This review of the effectiveness of relaxing music, audio-visuals (AV), and virtual reality (VR) in reducing dental anxiety associated with tooth extraction included 11 RCTs. The findings suggest that music performed better than VR and AV . However the limited number of studies and variation in anxiety scales, musical and visual interventions used means that the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
[read the full story...]Acupuncture for temporomandibular joint disorder?
This review of the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in treating temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) included 32 RCTs. The findings suggest potential benefits for acupuncture compared with both active and inactive controls. However none of the studies were at low risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence was rated as very low to low. Consequently the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
[read the full story...]Clinicians perspectives on gaps in service provision for people with complex emotional needs
A group of UCL MSc students review a qualitative study on clinicians’ views and community care for people with complex emotional needs, and how best practice can be achieved.
[read the full story...]How can we provide integrated care for people with co-occurring addiction and severe mental health problems?
Akansha Naraindas considers a new review which offers insights to support the evaluation and restructuring of services for people with comorbid severe mental problems and substance use conditions.
[read the full story...]High-fluoride toothpaste or high fluoride mouthrinse to prevent white spot lesions in adolescent orthodontic patients – trial
270 pateints were randomised in this trial to compare high-fluoride toothpaste and high-fluoride mouth rinse for preventing white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment. The findings suggest a benefit for high fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouth rinse in preventing white spot lesions.
[read the full story...]Many causes of death among people with bipolar disorder are potentially preventable
Anneka Tomlinson and Andrea Cipriani from the University of Oxford co-write this important blog on causes of mortality among those with bipolar disorder, highlighting the importance of suicide prevention across age groups.
[read the full story...]The Body Project peer-led eating disorders prevention programme shows promise for bulimia nervosa and purging disorder
Georgie Parker summarises a recent study which outlines the results of three trials exploring the effectiveness of a peer-led dissonance-based programme for preventing the onset of eating disorders.
[read the full story...]Manual v powered toothbrushing in adolescent orthodontic patients – trial
The aim of this randomised trial was to compare the efficacy of a powered versus manual toothbrush in controlling plaque and gingival health in participants undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment in respect of both the short term and long term. The findings showed no differences between the brush types at any time points ( 1, 6 or 12 months).
[read the full story...]Exploring people’s experiences of psychotherapy for self-harm: the importance of the therapeutic alliance
Hannah Wallace summarises a systematic review exploring people’s experiences of psychotherapy for self-harming behaviours, which highlights the importance of therapeutic rapport and the clinical competencies that support developing a good relationship between clinicians and service users.
[read the full story...]CAD/CAM versus conventional fixed retainers in orthodontic patients
This review comparing the effect of CAD/CAM-based and conventional fixed retainers on the stability of treatment outcomes and periodontal health in patients undergoing orthodontic retention using fixed retainers includeds 7 RCTs. The studies are of moderate size and relatively short duration (6 to 12months) and there are quality concerns so the findings should be viewed cautiously.
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