Dental implants are increasingly being used in a variety of restorative treatments. Good oral home care is critical to their long-term survival, so dental care professionals need to know how to advise patients on cleaning regimens and dental hygiene aids
Electronic cigarettes have recently been in the news with the suggestion that they are a safer alternative to tobacco smoking. Graham Cope, from the University of Birmingham, investigates
It is essential that dental care professionals educate patients on the effects of diet on oral health. Diet plays an important role in the development of caries, erosion, periodontal disease and oral pathologies. Key messages for patients and methods for assessing nutritional status are discussed
Judith Husband issues a rallying call for the BDA's new ‘Make a Meal of It’ campaign, which seeks to tackle the harm caused to children's dental health by between-meals snacking on sugary and acidic food and drink
Many medical conditions affect children's oral health and the provision of dental care. This article describes two common medical conditions, their implications for oral health and their relevance to dental teams
This article aims to introduce the dental nurse to the specific relevance of digital photography in general dental practice by improving their understanding of achieving quality images, therefore maximising their potential in taking clinical photographs or assisting the clinician
Dental care professionals and their patients need to be protected from the harmful effects of ionising radiation. By interpreting and applying the laws and regulations that govern radiation, staff can minimise exposure and therefore risk
Oral health is an important but often overlooked aspect of an older adult's general health. Daily oral hygiene, ability to access routine professional oral health services, and oral health education are all key factors that can improve the oral health of older people
The nature of Parkinson's disease, and some of the medication used to treat the condition, may mean that some patients will experience some oral health problems. The article explores the problems, looks at why they happen, and what can be done to help
Good oral health is part of good general health. Dental professionals can draw on evidence and epidemiological data and work with other professionals involved with children to plan and provide care and establish good oral care habits
In light of the risks from ionising radiation to patients and staff, this article outlines the clinical conditions when radiographs are essential. The optimum images for the various problems are described along with practical information on imaging and records. Details of courses available to gain t
The aim of this article is to update dental nurses on dentine sensitivity—a perplexing clinical condition that is not fully appreciated by many clinicians and may not only under diagnosed but unsuccessfully managed in dental practice
Care pathways standardise how care is provided while ensuring treatment and preventive care are tailored to individual patient needs. They can be used to monitor patient outcomes, and benefit both patients and dental care professionals in NHS and private practice
Conscious sedation offers an easy and safe technique to carry out dental treatment in patients with learning disabilities. This article highlights the benefits of using conscious sedation to provide dental treatment, the role of the dental nurse and discusses the various techniques available
