SummaryNo published information on the personality characteristics of a significant proportion of any specialty of the medicalprofession has been available to date. The author presents the results from the application of a personality questionnaire (Cattell's 16 PF Form C )

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This study investigates (1) the behavioural patterns, performance and attitudes to dentistry and (2) the personality traits, in male and female dental students (n = 219) studying at Cardiff Dental School. The first part deals with the results of a questionnaire investigating aspects of the students' training course, interests in various fields of dentistry, the level of frustration, anxiety and fatigue felt, the overall feelings of satisfaction and dissatisfaction produced in their dental course, their reasons for entering dentistry and their hopes for a future career, as well as their various leisure and spare-time activities. The second part examines the personality traits of clinical stage students (n = 123) based on Cattell's personality questionnaire, the 16 PFQ form C. The results were correlated with students' 'A' level grades, interview grades, clinical examination results and responses to some items of the general questionnaire. It was possible to identify certain characteristics in dental students which implied likely success in their dental examinations. This may have a useful implication for the initial selection of those wishing to practise dentistry.

A clinical study using the Brånemark dental implant system was carried out on 13 patients aged 41 to 68 years. Clinical and psychological effects of treatment were assessed at 6-monthly intervals over a period of 3 years by means of a clinical examination, a personality assessment using Cattell's 16 PF Questionnaire and a general subjective questionnaire. Six per cent of implants failed to osseointegrate. Fifty per cent of bridges became loose, but remained stable after retightening. A similar percentage of fractures occurred, mainly teeth separating from acrylic gumwork. There was some soreness of peri-implant mucosa, particularly on cleaning. Despite these problems, there was considerable evidence of improved well-being of patients, who felt more secure following treatment and, as a result, their personal and social relationships improved.

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