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Digital photography has already established its irrefutable importance in today's world. It is becoming an indispensable tool in various fields. In dentistry specifically, photography can be employed in several ways that can be beneficial to the patient and the dental community. It allows a simple and clear depiction of an otherwise abstract concept, but high-quality pictures are always required. The evolution of mobile cameras has made an enormous impact on digital photography and its accessibility: high-quality pictures can now be easily taken. This article explains the assets of smartphone cameras' evolution and how it led to the conception of Smile Lite Mobile Dental Photography. Applications of dental photography are presented, such as documentation and communication with the laboratory technician and the patient. Mobile dental photography is not confined to dentistry but can also be used for artistic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoring the loss of periodontal soft and hard tissues represents a unique challenge for the dental team. The interdental papillae in the esthetic zone can be a dilemma for both the patient and the therapist. A multidisciplinary approach is critical for the successful treatment of lost papillae. This article reports on the successful long-term papillae reconstruction using a combined approach: Plastic surgery and restorative dentistry in one case and restorative dentistry alone in another case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses esthetic restoration for anterior teeth with the use of a ceramo-metal restoration having a labial butt-joint. It notes the prerequisite for the fabrication of a natural-looking anterior restoration which include a proper and appropriate preparation of the finish line area of the abutment. It also presents a step-by-step instruction for the build-up and correction of this restoration which include the application of a spacer on the stone die, the exposition of labiogingival shoulders without covering it with wax, and the application of shoulder powder which could become the butt-joint porcelain shoulder.

The article discusses the endosseous implants to patients which could be applied to patients after thorough examination and considerations to existing contraindications including the presence of severe atrophy of the alveolar process, cranial run of the mandibular canal, and large sinuses. It notes the significance of good tissue compatibility for long-term success of an implant and the operation mechanism using the panoramic layer projection. Other alternatives to improve endosseous implantation which include the use of tantalum screws and titanium alloy blades are also elaborated.

Background: The Minamata Convention embodies a worldwide reduction in the production and use of mercury and mercury-containing products and processes, including a phase-down of dental amalgam. This will change the approach to the use of direct restorative materials in the near future. There is little research as to the influence of clinical factors on dentists' decision-making which may be of use when determining the impact of any change.Methods: An online survey relating to aspects of and attitudes to the use of direct restorative materials was distributed to all dentists who were members of the Australian Dental Association and/or members or fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. Data were statistically analysed.Results: There were 408 respondents to the survey. Eighty-seven per cent of respondents (strongly) disagreed that amalgam was a technically more difficult material to place compared with resin composite, 82% (strongly) disagreed that placement time for amalgam was longer than that for resin composite and 69% (strongly) disagreed that amalgam was more difficult to finish than resin composite. Eighty-three per cent of respondents stated they were confident in their ability to place amalgam restorations. Where physical properties were of importance, indirect restorations were preferred (e.g. parafunction) 54%. The factors considered most important when choosing a direct restorative material included moisture control and aesthetics; least important factors were cost and time to place.Conclusions: There is consensus that amalgam is not more technically difficult to use, place or finish than resin composite and vice versa. There is recognition that both amalgam and resin composite have limitations in terms of physical properties. When choosing a direct restorative material, clinical factors considered to be of greatest importance are moisture control, aesthetics and the need to apply minimally invasive approaches. There is little difference in the opinions of users and non-users of amalgam with respect to these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The importance attached to ethical practice and related informed consent varies among health professionals and is further influenced by working environments, level of knowledge, experience and societal values and beliefs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ethical conduct of professors, undergraduates and graduate students through questionnaires answered by patients. Methods: One hundred twenty (120) patients at the dental clinics of three different dental schools in São Paulo State were interviewed based on objective and discursive questions about signed informed consent, participation in scientific research, photographs during treatment, requested saliva samples, tooth donation requests, and information about tooth destination after removal. A frequency distribution (absolute and percentage values) was used for a statistical analysis of the data. Results: In all, 65.8% of the patients had given signed informed consent for treatment and 12.5% had not done so; 10.8% did not know if they had participated in scientific research; 54.2% were photographed during dental procedures and 47.1% of them had signed an authorization form; 6.6% were requested to provide a saliva sample and 66.6% of them had signed an authorization form to that effect; 16.1% had a tooth donation requested and 64.4% of them had signed an authorization form to that effect; and 61.3% did not know the destination of the tooth after removal, when donation was not requested. Conclusions: The majority of the patients had signed an informed consent form for treatment, photographs, saliva samples and tooth donation. This demonstrated ethical conduct towards patients on the part of professors, undergraduates and graduate students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines on management of dental patients with special health care needs. Designed for health care providers, parents, and other organizations, the suggestions include treatment recommendation for oral conditions, behavior guidance, and appointment scheduling methods.

