The objective of this study was twofold, namely to evaluate the effectiveness of a dental clinical practice guideline on the management of asymptomatic impacted lower third molars (i) on referral rates and (ii) on dentists' change in knowledge. A two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial, with pre- and post-test assessments, was conducted. A guideline was implemented by multifaceted interventions (i.e. feedback, reminders, and an interactive meeting). The effect was evaluated after 1 yr by repeating the baseline questionnaire and by monitoring the number of patients who were referred for removal of their asymptomatic impacted mandibular third molars. Instruments were questionnaires for detecting changes in knowledge, patient records, and panoramic radiographs. The knowledge of dentists regarding asymptomatic mandibular third molar management was found to increase significantly in the intervention group as compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in guideline-consistent patient referral rates at the post-test assessment. It was concluded that the methodology employed for dissemination and implementation of a clinical practice guideline on asymptomatic mandibular third molar management improves dentists' knowledge on this topic and is effective in improving decision-making in simulated cases; however, no clinical effect was demonstrated.

Objective To evaluate the effect of prophylactic removal of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth in adolescents and adults compared with the retention of these wisdom teeth. Methods We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (to 4 August, 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed (1966 to 4 August, 2004), EMBASE (1974 to 4 August, 2004). There was no restriction to publication of language. Key journals were handsearched. An attempt was made to identify ongoing and unpublished trials. All randomised or controlled clinical trials (RCTs/CCTs) comparing the effect of prophylactic removal of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth with no-treatment (retention) were included. Assessment of relevance,validity and data extraction were conducted in duplicate by three independent reviewers. Where uncertainty existed, authors were contacted for additional information about randomisation and withdrawals. The quality assessments of the trials were carried out. Results Only three trials were identified to fulfill the selection criteria. Two complete RCTs assessed the influence of prophylactic removal on late incisor crowding in adolescents. One ongoing RCT was identified, but the researchers were unable to provide any data and intended to publish in the near future. Although both complete trials met the inclusion criteria, different outcome measures were prevented us from pooling data. Conclusions No evidence has been found to support or refute routine prophylactic removal of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth in adults. There is some reliableevidence that suggests that the prophylactic removal of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth in adolescents neither reduces nor prevents late incisor crowding.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore differences in behaviour (characteristics and opinions) among general dental practitioners (GDPs), using either a fixed (Fx) or an individualized recall interval (Iv) between successive routine oral examinations (ROEs). METHODS In the year 2000, data were collected by means of a written questionnaire sent to a random stratified sample of 610 dentists of whom 521 responded, of which 508 (83%) were used for analysis. RESULTS Two groups of GDPs were distinguished based on their answer to the question: 'Do you apply for all patients a fixed recall interval between two successive ROEs?' Fifty-one per cent of the GDPs (n=257) applied Fxs for all patients, generally for a period of 6 months. Ivs were applied by 49% (n=251) of GDPs, depending on the determination of specific patient characteristics. Logistic regression analysis showed that GDPs applying Fxs also used fixed periods between successive bitewing radiographs for all patients. Furthermore, dentists applying Ivs required more time to conduct an ROE, partly because of a more extensive periodontal screening. GDPs applying Fxs, adhered more to the opinion that a fixed recall regime (every 6 months, as existed before 1995) should be re-introduced, whereas the GDPs in support of Ivs were more in favour to support the opinion that the ROE is 'an excellent instrument for effective, individualized oral care'. CONCLUSIONS Dutch GDPs differ in the way they deal with the determination of recall interval frequency. These are also specific differences in performance and opinions regarding ROE. With the changing prevalence of oral diseases and the skewed distribution within populations, further research is advocated on consistent decision making to determine the most appropriate recall policy in preventing oral disease.

