Book review

From Volume 39, Issue 3, April 2012 | Page 220

Authors

Kristian Coomaraswamy

University of Birmingham School of Dentistry

Articles by Kristian Coomaraswamy

Article

This recent publication is a collection of chapters, each individually exploring areas of paediatric dentistry where advancements have been made. It is intended to highlight and discuss new developments in the practice of the specialty, though states from the outset that this information will be delivered ‘not by giving cookbook recipes, but by pointing out the rationale behind the changes’. Revolutions in Pediatric Dentistry remains true to this style throughout its pages and challenges readers not only to reflect on their own current practice, but the evidence-base behind it.

The book is 224 pages long and contains 17 concise chapters. Contributions have been made by a group of internationally recognized specialists in paediatric dentistry and associated fields. The text of each chapter has been laid out in an easily accessible format, with good use of titling and highlighted boxes for key concepts: 150 colour photographs, 46 tables/diagrams and extensive referencing for each chapter further enhance this title.

The first chapter in this book covers new diagnostic approaches in the paediatric patient, followed by dental epidemiology in relation to recent trends in caries and malocclusion. Non-operative caries management and the use of fluorides in caries prevention are comprehensively covered, including current guidelines and their evidence-base. Dental sealants are addressed with detail on both pit/fissure and interproximal sealing. The novel micro-invasive technique of caries treatment by resin infiltration is nicely presented in its own section. Revolutions in Pediatric Dentistry also well encompasses advancements in the delivery of local anaesthesia, the Hall technique, MTA pulpotomy, pulpectomy technique, regenerative endodontic therapy and space maintenance in the paediatric patient.

This publication has wide appeal to any dental/therapy student or practitioner with an interest in paediatric dentistry. Its easily accessible content makes it an ideal reference book and an enjoyable read for anyone who wishes to keep up with recent developments in paediatric dentistry.