Derek Richards

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Derek Richards is a specialist in dental public health, Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Dentistry and Specialist Advisor to the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) Development Team. A former editor of the Evidence-Based Dentistry Journal and chief blogger for the Dental Elf website until December 2023. Derek has been involved with a wide range of evidence-based initiatives both nationally and internationally since 1994. Derek retired from the NHS in 2019 remaining as a part-time senior lecturer at Dundee Dental School until the end of 2023.

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Ultrasound for the differential diagnosis of periapical lesions

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This review of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in differentiating periapical lesions of endodontic origin in comparison with histopathology included 12 studies. While the findings suggest good levels of sensitifity and specificity for diagnosing periapical cysts and granulomasthere are concerns regarding the quality of the evidence.

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Caries detection using electrical conductance

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This Cochrane review of the diagnostic accuracy of different electrical conductance devices for the detection and diagnosis of non-cavitated coronal dental caries included 7 studies. The quality of the studies mean we are very uncertain of how electrical conductance devices are in detecting and diagnosing early tooth decay.

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Dental imaging methods for early caries detection and diagnosis

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This Cochrane review of the diagnostic accuracy of different dental imaging methods for early enamel lesions included 104 datasets from 77 studies. Low-certainty evidence suggests that imaging for the detection or diagnosis of early tooth decay may result in a relatively high proportion of false-negative results.

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Occlusal stabilisation appliances for temporomandibular disorders

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This review the efficacy of stabilisation appliances in the management of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) included 24 RCTs. The findings suggest they have an efficacy beyond the placebo effect however the evidence of low to very low certainty.

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Third molar surgery: Does low-level laser therapy reduce post-operative morbidity?

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This review of whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is effective in reducing postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing surgical removal of mandibular third molars included 17 RCTs. The findings suggest a reduction in post-operative swelling but not pain or trismus.

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Oral hygiene compliance in orthodontic patients

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The authors recommended that people with severe mental illness should be given help with oral hygiene.

This review of the effectiveness of behavioural change techniques (BCTs) on individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment included 10 studies involving 1017 patients. While the interventions tested improved oral health behaviours the quality of the evidence is very low.

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Dentures: Overnight storage and Candida Albicans colonisation

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This review of the effect of overnight storage conditions on complete denture colonization by Candida albicans included 6 small studies. The available evidence is limited and of low quality so well conducted and reported trials of appropriate size and required.

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Post-operative endodontic symptoms: Are they improved by prophylactic antibiotics?

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This review of the efficacy of prophylactic oral antibiotics in the management of post-operative endodontic symptoms included 10 RCTs. The findings and show that there is no superiority in using adjunctive antibiotics for the prevention of post-operative endodontic symptoms.

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Tooth extraction: Do antibiotics prevent complications?

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The authors sought to review available literature relating to SSRI withdrawal syndromes

This Cochrane review update of the effect of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis on the prevention of infectious complications following tooth extractions included 23 studies. There was very-low certainty evidence that prophylactic antibiotics may reduce the risk of infection and dry socket following third molar extraction compared to placebo.

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Tobacco cessation delivered by dental professionals

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These are promising findings, but we are some way from being able to recommend specific interventions to help people stick with their smoking cessation medication.

This review of tobacco cessation interventions offered by dental professionals included 20 clinical trials. Advice and support form dental professionals that involved NRT or e-cigarettes was more likely to help patients stop smoking

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