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Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of clinical cues on risk assessment of cancer-associated mucosal abnormalities.Study Design: We differentiated lesions with a low risk from those with a high risk for premalignancy or malignancy by using 4 cues: (1) color, (2) location, (3) induration, and (4) pain on exploration. Combinations of color and location were presented through 8 photographs, with induration and pain status variably presented in the standardized history and physical findings. This created 16 clinical scenarios (vignettes) that were permutations of the 4 cues. Three questions assessed the extent to which each cue was used in obtaining a clinical impression as to whether a lesion was benign, premalignant, or malignant.Results: Completed vignette questionnaires were obtained from 130 of 228 invited dentists, (two-thirds males; 79% white; mean age 52 years; average weekly hours of practice 33 hours). Only 40% of the responding dentists had statistically significant decision policies to assign a clinical diagnosis of a lesion as benign, premalignant, or malignant. Lesion location and color were the 2 dominant cues. As a cue, induration was used as a cue by more of the respondents in determining a clinical diagnosis of malignancy, and pain was infrequently used as a cue.Conclusions: Many dentists do not to have a decision strategy for the clinical diagnosis and risk stratification of oral potentially malignant lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Article Title and Bibliographic Information: Application of laser technology for removal of caries: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Jacobson T, Norlund A, Sandborgh G, Tranaeus S. Acta Odontol Scand 2011;69:65-74. Reviewers: Sonia K. Makhija, DDS, MPH, Mona F. Anabtawi, DDS, MS Purpose/Question: To evaluate the scientific evidence regarding laser technology for removal of carious tissue Source of Funding: Information is not available Type of Study/Design: Systematic review Level of Evidence: Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade: Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Following a successful 2005-2012 phase with three regional practice-based research networks (PBRNs), a single, unified national network called ''The National Dental PBRN'' was created in 2012 in the United States to improve oral health by conducting practice-based research and serving dental professionals through education and collegiality. Methods: Central administration is based in Alabama. Regional centres are based in Alabama, Florida, Minnesota, Oregon, New York and Texas, with a Coordinating Centre in Maryland. Ideas for studies are prioritized by the Executive Committee, comprised mostly of full-time clinicians. Results: To date, 2763 persons have enrolled, from all six network regions; enrollment continues to expand. They represent a broad range of practitioners, practice types, and patient populations. Practitioners are actively improving every step of the research process, from idea generation, to study development, field testing, data collection, and presentation and publication. Conclusions: Practitioners from diverse settings are partnering with fellow practitioners and academics to improve clinical practice and meet the needs of clinicians and their patients. Clinical significance: This ''nation's network'' aims to serve as a precious national resource to improve the scientific basis for clinical decision-making and foster movement of the latest evidence into routine practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]