Master Dentistry Volume 2 - Restorative Dentistry, Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Edited by:
  • P. Heasman
(Ed) London: Churchill Livingstone, 2003 price £21.99, pp378 ISBN 0443061939 | ISBN: 0-443-06193-9

Nine contributors have written this text and although some topics, for example patient examination, aetiology of caries and toothwear, are visited in more than one chapter the editor has managed to avoid repetition well. Its ambition is to provide the student with all that they must know, most that they should know and some that they might know - quite a challenge! An interesting introductory section gives advice on how best to use the text and the section on examination technique is a sensible addition.

Chapters have a standard format, a brief outline of topics covered with learning objectives for each, and techniques highlighted through the use of boxes. Each chapter ends with self-assessment questions of varying format with complete answers given.

The restorative chapters cover periodontology, endodontics, conservative dentistry and prosthodontics. The first two provide good detail of their chosen area and include everything that you would expect. It is nice to see both child and adult patients discussed when considering gingivitis and periodontal disease. The endodontic section moves from patient assessment to canal obturation and also includes re-root treatment and surgical endodontics. Coverage of conservative dentistry in 25 pages is difficult especially when material usage is also discussed. Intracoronal restorative options are considered only briefly with priority given to adhesive techniques and extracoronal restorations. The prosthetics chapter sensibly confines itself to the clinical stages of complete and partial dentures, referring the reader to other texts for material science and laboratory stages.

The chapter on conscious sedation sensibly limits itself to techniques for “suitably trained” dentists in general community or hospital practice. Indications and contraindications to techniques are covered well and guidance on individual techniques is given. However, no specific advice is given on use of conscious sedation in childhood.

Paediatric dentistry is in two chapters that discuss behaviour management, prevention, restorative care for children, trauma as well as anomalies and medical problems. Orthodontics has three chapters covering development, assessment and treatment planning; management of occlusal problems and appliances and tooth movement.

The final chapter on law and ethics covers role and remit of the GDC and professional obligations. There is a useful section on complaints and a brief overview of employment law.

If I have a criticism it is on the over reliance of line diagrams rather than clinical photographs, but overall this is a nice text which it fulfils its objectives well.