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.

In this article the success rate of class 2 ART and conventional (prepared with a bur) restorations in deciduous molars is described. In 1999 approximately 200 ART and 200 conventional restorations were made in deciduous molars in Bandung, Indonesia. The restorations were evaluated after 1,5 month, half a year, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years. The three-year evaluation took place in October 2003. Results show that after 3 years 31% (ART) and 33,6% (conventional) of the restorations were successful (no significant difference). There was a significant difference between the operators. If keeping the element until shedding is the only criterion, the success rate increased to 53.

For patients diagnosed with malignant oral lesions invating the mandible, a partial or complete mandibulectomy is unavoidable. In predicting the invasion of the lesion, preoperative imaging techniques are used, such as an orthopantomogram, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. A mandibular discontinuity can be restored using a stainless steel or titanium reconstruction plate, or using autogenous non-vascularized or vascularized bone grafts. In achieving the goal of complete rehabilitation endosseous permucosal implants can be inserted in order to support a prosthesis. There is a tendency of a higher implant loss frequency among bone-grafted patients who have had implants after irradiation when compared with non-irradiated patients. After a (partial) mandibulectomy, oromandibular reconstruction by non-vascularized or vascularized bone grafts and endosseous implants provides a unique opportunity to restore some oral functions.

In dentistry studies concerning systemic effects of dental materials are scarce. However, in vitro research showed that from each metal-containing restoration ions will be released. These metal ions can be spread locally but also in the entire human body and initiate an immune response. Nickel and palladium are recognized as the most allergenic elements. In this manuscript a method for evaluation of the alloy composition is described which may help dentists to reveal the relation between alloy composition and health effects.

Lifelong learning is no longer an option for dentists but rather a necessity, an obligation. In this contribution a survey is presented of all persons and institutions involved in the supply for continuing professional development (CPD). Subsequently the role will be discussed of the government, the universities, the professional organisation, the scientific associations and the scientific dental journals. The most decisive factor however is the own responsibility of the individual dental practitioner to keep learning a life long. Future developments will be touched upon shortly.

A 22 year old male patient was referred by his dentist to a department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery because of recurrent swelling of the oral mucosa of unknown origin in region 17. One year before, molar 17, although clinically sound but showing an apical radiolucency, was endodontically treated. Eight months ago, molar 17 was removed because of recurrent complaints. Clinical examination revealed a fistula with purulent drainage in region 17. Radiographic examination revealed the cause, viz. a follicular cyst originating from the right wisdom tooth located in the maxillary sinus. Thus, the persisting complaints in region 17 were not related to molar 17, but related to a chronically inflamed follicular cyst originating from an impacted third molar.

Twenty dental laboratories in Flanders and the Netherlands are collaborating in the Dental Partner Group (DPG). DPG is striving for top quality services in dentistry. One of the methodes used to achieve this goal is applying to the ISO 9001/2 standard. On the website of the DPG one can find an elucidation of the purposes of this group.