While further research is needed to define the population-attributable risk of periodontal disease to both cardiovascular diseases and to diabetes control and progression, health education to encourage better oral health should be considered as part of current healthy lifestyle messages designed to reduce the increasing health burden of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Multivariable analysis is a widely used statistical methodology for investigating associations amongst clinical variables. However, the problems of collinearity and multicollinearity, which can give rise to spurious results, have in the past frequently been disregarded in dental research. This article illustrates and explains the problems which may be encountered, in the hope of increasing awareness and understanding of these issues, thereby improving the quality of the statistical analyses undertaken in dental research. Three examples from different clinical dental specialities are used to demonstrate how to diagnose the problem of collinearity/multicollinearity in multiple regression analyses and to illustrate how collinearity/multicollinearity can seriously distort the model development process. Lack of awareness of these problems can give rise to misleading results and erroneous interpretations. Multivariable analysis is a useful tool for dental research, though only if its users thoroughly understand the assumptions and limitations of these methods. It would benefit evidencebased dentistry enormously if researchers were more aware of both the complexities involved in multiple regression when using these methods and of the need for expert statistical consultation in developing study design and selecting appropriate statistical methodologies.

This trial demonstrated that patients were able to improve clinical periodontal outcomes by interdental cleaning, particularly with interdental brushes, even before thorough root surface debridement was undertaken.

Translational research in bone tissue engineering is essential for 'bench to bedside' patient benefit. However, the idea combination of stem cells and biomaterial scaffolds for bone repair/regeneration is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the osteogenic capacity of a combination of poly(DL-lactic acid) (PDLLA) porous foams containing 5 and 40 wt% of Bioglass ® particles with human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in vitro and in vivo. Live/dead fluorescent markers, confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that PDLLA/Bioglass ® porous scaffolds supported ADSCs attachment, growth and osteogenic differentiation, which were confirmed by enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP). Higher Bioglass ® content of the PDLLA foams increased more ALP activity compared to PDLLA only group. Extracellular matrix deposition after 8 weeks in in vitro culture was evident by Alcian blue/Sirius red staining.In vivo bone formation was assessed using scaffold/ADSCs constructs in diffusion chambers transplanted intraperitoneally into nude mice and recovered after 8 weeks.Histological and immunohistochemical assays indicated significant new bone formation in the 40 wt% and 5 wt% Bioglass ® constructs compared to the PDLLA only group. This study indicated the combination of a well-developed biodegradable bioactive porous PDLLA/Bioglass ® composite scaffold with a high potential stem cells source -human ADSCs could be a promising approach for bone regeneration in clinical setting.

Most commonly, gingival overgrowth is a plaque-induced inflammatory process, which can be modified by systemic disease or medications. However, rare genetic conditions can result in gingival overgrowth with non-plaque-induced aetiology. It is also important to appreciate the potential differential diagnoses of other presentations of enlarged gingival tissues; some may be secondary to localised trauma or non-plaque-induced inflammation and, albeit rarely, others may be manifestations of more sinister diseases or lesions. A definitive diagnosis will then enable an appropriate management strategy. This paper aims to discuss clinical features and diagnoses for conditions presenting with gingival overgrowth and other enlargements of gingival tissues.

This paper confines itself to the description of the profile of a general dentist while outlining where the boundary between specialist and generalist may lie. The profile must reflect the need to recognize that oral health is part of general health. The epidemiological trends and disease variation of a country should inform the profile of the dentist. A particular tension between the provision of oral healthcare in publicly funded and private services may result in dentists practicing dentistry in different ways. However, the curriculum should equip the practitioner for either scenario. A dentist should work to standards appropriate to the needs of the individual and the population within the country’s legal and ethical framework. He/she should have communication skills appropriate to ascertain the patient’s beliefs and values. A dentist should work within the principles of equity and diversity and have the knowledge and clinical competence for independent general practice, including knowledge of health promotion and prevention. He/she should participate in life‐long learning, which should result in a reflective practitioner whose clinical skills reflect the current evidence base, scientific breakthroughs and needs of their patients. Within the 4–5 years of a dental degree it is not possible for a student to achieve proficiency in all areas of dentistry. He/she needs to have the ability to know their own limitations and to access appropriate specialist advice for their patients while taking responsibility for the oral healthcare they provide. The dentist has the role of leader of the oral health team and, in this capacity; he/she is responsible for diagnosis, treatment planning and the quality control of the oral treatment. The dental student on graduation must therefore understand the principles and techniques which enable the dentist to act in this role. He/she should have the abilities to communicate, delegate and collaborate both within the dental team and with other health professionals, to the benefit of the patient. The profile of a dentist should encompass the points raised but will also be based upon competency lists which are published by a variety of countries and organizations. It is important that these lists are dynamic so that they are able to change in light of new evidence and technologies.

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The general lack of compliance with quality criteria might place doubt on the value of these trials and may render any conclusions questionable. It is therefore important to distinguish clearly between superiority trials and equivalence trials, and to incorporate appropriate additional criteria in the design of future RCTs with active-control groups.