D. J. Fischer, N. S. Treister, A. Pinto. Sorejaw price £43.99; pp 240 ISBN

9780813821184

This compact, colourful and aesthetically pleasing book with a methodical structure, clear print and tables throughout is brought to us by a trio of professors from three US dental hospitals, providing systematic and digestible information, making it a key reference and revision guide to both the undergraduate and postgraduate dental surgeon. Whilst covering many clinical topics, the primary subject area is oral medicine, which is integrated clinically throughout.

The layout of the book encourages a logical approach towards patient care, especially when dealing with complex medical histories. The book is divided into two main parts, one focusing on risk assessment and the other on diagnosis of orofacial conditions, with succinct introductions at the beginning of each subdividing chapter. Part one is a very useful revision tool, explaining the importance of medical histories with further sections covering potential for bleeding, infection and poor wound healing. This section helps when assessing patients, with ample information on poly-pharmacy and interpreting complicated medical histories. Part two adds substance to the topics introduced earlier in the book and is useful for those wishing to enhance their knowledge in these key areas.

Clear tables showing salient information, such as interactions of the most commonly prescribed drugs by dental surgeons, are used throughout the book and a number of 'alert boxes' provide an easily accessible source of information. This book addresses one area where so many clinical books fall short, with the number and quality of its colour clinical photographs. High quality colour photographs, including those of clinical conditions, radiographs, other scans and histology slides are used throughout the book. The diagnostics section approaches the more common conditions seen in the dental surgery and hospital, clearly covering signs, symptoms and diagnostic tests, again aided by clear, colour clinical photographs.

As with many American text books some terminology differs from standard UK texts. Furthermore, owing to the American sources used throughout the book, care needs to be taken with the tables regarding drug regimes, and guidance should still be sought from relevant local guidelines.

This book proves to be a valuable source for undergraduates approaching clinical work and those wishing to consolidate their knowledge post-graduation. The information is clear, intelligible and facilitated by good clinical pictures with helpful tables and alert boxes highlighting the key points throughout, making this title a pleasure to use.