Recently, new resin-based composites, called “packable” or “condensable” resin composites, are being promoted as amalgam alternatives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate leakage in Class II cavities restored with the five packable resin-based composites.

Orthodontic Treatment Planning: Do Orthodontists Treat To Cephalometric Norms?
Khalid M. Al-Balkhi, BDS, MSc, PhD

Cephalometric norms are important to orthodontists in their diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of orthodontic treatment outcome.  The purpose of this study is to establish if orthodontists treat and finish their cases to the cephalometric means or norms.

Immediate and 24-Hour Bond Strengths of Two Dental Adhesive Systems to Three Tooth Substrates
Yousef Fouad Talic, BDS, MS, FICOI, DICOI, DASO

Bond strengths of bonded composite resins to tooth substrates vary depending on when they were measured.  There are many different ways to measure the bond strength of direct esthetic restorations to various dental substrates.  This research uses a method published previously that compares immediate and 24-hour bond strengths of a single-bottle dental adhesive and a self-etching primer adhesive to prepared enamel, unprepared enamel, and prepared dentin substrates.

Prediction of the Size of Un-erupted Permanent Cuspids and Bicuspids in a Saudi Sample: A Pilot Study
Hayder A. Hashim, BDS, MSc;  Thakib A. Al-Shalan, BDS, MS, PhD

The purpose of this study was to produce an estimated equation for the prediction of unerupted cuspids and bicuspids for the Saudi population.  Results showed the predicted tooth width of Saudis differs from the classic Moyer's chart.

Factors Affecting Saudi Parents’ Perception of their Children’s First Dental Visit
Thakib A. Al-Shalan, BDS, MS, PhD

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different socio-demographic factors of Saudi parents on their knowledge and attitudes toward their children's first dental visit.  Interesting findings reveal parental attitudes toward behavior modification and management during the first dental visit.

Supernumerary Fourth and Fifth Molars:  A Report of Two Cases
Gulseren Kokten, DDS, PhD;  Huseyin Balcioglu, DDS;  Mete Buyukertan, DDS, PhD

Panoramic radiographs of two female patients revealed the presence of two impacted bilateral upper fourth molars and unilateral (right) upper fourth and fifth molars. The characteristics of these unusual teeth are described in this case report.

Oral Hygiene Practices, Smoking Habit, and Self-Perceived Oral Malodor Among Dental Students
Khalid Almas BDS, MSc, FRACDS, MSc, FDSRCS, DDPH, FICD; Abdullah Al-Hawish, BDS; Waheed Al-Khamis, BDS

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of oral hygiene practices and halitosis among dental students using self-reported perception of oral malodor, its possible etiology, treatment, and prevention.

Microstomia Caused by Swallowing of Caustic Soda:  Report of a Case
Wilson Denis Martins, DDS, PhD;  Fernando Henrique Westphalen, DDS, PhD;  Vania Portela Ditzel Westphalen, DDS, PhD

The author presents a case report of a 54-year old man who developed a progressive stricture of the circumoral region following accidental ingestion of caustic soda at nine years of age.  A review of the literature and the surgical technique use to treat the patient are presented.

Broken Appointment Behavior in a Dental School Environment
Fatin Awartani, BDS, MS

The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of broken appointments by female and male patients scheduled with third, fourth, and fifth year dental students.

The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act and the Practice of Dentistry in the United States:  Electronic Transactions
Joseph E. Chasteen, DDS, MA; Gretchen Murphy, MA; Arden Forrey, PhD; David Heid, DDS

This article reviews the kinds of electronic transactions that are required under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) and relates them to relevant data that are contained in an electronic oral health record (EOHR). It also outlines the structure of HIPAA transactions using the claim transaction as an example.

It's Magic: A Unique Practice Management Strategy
Steven Schwartz, DDS

This article describes how dentists have incorporated magic into their pediatric dentistry practices as well as the benefits of this useful patient management strategy. A script of the “Happy Tooth Magic Show” and resources for dentists to create their own dental magic show are also provided.

AAOMP Case Challenge:  Recurrent Left Mandibular Enlargement
Harvey P. Kessler, DDS, MS; Carina Schwartz-Dabney, DDS, PhD; Edward Ellis III, DDS, MS

A 35-year old African-American female presented with a painful enlargement of the left face in the area of the posterior mandible and ramus extending to the submandibular area. She also complained of some difficulty swallowing along with mobility and supereruption of the mandibular left first molar tooth. See if you can make the diagnosis.