The article talks about alcohol misuse found in dental patients. It states that dental professionals must adopt a preventive approach towards patient's oral care. Topics include impact of alcoholism on oral and general health, guidelines of safe drinking in Great Britain, and medical history of alcoholism.

There is no commonly accepted standardized terminology for oral diagnoses. The purpose of this article is to report the development of a standardized dental diagnostic terminology by a work group of dental faculty members. The work group developed guiding principles for decision making and adhered to principles of terminology development. The members used an iterative process to develop a terminology incorporating concepts represented in the Toronto/University of California, San Francisco Creighton University and International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9/1 0 codes and periodontal and endodontic diagnoses. Domain experts were consulted to develop a final list of diagnostic terms. A structure was developed, consisting of thirteen categories, seventy-eight subcategories, and 1,158 diagnostic terms, hierarchically organized and mappable to other terminologies and ontologies. Use of this standardized diagnostic terminology will reinforce the diagnosis-treatment link and will facilitate clinical research, quality assurance, and patient communication. Future work will focus on implementation and approaches to enhance the validity and reliability of diagnostic term utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: To evaluate the effect of maximum bite force (mBF) on marginal bone loss (MBL) around mini-implants in edentulous patients wearing mandibular overdentures with two retention systems: ball and bar. Material and methods: Forty-five totally edentulous patients were selected from a public health center. All of them received two mini-implants (1.8 × 15 mm; Sendax®) in the anterior mandible using a minimally invasive technique. A single randomization was performed to allocate the patients in two groups. Group I ( n=22) received two single ball-type mini-implants and Group II ( n=23) received two mini-implants splinted with a prefabricated bar. The mBF was recorded using a press-sensitive sheet Dental Prescale® (Fuji) and MBL using standardized radiographs of each mini-implant at the baseline and 5, 7, 10, and 15 months after surgery; the values were compared between groups. Results: Two members of Group I failed to complete the study, decreasing the number of participants to 20. There was no relationship between the mBF and the MBL of the mini-implants (Spearman's ρ rs=0.147; P=0.378). At the 15-month follow-up, the average mBF for Group I (ball) was 247.53 ± 132.91 N and that of Group II (bar) only 203.23 ± 76.85 N (Mann–Whitney test; P=0.586). The MBL values were also higher for Group I (1.40 ± 1.02 mm) than Group II (0.84 ± 0.66 mm) during the entire 15-month follow-up period (Mann–Whitney test ; P=0.077). Conclusions: No relationship was found between mBF and MBL for patients wearing overdentures retained on mini-implants using bar or ball attachment systems. To cite this article: Jofré J, Hamada T, Nishimura M, Klattenhoff C. The effect of maximum bite force on marginal bone loss of mini-implants supporting a mandibular overdenture: a randomized controlled trial. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 243–249. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01834.x [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Attached gingiva is important for maintaining periodontium in a healthy state. The present study tries to find the normal values of width of attached gingiva in a periodontally healthy Indian population. Material and Methods: The width of attached gingiva was measured with a periodontal probe in periodontally healthy patients attending the periodontics department. Descriptive statistical analysis was done to get the mean, which will represent the normal values of width of attached gingiva for the population. Results: Female patients had a greater width than males and the 20 to 30 year old group had the greatest width of attached gingiva. The mean values of attached gingiva varied in different areas of the mouth with greatest width in maxillary central incisors and least in mandibular molars. Conclusion: Width of attached gingiva varies with age, gender and in different areas of the mouth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dental disease is more common among people with intellectual disabilities than in the general population. Improvements in oral health require individuals to engage in daily oral hygiene and regular visits to a dental practitioner; both may be challenging for the individual with intellectual impairment. Materials and Methods A review of policies relating to behaviour management and physical restraint for individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviours was undertaken. Published studies of behaviour management in individuals with intellectual disabilities attending for dental treatment were reviewed. Reference to studies of children with average IQ and other populations were made where appropriate. Results There is little published evidence regarding behaviour management for people with intellectual disabilities who require dental treatment. Current policies place great emphasis on pharmacological management and restrictive behaviour management techniques. There is a paucity of studies which have employed a functional analysis framework. There are few incentives for dentists to implement positive approaches to behaviour management as current systems of payment reward the completion of numbers of treatments and thus there is an incentive to complete treatments quickly rather than to spend time with patients. Conclusions There is a need for research addressing the behaviour management of individuals with intellectual disabilities who require dental treatment, particularly the efficacy of non-restrictive techniques and the provision of incentives that reward the use of positive behaviour management among dentists. The use of restrictive techniques should be carefully monitored for compliance with best practice guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuing professional development (CPD) has been long considered an integral component of professional practice across a range of health professions. It is believed to ensure the maintenance of practitioner clinical competence and knowledge of current concepts. This study investigated the participation in and attitudes of Victorian dental personnel to CPD activities. Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional survey of a random sample of registered dental care providers (n = 451) was conducted from March to June 2005 using an anonymous, postal, self-administered questionnaire. Results: The response rate was low (48.1 per cent). Nearly 90 per cent of respondents attended a CPD course in 2004, with the mean hours of attendance ranging from 8.3 to 36.9 hours, depending on registration category. Nearly half of the dentists attended more than 20 hours of CPD courses, while less than 20 per cent of prosthetists attended more than 15 hours of CPD courses. Three-quarters of respondents supported mandatory CPD as a condition of registration. Conclusions: There was a high level of participation in continuing professional development activities by surveyed Victorian dental care providers in 2004, although more than half of the dentists and specialists, and nearly two-thirds of therapists, hygienists and prosthetists would fail to meet the new DPBV mandatory requirements for CPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacted third molar surgery has various limits; one of these limit is the type of surgery applied, often demolitive for the patients with long term consequeses in the post-op period. Aim of our study is to get a better healing of soft and hard tissues with the applications of PRP in this type of surgery. 5 patients were included in the study with these requests: the impacted or semi impacted third molar were on both side; the acceptance of PRP tecnique on one side (considered as the case) the extraction of the other impacted molar as the controll side to our case; both teeth were extracted on the same day, both sockets were closed by hermetically suturing the flap; on one socket it has been inserted the platelet gel on the other side nothing. Pre operative mesurements were: 1. probing depth of both the seventh (3.7-4.7); 2. ortopantomography (OPT). Post operative measurements included: 1. probing depth two months after surgery; 2. OPT at one weeek, one month, two month. One week after surgery patiens were aked about the post-op through a questionary on the course of the week, in specific they were asked to assess a score from one to three on swelling and pain of the two side. One week after a clinician who was out of the study (not the surgeon) evaluated the eventual bacterial sovrainfections, the dehicence of the flaps, the eventual collateral effects given by the application of PRP giving a score from one to three to the type of healing. Periodontal healing was evaluated on both side after 2 months after surgery in all the cases treated the initial P.D. was 2-3mms on both sides. It showed an improvement in the sites treated with P.R.P. Swelling (perceived by the patients during the course of the fist week) was not reduced by the application of PRP gel, while there has been a reduction in the pain in comparison with the control side reffered by the patients. Clinical evaluation realized a week after the extractions showed a better healing on the PRP side vs the controll side (total score 12 vs 8) where three patients from five realized a primary closure with no bacterial sovrainfection or dehiscence of the flap vs one primary closure on the controll side. Bone healing measured by digital OPT did not show a real improvement on PRP side after two months in the cases analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Most of the available information on racial/ethnic disparities in oral health is based on differences in sociodemographic variables related to dental disease burden, dental visits, and access to care. However, very little is known regarding racial/ethnic variation in the provision of dental procedures. This study examined trends in the provision of dental procedures and sought to determine whether there are racial/ethnic differences in the provision of dental procedures.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of patients treated at a dental training institution. Data for all patients 18 to 60 years of age in axiUm (electronic database) for 2001 to 2003 were analyzed. Data include demographic information, poverty status, insurance coverage, dental procedure, and race/ethnicity. Separate logistic regression models (by dental procedure category and year) were fitted while considering race/ethnicity, insurance coverage, poverty status, marital status, and age as possible covariates.Results: The total number of dental procedures completed by providers increased by 14,000 between 2001 and 2003. African-Americans were significantly less likely to have restorative procedures [odds ratio (OR): 0.60, 95 percent confidence interval (CI): 0.42 to 0.86], (OR: 0.52, 95 percent CI: 0.38 to 0.73), (OR: 0.46, 95 percent CI: 0.36 to 0.58) in 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively, than the White population. Significant differences in the use of other dental procedures (prosthodontics--removable) and oral surgery procedures by race/ethnicity were observed.Conclusions: Substantial racial/ethnic variation in the provision of dental procedures exists. This study presents findings beyond anecdotal information on racial/ethnic variation in the provision of dental procedures and requires further research to compile more detailed