NICE or not so NICE?

Distal caries of the second molar in the presence of a mandibular third molar – a prevention protocol

“…[8][9][10] Frequently the development of decay remains unnoticed and this is thought to be partly due to the difficulty in detecting caries via visual examination and lack of detailed recommendations or guidance dentists currently receive on screening for this issue. 11 The incidence of impacted wisdom tooth retention causing an influence on the dental arches in such a fashion is well documented in the literature and has been classed as a dental public health concern. 12 Various cariology studies have also shown that third molar removal is firstly, ultimately required in many of these cases and secondly, demands additional care to the second mandibular molar.…”

Ethical dilemmas: Guidelines without context

“…Laverick Consultant maxillofacial surgeon, Dundee 1 This paper too acknowledges the myths that surround the statements about the health problems of dentists and the difficulty in compiling accurate statistics. Apart from a brief mention that 'suicide is reported as being very frequent among medical men, and dentists are nearly as bad' the paper doesn't go into any further details on this topic.…”

“…1 Against this backdrop of increasing need there are very few organisations that can assist individuals who feel that they would like to offer their help. Many of the well-known charitable relief organisations require a lengthy time commitment and most consultants working for the NHS are unable to offer this.…”

“…Firstly, I must congratulate the BDJ for publishing the recent Mansoor et al article which claimed: 'The NICE guidance on wisdom teeth published in 2000 clearly stated that they had "no" research evidence to support their recommendations' . 1 Indeed upon reviewing the guidelines, no peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials and so forth are referred to. The guidelines do, however, take the opinions of dentists and dental institutes into account.…”

Restorative: The naming of parts

“…Scully London 1 2014 marks the anniversary of a new epidemic in the UK of middle aged adults with untreated part-erupted mesioangular impacted lower third molars associated with unrestorable distal cervical caries in the adjacent second molar. [2][3][4][5] We all recognise this symptom complex but so far it lacks a name and hence it has limited clinical acceptance. It is high time we put this right, and I propose it is named the Shepherd Brickley Syndrome in tribute to the two protagonists of non-prophylactic wisdom tooth management who introduced this epidemic to British dentistry 20 years ago.…”