Decision making in oral and maxillofacial surgery

  • D. M. Laskin &
  • A. O. Abubaker
(eds) UK: Quintessence price £63.00; pp 280 ISBN 9780867154634 | ISBN: 978-0-8671-5463-4

This book covers a vast speciality in a very clear, concise manner with (as the title would suggest), the focus being on the decision making process. It comprises 14 sections ranging from dentoalveolar problems to sleep disorders. Each section is divided into a number of topics, of which the book consists of 100 in total. Each topic is made up of an algorithm and a separate explanatory text. The authors suggest that readers should first study the algorithm, using the arrows to follow the progression of the diagnosis/treatment. Numbered boxes in the algorithm correspond to numbered text passages located on a separate page (usually opposite), where additional information is provided. Furthermore, each topic has a list of helpful references for the reader to consider.

Although all sections are informative the sections on trauma and cysts are especially strong. In addition the 'general considerations' section, covering a range of issues such as the management of pre-radiation patients or those who are pregnant, is very useful and well presented. One area of weakness, however, is in the lack of clinical photographs or radiographs. These may have been useful in illustrating certain points while also breaking up the blue and green layout of the text which, in my opinion, became very monotonous and on occasions daunting to the reader. On a more cautious note, potential readers need to be aware of this book's American origin and so drug names and in some instances recommended practices differ from contemporary British practice.

Overall the concept behind this book is good, however, it is hard to be sure exactly who the content is aimed at. It contains topics far beyond the scope of those at MFDS level yet lacks the detail required for those in specialist training. The authors acknowledge that it was never intended as a stand-alone text, and indeed it is no substitute; however, it does provide information in an easy to use and clear format. I feel that it is as a quick reference guide that this book's strengths lie and it would be a useful addition to any maxillofacial surgery department library.