Australian Dental Journal

December 2006 - Volume 51 Number 4

REVIEW

Prevention of white spot lesions in orthodontic practice: a contemporary review
The development of white spot demineralization associated with fixed appliance orthodontic treatment is a significant clinical problem. Both established and experimental methods for prevention of such lesions in day-to-day clinical practice are presented and discussed.

TR Sudjalim
MG Woods
DJ Manton

ADRF RESEARCH REPORT

An analysis of complaints against Victorian dental care providers 2000–2004
There are little data available on the number and type of complaints made against dental care providers in Australia, despite anecdotal reports of an increasing trend in health-related complaints and litigation. Data were obtained from the Dental Practice Board of Victoria on complaints received between July 2000 and December 2004.

M Hopcraft
D Sanduja

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES

Clinical, radiographic and histological analysis of the effects of mineral trioxide aggregate used in direct pulp capping and pulpotomies of primary teeth Primary teeth pulp exposures have traditionally been treated with formocresol or ferric sulphate pulpotomies or calcium hydroxide pulp capping. The aim of this study was to observe the tissue response when mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was used.	R Caicedo PV Abbott DJ Alongi MY Alarcon
Holes a plenty: oral health status a major issue for newly arrived refugees in Australia Dental health needs of newly arrived refugees are much greater than for the wider Australian community. This paper identifies the disparities and highlights major dental health issues for Australia’s growing and constantly changing refugee population.	N Davidson S Skull H Calache S Murray J Chalmers
A four-year retrospective study of adult hospitalization for oral diseases in Western Australia This analysis provides an insight into bed demand for adults for oral health related conditions in Western Australia.	K Smith E Kruger M Tennant
Discrimination or discretion? Exploring dentists’ views on treating patients with hepatitis C People with hepatitis C (over 259 000 Australians) experience stigma and discrimination, whether perceived or actual, in health care settings. They are less likely to access health care, presenting a major barrier to preventive care and treatment. This study aims to identify factors contributing to such discrimination, barriers to optimal care and strategies to overcome these.	M Temple-Smith K Jenkinson J Lavery SM Gifford M Morgan
Musculoskeletal disorders self-reported by dentists in Queensland, Australia Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent an important occupational health issue in dentistry. Given the significance of this topic, we considered it necessary to investigate the prevalence and impact of MSD among Australian dentists.	PA Leggat DR Smith
Enhancement of fluoride release from glass ionomer cement following a coating of silver fluoride This study investigated the extent to which a coating of 10% silver fluoride (AgF) on discs of glass ionomer cements (GICs) would enhance the release of fluoride ion into eluting solutions at varying pH.	Z Ariffin H Ngo J McIntyre
Efficacy of pilocarpine lozenge for post-radiation xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer Patients with radiation-induced xerostomia produce little or no saliva. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of systemic administration of pilocarpine hydrochloride in individuals with post-radiation xerostomia. However, analysis of pilocarpine lozenges for treatment of post-radiation xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer has not been reported.	S Taweechaisupapong M Pesee C Aromdee M Laopaiboon W Khunkitti

CASE REPORT

Orthodontic and prosthetic rehabilitation of unilateral free-end edentulous space
Most patients prefer fixed dentures, even in the presence of uni and bilateral free-end saddle. The most suitable treatment for this is an implant or implant-supported prosthetic restoration. A combined prosthetic and orthodontic treatment with distalization of a posterior tooth towards the edentulous region is an alternative approach. This study involved a 34.3 year old female patient who had a free-end edentulous space on the left mandibula and missing 1st and 3rd molars on the right mandibula.

SG Arslan
IH Tacir
JD Kama

DATA WATCH

Oral health and access to dental care in Australia – comparisons by level of education
It is well established that certain groups within the Australian population have poorer oral health and are disadvantaged in respect to access to regular preventive dental care. The purpose of this study was to investigate variations in oral health status by level of education, and determine whether people with lower education levels experience disadvantage in respect to access to dental services.

Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health

EVIDENCE-BASED DENTISTRY

Custom-made mouthguards protect football players
A group randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. Intervention Australian-rules football teams were randomly assigned to the test group (MG, custom-made mouthguards) or control group (usual mouthguard behaviour).

R Jagger

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Self-assessment Quiz - December 2006

The ADA and the Local Organising Committee invite all associated with dentistry to participate in the Australian Dental Congress and Exhibition in Perth.

Mark the dates in your diaries 12-15 March 2009

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Dental Health Week is a community awareness program coordinated and funded by the ADA. In 2008 the ADA is leading a campaign to target 30-50 year olds and has developed a range of Fact Sheets on oral health care. August 4 - 10 is Dental Health Week

Click here for previous Dental Health Week material.

Mouthguard Awareness

The ADA is once again conducting a Mouthguard Awareness campaign in 2008.
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On the 23rd July 2007 the ADA wrote to the major political parties seeking their policies on dental health issues. Click here to review the ADA Inc Report Card on Dental Health Policies Election 07 (PDF 122 KB)

As part of a community campaign to promote good oral health care for babies and toddlers the ADA has developed oral hygiene tips for parents and carers of young children.
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Click here for information on the ADA Awards for Excellence in Dental Journalism

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