Clinical short-answer questions for postgraduate dentistry

  • S-J. Crean,
  • Z. Shaikh &
  • L. Addy
UK: Quintessence price £32.00; pp 184 ISBN 9781850971023 | ISBN: 978-1-8509-7102-3

The aims of this book, as stated by the authors, are to give the candidates the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test before their postgraduate dental exams and to provide a useful measure of how well their studies are progressing. The authors hope that if weaknesses are highlighted this will encourage further preparation, thus reducing the risk of poor examination performance.

This is a 171-page A5 format hard cover book written by clinicians who are involved in teaching and examining in the MFDS (shortly to become the MJDF) of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of England.

It consists of two parts. Part I contains 37 patient-based cases/scenarios in the same format as clinical material in the major postgraduate dental exams. Each case has three to six questions followed by helpful explanations. The range of topics is broad and the cases are set in no particular order or theme. They are derived from various dental disciplines including oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery and radiology. The cases are frequently encountered in clinical practice and the questions indeed reflect the breadth and depth of knowledge that will be expected for success at this postgraduate level. Some of the questions asked not only relate to differential diagnosis, treatment planning and ongoing care in a particular case but also probe relevant background medical knowledge and basic sciences. There is a list of key references.

Part II consists of a selection of 25 clinical cases that focus on restorative dentistry. Attempts are made to indicate how to approach and solve difficult problems. The answers are concise but provide the essential information. There is also a bibliography of further reading on each topic.

Generally, this book is well written, user-friendly and fits the style of many current postgraduate dental examinations. The quality of the colour illustrations throughout the book is good but some of the radiographic reproductions were disappointing. These latter images do not always demonstrate the point being made either because relevant features are cropped, for example the temporomandibular joints, or the wrong radiographic view is used, for example panoramic instead of intra-oral views. Future editions should take account of these constructive comments.

In short, this elegant book is useful not only to its intended audience but also to undergraduate dental students and to general practitioners. The authors have certainly achieved their aim.