Essential microbiology for dentistry, 4th edition

  • L. Samaranayake
UK: Elsevier price £47.99; pp 392 ISBN 9780702034848 | ISBN: 978-0-7020-3484-8

This well-structured textbook from Churchill Livingstone presents the difficult subject of microbiology in an easy-to-read and understandable format. It almost certainly will be a first choice text for dental students and may also appeal to general dental practitioners.

This new fourth edition expands on the previous versions and now contains the latest information regarding unculturable bacteria, a greatly expanded section on oral biofilms and their relevance to systemic disease, and a new section on oral immunology and the microbiology of perimplantitis.

With respect to the layout, the 382 pages are divided into six major chapters including general microbiology, basic immunology, microbes of relevance to dentistry, infections of relevance to dentistry, oral microbiology and finally cross infection control. Each chapter is then subdivided into smaller more manageable sections which include histology slides, tables, clinical photographs, diagrams and radiographs. I believe students will particularly appreciate the 'Key Facts' boxes which are used throughout the book to highlight important information and are an ideal quick reference. The author has also included review questions, along with answers, which appear to be of a similar multiple choice format to those used by universities and the MFDS/MJDF exams.

Some examples of the interesting sub-chapters include 'Microbiology of periodontal disease', 'The immune system and the oral cavity' and 'Infections of the cardiovascular system'. The first of these describes the various forms of periodontal disease from chronic marginal gingivitis to necrotising ulcerative gingivitis and includes their clinical presentation, pathogenesis, microbiology and treatment. Useful clinical photographs and radiographs are used where appropriate to demonstrate the various presentations of the disease. The chapter finishes with some references to further reading should the reader wish to expand their knowledge.

Chapter 6 covers the complex topic of 'Diagnostic microbiology and laboratory methods' which is approached thoroughly yet simply. I particularly like the tables and tree graphs used to help the reader understand how different organisms are identified and the appropriate specimens which should be taken for each.

In summary, a great revision book and a must-have for dental students!