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The dental profession is well placed to contribute important information in child protection cases but no previous research has been reported that assesses the volume or impact of this information. Comprehensive oral assessment clinics were introduced and established as an integral part of comprehensive medical assessments for children with welfare concerns in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. An assessment protocol and standardised paperwork for comprehensive oral assessments were developed to enhance information sharing and patient access to appropriate care. Two cases are presented and discussed to demonstrate the value of dental input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine the attitudes and awareness of dental and medical practitioners in Scotland to the provision of oral appliances for the management of snoring and sleep apnoea.Setting The questionnaire was completed by general dental practitioners randomly selected from across Scotland and by doctors specialising in sleep medicine within Scotland.Method A questionnaire was devised and sent to 17 specialists in sleep medicine and 210 general dental practitioners, community dental service practitioners and hospital-based dental practitioners. A reply-paid envelope was included with each questionnaire.Results There were 14 replies (82%) from specialists and 105 (50%) from dentists. All the specialists felt that dentists had a role in the management of these patients. Of the replies from dentists, 60 (57%) stated that they provided appliances but their screening for sleep apnoea and discussion of the side-effects of appliances varied widely. Seventy-eight dentists (74%) expressed an interest in attending a course on the management of sleep apnoea and snoring.Conclusions The current practice of specialists and dentists in the management of obstructive sleep apnoea and socially disruptive snoring with oral appliances in Scotland is varied. Many dentists expressed a wish for further training in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine patients' preferences regarding consultation of medical or dental practitioners for various orofacial symptoms, including patients' perceptions of practitioners' training and ability to diagnose and treat these symptoms.Method Patients attending oral and maxillofacial clinics in Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland in relation to a variety of complaints were invited to complete a questionnaire.Results From a sample size of 254 patients, 220 correctly completed questionnaires were received. This showed 69% of patients regarded medical practitioners as being better trained to diagnose and treat non-dental orofacial symptoms. Eighty percent of patients regarded medical practitioners as being more accessible when booking an appointment. Seventy-eight percent of patients did not regard charges for dental care as being an important factor when deciding which practitioner they should consult.Conclusion Despite the significant differences between medical and dental practitioners in undergraduate and postgraduate training in orofacial disease, most patients would choose to visit a medical rather than dental practitioner. While these results suggest the need for postgraduate educational support for medical practitioners in treating orofacial pain and oral mucosal disease, they also imply a need for change in the concept of provision of oral healthcare by general dental practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scottish Executive Health Department approved funding in 2001 for Fife NHS Board to pilot an integrated model of out-of-hours dental services based upon a dental nurse-led triage system during the evenings, weekends and some public holidays. After one year of the pilot project the activity was evaluated by analysing the triage database. Nearly 4,000 calls were received-Fridays and Saturdays were the most popular days to telephone which resulted in nearly half of all callers being referred to an emergency weekend clinic. Thirty-nine percent of callers received advice only or were advised to contact their own dentist during working hours. A further 12% who were not registered with a dentist (n=479) were offered a next-day appointment with a dentist in their area-around half of these callers subsequently attended for an appointment. Only two out of every 100 callers were deemed to require emergency out-of-hours attention and were referred to oral surgery staff in a local hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate, by questionnaire, various aspects of primary dental care provision in the North West of England and Scotland.Method: A questionnaire containing 79 questions was sent to 1,000 practitioners, selected at random, in the North West of England and Scotland. Non-responders were sent another questionnaire after a period of 4 weeks had elapsed.Results: Overall a response rate of 70% was achieved. The majority of practitioners were practice principals (65%), working in a group NHS practice (80%) located in a city or town centre (49%). On average 10-20 patients were treated each session with fewer patients treated per session under private arrangements. Many practitioners were found to lack hygienist support (44%) and to employ unqualified dental nurses (82%). Younger practitioners were more likely than senior colleagues to have access to up-to-date computers whilst 37% and 74% of respondents never used CAL programmes or magnification respectively. Contemporary cross-infection control standards were used by the majority of practitioners, although 3% of practitioners reported only autoclaving their handpiece once a day.Conclusions: The majority of practitioners, involved in this study, worked under National Health Service (NHS) regulations as principals in a group practice where the workload was greater than the private/independent sector. Contemporary cross-infection procedures were used routinely. In contrast computer-aided learning programmes and magnification were not used routinely. The practitioners in this study employed significant numbers of unqualified dental nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To elicit the attitudes and opinions of consultant anaesthetists working in Scotland, with regard to conscious sedation carried out by dental practitioners.Method A questionnaire was designed to gauge opinion of consultant anaesthetists in Scotland on the practice of conscious sedation by dentists. The questionnaire was sent to 353 consultant anaesthetists working in 49 hospitals within the 15 health boards in Scotland.Results Of the 366 questionnaires sent, 249 were returned of which 235 were valid. This gave a response rate of 64%. In general, those questioned felt that the provision of sedation in a hospital setting was more appropriate than in general dental practice. A majority (65%) thought that it was unrealistic for anaesthetists to provide all sedation for dental treatment, although many (58%) felt that anaesthetists should take more responsibility in this area. Again, a majority (60%) agreed that dentists should be trained to use sedation techniques for their patients but a significant number (63%) disagreed with the practice of operator/sedationist.Conclusion It is of concern to the dental profession that a significant number of anaesthetists do not feel that it is appropriate for dentists to be administering even the most simple methods of sedation. At present there are no clear, recognised guidelines as to the level of formal training required for the practice of conscious sedation by dentists. It is in the interests of the dental profession and the public to ensure that those choosing to practice sedation do so safely by following recognised guidelines in the training and practice of sedation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part II. Assesses the effectiveness of personal learning program in providing continuing professional development among dentists in Scotland. Factors preventing dentists from attending postgraduate courses; Role of the program in improving the dentists' self esteem; Benefits to patient treatment and quality of dental care.