In The Netherlands the routine oral examination (ROE) can be characterized as an important tool in dental care. As a result of the changing prevalence of oral diseases of the Dutch population the content of the routine oral examination has changed over time. A representative survey among general dental practitioners has been carried out to investigate the professional performance in the routine oral examination. Participants consisted of a random, stratified sample of 619 dentists, of whom 521 (85%) responded. The Dutch general dental practitioners use the routine oral examination mainly for detecting dental caries and to asses the status of the restorations. About 50% of the responders use a standard recall interval for all patients whereas the other half takes individual patient factors into consideration when determining the recall interval. Both groups differ significantly on the variables: 'time spend on the routine oral examination', 'the amount of diagnostic activities', 'the registration in patient dental records' and 'the frequency of using bitewing radiographs'. In the perspective of quality of dental care a national reconsideration of the routine oral examination by professionals and patients is advocated. The instrument of choice would be the use of evidence-based clinical practice guideline development procedures.

By conducting an oral examination, during radiographic examination and in treatment planning procedures dentists make numerous decisions. A dentist will be required to make his decisions explicit. Decision trees and decision analyses may play an important role. In a decision analysis, the probability of correct and incorrect decisions are multiplied by the utility of the decision outcomes. The treatment outcome with the highest expected utility should be selected. Complex decision tasks such as the estimation of an individual's caries risk or the diagnosis of bone disorders are currently available as computer applications. Also, a preliminary version of a computer programme which detects caries lesions from bitewing radiographs independent from the dentist has become available. It is expected that the applicability of decision analyses will increase when implemented in the dental practice software packages.

As a result of the caries prevalence of the Dutch population the character of the routine dental examination is changing. Caries screening remains relevant for high caries risk individuals but the interpretation of early caries lesions deserves more attention, especially the assessment of progression of caries lesions in time. Diagnosis of caries by dental practitioners in the Netherlands mainly consists of visual inspection in combination with bitewing radiography and both methods play an important role in the timing of bitewing radiographs and forthcoming recall visits for oral health examination. The content and frequency of the routine dental examination are discussed in relation to the individual risk prediction as relevant aspects of quality of dental care in the Netherlands.

In this paper two new visual scoring systems are described, aimed at estimating both depth and activity of occlusal lesions. Their validity is acceptable for lesion depth estimation. However, the validity of the activity estimate is to be questioned. Both for approximal enamel and dentine lesions as for deep dentinal occlusal lesions, bite-wing radiographs are still useful for evaluation of new lesions and lesion progression. Many quantitative caries diagnostic methods are being developed, but to this date none of them has been shown to be reliably applicable in lesion monitoring. The evaluation of caries risk factors is primarily useful for selecting preventive treatment options. Other caries prediction-tests than those based on the present caries lesions are of little value. The main disadvantage of such prediction models is that they are usually limited to application in children, where caries is a disease that affects all ages.

Objectives: To assess the opinions of general dental practitioners regarding the development and importance of clinical practice guidelines and their contribution to the quality of dental care.Methods: A questionnaire was sent to a representative sample of 1656 dentists in the Netherlands. Factor analysis was conducted to identify scales of variables, and a reliability analysis was conducted to verify the reliability of the identified scales. The effect of the independent variables is expressed as odds ratio per scale part (standard deviation, SD). Regression analyses were conducted to study determinants of the opinions on clinical guidelines.Results: The response rate was 73%; 54% of the respondents supported the development of clinical practice guidelines for dentists. Most respondents indicated that clinical practice guidelines could be used as a checklist, as a support in daily clinical decision making, and as a basis for continuing dental education. The factor analyses yielded four scale factors-contribution of guidelines to effectiveness of care (OR 1.95/SD), contribution of guidelines to professional autonomy (OR 1.70/SD), contribution of guidelines to quality of care (OR 2.52/SD), and contribution of guidelines to collaboration (OR 1.49/SD)-which complied with the criterion of Cronbach's alpha >0.60. Multiple regression analysis with the four scale factors as dependent variables yielded only extremely low correlations for practice and dentist characteristics (R-2=0.01-0.04).Conclusions: Only about 50% of dentists support the development and implementation of clinical guidelines. Guidelines are seen as helpful in the provision of continuing dental education and as a support in daily clinical decision making. The most important barrier to successful implementation of clinical practice guidelines is the fear of dental practitioners that guidelines will reduce their professional autonomy. Practice and dentist characteristics are unrelated to dentists' opinions on clinical practice guidelines.

