Modern dental assisting (8th edition)

  • D. L. Bird &
  • D. S. Robinson
UK: Elsevier price £44.99, pp 1121 ISBN 0721639070 | ISBN: 0-721-63907-0

This is a very large book, 1,072 pages, and divided into 11 parts with two CD-Roms enclosed. One CD-Rom gives good visual presentation of clinical skills, by video, to help the dental assistant to perform techniques in the dental surgery. The second CD-Rom is for the tutor, to supplement the learning package through reinforcement of the topics learnt — using exercises, questions and quizzes.

The first section of the book details the history of dentistry from the Egyptians to modern day requirement of the profession. As the textbook is written mainly for the American market, you will notice that the roles of the Dental Assistant/Expanded Dental Assistant are slightly different from those currently available in the United Kingdom. It goes on to describe the dental ethics and the responsibilities of the dental team, which can be related to the working guidelines that are given by the GDC in this country.

The anatomy section of the book is well laid out with very clear descriptions and photographs. Some of the information is given in more detail than required for the National Examination or NVQ. In particular, the dental anatomy and tooth morphology section is very informative, which would help any dental nurse studying for the above examinations. There are critical thinking passages at the end of each session, which would be helpful for the revision of topics.

Oral health and nutrition again gives very detailed information, especially regarding the relation between dental caries and sugar intake, along with brushing techniques and supplementary cleaning aids, types of toothpastes and mouthwashes that are available. Most are available in this country.

The infection control section offers good advice on hand cleansing and use and handling of personal protective equipment. Good advice and practice is given regarding the cleaning process prior to sterilisation, and the result of sterilisation errors. Obviously the sterilisation guide should be read in conjunction with the current BDA advice sheet (A12), Infection control in dentistry, and HTM 20/10, as some points referred to are in the American guidelines and may differ slightly.

Medical emergencies that may occur in the surgery are covered, giving signs and symptoms for the nurse to watch for. CPR guidelines are given, but again these need to be read in conjunction with the latest guidelines from the Resuscitation Council.

The rest of the book is devoted to delivery of dental care to the patient; it covers dental instruments, showing enlarged pictures of instruments, and how and when they are used. It covers the different branches of dentistry and procedures that are carried and the instruments required.

The radiography section is detailed and would be of help to a nurse thinking of taking the post qualification in radiotherapy; included is a section listing and displaying the problems that can arise at the processing stage.

Materials and mixing techniques are covered in detail, again well laid out with good pictures. Composition of materials and their uses are given.

As someone who works with a large number of challenging patients with various special needs, I was not particularly comfortable with some of the terminology used for patients with learning difficulties/disabilities, but this is often particular to a country. Also, the methods of 'restraint' described would not be considered appropriate in this country.

On reflection, the textbook is informative and an ideal reference book which can be used alongside existing textbooks for the dental nurse, but it must be remembered that some of the chapters are aimed towards the American dental assistant, rather than the British dental nurse. I would use it with my group of dental nurse students working towards the National examination.