data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The development of a questionnaire to measure patients' and their parents' expectations before orthodontic treatment, and to test the reliability and validity of this measure. Design: A two-stage methodology, with open-ended interviews to identify themes and concepts followed by development and testing of the questionnaire. Setting: GKT Orthodontic Department, King's College Dental Hospital. Subjects: The sample consisted of 140 participants, 70 patients aged 12–14 years, who had been referred to the orthodontic department for treatment. One parent of each patient was also recruited. Materials and methods: The study was in two phases. In the first phase 30 participants (15 new patients and their 15 parents) participated in open-ended interviews, which were analysed qualitatively. Information from these interviews was used to construct a questionnaire. During the second phase, the questionnaire was piloted on 10 participants, five new consecutive patients and their parents. The questionnaire was then distributed to 174 subjects (87 new patients and their 87 parents). Seventy-eight subjects (39 new patients and their 39 parents) completed the questionnaire before their orthodontic consultation. Another 96 subjects (48 new patients and their 48 parents) were invited to complete the questionnaire prior to and at their orthodontic consultation. Test-retest analysis was conducted on 22 participants (11 patients and their 11 parents), who completed the questionnaire previous to and at their orthodontic consultation, and contributed to the psychometric validation of this questionnaire. Main outcome measures: A questionnaire was devized using the key themes and concepts identified in the open-ended interviews. As a result, 10 questions, some with sub-questions were constructed using a visual analogue scale as the response format. Results: The questionnaire developed had good face validity. Internal consistency of the questionnaire using Cronbach's alpha, produced an overall inter-item reliability > 0.7 along with item-total correlations > 0.3 in over 50% of questions. Test-retest reliability was statistically significant using Spearman's correlation. Conclusion: This study provides a valid and reliable measure of orthodontic expectations in participants aged 12–14 years and their parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An open bite is one of the most difficult malocclusions the clinician has to deal with. In recent years, interest has increased regarding mechanics that reduce dependency upon patient compliance for success. Some patient-independent mechanism for molar intrusion or vertical control is desirable. The rapid molar intruder (RMI) appliance consists of two elastic modules that are secured to orthodontic bands on the upper and lower first molars. Vertical forces from these modules typically produce intrusion of the permanent molars in four to six months. The RMI modules may be used in the mixed dentition or incorporated in full-fixed mechanics in the permanent dentition. To avoid buccal flaring of the molars, these modules should be attached to a transpalatal arch and a mandibular lingual arch. Case reports are provided to stimulate interest in further investigation of the properties of this appliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a focus group with eight surrogate teaching patients who participate in an HIV/AIDS training program for dentists and auxiliaries. With one exception, these surrogate patients were HIV-seropositive, had taken part in eight training sessions over six months, and had been examined by about forty groups of trainees. Researchers inquired about how surrogate patients could tell if the trainees were afraid or comfortable, what negative experiences with trainees occurred or stood out, and what positive experiences were recalled or stood out. Theme analysis was used to interpret the results of the focus group. The main signifiers of clinician discomfort were related to physical distance, avoidance of physical contact, verbal interaction, and what we call "dentist interaction." The results suggest that training of dentists and other dental personnel to interact with patients with HIV/AIDS should attend to reduction of patients' psychological distress as well as management of any physical discomfort. The feedback from surrogate patients with HIV disease who have experienced a large number of dental examinations is a valuable tool for providing feedback to, and insight into, the factors that cause psychological discomfort to patients with HIV disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of travel time, time spent on a waiting list and time spent in the waiting room on demand for dental services in Norway. The analysis was performed on two sets of national data from 1975 and 1985, and on one set of local data from 1987. The national data were representative of the non-institutionalized Norwegian population aged 20 yr and above. Travel time had an effect on demand in 1975, but not in 1985. Time spent on a waiting list had no opportunity cost, and did not influence demand. There was a statistically significant association between time spent in the waiting room and demand. However, this association disappeared when the effect of dental attendance pattern was controlled for. Regular attenders had shorter waiting times than those who were irregular attenders. This study has shown that factors such as presence of' teeth, family income, and age are more important than travel time on demand for dental services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the patient management system in dentistry that is conceived by Bob Bray of Atlantic City, New Jersey. It mentions that the system designates a staff member to a patient which is responsible of the patient from the beginning of the treatment until the end. An overview of the advantages for the staff, the patient and the practice is offered.

