Background: Over 1% of the UK population have a diagnosis of autism, and yet there is minimal information regarding the experiences of dental professionals working with people on the autistic spectrum. The current study is the first to investigate UK dental professionals' knowledge of autism, their perceived confidence when treating autistic patients, and the factors that affect this. Methods: An online, self-report survey was completed by 482 UK dental professionals and included questions on participants' training, prior experiences and knowledge of autism, and confidence when treating autistic patients.Results: Over half the respondents reported having no formal autism training however average knowledge levels across the whole sample were good. Conversely, levels of confidence were only moderate. Respondents often cited conflict between understanding the additional needs for successful treatment of autistic patients and a lack of resources to implement support strategies. Despite this, the vast majority were positive about making the necessary modifications to support autistic patients.Conclusion: This study highlights ways in which UK dental professionals adapt their practices to meet the needs of their autistic patients, yet report only moderate confidence levels when doing so. Implications for future training initiatives are discussed.

This investigation has revealed some changes in pulpal status of human primary teeth with physiological root resorption. These were not, however, as profound as one may have anticipated. It is therefore speculated that teeth could retain the potential for sensation, healing, and repair until advanced stages of root resorption.

Interventions for increasing acceptance of local anaesthetic in children and adolescents having dental treatment (Review)

Formocresol is no longer the most commonly taught pulp medicament in dental schools in Ireland and the UK.

AimTo determine which methods of primary pulp therapy are currently being taught in European dental schools.MethodsAn online survey tool was employed to send questionnaires to paediatric dentistry departments of 202 European dental schools. Email addresses were obtained from the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and questionnaires were sent to one member of each department in December 2014. The survey included questions on treatment choices and clinical scenarios where respondents indicated how they would advise students to proceed, given a particular case.ResultsFifty-one responses from 22 different countries were obtained. Eleven schools reported that they taught only undergraduate students, 4 only postgraduates and 36 taught both. Forty-three schools taught indirect pulp capping, the most popular material being calcium hydroxide; 26 taught direct pulp capping, mostly using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Teaching of pulpotomy was widespread across Europe, with MTA being the most popular material, taught in 37 schools, followed by ferric sulphate, in 29. Formocresol, however, was still being taught in 12 dental schools. Responses to the clinical scenarios were mostly in accordance with previously selected choices.ConclusionsThis study had a representative sample, showing a wide variation in primary pulp therapies taught in Europe. Comparison with previous studies shows new trends in taught therapies, possibly driven by recent research in primary pulp management and the development of new materials.