Fungi comprise a minor component of the oral microbiota but give rise to oral disease in a significant proportion of the population. The most common form of oral fungal disease is oral candidiasis, which has a number of presentations. The mainstay for the treatment of oral candidiasis is the use of polyenes, such as nystatin and amphotericin B, and azoles including miconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole. Resistance of fungi to polyenes is rare, but some Candida species, such as Candida glabrata and C. krusei, are innately less susceptible to azoles, and C. albicans can acquire azole resistance. The main mechanism of high-level fungal azole resistance, measured in vitro, is energy-dependent drug efflux. Most fungi in the oral cavity, however, are present in multispecies biofilms that typically demonstrate an antifungal resistance phenotype. This resistance is the result of multiple factors including the expression of efflux pumps in the fungal cell membrane, biofilm matrix permeability, and a stress response in the fungal cell. Removal of dental biofilms, or treatments to prevent biofilm development in combination with antifungal drugs, may enable better treatment and prevention of oral fungal disease.

By using defined clinical inclusion and exclusion criteria a predictable clinical diagnosis of a persistent periapical lesion due to endodontic origin can be reliably made. Periapical granulomas and cysts were the most common periapical lesions of endodontic origin associated with persistent periapical pathosis with the overall incidence of periapical cysts similar to previous studies. The presence of endodontic material in a high proportion of periapical lesions suggests a cause-effect association with the inference that clinicians should employ canal preparation techniques that limit apical extrusion of material.

A dyslexia coping programme entitled Success and Dyslexia was implemented in two primary schools within a whole-class coping programme and whole-school dyslexia professional development context. One hundred and two year 6 students, 23 of whom had dyslexia, undertook surveys pretest, post-test and at 1-year follow-up. Effectiveness of the coping programme and maintenance of effects for the students after transition to secondary school were investigated. Inclusion of contrast group data in the follow-up year suggested significant positive changes at first and second follow-ups in locus of control and nonproductive coping may also be associated with increase in age. Most trends were in the expected direction, especially for students with dyslexia. At follow-up, students with dyslexia reported similar perceived control and adaptive coping to students without dyslexia rather than a decrease in these areas as is usually the case. A larger sample and an ongoing control group are needed to confirm these results.

Background Research has shown that dental care providers (DCPs) and students are among the most vulnerable to accidental exposure to blood‐borne pathogens (BBPs). An exposure to BBPs can have detrimental effects on a DCP's professional and personal life. Objectives The aim of this study to study the prevalence and risk factors of sharps and needlestick injuries (NSIs) sustained by the staff and undergraduate dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago. Method A cross‐sectional survey among students (fourth & fifth year dental students, postgraduate students), staff (academic/clinical) and dental assistants was performed using a self‐administered questionnaire to collect information pertaining to needlestick and sharps injuries during February 2012–November 2013. Data were tabulated in MS Excel® and analysed using SPSS statistical software®. Results Of the 350 questionnaires distributed, 234 participants completed the questionnaire. Seventy participants (29.9%) reported percutaneous injury. Most exposures occurred among undergraduate dental students (70%), followed by postgraduate students, academic staff (18.6%) and dental assistants (11.4%). Prevalence of under‐reporting was noted around 32.8%. Needlestick was the most frequent (34.8%) while injury from surgical bur and scaler tips were reported at 25 (28.1%) and 19 (21.3%) respectively. Only three participants (4.28%) took the post‐exposure prophylaxis after an incident. Conclusion Percutaneous exposure incidents continue to occur in healthcare settings in spite of emphasis on improved work practices and use of safety devices. Improvements are required in the use of safe‐practice and in developing a culture of more comprehensive reporting and adopting post‐exposure prophylaxis when required. Students new to the clinical environment need structured training and education before starting their clinical work to minimise accidental needlestick and sharps injuries.