Part I. Focuses on two pilot projects undertaken in Scotland, to provide personal learning plans to general dental practitioners. Discussion on a method of designing personal learning plans for two groups of dentists in different locations; Reasons behind practitioners' involvement in continuing professional development; Merits of personal learning plans to dental practitioners.

Objectives: To describe the current and intended continuing professional development activity of dentists in general and community practice.Design: A cross-sectional survey by postal questionnaire.Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was sent to all general practice and community dentists identified from the dental practices division as being in practice in Scotland. The issues addressed included personal demographics, current working patterns and job satisfaction, training and professional development and finally career and working intentions.Results: Of the 1,917 questionnaires sent to general dental practitioners (GDPs), 1,357 were returned useable (70% response rate); 212 of the 283 questionnaires to community dental practitioners (CDPs) were returned giving a 75% response rate. Of the responders, 89% of GDPs (1,188) and 95% of CDPs (178) reported participating in some form of CPD in the preceding year. One sixth of GDPs (211) and one third of CDPs (62) had a further qualification. Short courses such as Section 63 were very popular with over 90% of GDPs, but more than half the respondents did not think that further qualifications would enhance their career prospects. The most commonly identified barriers to further qualifications were heavy clinical commitments (78%), with 73% citing the substantial cost with no additional benefit. Over a third of GDPs under the age of 30 indicated they intended to sit a postgraduate qualification, but this fell to 12% for those aged over 30. The number of dentists identified on a career break was low (18).Conclusion: Two years before implementation of the General Dental Council's mandatory revalidation scheme, over 90% of Scottish primary care dentists reported active participation in continuing professional development. Future initiatives must be sufficiently sophisticated to fulfil the educational needs of different age groups, and to focus on part-time and career break dentists as well as full-time practitioners. It is important to establish career pathways in dental primary care. Part-time modular courses such as Masters degrees in primary care based dentistry may be one solution. An increased number of part-time posts for primary care dentists in secondary dental care may increase the skill base and also increase service provision in secondary care establishments. These pathways should create an opportunity to adequately reward those who continue to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a technically demanding healthcare profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To identify the available workforce in general dental practice and to describe the job satisfaction, career and retirement plans of dentists in general and community practice. Design A postal cross-sectional survey. Setting Primary care dentists practising in Scotland in 2000. Materials and methods Semi-structured questionnaires were sent to all primary care dentists identified from the Scottish Dental Practice Division as being in practice in Scotland. Results The response rate was 70% (1,335 GDPs and 187 CDPs). Although most dentists in both the GDS and CDS stated that they enjoyed their work, 35% of GDPs would not now choose dentistry as a career. Eighty-three per cent of the GDPs' time was spent on clinical work, of which 5% was not NHS-funded. Daily demotivation was reported by 70%, most commonly citing the job itself and the N HS 'treadmill'. Two-thirds of CDPs were women, as were half of GDPs aged less than 30. Only 35% of CDPs planned early retirement but 80% of them felt underused. Two-thirds of GDPs planned to retire in their mid50s, and a further quarter planned to work part-time. Of the former, only a quarter agreed that nothing would induce them to work beyond this time. Conclusion Conditions of work within primary care dentistry require modification to retain the current workforce and accommodate the increasing proportion of women. Part-time employment packages may encourage older practitioners to work for longer, and allow younger practitioners to fulfil family or personal commitments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the acceptablility of a pilot scheme of revalidation to general dental practitioners.Method Ten general dental practitioners completed portfolios of evidence of being up to date and fit to practise. This portfolio was assessed by a panel of three experts, using an assessment tool developed specifically for that purpose. An action research methodology was used to evaluate participants' perceptions, consisting of a focus group and