McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the child and adolescent, 9th edition

  • J. A. Dean,
  • D. R. Avery &
  • R. E. McDonald
UK: Elsevier price £69.99; pp 720 ISBN 9780323057240 | ISBN: 978-0-3230-5724-0

This is an excellent 686 page hardback. Numerous American professionals have worked together incorporating each of their specialist fields to produce 31 informative chapters. Chapters include extensive information on child abuse and neglect, dental caries in the child and adolescent, local anaesthetic and pain control for the child and adolescent, restorative treatment, community oral health and much more. This book aims to inform the reader of present diagnostic and treatment recommendations in these particular areas of paediatric dentistry and where possible information is evidence-based and current research and literature sources are well documented.

Each chapter is clearly set out and superbly illustrated. The outline at the beginning of each chapter gives the reader a brief understanding of any areas to be discussed and what is entailed within that particular subject area. Interesting and relevant illustrations, clear graphs and tables are included throughout the book which successfully enhance and aid the reader's understanding. The information is relevant to the practice of paediatric dentistry and the text is well structured and easy to read. There are also many colour clinical photographs as well as radiographs included in each chapter. The photographs explain well the advice given in the text and in many cases, show the treatment procedures step by step, which I believe many readers will find useful and clarifying.

This book is aimed at both undergraduate dental students and postdoctoral paediatric dental students as well as experienced dentists. This new edition is also connected to Elsevier's Evolve website. This means that the reader can take advantage of the information from the text as well as additional elements. I believe due to the advanced range of information provided in this book it will appeal to a wide range of professionals but in particular undergraduate students, for whom it will act as an excellent guide to paediatric dentistry as well as an outstanding revision aid. In particular, chapter 21, which gives extensive information on management of trauma to both the primary and permanent dentition and their supporting structures.

In summary this is a well written, interesting book with lovely illustrations. The presentation is excellent and I feel it will appeal to all members of our profession.