oral health.

  – HEADMOLNECK: Molecular profiling of head and neck precancerous lesions.

– Publications: Author of numerous scientific articles published in international indexed journals and important books in the field of oral health, health management and interdisciplinary medicine.

Role of inorganic trace elements on dental hard structures in the context of mineralization/remineralization

Achieving success in endodontic therapy is contingent upon the accurate utilization of devices and materials throughout the procedure of cleansing and filling the root canal system. The purpose of the obturation phase is to create a completely sealed barrier throughout the entire endodontic system. This will inhibit the entry of microorganisms into the root canal system via the foramen, coronal, and periapical tissue fluids. Additionally, it will serve as a preventive measure against apical periodontitis lesions. The primary benefits of endodontic materials include their ability to interact well with living organisms, their capacity to promote biological processes, and their strong ability to combat microbial growth [6]. Due to these specific criteria, dentists are progressively utilizing bioceramic sealants. Meanwhile, they do not experience any reduction in size and retain their volume for a prolonged duration

Through the application of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) investigations, we may get insight into the elemental compositions of root canal sealers, examine their biological characteristics, and analyze the effects of their constituent elements. Bioceramic sealers have significantly transformed root canal therapy due to their inherent bioactive characteristics, which enable efficient interactions at the boundary between the sealer and dentin. Additionally, they exhibit substantial bioactivity by actively interacting with the dentin at the root level. The bioactive capability of bioceramic sealers improves the durability and effectiveness of root canal treatments, hence boosting long-term success.