A ferrule is a metal ring or cap used to strengthen the end of a stick or tube. It has been proposed that the use of a ferrule as part of the core or artificial crown may be of benefit in reinforcing root-filled teeth. A review of the literature investigating this effect is presented. The literature demonstrates that a ferrule effect occurs owing to the artificial crown bracing against the dentine extending coronal to the crown margin. Overall, it can be concluded that a ferrule is desirable, but should not be provided at the expense of the remaining tooth/root structure.
An audit of the waste practices of ten general dental surgeries identified problems that have occurred due to the lack of specific dental guidelines or codes of practice in this area. Occupational health and safety requirements for types and locations of sharps containers, and lack of consensus on what constitutes a sharp, were identified as areas needing attention. Cross-infection control items, such as gloves, masks, single-use cups, and protective coverings, were found to constitute up to 91 per cent of total waste. When infectious waste was reclassified by the audit team as 'that waste which was visibly blood stained,' a reduction in waste in this category was made, during the audit, at each practice. The practice of disposing of radiographic fixer and developer into the sewerage system occurred in three out of the ten practices, even though the Australian Dental Association Inc. has discouraged this practice.
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