Peer reviewed

This case series highlights a range of head and neck metastases.

Delivery of pain-free dental treatment is the ultimate goal for clinicians, and the hoped-for result by patients.

Most general dental practitioners in Northern Ireland are aware of the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme guidance on management of patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets, but require additional training and support to prevent inappropriate referrals.

Motivational interviewing (MI) training contributes to practitioner confidence and professionalism. Improved dental outcomes in patients were noted. Further research is recommended into developing optimal MI training delivery.

Noma in the ‘developed world’ is rare. An awareness of the condition is essential for clinicians, as oral hygiene and antibiotics can prevent severe morbidity.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of childhood mortality. Dentists should be aware of the orofacial complications and management of children who receive a cancer diagnosis or have a history of cancer.

The evidence does not support routine antis. Clinicians should consider the local, systemic and procedural risk factors for each patient before deciding to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics.

Oral candidiasis is a relatively common infection, which can significantly impact on patient quality of life. While clinicians are aware of the common presentations of candida, we highlight an atypical presentation.

Oral and peri-oral piercings have been well documented to have destructive effects on both the dental hard tissues, and the oral and periodontal soft tissues. This paper presents two case reports, which highlight the effects of such piercings on the gingival tissues and possible treatment options available.