Hugh Devlin and Rebecca Craven. Oxford University Press 2018; price £29.99 pp. 336 ISBN:

9780198759782

This 'Oxford Handbook' is unique in its field in offering the reader an invaluable source of dental biosciences, while relating the topic to clinical application throughout the book. A real bonus for those starting to practice or who seek to solidify their understanding with the latest knowledge for further qualifications.

The book enters its second edition, edited and rewritten by Hugh Devlin and Rebecca Craven, Professor of Restorative Dentistry and a Senior Consultant in Dental Public Health, respectively. They have used their vast experience in teaching to present the topic using an array of diagrams, tables and short paragraphs that combine to produce a memorable read.

It is an easy to navigate book, making it an excellent reference, with thirteen tabbed and well-defined chapters. The book begins with the first three chapters focusing on the oral cavity, its surrounding structures and their function. The embryology and stages of tooth formation are neatly displayed, highlighting the possible developmental disorders and where exactly they arise. The intricate mechanisms of speech and swallow, as well as the temporomandibular joints are detailed anatomically, making direct links to their pathologic clinical presentations – great for viva exam revision. Tooth decay as a disease process is then explored, with a focus on how the local factors of diet and fluoride have an influence on the rates of decay progression, as well as the latest epidemiological statistics in preventing the disease.

The next and final ten chapters follow a systems-based approach looking into the role the major organs of the body play and also the effects common diseases have on the health of the oral environment. Although more detail on the complex physiology at work can be found in other textbooks, none summarise and integrate the theory as well as this book. With the number of patients with diabetes treated in general practice increasing, a topical chapter on the disease process highlights the complications and treatment strategies, which most would find very useful.

In conclusion, a fine blend of scientific knowledge and comprehensive overview of the dental biosciences has produced a handy guide for the keen practitioner. With references to current literature throughout, it also presents as a compact yet detailed revision source.