Australian dental journal
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Australian dental journal · Dec 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialEfficacy of pilocarpine lozenge for post-radiation xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer.
Patients with radiation-induced xerostomia produce little or no saliva. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of systemic administration of pilocarpine hydrochloride in individuals with post-radiation xerostomia. However, analysis of pilocarpine lozenges for treatment of post-radiation xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer has not been reported. ⋯ The 5-mg pilocarpine lozenge produced the best clinical results, but further investigation with a larger group of patients is required.
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Trauma has been identified as a major public health problem in Australia. Maxillofacial trauma constitutes a significant proportion of trauma, although epidemiological studies in Australia are few. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and the epidemiological pattern of maxillofacial trauma occurring in major trauma patients. ⋯ The need for preventive strategies to be reinforced has been highlighted as transport-related injuries remain high especially in the younger age groups.
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Australian dental journal · Mar 2006
Comparative StudyAnalysis of the acute postoperative pain experience following oral surgery: identification of 'unaffected', 'disabled' and 'depressed, anxious and disabled' patient clusters.
Pain is defined as both a sensory and an emotional experience. Acute postoperative tooth extraction pain is assessed and treated as a physiological (sensory) pain while chronic pain is a biopsychosocial problem. The purpose of this study was to assess whether psychological and social changes occur in the acute pain state. ⋯ Cluster analysis showed constituent groups with a range of psychosocial effects in acute postoperative dental extraction pain and is associated with an increase in pain intensity.
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Australian dental journal · Mar 2006
Comparative StudyFactors influencing recent dental graduates' location and sector of employment in Victoria.
Recruitment and retention of dentists in the public sector and rural areas in Victoria has become increasingly difficult in recent years. There are little available data on the factors that influence the sector and location of practice of new dental graduates. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors considered by new graduates in determining the location and sector of employment after graduation, and influencing any early changes in career path. ⋯ This study found that a large proportion of new dental graduates initially chose to work in the public sector and rural areas on graduation primarily as a means of consolidating their clinical skills. However, retention of dentists in both these areas appears to be a problem, with less than 10 per cent of 2000-2001 graduates still than 10 per cent of 2000-2001 graduates still working in the public sector and only 20 per cent of 2000-2001 graduates still working in rural areas.
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Australian dental journal · Dec 2005
ReviewA concise review of the basic biology and pharmacology of local analgesia.
Local analgesics are the most commonly used group drugs in dental practice. However, due to their frequent use and high margin of safety, often dental practitioners neglect to properly understand the biology and pharmacology of these drugs. ⋯ Specific details and properties of some currently available solutions are also outlined. A greater understanding of the biology and pharmacology of local anaesthetics will ultimately lead to safer and more effective use in everyday clinical practice.