Standards in dentistry

  • K. Eaton
UK: FGDP(UK) price £26-FGDP (UK) members; £39-non-members, pp 84 ISBN 0954345142 | ISBN: 0-954-34514-2

Standards in dentistry is a unique package of standards and guidelines published by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) for all members of the dental community. For a long time, there was a need for publication of such a document which could combine all previous guidelines and standards in dentistry.

On opening the manual the first thing that strikes you is the clear and impressive layout. The subject matter is comprehensive, well structured, and easy to read and understand. It is intended for both primary and secondary dental care practitioners and should lead to improved standards in dentistry.

The book is organised into five sections. The first two sections inform the reader about the aims of the publication and discuss the need for standards in dental practice, and there is also a brief explanation regarding the use of the manual and classification of quality standards.

The third section is comprised of an introduction to grading system in tables of treatment outcomes, and generic and non-generic clinical guidelines. Also four of the clinical topics are renamed in a very comprehensive and scientific manner.

The next section provides an overview of the GDC's guidance and the Department of Health requirements for clinical governance. It goes on to outline the FGDP (UK) key skills and to set out comprehensive lists of standards for dental practice.

The last section of the manual explains FGDP (UK) assessments and examinations. The career pathway provides support and development for general dental practitioners and primary care dentists. This section also gives an overview of all assessments of the FGDP (UK).

Kenneth Eaton, the Editor of Standards in dentistry, has put together an innovative manual of up-to-date knowledge. It assesses standards put forward by different bodies and organisations and explains their use, above all keeping within the limitations of the standards and outlines of the FGDP (UK).

This is a valuable addition to the texts available for the dental community. I therefore would not hesitate to recommend its inclusion on reading lists and in the libraries of all dental institutions.