Book reviews

The recently released Dentist on the Ward is the 6th edition of the popular series of books designed to prepare dental core trainees (DCT previously known as DF2s or senior house officers) for life on the wards of hospital maxillofacial departments.

Before dismissing this book as too technical and advanced for those of us who are dental foundation trainees (DF1) students, or even those who have been in general practice for a number of years, this book provides a fascinating insight into the work of maxillofacial surgery. The book is aimed at those with little or no prior experience in the specialty and is written in a style which stimulates interest in the subject.

The book opens by providing guidance and advice for those interested in applying for a hospital post in maxfax. It explains the benefit in doing such a job, gives example interview questions and advice for boosting one's CV in order to maximize success in getting a post. The book subsequently covers all aspects a dental core trainee can expect to encounter in doing such a job, such as carrying out biopsies and blood tests, treating patients under local and general anaesthetics, trauma, oral surgery and much more. This edition has increased the emphasis on managing oral cancer by including new sections on potentially malignant oral conditions as well as sections on chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Each section is supplemented by step-by-step photographs in order to explain key points of the text clearly. What I enjoy most about this book is the focus on practical aspects of the job rather than the theoretical focus often seen in other textbooks.