Dental materials in operative dentistry

  • C. Mitchell
UK: Quintessence price £28.00; pp 104 ISBN 9781850971290 | ISBN: 978-1-8509-7129-0

Dental materials science has traditionally been a challenging subject to present to both undergraduates and postgraduate dental practitioners. This new addition to the Quintessentials series embraces the task and succeeds in being an easily read and informative text. First impressions might indicate that the apparent small size of the book suggests a superficial approach to the subject matter, but the level of detail is entirely appropriate to both student and experienced practitioner. Any dentist is able to recognise that if they are to place a material in a patient's mouth during operative dentistry, then it is entirely reasonable to know what is in it. This book gives an excellent overview in this respect, addressing the clinical relevance of a wide range of materials and the underpinning science that gives the rationale for their use. This is achieved without the need for an understanding of complex chemistry, and the simplicity of approach is refreshing compared with other dental materials science texts. Clinical applications and techniques are clearly linked to theoretical concepts, and the text is clear and easy to read. Each section is accompanied by extensive illustrations and clear diagrams, with a concise and relevant reference list. The range of materials covered is restricted to operative dentistry and as such the full spectrum of dental materials is not addressed. However, this is not the intention of the book and overall, the author has achieved their aim of providing a concise summary of the subject area in a most accessible fashion. The materials scientist will find the level of detail superficial, but the book is clearly intended for the clinician. To this end, there are many photographs of 'clinical' procedures, and perhaps the only criticism of the book is that more of this type of illustration could have been included to support the underlying science. It is certain that this text will be of particular use to undergraduates, but will also find favour within a wider readership.