A novel cervical tooth wear and recession index, the cervical localisation code, and its application in the prevention and management of dentine hypersensitivity.

Objectives: To design and validate a new index to assess tooth wear (TW) in the cervical region and its association with gingival recession (GR), for use both in research studies and as resource in General Dental Practice, with focused prevention and management strategiesparticularly related to aetiology of dentine hypersensitivity provided for each Code score.

Methods: Codes to reflect clinical presentations of the cervical region in health and disease recording both TW and GR were defined. Validation of the Code was undertaken by 3 trained examiners who scored buccal and lingual surfaces of eligible teeth in 42 adult healthy volunteers.

Experience: stepping into the real world of perio.

Discusses the different worlds of undergraduate periodontal treatment compared to its management in general dental practice via the experience of two newly qualified dentists. Considers difficulties newly qualified dentists may face implementing their knowledge and training into everyday NHS practice and strategies to overcome these early hurdles.