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AimTo determine in detail the complications associated with the use of mandibular repositioning splints (MRS) to treat sleep-related breathing disorders.MethodThis prospective cross-sectional cohort study audits the management with mandibular repositioning splints of 121 patients suffering from sleep-related breathing disorders. Investigation of patients' and sleeping partners' perspectives on treatment was undertaken with the use of a questionnaire based study.ResultsSixty-eight per cent of respondents reported that they were compliant with treatment; various side effects were reported of which excess salivation was the most common. Investigation of sleeping partners' perspectives revealed that 70% felt that their partner's snoring was improved and 47% felt that their partners breathing pauses during sleep were reduced. Sixty-four per cent of the sleeping partners also reported that their own sleep pattern had improved since their partner's treatment.ConclusionMandibular repositioning splints used in the manner described by this paper are demonstrated to have a good compliance rate, provide successful treatment and exhibit only minor, reversible side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate the use and knowledge of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) by general dental practitioners (GDPs) working within Scotland.Setting Scottish general dental services (SGDS).Methods Questionnaires were posted to randomly selected dentists (n = 356) working within the SGDS for self-completion and return.Main outcome measures Use of IOTN.Knowledge of IOTN Participants were asked to match 12 malocclusions to the correct IOTN category. Kappa statistics evaluated agreement to a gold standard.Results The overall response rate was 64%. Sixty-one percent of respondents did not use IOTN. The most common reason for using the index was to assess treatment eligibility (40.2%). The main reason for non-use was that it was only considered suitable for secondary dental care (27%). Over half (56%) of respondents had received IOTN training at undergraduate level. Knowledge of the index was found to be low - the mean level of agreement was k = 0.42 (fair). 10.5% of respondents scored k ≥0.61(substantial). The factors most likely to contribute to both use and knowledge of IOTN were having a postgraduate qualification and carrying out orthodontic treatment in practice.Conclusion Overall use and knowledge of IOTN among GDPs in Scotland appears to still be low. More resources need to be directed towards improving both undergraduate and postgraduate orthodontic training with the focus on IOTN in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]