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Introduction: There is an expectation that healthcare professionals display competence in teaching, assessment and providing feedback. Development begins with formative peer‐assisted learning and teaching in the undergraduate environment. Using peers or near‐peers (in this case having 1 year more experience than the examination cohort) to provide assessment in summative exams remains unexplored. This study investigates how the use of near‐peers compares to marking by academic staff in a summative OSCE. Materials and Methods: BDS4 Peer assessors (PAs) developed an OSCE question and marking schedule. Each PA (n = 3) was paired with an academic staff assessor (ASA) (n = 3). Peer and academic marked the candidates independently. Two years later, the process was repeated on the same cohort of candidates with the PA now 1‐year post qualification. Statistical analysis compared the scores awarded by PA during each timeframe and against the marks awarded by the ASA. Results: During round 1, 28 students (62.2%) were awarded the same score by PA and ASA. On 17 occasions, there was a discrepancy (37.8%). Bias was skewed in favour of PA scoring higher (mean difference of differences −0.0667). During round 2, 27 students (55.1%) were awarded the same score by PA and ASA. On 22 occasions (44.9%), there was a discrepancy. Bias was skewed in favour of ASA scoring higher (mean difference of differences 0.0612). Discussion: Levels of agreement between PA and ASA are strong. Our results show PA mark more leniently as undergraduates and less leniently at 1‐year post graduation. Conclusions: Peer assessors are able to write OSCE stations, produce marking schemes and effectively assess their near‐peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical and radiological features of segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia (SOD) are well described but the condition is probably under recognized owing to misdiagnosis as an atypical form of regional odontodysplasia (ROD). Two cases are compared to highlight the differences between SOD and ROD. The clinical, radiographic and histological findings are compared using case reports of a 6-year-old male with SOD and a 4-year-old girl with ROD. Treatment and follow-up for these patients is described, along with a comparative review of the major characteristics of these two rare conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preformed metal crowns have a range of uses in paediatric dentistry in both the primary and permanent dentition. This article provides an overview of their use in permanent teeth, including teeth that have been affected by molar incisor hypomineralisation, caries, developmental defects and tooth surface loss. The indications for use are described, along with the clinical technique for placement

When milk teeth are replaced by adult teeth, it is crucial that a good oral health regime is maintained in order to prevent caries. Parents of infant school children should ideally supervise the twice daily cleaning regime to ensure nothing is missed. Older children and teenagers may be adversely influenced by their peers to eat sugary and other junk foods, but appealing to their vanity may work better rather than a lecture on disease prevention.