Operative and Restorative Dentistry

What the unit covers

This unit sits in the Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics and Periodontology strand of Dentistry. Its resources follow the path of a restoration, from diagnosis to placing the material.

• Caries: mind maps on occlusal caries and approximal caries, plus a note on the classification of dental caries.
• Preparation: the mind map and flashcard deck on the principles of cavity preparation, including G V Black's classification and ideas such as resistance form and retention form.
• Materials: maps on amalgam, composite resin, dentine bonding, adhesive systems, cavity liners and filling materials.
• Indirect work: maps on indirect restorative materials, veneers and impressions for crowns and bridges.

Where to start

Begin with the quiz Clinical Principles for Cavity Preparation. It tests the basic idea that preparation is the mechanical alteration of a tooth to receive restorative material. If answers feel shaky, open the mind map on the principles of cavity preparation, then go through the Principles of cavity preps flashcards.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first to see how a topic fits together. Then take a quiz on the same topic and note what you missed. Return to the map for those branches only. For example, read the map on pulp linings, then check yourself against Responses of oral tissues to restorative procedures.

The flashcard sets labelled Operative Dentistry, each of 100 cards, suit short sessions. Two quizzes on operative dentistry are written for NBDE Part 2 candidates, so they make a useful late check.

For teachers

Teachers can pick a single map, such as Rubber Dam or Fissure Sealants, as a ready-made starting point for a class or tutorial. The resources were made by GoConqr users, so check them against your own course.

Choose one topic today, try its quiz, and see which maps or decks you want to revisit.