Kenneth Eaton and Philip Ower. Elsevier; 2015 Price £49.99 pp 376 ISBN

9780702043574

Practical periodontics is a new textbook that provides an in-depth review of the fundamentals of periodontology. This evidence-based text is fully referenced offering an up-to-date resource with additional online resources linking to the latest evidence and treatment protocols. It is focused on evidence-based learning, presented in an accessible and practical way. It is one of only a handful of textbooks created with undergraduate and postgraduate education in mind. This makes it a fantastic resource for all students. It would be a particular asset for those studying using problem-based learning (PBL).

Each chapter is written by leading experts in the specialty. It is edited by Philip Ower, the president of the British Society of Periodontology, and Kenneth Eaton, President of Practice-Based Research for the International Association for Dental Research (IADR).

It is clearly laid out and well-structured in full colour with an abundance of illustrations to aid understanding. Each of the seven chapters concisely covers the fundamental topics, which are clearly defined for easy reference. The key points are highlighted in each chapter to create an ideal revision guide for examinations.

It contains sections dedicated to aetiology, diagnosis and prognosis, treatment planning, non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment, with an additional section dedicated to oral hygiene and self-care. It then progresses onto the interaction of periodontology with other disciplines. This text has successfully summarised an entire specialty and can be used as an exhaustive guide for any student studying periodontology. It will no doubt be an essential text recommended by dental schools across the country. One of its biggest achievements is the extensive referencing at the end of every chapter, providing a fantastic resource of key papers. By separating each topic into clearly defined areas, it allows them to be learnt in a structure that would be ideal for exam answers.

This textbook is a fantastic learning source, providing an evidence-based and practical resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as dental professionals. The on-line resources provide over 400 MCQs for testing knowledge and understanding. There are videos available demonstrating how to perform clinical tasks and case studies that can be worked through.