semi-structured interviews. The views of the assessors on the portfolio and its assessment were collected using a questionnaire.Results The views of the participants on revalidation, the pilot scheme portfolio and its use, who should assess it and how its use could be supported were collected. Also areas of difficulty in using the portfolio were identified, along with suggestions for improving it and alternative ways of evidencing competence. Assessors noted that the quality of evidence was adequate, but also made suggestions for improvement of the portfolio.Conclusions The pilot scheme appears to have been acceptable to the dentists in this scheme, given some caveats. The assessors felt that appraisal would significantly enhance any substantive scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the pattern of use and re-use of matrix bands in general practice in Scotland, to demonstrate which type of matrix band is most commonly used and to examine infection control measures of relevance to the safe use and re-use of matrix bands.Materials and Methods: Subjects: 621 of Scotland's 1,849 general dental practitioners were randomly selected.Data Collection: A 19-item self-reported questionnaire was mailed in June 1999 with a follow-up mailing sent in August 1999.Analysis: Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation. Where appropriate, differences between categories were tested for significance by a Chi-square test.Results: A total of 479 questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 77%. Reported compliance with routine glove wearing was high (91%). Most dentists (92%) provided training on instrument cleaning and sterilisation for their dental nurses. Ultrasonic baths were used by 59% of practitioners; the remainder soaked or manually scrubbed instruments to remove debris before autoclaving. The Siqveland matrix was the matrix of choice for 96% of respondents. 7% provided a new matrix band for each patient. Most (64%) changed bands only when they were bent or damaged; 29% changed them daily or weekly. Deterrents to use of a new band for each patient were cost (39%) and time (52%). A total of 54% of respondents considered matrix band replacement unnecessary between patients.Conclusions: The Siqveland matrix band is the most popular among the study group of dental practitioners. Re-use of matrix bands is common. Guidelines for the safe re-use of matrix bands are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate antibiotic prescribing patterns by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the Greater Glasgow Health Board Area, Scotland.Study Design: A 10% sample of prescriptions were selected at random from 35,545 prescriptions written by GDPs over a 6-month period.Main Outcome Measures: Absolute and relative frequencies were used to describe the different classes of antibiotics used and the variations in prescribing practice.Results: GDPs prescribed a wide range of antibiotics. Seventeen different antibiotics were prescribed with amoxycillin, metronidazole and penicillin V accounting for almost 90% of the prescriptions. In general the antibiotics were prescribed at the British National Formulary (BNF) recommended doses. There were, however, wide variations in the frequencies and durations of the prescriptions for all antibiotics.Conclusions: The present study provides evidence of sub-optimal prescribing of antibiotics by dentists in Scotland, with considerable variation from the recommended frequencies and doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate experience, practice and beliefs regarding occupational exposures to blood and oral fluids among a random sample of 300 dentists working in Scotland's NHS primary dental services.Method A cross-sectional postal survey assessed occupational exposure policies and procedures, recent occupational exposure incidence and current management. Beliefs were measured using constructs from the theory of planned behaviour, shown to influence behaviour in this population.Results Forty-two percent of dentists responded. Fourteen percent had sustained an occupational exposure in the previous 12 months; of those, 35% did not report their exposure. All respondents' practices had protocols in place for managing and reporting dental team member sharps injuries. Most (82%) had protocols for mucocutaneous exposures. Less than half (48%) had a protocol for managing and reporting patient exposures to blood or saliva. Dentists placed significantly more importance (z-score −4.44, p value <0.001) and necessity (z-score −4.17, p value <0.001) on reporting patient exposure than dentist occupational exposure.Conclusion This study suggests that while dentists generally have positive beliefs about reporting occupational exposures, there are gaps in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore what motivates dentists to work in prisons using Vroom's theoretical model of motivation as an explanatory framework.Method In-depth