The Dental Practicality Index - to treat or not to treat.

The Dental Practicality Index (DPI) has been designed to describe, on a clinical level, the 'practicality' of restoring a tooth versus referring to secondary care or extraction.The systematic approach of DPI has been shown to improve decision-making and confidence in treatment planning when used by young dentists. In addition, there is good evidence demonstrating that it provides an accurate estimation of the outcome of treatment.

A simple guide to using dental dam.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a major impact on the provision of dental care. The 'new normal' in primary and secondary care is to apply specific measures to reduce the potential impact of aerosol generating exposure (AGE), for example, use of appropriate personal protective equipment and fallow time after aerosol generating procedures. The use of dental dam is essential to reduce the degree of AGE and also potentially reduce fallow time.

The impact of the Dental Practicality Index on treatment planning.

Aim To compare the treatment planning decisions made by undergraduate and postgraduate dental students before and after training on the use of the Dental Practicality Index (DPI).Methodology One hundred and eight undergraduate and postgraduate dental students were randomly assigned to test (DPI) or control groups. The baseline knowledge was assessed in the first session; both groups were shown 15 clinical scenarios and asked to assign one of four treatment plan options (no treatment, simple treatment, complex treatment or extract).

The use of nurses' and carers' observations in the identification of poststroke depression.

Aim: This paper is a report of a study to determine the accuracy and utility of an observational screening tool (Signs of Depression Scale), when rated by nurses and carers for detecting depression in patients who have recently had a stroke.

Background: Depression following a stroke is common and adversely affects recovery and rehabilitation. Identifying depression when patients have communication and cognitive difficulties is especially problematic.

Adverse effects of antipsychotics as outcome measures.

Background: Antipsychotic drugs are associated with adverse effects that can lead to poor medication adherence, stigma, distress and impaired quality of life.

Aims: To review the use of adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs as outcome measures, with a particular emphasis on methodological issues.

Method: Review of data on adverse effects from sources including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), post-marketing surveillance and naturalistic studies.