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An ageing population requires dental professionals to be aware of the oral effects of medications taken by their patients. This case study will present the challenges faced by the hygienist in the oral health management of a 79-year-old medically compromised patient over a 2-year period. The interrelationship between the ageing process, medical conditions and medications taken, and specific treatment modalities are considered.

Part 1 of this two-part article dealt with mass disasters in general, their characteristics and the agencies involved in their management. This part looks at the specific role of the forensic dentist, as well as the general dentist, in a mass disaster as member of an 'away' or 'home' team.

In this article, the first of two on the involvement of dentists in a mass disaster, the focus is primarily on mass disasters in general, some common characteristics and types of disasters, those agencies or individuals involved in the management of a disaster, the different phases of a disaster and the position of the forensic dental identification team (FDIT). Part 2 will deal with the functions, responsibilities and jurisdiction of the FDIT during the various phases of a disaster and more specifically immediately after the disaster.

A case of bilateral swelling of the submandibular salivary glands is presented. The histopathological features were diffuse periductal sclerosis with a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate which was rich in eosinophils. Some acinar atrophy was seen. Salivary ducts showed mucous and squamous prosoplasia, with focal inspissated mucin. Numerous dilated and congested blood vessels were prominent throughout the stroma. These features overlapped with those of Kimura's disease and angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophils. The features of these conditions and a differential diagnosis are discussed.