OBJECTIVES:Recently, a device for detecting occlusal caries lesions based on laser fluorescence measurements (DIAGNOdent) has been introduced. The reliability (reproducibility) and validity of this laser-fluorescence device were investigated. METHODS:In the in vitro part of the study, 49 permanent molars were measured by two observers using two DIAGNOdent devices. In addition, visual inspection was performed. The teeth were sectioned to measure the actual depth and area of the caries lesions. In the in vivo part of the study, 45 sites at the occlusal surfaces of permanent molar teeth in 13 patients were measured by two observers using two DIAGNOdent devices, manufactured in two successive years. RESULTS:The reliability of both DIAGNOdent devices expressed in the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC=0.90 for observer 1, and 0.88 for observer 2) was high, and so was the interobserver reliability (ICC=0.85 for the 1998-device, ICC=0.90 for the 1999-device). The correlation between DIAGNOdent measurements and the actual depth of the caries lesions was lower than that of visual inspection by one observer, yet higher than that of a second observer. The specificities of visual inspection (0.94 and 0.88) were higher than those of the DIAGNOdent devices, whereas the sensitivities of the DIAGNOdent devices (0.93-1.00) exceeded those of visual inspection The validity of the DIAGNOdent, expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, was not statistically significantly different from that of visual inspection (P>0.05). The DIAGNOdent measurements showed a higher association with the enamel part of the caries lesion than with the dentinal part. CONCLUSIONS:The DIAGNOdent is suitable for monitoring small caries lesions. Because of the high reproducibility of DIAGNOdent devices produced in successive years, a DIAGNOdent device may be replaced by a new one. Due to the higher specificity, visual inspection should be preferred to diagnose occlusal caries lesions in populations with a low caries prevalence.

Recently, a device for detecting occlusal caries lesions (DIAGNOdent) has been introduced. The reproducibility and validity of this laser-fluorescence device were investigated. In the in vivo part of the study, 45 sites at the occlusal surfaces of permanent molar teeth in 13 patients were measured by 2 observers using 2 DIAGNOdent devices, one produced in 1998 and one in 1999. The interobserver reliability between both devices and both observers was established. In the in vitro part of the study, 49 permanent molars were measured by 2 observers using 2 DIAGNOdent devices. In addition, visual inspection was performed. The teeth were sectioned to measure the histological depth and area of the caries lesions. The reproducibility of both DIAGNOdent devices was high, and so was the interobserver reliability. The correlation between DIAGNOdent measurements and the actual depth of the caries lesions was lower than that of visual inspection. The correlation with the enamel part of the lesion exceeded that of the dentine part. It was concluded that the validity of the DIAGNOdent, expressed as the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, was not statistically significantly different from that of visual inspection. Because of the high reproducibility, dental practitioners who wish to use the DIAGNOdent for monitoring caries lesions, this investigation indicates that an old device may be replaced by a new one, provided that the same tip will be used.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of studying selected literature on dentists' decisions to remove asymptomatic, impacted lower third molars. A pre-test-post-test control group design was used. Given 36 patient cases, two groups of 16 general dental practitioners each were asked to assess the need for removal of asymptomatic impacted lower third molars. The cases were classified by three parameters: 'position of the third molar', 'impaction type', and 'patient age'. After studying selected literature on this subject by the intervention group, both groups were asked to assess the same cases again. Frequencies of decisions to remove the third molars were calculated. For each participant, tables were composed by crosstabulating the indication to remove a third molar with each of the three parameters. T-tests were used to test the significance of the difference between pre-test and post-test decisions. The overall number of indications to remove asymptomatic, impacted lower third molars decreased by 37% in the intervention group. In the control group, the difference between pre- and post-test was not statistically significant. It was concluded that the provision of selected literature significantly influences treatment decision making by dentists in a third molar decision task.