interviews were conducted with ten of the 15 dentists working in Scottish prisons. The focus was to explore their motivations to work in Scottish prisons. The data were analysed using a thematic framework based on the three motivational dimensions of expectancy, instrumentality and valence.Results The dentists had the skills to help improve their prisoner-patients' oral health but their efforts were often hindered by institutional rationing and the requirement to fit in with prison routines and procedures (expectancy). Despite these institutional difficulties the dentists experienced work rewards associated with the improvement in the prisoners' oral health (instrumentality). Finally, the dentists experienced a feeling of personal worth and a sense of commitment to providing care to Scottish prisoners (valence).Conclusions The dentists' motivation to work in Scottish prisons may be explained by Vroom's Expectancy Theory. The dentists' motivation is characterised by their beliefs that their work will improve clinical outcomes which will be rewarded by the satisfaction experienced when they overcome environmental obstacles and provide oral health care for their prisoner-patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To review a long-standing mercury monitoring service offered to staff in dental practices in Scotland.Methods During the first 20 years of the service, dentists and their staff were contacted by letter and invited to participate. Respondents were asked to collect samples of head hair, pubic hair, fingernail and toenail for analysis of mercury. After 1995, head hair samples were collected initially and further samples were only measured if head hair mercury was elevated.Results At the start of this scheme many staff, including administrative staff, had systemic exposure to mercury (defined as increased mercury in all four samples). Incidents of exposure have decreased over the 35 years and are now very rare. Male staff were found to have higher mercury concentrations than female staff and dentists tended to have higher concentrations than other staff. Staff working in dental practices more than five years old had small but discernible increases in head hair mercury concentration. In recent years the use of reusable capsules such as Dentomats has been associated with a slight but statistically significant increase in head hair mercury concentrations when compared to the use of encapsulated amalgam systems. Staff wearing open-toed footwear had significantly higher toenail mercury concentrations compared to those who wore shoes.Conclusions Exposure of staff to mercury in Scottish dental practices is currently now very low. This is probably as a result of increased awareness to the toxicity of mercury and improved methods of preparing amalgam. It may be possible to reduce exposure further, although probably only slightly, by upgrading practices and using encapsulated mercury amalgam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In April 2011 the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme published the Oral health management of patients prescribed bisphosphonates guidance document. The aims of this study were to examine whether dentists' practice and beliefs changed after guidance publication to determine whether a knowledge translation intervention was required, and to inform its development.Methods Three postal surveys sent to three independent, random samples of dentists throughout Scotland pre- and post-guidance publication. The questionnaire, framed using the theoretical domains framework (TDF), assessed current practice and beliefs relating to recommended management of patients on bisphosphonates.Results The results (N = 420) suggest that any significant impact the guidance may have had on the recommended management of patients on bisphosphonates by primary care dentists, had reached its peak ten months post publication. A more positive attitude, greater perceived ability, and greater motivation were all associated with significantly more performing of all recommended behaviours at every time point.Conclusions Prior to this study, there was little available information about how patients on bisphosphonates were being managed in primary dental care, or what beliefs may be influencing management decisions. This study was able to identify levels of compliance pre- and post-guidance publication and determine that further intervention was necessary to enable sustained uptake of recommendations. Using the TDF to identify beliefs associated with best practice made it possible to suggest theoretically informed strategies for service improvement. The next step is to test the intervention(s) in a randomised controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on an open access article which was published in "BMC Oral Health" journal regarding the unmet need among dentists in Scotland for information about the association between systemic diseases and dental conditions.

