British dental journal
-
British dental journal · Jan 2003
Further statistics in dentistry Part 8: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
A systematic review of research evidence is an efficient approach to integrating existing information, invariably a multiplicity of published articles, with a view to establishing whether the scientific findings are consistent. If so, it may be possible to draw conclusions and make recommendations about treatment regimens or observed effects which have greater credence than those obtained from individual studies. The systematic review relies on a specified checklist which determines which articles should be included in the review, and how each should be critically appraised to provide relevant information relating to the focus of the review.
-
British dental journal · Jan 2003
Clinical TrialPatient-maintained sedation for oral surgery using a target-controlled infusion of propofol - a pilot study.
To assess the safety and efficacy of a new patient-maintained propofol system for conscious sedation in dentistry. ⋯ Initial experience with this novel system has confirmed safety, patient satisfaction and surgeon satisfaction.
-
British dental journal · Oct 2002
Comparative StudyA comparative investigation of dental and medical student's motivation towards career choice.
A number of recent studies have investigated the motivations underlying the career choice of dental and medical students, suggesting that they may be very different. However, as yet, no studies have been conducted which provide a direct comparison of dental and medical students studying in the same place. Accordingly, the aim of this investigation was to conduct a survey which directly compared the motivation of a selection of dental and medical students at Manchester University. ⋯ In comparison with dental students, medical students manifested a more professional attitude in which altruism and intellectual challenge constituted central motivating factors. By contrast, dental students demonstrated more of a commitment to personal and financial gain. The paper queries how useful such attitudes are to a re-oriented dental profession whose aspiration is to provide more accountable and community oriented services.
-
British dental journal · Oct 2002
Attitudes and trends of primary care dentists to continuing professional development: a report from the Scottish dental practitioners survey 2000.
To describe the current and intended continuing professional development activity of dentists in general and community practice. ⋯ Two years before implementation of the General Dental Council's mandatory revalidation scheme, over 90% of Scottish primary care dentists reported active participation in continuing professional development. Future initiatives must be sufficiently sophisticated to fulfil the educational needs of different age groups, and to focus on part-time and career break dentists as well as full-time practitioners. It is important to establish career pathways in dental primary care. Part-time modular courses such as Masters degrees in primary care based dentistry may be one solution. An increased number of part-time posts for primary care dentists in secondary dental care may increase the skill base and also increase service provision in secondary care establishments. These pathways should create an opportunity to adequately reward those who continue to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a technically demanding healthcare profession.