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Pediatric craniofacial defects as a result of congenital malformation, tumor, or trauma are devastating to both the child and the family. These patients require extensive education, preparation, careful monitoring and psychological support. With continuing advances in surgical technology and technique, the effectiveness and utilization of pediatric craniofacial surgery is increasing. As this type of surgery is currently available at relatively few institutions, it has created a new nursing experience. A multidisciplinary team approach has evolved at Texas Children's Hospital which necessitates active involvement of nursing staff. In this article the multidisciplinary approach and nursing care utilized in the perioperative management of the craniofacial pediatric surgery patient will be discussed.

Because early diagnosis of neurologic injury is crucial to preventing secondary progressive neuropathologic involvement, dental practitioners should be familiar with a means of quickly assessing the neurologic status of a patient with injuries to the region of the head and neck. A protocol for assessing neurologic status and for management of injured patients is presented.

The article focuses on the benefits gained by the contact lenses user from large-diameter gas permeable (GP) contact lenses in the U.S. It states that the large-diameter GP contact lens is advantageous and more comfortable compared to soft lenses. It offers superior visual acuity and is easier to take care and not prone to contamination. In addition, it can be stored to dry and wet place, durable and more lasting.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Remembering Sad Sack," which appeared in the November 2007 issue, "Training to Defeat IEDs," in the November 2007 and "On Point" dealing with about a photograph depicting a protective eyewear.