S. Patel, J. J. Barnes (eds). Oxford University Press price £42.99; pp 192 ISBN

9780199657513

The second edition of The principles of endodontics has been worth the wait since the publication of the first edition back in 2005. This book is aimed at undergraduate dental students, recent graduates and GDPs wishing to refresh their knowledge with more contemporary techniques and information.

The book is organised into ten chapters taking the reader through a logical and systematic approach to endodontics, starting from a short introduction to tooth development, diagnosis, pulp preservation, root canal techniques, restoration and finally managing post-treatment disease.

There is in addition copious use of fantastic high quality images, radiographs and diagrams that makes it useful for OSCE exams.

Summary boxes can be found at the end of each chapter; perfect for someone wishing for a quick glance at the main features of the chapter or to summarise what one has read. Also available is an online interactive resource centre, via an internet link at the end of each chapter, allowing the reader to test their knowledge.

The book is planned and designed well, making it easy to read. There is good use of text boxes giving information in concise bullets points, which makes it useful for revision for undergraduates.

Clinical scenarios and techniques can be visualised well due to the step-by-step diagrams and clinical photos. This is especially useful again for undergraduates and newly qualified dentists when the depth of experience in the field is limited.

The authors decided to keep references to a minimum, inviting readers to explore their list of further reading at the end of each chapter. This is a good idea and the suggested reading list consists of scientific journals and other specialised books. However, I think keeping a moderate amount of referencing in the actual text would have made this book an even better resource for undergraduates and foundation dentists, purely because the references would be available immediately rather than the reader having to search for them somewhere else. Some will like this and others won't. It's a step in the right direction encouraging readers to explore more self-directed learning.

I would definitely recommend this book for any novice to endodontics or experienced GDP wishing to renew their knowledge. Concise, detailed, contemporary and well-delivered information makes this book a definite buy.