Sir, I was interested in the light-hearted letter from W. R. Field (BDJ 2008; 205: 468–469) when he described inlays that he had produced in a patient 55 years ago whilst a student, which were still as good as when they were inserted, and asked if this record could be beaten. We were students together at Birmingham Dental School in the mid-1950s.

In my case I don't think his record can be beaten. The ones he did for me then have all fallen out.