In the western world osteomyelitis of the jaws is not frequently encountered these days. In order to establish the actual incidence a survey was conducted, based on the number of patients treated for osteomyelitis of the jaw at a Dutch university medical centre between 1996 and 2001. 44 patients were identified. Their symptoms, afflicted areas and specific types of osteomyelitis were recorded, and compared to the literature. The incidence of osteomyelitis at the university medical centre was found to be in line with other, similar medical centres in the western world (approximately 3-4 per 100.000 annually). However, since recent data from comparable centres are either of limited use or altogether lacking, no firm conclusions could be drawn. Although there appears to be a slight increase in incidence in recent years, there is no hard evidence to support this.

This cross-sectional study aimed at explaining the nature of needle phobia and its relationship in dental phobic children with evidence on age-related differences. The patient sample included randomly selected patients and an group of referred anxious children. The children were divided into three age groups and arranged into three anxiety groups. Needle phobia was demonstrated to be age-related, but should be considered as a separate phenomenon, being not specific for dental anxiety.

Dutch adolescents attitudes towards orthodontic treatment and the determinants of these attitudes are unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate treated and untreated adolescents attitudes towards orthodontic treatment, and to examine possible determinants of these attitudes. Previously treated adolescents were found to have a more positive attitude towards orthodontic treatment than untreated adolescents. Age, but not gender, was found to be a significant predictor for their general attitude towards orthodontic treatment. Consequently, it was concluded that attitudes were not determined by one specific aspect, but by a combination of several determinants.

This article is primarily based on an editorial letter in the Journal of Oral Health and Disability that describes the visits of a patient with Down syndrome named Emily. Oral health care for individuals with Downs syndrome and other people with learning disabilities in the Netherlands is discussed. Due to the syndrome related oral aspects and specificity, the authors argue strongly in favour of working multidisciplinary within oral health care centres. The dependency of persons with Downs syndrome necessitates an appeal to parents, relatives and carers to maintain oral health. Client-centred care is mandatory for an optimal oral health condition of this vulnerable group.

A patient suffered from oral pain during several days. An explanation of the dental cause of the complaints could not be found. Finally, the diagnosis appeared to be apical periodontitis due to dens evaginatus.

A 14-year-old boy was referred because of a slight swelling of the alveolar mucosa of the right central and lateral maxillary incisor. Radiographically, a well-circumscribed radiolucency was seen between the vital, but partially resorbed roots of the two incisors. Treatment consisted of careful enucleation, including removal of the two teeth. Histopathological examination showed a central giant-cell granuloma. Healing was uneventful. Additional examination for the presence of hyperparathyroidism was negative. During one year follow-up, no signs of recurrence have been noticed.

The European Resuscitation Council has developed new guidelines for adult Basic Life Support. These guidelines will be introduced in the Netherlands in August 2006. The most important changes in the new guidelines include the recommendations to begin resuscitation when the victim is unconscious, does not respond and is not breathing normally; to start with cardiac massage; to insufflate for about 1 second at a time; to place the hand directly onto the centre of the victims chest; and to resuscitate at a ratio of 30 cardiac compressions to 2 insufflations.