Background In 2005 Cairns et al. published a paper ( 2005; 15: 310-318) examining the role of the general dental practitioner (GDP) in child protection (CP) in Scotland. This involved a questionnaire sent out to Scottish GDPs in 2003. Subsequently in 2006 all UK dental practices were sent Child protection and the dental team, a manual detailing roles and responsibilities with regard to CP. During this time the profile of CP within dentistry increased. There has been no published research since 2006 investigating whether the gap between the proportion of GDPs who suspect child abuse/neglect in their patients and those who refer cases has changed.Aim The aim of this research was to investigate whether this gap has changed between 2003 and 2010.Method A postal questionnaire based on that used by Cairns et al. was sent to 50% of GDPs in Scotland in March 2010.Results The response rate was 52% (53% male). Some 29% and 55% of respondents had received undergraduate or postgraduate training in child protection respectively. Over two thirds (37%) had suspected child abuse/neglect in one or more of their paediatric patients but only 11% had referred a case. The most common factor affecting the decision to refer was 'lack of certainty of the diagnosis' (74%). Some 77% thought that abused/neglected children had an increased caries increment and 73% of dentists were willing to get involved in detecting neglect.Conclusion Dentists in Scotland appear to be suspecting and referring more cases of child abuse/neglect than previously. The vast majority are willing to get involved in detecting neglect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore what motivates dentists to work in prisons using Vroom's theoretical model of motivation as an explanatory framework.Method In-depth interviews were conducted with ten of the 15 dentists working in Scottish prisons. The focus was to explore their motivations to work in Scottish prisons. The data were analysed using a thematic framework based on the three motivational dimensions of expectancy, instrumentality and valence.Results The dentists had the skills to help improve their prisoner-patients' oral health but their efforts were often hindered by institutional rationing and the requirement to fit in with prison routines and procedures (expectancy). Despite these institutional difficulties the dentists experienced work rewards associated with the improvement in the prisoners' oral health (instrumentality). Finally, the dentists experienced a feeling of personal worth and a sense of commitment to providing care to Scottish prisoners (valence).Conclusions The dentists' motivation to work in Scottish prisons may be explained by Vroom's Expectancy Theory. The dentists' motivation is characterised by their beliefs that their work will improve clinical outcomes which will be rewarded by the satisfaction experienced when they overcome environmental obstacles and provide oral health care for their prisoner-patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine the attitudes and awareness of dental and medical practitioners in Scotland to the provision of oral appliances for the management of snoring and sleep apnoea.Setting The questionnaire was completed by general dental practitioners randomly selected from across Scotland and by doctors specialising in sleep medicine within Scotland.Method A questionnaire was devised and sent to 17 specialists in sleep medicine and 210 general dental practitioners, community dental service practitioners and hospital-based dental practitioners. A reply-paid envelope was included with each questionnaire.Results There were 14 replies (82%) from specialists and 105 (50%) from dentists. All the specialists felt that dentists had a role in the management of these patients. Of the replies from dentists, 60 (57%) stated that they provided appliances but their screening for sleep apnoea and discussion of the side-effects of appliances varied widely. Seventy-eight dentists (74%) expressed an interest in attending a course on the management of sleep apnoea and snoring.Conclusions The current practice of specialists and dentists in the management of obstructive sleep apnoea and socially disruptive snoring with oral appliances in Scotland is varied. Many dentists expressed a wish for further training in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article says that dentists should watch out for abusive patients and should not be afraid to take action against them. The article quotes Dawn Adams, the clinical director of community dental services in Fife, Scotland. She says that abuse by patients has increased, and dentists should protect their staff by refusing to operate on such patients.

