Aims This study aimed to: i) identify current teaching practice and approaches to embedding environmental sustainability (ES) in the undergraduate dental curriculum in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI); and ii) uncover existing barriers and drivers to incorporating ES in dental education.Methods A questionnaire was developed and distributed to all dental schools in the UK and ROI in the form of an online survey. The intended respondents were deans, heads of schools, directors of education, or senior academics of all dental schools in the UK and ROI that deliver undergraduate dentistry/dental surgery programmes.Results In total, 18 dental schools responded to the survey, representing a response rate of 100% from the intended respondents. Note 56% of dental schools do not currently teach ES. Time constraints and a lack of knowledge and learning resources were the most reported barriers.Conclusion Currently, ES is not taught in most dental schools in the UK and ROI. Many schools face challenges in finalising the delivery modalities of ES teaching, particularly in clinical environments. Numerous barriers have been identified that complicate embedding this topic in the curriculum. Positively, universities, staff, students and the recently published learning outcomes are driving impactful change across the sector.

Aims To assess and compare how UK general dental practitioners (GDPs) restore endodontically treated molars and what tooth-related factors they consider relevant to their management.Method An online cross-sectional vignette survey was sent out to UK dentists via email and the use of social media platforms. Three clinical cases were designed.Results In total, 394 participants completed the survey. GDPs showed a preference towards restoring the endodontically treated molars with indirect restorations, such as crowns and onlays. Material selection varied, with a notable inclination towards gold and lithium disilicate. This was influenced by factors such as the number of remaining tooth walls, thickness of walls and the presence of parafunction.Conclusion Clinicians generally agreed on whether to place a direct or indirect restoration but there was greater disagreement when deciding on the type of restoration and material. Further evidence and education are required to help UK dentists decide more objectively whether to place an onlay or a crown, what material to select and what prognostic factors are most pertinent to the case.

Introduction Intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) is a public health crisis with long-term implications for an individual's mental and physical health. IPVA can result in head and neck trauma, including oral injuries, placing dentists in a unique position to be able to identify at-risk patients. It is therefore important to understand any barriers dentists may experience when supporting IPVA patients.Aims The aim of this study was to explore whether dentists and dental students are prepared to support patients with lived experience of IPVA.Method This study adopted a qualitative cross-sectional research design using focus groups and interviews. Data were collected using the principles of grounded theory and analysed using thematic analysis.Results Data were collected from 14 dentists and 22 dental students showing that they did not feel confident or prepared in identifying and responding to patients they suspected were experiencing IPVA. Barriers included a lack of practical knowledge and fear of 'getting it wrong', resulting in professional paralysis.Conclusion Improving current safeguarding educational frameworks at both the undergraduate and postgraduate stage could be key to improving the confidence and practical knowledge of dental practitioners.

Introduction Head and neck cancer (HANC) significantly impacts the oral cavity and dental health issues may complicate cancer treatment and post-treatment quality of life. Pre-treatment dental evaluation is critical for identifying and managing existing oral health problems. However, limited literature exists on the dental health status of patients at the time of HANC diagnosis. This study aims to address this gap and emphasise the importance of dental care in the management of HANC.Methods A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted on patients scheduled for radiotherapy for HANC. Data on demographic characteristics, tumour characteristics and dental exam findings were extracted from the patient record.Results Of the 191 included patients, the average age was 62.9 years (SD: 10.09), with 80% being men. The prevalence of dental disease revealed 59% of cases presenting with unstable periodontal disease and an average decayed, missing, and filled teeth score of 19.9. Two-thirds of patients exhibited one or more carious lesions.Conclusion This retrospective study sheds light on the dental health status of patients with HANC at their pre-treatment evaluation. The high prevalence rates of dental caries and unstable periodontal disease highlight the importance of dental evaluation and intervention as part of the overall management of HANC patients.