After settling a lawsuit, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised its message to the public about the risk of dental amalgam or silver fillings.
As the prevalence of dental decay has reduced in the western world during recent decades, dental trauma has played a significant part in causing dental morbidity and dental mortality (tooth loss)1,2. Trauma affects maxillary anterior teeth in young people in particular, jeopardizing the aesthetics of smile and the social self-confidence of the injured person3.
In the past decade, the University of Adelaide, Australia, has become a leader in developing contemporary learning material in international projects with other universities. This, among many things, entails curriculum development and training and exchanging of staff and students. Recent initiatives include creating electronic interactive curricula for the newly established dental school at Sharjah University in Sharjah. Heading the initiative is Professor Vivian Burgess, former dean of the dental school and current associate dean international for the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Adelaide, Australia.
In the past 15 years the field of endodontics has experienced a meteoric rise from its former understated position to a high-tech discipline. Today, it is one of the most innovative domains in dentistry.
The management of posterior teeth damaged by caries, toothwear or fracture has undergone a revolution in recent years. The development of newer and predictable composite materials and associated bonding technologies has allowed the dental profession to place more minimally interventive and 'biologically-kind' restorations.