The article focuses on the discussion by Susie Sanderson at the British Dental Association's conference in 2008 in England. She asserted that the prospect of a new dental school at the Aberdeen University in Scotland must not take investment away from existing schools. She told conference delegates to be careful in making decisions that will not impact them but could have major implications to future generations of dentists.

The article reports on the 50th reunion of the dental class of Dundee Dental School (DDS) in Dundee, Scotland. It is said that a group of dentists who graduated from DDS returned to Dundee for a class reunion 50 years after completing their training. Furthermore, the returning class of 1957 came back from around the globe, including professor Ivar Mjor and three Norwegian dentists who were among a large contingent of students from Norway.

The article reports on the extra funding for dentists in Scotland of £5 million to help them meet new decontamination requirements. The new guidelines state that starting December 2009, dental practices must ensure that all decontamination and cleaning of instruments is done in a separate and designated area of the practice.

The article reports that the faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland visited Cambridge, England to provide a study day for 57 clinicians working across England. The study day was organized to outline the forthcoming changes in its membership for Special Needs Dentistry. The course was hosted by the regional adviser, Rob Chate, with the Dean Professor Jonathon Cowpe.

The article cites that Durham University third year student Keira Hope-Thompson asked the assistance of dentists in Scotland and London and Greater Manchester in England to facilitate her research project in Archaeology. She is investigating the possible link between root transparency and age, which may enable age determination of adult skeletal remains to be performed more accurately.

Dr John Craig was installed as the President of the British Dental Association at last year's 2005 National Annual Conference held in Glasgow. At this year's British Dental Conference and Exhibition in Birmingham he gave his valedictory address. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the recruitment of thirty-two dentists by the Great Britain National Health Services (NHS) to work within for Scottish patients in Scotland. Total number of patients who are scheduled to work in Scotland in January 2006; Date when the contract was finalized; Claim of the British Dental Association on the impact of the move of the NHS on the health problems in Scotland.

Reports on a new training initiative launched in Scotland aimed to improve dental care levels to rural areas. Initiative aimed to train dentists to an MSc in Clinical Dentistry; Capability of these dentists to provide intermediate and higher care levels in rural areas; Provision of access to postgraduate training among dental surgeons working in the rural areas.

