Word count = 5,500(including tables, legends and references) 2 SUMMARY

Background To investigate the selection and use of materials and techniques for core buildup, indirect restorations, and fixed prosthodontics by general dentists in New Zealand. Methods A questionnaire comprising 19 sections and 125 questions was distributed via mail to 351 general dentists in New Zealand who were selected from the Dental Council of New Zealand's 2016 register. Results The majority of the respondents (68.8%) reported using resin composite light-cured materials for the core buildup of vital posterior teeth. A large number of respondents (52%) did not use dentine pins, with the majority of them (25%) being recent graduates (<10 years). Fibre posts were used by 61.6% of the dentists surveyed. The majority of dentists (54.6%) reported using addition-cured silicone impression material for crown and bridge impressions. Glass-ionomer cements (37.5% of participants) and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (35.8%) were the most common luting cements used. Direct resin composite veneers were the preferred material of choice rather than indirect restoration of anterior teeth (40.4%). Conclusions The study showed that New Zealand dentists surveyed are using current state-of-the-art materials and techniques, with their choice of material being greatly influenced by clinical indications and patients aesthetic demands.

Introduction Obesity is a global epidemic, increasing the risk of many associated health issues. Aim The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the acceptability and tolerability of an intraoral device, designed to facilitate weight loss. Method Seven healthy obese participants were recruited. The device, which incorporated closed-field magnets with keepers to restrict mouth opening, was cemented to the participants' first molars. The participants were given a commercially available liquid diet for two weeks. The comfort and tolerability of the device were assessed using a quality of life questionnaire during review appointments at 1, 7 and 14 days and two weeks after device removal. Results The participants reached a mean weight loss of 6.36 (SD = 3.79) kilograms, which represents approximately 5.1% of their body weight. The participants had trouble pronouncing some words and felt tense and embarrassed 'only occasionally'. The participants 'hardly ever' reported a change in taste sensation or felt uncomfortable drinking. However, participants indicated that they occasionally had discomfort and felt that life in general was less satisfying. Qualitative analysis showed that the participants were happy with the outcome and were motivated to lose more weight. Conclusion The participants tolerated the device for a two-week period with satisfactory weight loss and were further motivated to continue their weight loss journey.

Background. To investigate the selection and use of direct restorative materials, endodontic techniques adopted, and approaches to bleaching by general dentists in New Zealand. Methods. A questionnaire comprising 19 sections and 125 questions was distributed via mail to 351 general dentists in New Zealand who were selected, at random, from the Dental Council of New Zealand’s 2016 register. Results. A total of 204 questionnaires were returned, of which 188 were usable. Direct resin composite was the most commonly used material for occlusoproximal cavity restorations in premolars (93.7%) and permanent molars (85.2%). Resin-modified glass ionomer cements (34%) and resin composite materials (31.4%) were more commonly used in the restoration of deciduous molars. Home-based vital bleaching was provided by a significant number of dentists (86%), while only 18% provided practice-based bleaching. Cold lateral condensation was the most commonly used obturation technique (55.8%), and 83% of respondents reported using rubber dam for treatments. Conclusions. The findings from this study indicate that dentists in New Zealand are adapting to new materials and technologies to provide high quality care to their patients. Aesthetic treatments such as bleaching have become an integral part of general dental practice.

Background To determine the demographic profile and practising arrangements of general dentists in New Zealand. Methods A questionnaire comprising 19 sections with 125 questions was distributed via mail to 351 general dentists in New Zealand who were selected, at random, from the Dental Council of New Zealand's 2016 register. Results Two hundred and four questionnaires were returned, of which 188 were usable giving a response rate of 53.5%. The majority of the respondents (63.5%) were male and practice principals (56.8%). Fifty-nine percent of the practices were located in city or town centres with a wide geographic distribution. Sole practitioners accounted for 24.1% of respondents, with the mean number of dentists per practice being 3.2. The majority of respondents (71.6%) attended five or more continuing professional development courses in the past year. Ninety-one percent of respondents used a computerized management system, and 95.3% used the Internet. The use of nickel-titanium endodontic files (83.9%) and digital imaging (82.2%) was the most frequently cited clinical innovations. Articaine was the most popular local anaesthetic of choice. Conclusions Dentistry is an ever-changing profession, with evidence that NZ dentists continue to develop, learn, and embrace advancements in technologies to supply high-quality evidence-based treatment.