K. Horner, K. A. Eaton (eds). Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) price £25GDP members/£30 non-members; pp 140 ISBN

978954345198

The third edition of this text, produced by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK), aims to give practical advice and guidance on the use of radiography in dentistry. The Faculty states that this new edition is better described as re-write rather than an update of the previous edition published in 2004. This is certainly true with new sections, which present reflecting developments such as digital radiography, cone beam CT scanning and the use of radiographs in implant dentistry.

The text aims to establish selection criteria for a wide variety of radiographical applications. There are nine sections in total, covering the use of radiographs in the developing dentition, caries diagnosis, periodontal assessment, endodontics and implantology. Each section is evidence-based and a comprehensive list of references is provided. With each recommendation made, the level of supporting evidence is clearly indicated, using the SIGN system of classification.

The use of radiographs in the management of the developing dentition is illustrated well with a number of easy to follow flow diagrams. These provide a useful guide to dental practitioners as to when a radiograph is indicated in a child in the mixed dentition, and when a 'watch and wait' is more appropriate. The authors also highlight an alternative approach, developed by the European Academy of Paediatric dentistry in 2004, which may be considered when prescribing bitewing radiography in children.

The book culminates with a section on good practice, and suggestions for possible radiography-based audits within dental practice. This is important as audit is a statutory requirement, and also because dental radiography is a core topic with the GDC for continuing professional development.

There are also three useful appendices giving a diagrammatic overview of the recommendations. They illustrate how caries risk status should influence radiographic prescription and describe recommended care pathways for patients based on their risk status and findings on bitewing radiographs.

This is a well written, comprehensive evidence-based text. However, it is recognised that in a number of areas relating to radiography, the evidence is still poor and therefore many guidelines are based on expert opinion. The authors have systematically reviewed the evidence available and have consulted with professional bodies and specialist groups to decide what constitutes best clinical practice.

This is an extremely useful text that I believe would be of value to practitioners working in all aspects of dentistry.