The DIAGNOdent was the most accurate system tested for the detection of occlusal dentine caries in primary molars. The performance of the DIAGNOdent systems was not statistically significantly better than that achieved using visual examination for non-cavitated teeth (V1 and V2 threshold). DIAGNOdent may prove useful as a predictive clinical tool, however with appropriate training visual examination may offer similar results without the need for additional equipment.

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This review article provides practical, evidence-based guidance on the management of dentine hypersensitivity for dental professionals covering diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Sensitivity associated with gingival recession, toothwear and periodontal disease and periodontal treatment are specifically addressed in the article.

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The aims of the study were to develop a method of quantifying denture cleanliness and evaluate the quality of clinical record keeping; record baseline denture cleanliness for 30 patients; introduce denture hygiene instruction (DHI); and then re-assess the patients for improvement and enhanced record keeping. A retrospective analysis of denture hygiene instruction record keeping was undertaken (n = 30). A bespoke denture cleanliness index (DCI) was developed for assessing denture cleanliness (best score 0, worst score 4). Baseline DCI scores were taken and individual DHI was delivered. Patients were reviewed and scored after 1 month, together with a further analysis of record keeping. At baseline, 16% (n = 5) of patients had DCI scores of ≤2, improving to 90% (n = 27) after 1 month, demonstrating short term improvement in denture cleanliness. Only 20% (n = 6) of patients had evidence of a record of DHI within their notes at baseline, improving to 100% at recall. The bespoke denture cleanliness index (DCI) worked well as a simple objective clinical measurement and patient education tool. Provision of tailored DHI resulted in the general improvement of denture cleanliness after 1 month. The authors recommend that where denture hygiene has been issued, this should be recorded in the records as 'DHI' within the clinical notes, in a manner analogous to the recording of oral hygiene.

Acid etching is widely used in clinical dentistry to facilitate the mechanical retention of resin-based materials to teeth, in particular enamel surfaces. Several laser systems have been developed with the aim of modifying dental hard tissues and the Er:YAG ( =2.94 m) laser may o#er a possible alternative to the acid etching technique.This study compares the shear bond strengths of composite beads attached to sound enamel surfaces prepared using either (a) no etching (negative control), (b) acid etching (positive control) or (c) Er:YAG laser etching, either with or without water, at one of three fluences: 15 J/cm 2 , 18 J/cm 2 or 24 J/cm 2 . A histological appraisal was also conducted using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) techniques.The mean shear bond strength for acid-etched enamel was 16.6 MPa (SD 4.4, n=10), whereas the best laser-etched mean bond strength obtained was 11.5 MPa (SD 4.1, n=11) using a fluence of 24 J/cm 2 with water. These values were significantly greater than those obtained for the negative control (no etching) of 4.4 MPa (SD 0.9, n=8). There was a significant positive correlation between the etching fluence and the shear bond strength, but pitting of the enamel surface at fluences above 25 J/cm 2 limited the maximum fluence for etching purposes. Although Er:YAG laser etching enhanced the retention of a resin-based material to an enamel surface when compared to a negative control, the mean shear bond strengths were significantly lower than those obtained using conventional acid etching. The optimal laser etching parameters in this study were shown to be 24 J/cm 2 in conjunction with water.

outline the use of the Denture Cleanliness Index in a secondary dental care setting. DCT in Restorative Dentistry IntroductionIn order to achieve optimal oral health it is well documented in the literature that denture wearing patients should be advised to maintain high standards of both oral hygiene and denture hygiene. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Dentures can accumulate plaque and develop calculus deposits in a manner similar to natural teeth, and the composition of denture plaque differs when compared with dental plaque. Studies have shown that denture plaque can contain a number of potentially harmful microorganisms including: Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Steptococcus mutans. 7-11Previous studies indicate that inadequate denture hygiene can lead to an increase in accumulation of denture plaque, which can then increase the risk of developing oral and dental diseases such as dental decay, periodontal disease, and denture stomatitis. 4,[10][11][12][13] Unfortunately many patients have been shown to have inadequate denture hygiene and some still wear their dentures at night, despite evidence that nocturnal denture wearing is linked to a decrease in oral health and provides no benefit to patients' quality of sleep. 5,12,14,15 A number of different cleaning regimes are available for patients to clean their dentures and they can be classified into either chemical or mechanical methods. According to a number of different studies and surveys evaluating the denture hygiene habits of patients, the most commonly used mechanical method is a toothbrush with soap and water or toothpaste, while the most commonly used chemical method is either sodium hypochlorite-based cleaner or a peroxide-based cleaner. 1,2,5,14,16,17 Evidence from studies conducted outside the UK provides evidence of the denture care habits and the quality of denture hygiene of non-UK cohorts. Their results may potentially be used to inform on the denture care advice given to UK denture wearers, however, there likely will be potential differences in the availability of denture care materials and in patient denture care/hygiene attitudes. Few studies and surveys have been conducted in the UK which outline the quality of patients' denture hygiene, their denture cleaning habits, and the quality of clinical record keeping.The purpose of this article is to outline the results of a clinical audit conducted in the prosthodontics department of a regional dental hospital. It follows on from work conducted within general dental practice and seeks to determine whether denture hygiene differs between a primary care and secondary care cohort; this comparison has yet to be published in the available literature. CPD questionsThis article will earn you one hour of verifiable CPD.To access the free BDA CPD hub, go to:http://bit.ly/2e3G0sv© 2 0 1 6 B r i t i s h D e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n . A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d .