Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and recurrent intraoral herpes are the two most commonly presenting oral lesions in the dental setting.  The authors provide oral health professionals with important information needed to accurately discriminate between these disorders.

Evaluation of Apical Leakage of Root Canals Obturated with Nd:  Yag laser-softened Gutta-percha, System-B, and Lateral Condensation Techniques
Murat Maden, BDS; Güliz Görgül, BDS, PhD;
A. Cemal Tinaz, BDS, PhD

This study compares the apical leakage from obturated root canals using lateral condensation; Nd: YAG laser-softened gutta-percha and System-B techniques.

Capabilities of Computerized Clinical Decision Support Systems:  The Implications for the Practicing Dental Professional
Hikmet Umar, DMD, MSIS

This article presents the use of captured data within the range of patient care activities of the dental practitioner and describes the use of computer technology in dentistry during a typical patient visit.

The Electronic Oral Health Record
David W. Heid, DDS; Joseph Chasteen, DDS, MA;
Arden W. Forrey, PhD

This paper presents the history of the use of the computer for maintaining patient medical care information.  The importance of an electronic health record and its application to dentistry are discussed.

Managing Practice Statistics for Practice Success
Steven Schwartz, DDS

The incorporation of computers into the dental practice has enabled the dentist and staff to quickly access information vital to monitoring practice growth and vitality.  This paper discusses the value of using data as a tool for practice management.

The AAMOP Case Challenge:  A Rapidly Enlarging Pigmented Lesion Of The Buccal Mucosa
Sohee K. Park, DMD; Brad W. Neville, DDS

A 39-year old African American male noticed the presence of a brown, slightly rough asymptomatic lesion on the inside of his left cheek.  There was no history of trauma, undue force to the side of his face, or any recent dental treatment.  Test your diagnostic skills by taking this case challenge to see if you can make the diagnosis.

Continuing Education:  Using Research for Clinical Decision-Making:  The Elements of a Research Report
Ann L McCann, RDH, MS; Emet D Schneiderman, PhD

This continuing education course provides the reader with an excellent explanation of the elements of a research paper and how to interpret the content and incorporate the information into the clinical-decision-making process.