Factors associated with the recruitment and retention of dentists in the public sector.

Objectives: There is an increasing demand for public dental services in Australia, with many community dental clinics unable to meet this demand because of an inadequate number of dentists in the workforce. The aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to the recruitment and retention of dentists in the public sector.

Methods: A postal questionnaire survey of 180 dentists (response rate 75.

Pattern of dental caries experience on tooth surfaces in an adult population.

Objectives: To determine the pattern of caries experience across teeth and surfaces in an adult population depending on age and exposure to water fluoridation.

Methods: Between November 2002 and March 2003 a total of 973 subjects aged 17-51 years had a clinical examination using visual and tactile criteria. Subsequent to this examination, bitewing radiographs were taken and viewed separately.

Exposure to fluoridated drinking water and dental caries experience in Australian army recruits, 1996.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate a group of young Australian adults to determine their caries experience and measure associations between caries experience and age, gender, socioeconomic status, education level and lifetime exposure to fluoridated water.

Methods: This was achieved through a cross-sectional study involving Australian Army recruits seen for their initial dental examination on enlistment into the Australian Army. A total of 499 recruits had a clinical examination with the aid of bitewing radiographs and an orthopantomograph (OPG).