The parameter estimates are similar to those described for propacetamol. There was no evidence of hepatotoxicity. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia impacts upon CL, dictating dose reduction.

Background:  Increasing the number of dental hygienists and expanding their scope of practice are two policy directions that are currently being explored to increase the supply of dental services in the context of projected oral health workforce shortages in Australia. Understanding factors relating to the employment of hygienists and the attitudes of the oral health workforce to dental hygiene practice are important in this policy debate.Methods:  A postal survey of a random sample of Victorian dentists, periodontists, orthodontists and hygienists was undertaken in 2006. Dentists and specialists were grouped into those whose practice employed or did not employ a hygienist. Data on the attitudes of dentists, specialists and hygienists towards various aspects of dental hygiene practice were explored.Results:  A response rate of 65.3 per cent was achieved. Hygienists believed that their employment made dental care more affordable (53.7 per cent) and improved access to dental care (88.1 per cent), while few dentists believed hygienists made care more affordable. Most hygienists believed they were capable of diagnosing periodontal disease and dental caries and formulating a treatment plan, but there was less support from employers and non‐employers. Dentists were strongly opposed to independent practice for dental hygienists, although there was qualified support from employers for increasing the scope of practice for hygienists.Conclusions:  Dentists who worked with hygienists acknowledged their contribution to increasing practice profitability, efficiency and accessibility of dental services to patients. Hygienists and employers supported increasing the scope of dental hygiene practice, however the majority of non‐employers opposed any expansion.

Background:  Increasing demand for dental services and a projected shortage in the oral health workforce in Victoria has focused attention on dental hygienists as one mechanism for increasing the supply of dental services. Understanding the dental hygienist workforce is essential in order to plan effectively for the future delivery of dental services in Victoria.Methods:  A postal survey of a random sample of Victorian dental hygienists was undertaken in 2006. Data on hygienists’ demographic characteristics, current dental practice, history of career breaks, aspects of clinical practice and job satisfaction were collected.Results:  A response rate of 77 per cent was achieved. A total of 94.0 per cent of hygienists were currently working as a dental hygienist, working an average of 28.7 hours per week. Younger hygienists worked longer hours than their older colleagues. Career breaks were common, with 44.8 per cent reporting a career break of greater than one month, predominantly for child rearing, with a mean career break of 20.1 months. Hygienists reported a high level of satisfaction with most aspects of their employment.Conclusions:  Victorian hygienists worked predominantly in private practices in metropolitan Melbourne, providing a range of preventive and periodontal services. Understanding the working patterns of dental hygienists is critical as hygienist numbers expand in the future, in order to undertake thorough evidence‐based workforce planning.

Background Limited data regarding the perspectives of other observers (i.e. those who educate, employ or receive care from) of new graduates’ preparedness to practice is available. The present study aimed to explore perceptions of different observers regarding the preparedness to practice and work readiness of newly qualified dental professionals. This broader range of perspectives is crucial to inform the development of educational programs, including continuing professional development, for newly qualified dental professionals, by clarifying the skills, knowledge and behaviours expected by the dental profession and wider public. Results Nineteen individual qualitative interviews were undertaken. Interview participants included clinical demonstrators (n = 9; 2 Oral Health Therapists; 5 Dentists; and 2 Prosthetists), dental course convenors (n = 4), representatives of large employers (n = 2), and consumers (n = 4). According to this diverse group of respondents, dental students receive adequate theoretical and evidence-based information in their formal learning and teaching activities, which prepares them for practice as dental professionals. There were no specific clinical areas or procedures where preparedness was highlighted as a major concern. Notwithstanding this, specific graduate skills which would benefit from further training and consolidation were identified, including areas where higher levels of experience would be beneficial. Nonetheless, respondents indicated that new graduates were aware of their limitations and had developed self-discipline and ethics that would allow them to identify conditions/situations where they would not have the experience or expertise to provide care safely. Conclusions From an observer perspective, dental students appeared to have gained adequate theoretical and evidence-based information in their formal learning and teaching activities to prepared them to commence practicing safely as dental professionals. Areas were identified in which new graduates were underprepared and when transitional support may be required.

BackgroundAntibiotic prophylaxis before dental treatment is routinely recommended by orthopaedic surgeons to prevent prosthetic joint infection (PJI). This recommendation is at odds with current guidelines.MethodsA postal survey of 9 checkbox or short-answer questions was completed by 633 orthopaedic surgeons.ResultsThe majority of respondents (n = 186 of 260, 72%) believe that antibiotic prophylaxis is required indefinitely for dental treatment. A small number (n = 43, 15%) seek a dentist's opinion before elective joint replacement. The surgeons reported low numbers of PJIs, although 24% (n = 68 of 280) believed that they were associated with dental treatment.ConclusionsAustralian orthopaedic surgeons continue to recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for dental treatment. The recording of PJI in relation to dental procedures into clinical registries would enable the development of consistent guidelines between professional groups responsible for the care of this patient group.