Chlorhexidine is commonly used in dentistry in various forms. Allergic reactions to chlorhexidine of both immediate and delayed type have been reported. Although the incidence is low there may be severe manifestations in some patients. This report presents a case of allergy to chlorhexidine following topical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the heavy emphasis on consent in the ethical code of the General Dental Council (GDC), it is often overlooked that communication difficulties between patient and dentist can cause problems in maintaining genuine consent during interventions. Inconsistencies in the GDC's Standards for dental professionals and Principles of patient consent guidelines are examined in this article, and it is concluded that more emphasis must be placed on continuous consent as an ongoing process essential to maintaining patients' dignity in dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ratings of fear in the dental situation indicate that high fear and low fear patients rank the fears associated with the dental situation in about the same way (p = 0.98). Also, the attitude of the dentist is important to the patient, and may, partially, determine his attitude toward dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the use of person-centered care by dentists in order to provide overall health care for patients.

The article offers information the signs of foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) and how to manage it by dental nurses. It says that choking on FBAO is witnessed and rescue efforts that occur while the victims is still awake and responsive. It states that the common cause of choking in adults include poultry, fish and meat while in children are food and small objects. It mentions the ABCDE approach of Great Britain Resuscitation Council including Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.

The article offers information on the history of the New Cross Hospital. It states that New Cross is the first school for dental therapists which was opened in 1960 by health minister Enoch Powell in a former hospital in South London, New Cross. It accounts the reunion of the dental therapists pioneers of New Cross. It also explores the systems of admission, education, and employment of dental therapists during the 1960s.

The article discusses the need for dental health professionals for an increased education in genetics. It states that genetics education is important because of its vital role in oral health research and dental practice. It notes that dentists have understood that normal tooth formation or periodontal diseases are associated with genetics. It adds that the importance genetics in dentistry is recognized by the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) in the U.S.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the international editor discusses new dentistry patient's experience and topics including new patient creation and new patient retention.

The article offers aims of Physical signs for the General Dental Practitioner. The aims include increasing awareness of the value of identifying general clinical signs, to enable the interpretation of selected clinical signs and to indicate the potential relevance of these clinical signs to the dental management patient. Further, questions along with its answers are presented on a case where a lady has complained of shortness of breath.

The article offers information on surgical or restorative intervention required for early detection of dental abnormalities. It refers to salivary analysis for procedures for periodontal disease and peri-implantitis. The integration of salivary diagnostics with oral cellular detection and stem cell banking for providing improved dental care to patients is also included.

The article provides information about the new guidance for dentists implemented by the General Dental Council in Great Britain. The guidance, aimed at practice owners and directors of dental corporates, is to put patient's interests first and make sure to not compromise patient safety by allowing financial or other considerations to have a negative influence on the quality of care.

The article reports on the decision of the General Dental Council to bar Mogjan Azari, a principal at two dental practices in South London, from practicing dentistry in Great Britain. The foreclosure was because of Azari allowed her unqualified boyfriend Omid Amidi-Mazaheri to practice which caused many of the patients to suffer from excruciating agony. In March 2005, Azari was found guilty by the Southwark Crown Court and jailed for one year because of obtaining money by deception.

ObjectivesTo describe the type of patients seen and work undertaken by dental therapists employed in four personal dental service practices and to report on their cost-effectiveness within the context of the dental practice.MethodAll members of the dental team used a standard day sheet to record all patient contacts and procedures undertaken in that session. Dental therapists recorded data for 30 consecutive sessions and dentists recorded information for 20 sessions. Items were recorded in sufficient detail to allow later matching with the GDS statement of remuneration and a calculation of the average gross fees and patient charges per session.ResultsThe role of the dental therapist varied between the practices studied. In two practices the therapist saw a high proportion of child patients, and in one of these this was combined with providing care for a high number of adult patients who were exempt from patient charges. In the two practices where the dental team did not include a dental hygienist, the dental therapist had a relatively high workload providing dental hygiene care for adult patients. It appears that the gross fees and patient charges generated by the dental therapist in all four PDS practices fail to cover the cost of the salary of the dental therapist, dental nurse and associated overheads borne by the practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the General Dental Council's move to reinforce the need for adequate training in sedation techniques. Dentists' duty to provide and patients' right to expect adequate pain and anxiety control; Pharmacological methods involving local anaesthesia and conscious sedation techniques.