AimA study of 180 dentists in the West of Scotland was conducted to determine their exposure to mercury during the course of their work and the effects on their health and cognitive function.DesignData were obtained from questionnaires distributed to dentists and by visiting their surgeries to take measurements of environmental mercury.MethodsDentists were asked to complete a questionnaire including items on handling of amalgam, symptoms experienced, diet and possible influences on psychomotor function such as levels of stress and alcohol intake. They also completed the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Dentists were asked to complete a dental chart of their own mouths and to give samples of urine, hair and nails for mercury analysis. The dentists were visited at their surgeries where environmental measurements were made in eight areas of the surgery and they undertook a computerised package of psychomotor tests. One hundred and eighty control subjects underwent a similar procedure, completing a questionnaire, having their amalgam surfaces counted, giving urine, hair and nail samples and undergoing the psychomotor test procedure.ResultsDentists were found to have, on average, urinary mercury levels over 4 times that of control subjects although all but one dentist had urinary mercury below the Health and Safety Executive health guidance value of 20µmol mmol-1 creatinine. Urine was found to be a better biological marker for mercury exposure than hair or nails. Dentists were significantly more likely than control subjects to have suffered from disorders of the kidney but these symptoms were not significantly associated with their level of mercury exposure as measured in urine. One hundred and twenty two (67.8%) of the 180 surgeries visited had environmental mercury measurements in one or more areas above the Occupational Exposure Standard (OES) set by the Health and Safety Executive. In the majority of these surgeries the high levels of mercury were found at the skirting and around the base of the dental chair. In 45 surgeries (25%) the personal dosimetry measurement (ie in the breathing zone of dental staff) was above the OES.ConclusionOn the basis of these findings, it is recommended that greater emphasis should be made relating to safe handling of amalgam in the training and continuing professional development of dentists, that further studies are carried out on levels of mercury exposure of dental team members during the course of their working day, and that periodic health surveillance, including urinary mercury monitoring, of dental personnel should be conducted to identify possible effects of practising dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesTo elicit the attitudes and opinions of consultant anaesthetists working in Scotland, with regard to conscious sedation carried out by dental practitioners.MethodA questionnaire was designed to gauge opinion of consultant anaesthetists in Scotland on the practice of conscious sedation by dentists. The questionnaire was sent to 353 consultant anaesthetists working in 49 hospitals within the 15 health boards in Scotland.ResultsOf the 366 questionnaires sent, 249 were returned of which 235 were valid. This gave a response rate of 64%. In general, those questioned felt that the provision of sedation in a hospital setting was more appropriate than in general dental practice. A majority (65%) thought that it was unrealistic for anaesthetists to provide all sedation for dental treatment, although many (58%) felt that anaesthetists should take more responsibility in this area. Again, a majority (60%) agreed that dentists should be trained to use sedation techniques for their patients but a significant number (63%) disagreed with the practice of operator/sedationist.ConclusionIt is of concern to the dental profession that a significant number of anaesthetists do not feel that it is appropriate for dentists to be administering even the most simple methods of sedation. At present there are no clear, recognised guidelines as to the level of formal training required for the practice of conscious sedation by dentists. It is in the interests of the dental profession and the public to ensure that those choosing to practice sedation do so safely by following recognised guidelines in the training and practice of sedation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the death of William Donald MacLennan, a respected dental practitioner in Scotland.

Focuses on Scottish dentists' attitudes to continuing professional education. Types of dentists who answered a cross-sectional, semi-structured questionnaire; Implementation of the General Dental Council's mandatory revalidation scheme; Plight of dentists on a career break or working part-time.

Objectives To identify the available workforce in general dental practice and to describe the job satisfaction, career and retirement plans of dentists in general and community practice. Design A postal cross-sectional survey. Setting Primary care dentists practising in Scotland in 2000. Materials and methods Semi-structured questionnaires were sent to all primary care dentists identified from the Scottish Dental Practice Division as being in practice in Scotland. Results The response rate was 70% (1,33S GDPs and 187 CDPs). Although most dentists in both the GDS and CDS stated that they enjoyed their work, 35% of GDPs would not now choose dentistry as a career. Eighty-three per cent of the GDPs' time was spent on clinical work, of which 5% was not NHS-funded. Daily demotivation was reported by 70%, most commonly citing the job itself and the NHS 'treadmill'. Two-thirds of CDPs were women, as were half of GDPs aged less than 30. Only 35% of CDPs planned early retirement but 80% of them felt underused. Two-thirds of GDPs planned to retire in their mid-SOs, and a further quarter planned to work part-time. Of the former, only a quarter agreed that nothing would induce them to work beyond this time. Conclusion Conditions of work within primary care dentistry require modification to retain the current workforce and accommodate the increasing proportion of women. Part-time employment packages may encourage older practitioners to work for longer, and allow younger practitioners to fulfil family or personal commitments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]