Attitudes towards individuals with halitosis

de Jongh A, van Wijk AJ, Horstman M (2013) Attitudes towards individuals with halitosis: an online cross sectional survey of the Dutch general population. Br Dent J215: E8

The effect of diabetes on oral and systemic health

Diabetes is increasing, affecting millions of people in the UK alone. A significant number of patients attending the dental practice will have this condition, some as yet undiagnosed. Awareness of signs, symptoms and risk factors, including the impact on oral health, will help in the management of a

Caring for smiles: improving the oral health of residents

In 2013, Scotland's National Older People's Oral Health Improvement Group launched a guide to help care homes improve the oral health services they provide residents. Sheila Welsh explains why care homes in Scotland and the UK need to make this a priority

Dental lasers: principles and practice of safety

Lasers have great potential to improve treatment and are being increasingly used in dentistry. Patients, practice staff and visitors need to be protected from their potentially harmful effects on the skin and eyes, so dental staff need to understand and apply safety principles

The effect of multiple sclerosis on oral health

There is a lack of awareness of the progressive auto-immune disease, multiple sclerosis. Symptoms occurring during a period of relapse may adversely affect both general and oral health and can make dental visits difficult. Knowledge of this disease will assist dental nurses in caring for patients wi

Tooth whitening: the law and procedures

Tooth whitening or bleaching is one of the most popular aesthetic dental treatments, and can be carried out in the surgery or in the patient's home. The procedure offers opportunities for dental nurses to increase their scope of practice and boost a practice's business

Investigating infant fluoride intake in north-west England

An overview of prophylaxis paste and its use in dentistry

A professional oral care provision includes the removal of plaque, calculus and staining. The finishing procedure may be an important factor on the long-term oral hygiene performance and may be enhanced with the utilisation of oral hygiene products such as prophylactic pastes

Dental radiology: conflicting advice and controversies

Dental practices receive advice from numerous sources, including engineers, external agencies, trainers and other experts, and articles in professional journals. This advice can sometimes be conflicting, so employers have to clarify areas of uncertainty

Providing NHS health checks in the dental practice

NHS Health Checks have been introduced across England so disease can be prevented and detected at an early stage. Plans to make them more widely available could lead to them being carried out by dental nurses

Diabetes screening in the dental practice

Richard Guyver, Principal at enVisage Dental Practice, discusses implementing a diabetes screening programme in the dental practice and the role of the dental nursing team in making it a success

Dental management of the head and neck cancer patient

The aim of this paper is to discuss cancer of the head and neck, the causes, and potential treatment options and their side effects. It also discusses the role of the specialist dental team in assessment and dental treatment prior to cancer treatment and dental management during cancer treatment

Oral hygiene behaviour change using motivational interviewing

Understanding a person's readiness to change could improve the way in which oral hygiene interventions and advice are given in the clinical setting. The aim of this article, therefore, is to provide a brief guide to behaviour change using motivational interviewing when discussing interdental cleanin

Xylitol: A healthier way to prevent tooth decay

Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar found in plants and fruits, is becoming an increasingly important agent against tooth decay. Dominique Tillen, Founder and Direct of Brushbaby, looks further at its application in dentistry

Principles and practice of safety in dental radiography

Dental radiography can be carried out safely, with doses to patients, staff and visitors kept to a minimum by following fundamental principles. As dental nurses are present when most x-rays are taken, they have a role in ensuring that the process is safe and in raising concerns