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Following the publication in 2005 of the ‘Profiles and Competences of a European Dentist’ by the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE), curricula have been developed and published for undergraduate dental studies in several disciplines. To date, no attempt has been made to develop a curriculum in the field of Conservative Dentistry (Operative/Restorative Dentistry) based on updated ADEE recommendations. A European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD) Curriculum Workshop, which adopted the ADEE learning outcomes-based approach ,was held in July 2018 for the purpose of developing expert consensus from across Europe and beyond on a curriculum for Integrated Conservative Oral Healthcare. The proposed curriculum is considered to underpin general oral healthcare provision, and to complement curricula in associated subject areas (e.g. cariology) and other closely related dental disciplines (e.g. endodontology and periodontology). This concept, referred to as ‘ConsCare’ for convenience, is about teaching undergraduate dental students to counsel and manage patients to achieve and maintain optimal oral health throughout life. The expert group of authors developed a curriculum to prepare new graduates to deliver integrated conservative oral healthcare, and thereby make a major, fit-for-future purpose contribution to life-long oral health. Dental schools across Europe and elsewhere in the world are encouraged to adopt the proposed curriculum and give ConsCare a central position in the teaching of general oral healthcare provision to undergraduate dental students.

A 3-year follow-up clinical trial of two experimental Bayer total-etch adhesive systems and two commercial total-etch systems. Clearfil Liner Bond System and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, was conducted to evaluate their clinical effectiveness in Class V cervical lesions. Four hundred twenty abrasion-erosion lesions were restored randomly using the four adhesive systems. There were two experimental cavity designs, in which the adjacent enamel margins either were or were not beveled and acid etched. Clearfil Liner Bond System and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose demonstrated high retention rates in both types of cavity design at 3 years. The two experimental Bayer systems scored much lower retention rates in both cavity designs at 3 years. None of the systems guaranteed margins free of microleakage for a long time. At 3 years, superficial, localized marginal discolorations were observed, the least for Clearfil Liner Bond System, followed by Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and the two experimental systems. Small marginal defects were recorded at the cervical dentin and the incisal enamel margin. Retention of Clearfil Liner Bond and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose appears to be clearly improved over earlier systems, but marginal sealing remains problematic. The two Bayer systems were found to be clinically unreliable.