Book review

  • C. Scully
Churchill Livingstone price $69.99; pp 832 ISBN 9780702054013 | ISBN: 978-0-7020-5401-3

The seventh edition of this recognised and established text covers in detail medical disorders and their impact on dental practice. It aims to equip the dentist with the knowledge to communicate with patients effectively and manage their medical and dental needs holistically, as well as the ability to recognise the need for advice and collaboration with our medical colleagues where necessary.

The book is divided into sections covering 'general medicine', 'organ systems medicine', 'other systems medicine' and 'other health issues' ranging from age and gender issues to substance dependence and health promotion.

The author approaches the subject matter consistently, with each sub-section covering the general aspects, clinical features, general management and dental aspects of medical conditions. This provides a logical, clear format for the reader to refer to.

General medical as well as surgical conditions are explored in detail and their relevance to the dental team discussed. Less frequently encountered, but nonetheless relevant, issues are also included which makes for a thorough and comprehensive edition. Updates in pharmacology, biological therapies, dental material hypersensitivity and alternative medicine set this text apart from previous editions.

The depth and breadth of the topics covered allow the general dentist as well as the specialist dentist to maintain and develop their understanding of general medical and surgical conditions, as well as providing dental students with a reliable and clear resource for learning.

The use of tables, flowcharts and figures provide diagrammatic support for the text and allow the salient points to be accessible at a glance. Provision of appendices at the end of each chapter along with suggestions of useful websites supplement the text and provide the reader with up to date online references and e-Learning resources.

The text fulfils its purpose entirely in providing the dental team with a thorough grounding in the dental-medical interface and the safe delivery of dental care.