Abstract
This book uses the now familiar picture-based question and answer format to invite readers to test their depth of knowledge within the field of companion animal dentistry. In addition to his own extensive experience, the author has drawn upon knowledge and expertise from a range of highly respected and eminent veterinary dentists from Europe and North America. The result is a well produced and impressively illustrated book that remains true to its title. As the author is keen to point out in the preface, this book is intended to be used in conjunction with standard dentistry texts to ‘stimulate interest and promote further study’. Certainly in the case of someone looking for an introductory text, this book would not be appropriate. Although the book has something to offer at all levels of veterinary dentistry, it is likely to be of most use to practitioners who have already developed a keen interest in dentistry, and especially those who are familiar with more advanced dental techniques. Moreover, it is likely to be particularly useful as a revision aid for candidates studying for post-graduate veterinary dentistry qualifications.
The book contains 225 randomly organised questions or problems, which are often split into several parts, and usually relate to an illustration. The majority of the illustrations are colour photographs and are generally of excellent quality. Equally, the radiographs are well reproduced and clear. The range of subject material is broad, but inevitably tends to concentrate upon canine and feline dentistry. Many of the questions revolve around the treatment and management of case-based scenarios, however, others address aspects of basic orodental anatomy, oral pathology, and general principles regarding the use of various materials, instruments, and the application of techniques, for example. The answers are displayed overleaf immediately following the question, thereby providing instant access and is much preferable to them being collected at the end of the book. In general, the answers are ample for a limited text and, overall, provide the reader with a concise general review or overview of the subject matter. In this respect, it would have been useful for the author to have provided a more detailed reference list for those readers who may wish to follow-up particular areas of interest, rather than a general reading list. The random nature of the questions will frustrate readers if they try to use the book as a quick reference text, for which it was not designed.
In summary, this is a welcome addition to the veterinary dental literature. The book achieves its aim as a useful source for self-testing over a broad range of topics in companion animal dentistry, and for stimulating clinical interest and discussion. As such this book should be regarded as a useful supplement to standard dental textbooks and will be of most use to practitioners or students who already have a strong grounding in veterinary dentistry.