Australian Dental Journal

June 2005 - Volume 50 Number 2

REVIEW

General and oral health implications of cannabis use Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is the most frequently used illicit drug in Australia. Therefore, oral health care providers are likely to encounter patients who are regular users.

CM Cho R Hirsch S Johnstone

ADRF REPORT

The Practical Oral Care video – Evaluation of a Dental Awareness Month initiative A collaborative effort for the Australian Dental Association’s Dental Awareness Month in 2002 included the production of ‘Practical Oral Care – a video for residential care staff’. This evaluation of the project aimed to profile the video purchasers, evaluate the usefulness and appropriateness of the video and accompanying booklet using a mailed questionnaire, and elicit appropriate and practical themes for future geriatric oral health promotion and research.

JM Chalmers J Robinson N Nankivell

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES

Placement and replacement of restorations by selected practitioners There are few Australian data on the reasons for placement and replacement of restorations, and the extent to which these are carried out in general practice.	MJ Tyas
A clinical study comparing marginal and occlusal accuracy of crowns fabricated from double-arch and complete-arch impressions The double-arch impression technique is widely used in the provision of laboratory fabricated restorations. However, there is little clinical evidence to support or refute its use. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the occlusion and marginal fit of posterior full crowns made from double-arch impressions, and to compare these to control crowns fabricated from conventional complete-arch impressions.	JR Cox
Epigenetic influences may explain dental differences in monozygotic twin pairs Comparisons between monozygotic (MZ) co-twins have tended to focus on the similarities between their dentitions rather than differences. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of discordant expression for simple hypodontia and supernumerary teeth in MZ twin pairs and to explain how phenotypic differences might occur despite their similar genotypes.	GC Townsend L Richards T Hughes S Pinkerton W Schwerdt
Linear enamel hypoplasia and historical change in a central Australian community The current study extends the use of linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) to examine the historical changes in living conditions encountered by Aboriginal people at Yuendumu who were born between 1890 and 1960. LEH provides health information beyond written records and gives insight into the relationship between individual health and living conditions during initial and ongoing contact with Europeans.	J Littleton GC Townsend
Role of combined modality treatment of buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa is an oral cancer reported as having a poor prognosis. In many patients combined modality treatment incorporating surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered best practice.	KH Lee MJ Veness T Pearl-Larson GJ Morgan

CASE REPORT

Indirect resin-bonded fibre-reinforced composite anterior bridge: A case report In recent years fibre-reinforced resin composites (FRCs) have gained increasing acceptance in mainstream prosthodontics as viable alternatives to alloy-based restorations. A combination of good aesthetics and fracture toughness validates their use in a diverse range of clinical applications. In this case report an indirect resin-bonded fibre-reinforced composite anterior bridge incorporating a novel design is described.

A Husein T Berekally

DATA WATCH

Geographic distribution of the dentist labour force There are projected shortages in the supply of dentists in Australia, and these shortages are likely to be more evident in areas outside of capital cities. This report explores the geographic distribution of dentists and the differences in supply of dental services to regions defined by remoteness.

Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health

COCHRANE REVIEWS WITH COMMENTARY

Manual versus powered tooth brushing for oral health Specific oral bacteria, generically known as ‘dental plaque’ are the primary cause of gingivitis (gum disease) and caries. The removal of dental plaque is thought to play a key role in the maintenance of oral health. There is conflicting evidence for the relative merits of manual and powered tooth brushing in achieving this.	M Heanue SA Deacon C Deery PG Robinson AD Walmsley HV Worthington WC Shaw
Interventions for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome The complaint of a burning sensation in the mouth can be said to be a symptom of other disease or a syndrome in its own right of unknown aetiology. In patients where no underlying dental or medical causes are identified and no oral signs are found, the term burning mouth syndrome (BMS) should be used.	JM Zakrzewska H Forssell AM Glenny