Fifty years ago the Dutch Journal of Dentistry published methods and opinions concerning root canal treatment. Qualitative bacterial culture, inclusion of aggressive disinfectants, as well as antibiotics and widening of the apical constriction were carried out. Nowadays, because of several reasons, these are not clinical practise anymore. Controversy over the clinical consequences of bacterial presence in tubules and in the peri-apical area prevailed in the past and seem to be prevalent once again.

Signals in society point to a shortage of dentists in the Netherlands. Aim of this study is to explore how patients, against the background of supposed shortage, judge the availability and services of dentists. For this research the ‘Consumerspanel Health Care’, in which 1.395 persons participate, was asked to complete a postal questionnaire. Respons rate was 73,8%. Results show that there are presently no serious problems for patients with the services of dentist due to the presumed lack of dentists. The patients were very satisfied with the accessibility and the services delivered by the dentists in the Netherlands. With the availability there seem to be some possible problems.

Aim of this study was to investigate behavioural and emotional problems in preschool children in relation with behaviour problems during a highly stress provoking dental treatment. Eighty one healthy children between 2 and 4 years referred to the clinic of Special Dental Care (SBT) in Amsterdam were selected, based on dental need (extraction of one or more primary incisors). Each child was sedated with oral midazolam. Their behaviour was rated by registering the degree of acceptance during four consecutive time periods of the dental treatment. Prior to the treatment parents were asked to fill in a questionnaire. No significant correlations between temperament and behaviour were found with the total CBCL profile or its subscales. This confirms the results of earlier studies that the relationship of temperament, dental anxiety and behaviour problems is a complex matter and not yet fully understood. It is also indicated that within the entire treatment a child’s behaviour is closely related to its behaviour in the preceded treatment step.

Ectodermal dysplasias (ED) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by developmental dystrophies of ectodermal structures, such as hypohidrosis, hypotrichosis, onychodysplasia and hypodontia or anodontia. All forms of this heterogeneous group are genetically transmitted. Two genes are localized and identified, namely ectodermal dysplasia anhidrotic (EDA) and downless (DL). Currently the genes and gene products are defined, but the function of the proteins is not fully known. The location of the genes has enabled prenatal diagnosis and a more accurate identification of possible carriers. Medical counseling provides genetic information concerning the specific diagnosis, recurring risks, prenatal approach, identification of risk carrying relatives, and social, economic and psychological problems. Evaluation and diagnosis are essential immediately after birth.

A case is described in which the orthopantomogram by coincidence showed an anomaly of the left articular eminence of the temporal bone, which is based on an extremely pneumatised mastoid bone. Because of the medical history a CT-scan was made of both temporomandibular joints. The CT-scan showed an extremely pneumatized articular eminence at the left side. The orthopantomogram might show a radiolucency in the articular eminence of the temporal bone as a coincidental appearance. In cases with a positive medical history for pathological deformaties or in cases where surgery has to be performed on the articular eminence of the temporal bone further radiodiagnostic examination is indicated.

A dentist referred a 35-year-old woman to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery because of recurrent aphtous-like changes of the oral mucosa and persisting pain. She also experienced similar complaints about her eyes and genitals. This combination of symptoms was suspect for Behçet’s disease.

Anthrax is a severe infectious disease by Bacillus anthracis. It can cause massacres among large herbivores, but means also a threat to humans. The latter develop mainly cutaneous anthrax, which they mostly survive. Inhalation can lead to more severe infections which, without medical intervention, are virtually always lethal. At the moment the disease draws much attention since it is thought to be a potential weapon in the hands of bioterrorists.

The Internet contains a wealth of medical images which can be used for study, teaching, research and presentations. Searching for these images could be done by using the image searching facility in search engines but also by means of specialised medical image archives. In most of these archives dental images are available for free.