When enamel, dentine and substances in caries lesions are exposed to (laser) light of a specific colour, fluorescence may be induced. This principle is at the basis of two caries diagnostic methods, DIAGNOdent and Quantitative Laser (Light-induced) Fluorescence (QLF). Only the DIAGNOdent is commercially available. Bacterial porphyrins evoke fluorescence when illuminated with red light and the intensity of the emitted light is related to the size of the caries lesion. Published research indicates that the DIAGNOdent is particularly suitable for detecting small bacteria containing caries lesions, and to monitor such lesions. QLF is based on the fluorescence decrease in demineralised enamel upon exposure to blue-violet (laser) light. The intensity of the emitted light is related to the amount of mineral loss in the caries lesion. Using QLF the mineral loss in caries lesions can be measured quantitatively. Like the DIAGNOdent, QLF is particularly suitable to monitor caries lesions.

Recently, a new film for intraoral radiography was introduced, the Kodak Insight Dental film. The manufacturer claims that this film requires a reduced exposure time compared to Ektaspeed Plus-film, whereas other relevant film characteristics remained unchanged. These claims were investigated in this study. The exposure time of the Insight-film was on average 17% less than that of Ektaspeed Plus-film upon standard manual development, and 49% less than that of Kodak Ultraspeed-film. Compared to the E-speed film, the Insight-film has an identical gradient and spatial resolution (> 10 lp/mm). Compared to the D-speed film the gradient was larger, indicating a better contrast, whereas the resolution was the same. It was concluded that the Insight Dental film can be used in intraoral radiographic diagnosis.

During cavity excavation diagnostic test are used to prevent any unnecessary removal of sound dentine. In this study the validity of a newly introduced blue dye (Quadrant CariTest) was investigated. Twenty-five carious teeth were collected immediately after extraction. The caries lesions were stepwise excavated. From four excavation steps per lesion a digital and an ordinal blue measurement was obtained. From each excavation phase a little amount of excavated dentine was cultured on blood plates. The correlation coefficients between the ordinal and the digital blue measurements and the counts of micro-organisms, expressed in log(CFU)/ml, were respectively 0.56 and 0.45. The sensitivity and the specificity of the ordinal blue measurements were 0.69 and 0.83, those of the digital blue measurements 0.76 and 0.65. The area under ROC of the ordinal blue measurements was 0.77, and that of digital blue measurements 0.70. The areas under ROC were not significantly different (p = 0.14). It was concluded that the new caries indicator is well applicable during the cavity preparation to demonstrate infected dentine.

The decision to place sealants is a difficult one, and it has been suggested that in a low risk population it may be efficient to wait until caries is detected in the fissure. An invasive sealant technique with fissure preparation may then be indicated. The diagnostic method used in the indication of such a procedure should accurately detect both dentine caries and sound fissures: high sensitivity for dentine caries (at D3 threshold) with high specificity for enamel caries (at D1 threshold). The aims of this study were to assess the diagnostic performance of selected diagnostic methods at normal cut-offs for traditional dentine caries detection and at reduced cut-offs in relation to the desired performance mentioned above, and to assess whether fissure opening allows for accurate visual detection of dentinal caries. Data were obtained from 230 occlusal sites of 101 extracted human molar teeth. Diagnostic methods used on the entire sample were: visual inspection, electrical conductance measurements and laser fluorescence measurements. The sample was then divided into two groups. Group 1 was subjected to visual inspection after application of a dye. Group 2 was subjected to visual inspection after fissure opening only, and after subsequent dye application. Validation was performed by histological investigation. The results with cut-offs normally used in dentine caries detection were roughly in accordance with the literature, except for laser fluorescence. The sensitivity of visual inspection for dentinal caries (D3) was 17% before and 70% after fissure opening. Using reduced cut-offs, a 100% sensitivity (D3) was achieved with 2 methods, but this also resulted in 63 or 87% false positive diagnoses of sound surfaces. Visual inspection and electrical methods both showed a moderate to high sensitivity (D3) with a higher than 50% specificity (D1). It was concluded that visual inspection and electrical methods at reduced cut-offs may aid the indication of invasive sealant treatment. The visual detection of dentinal caries is substantially increased, but not perfect after fissure opening.