Does the GDP need to know about IOTN?

'Two-tier dental systems planned'; 'Children in need of orthodontic treatment to go without'... recent scaremonger headlines from consumer reports exaggerate the latest potential effects of this government's plans to target financial resources at those in greatest need. This article aims to provide a background to occlusal indices and provide general dental practitioners (GDPs) with an insight into the use of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), which it is understood may be introduced into the General Dental Service in the future.

Endodontics and new graduates: Part I, Practice vs training

Surveys have demonstrated that many dentists, even the recently qualified, do not carry out endodontics using currently recommended materials and techniques. To assess the scale and nature of this finding among young graduates, a questionnaire was sent to all graduates from the mainland United Kingdom dental schools qualified for either one or four years. Widespread reduction in the number of radiographs taken and rubber dam use was found. A minority had adopted techniques and materials without published guidelines. It is suggested that alterations are required in undergraduate teaching, vocational training and the United Kingdom National Health Service remuneration system in order to improve the standard of endodontics in general practice.