Dentine Hypersensitivity

David Gillam, BA, BDS, MSc, DDS, FRSPH, FHEA, graduated from Edinburgh Dental School in 1977 and subsequently gained experience as a dentist in general practice, the Armed Forces and Community Dental Services before undertaking an MSc in Periodontology in 1986-1988 at Guy's Dental School, London. He subsequently worked at the Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences (1989-1998), where he was involved in both laboratory and clinical research as well as in teaching postgraduate students in Periodontology. On leaving the university environment in 1998, Dr. Gillam worked in industry for several years, initially with SmithKline Beecham (Assistant Director in Oral Care) and subsequently with Block Drug Company, Incorporated, USA (Assistant Director in Oral Care). From 2003 to 2008 he worked with a clinical research organisation as Senior Clinician, gaining experience as a Clinical Assessor and as a Principal Investigator conducting clinical studies on oral care products. At present Dr. Gillam is working as a clinical lecturer in Periodontology at the Bart's and the London Medical and Dental School in London. His main interests lie in the area of the management of dentine sensitivity. He is currently working with Professor Robert Hill in the development of bioactive glasses for the treatment of dental conditions, in particular dentine sensitivity. To date Dr. Gillam has published over 50 papers on various dental topics.

The Statement of the Problem.- Dentine Physiology: A Key to the Understanding of the Problem.- The Prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Aetiology and Clinical Features of Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Advances in the Diagnosis of Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Advances in In Vitro Testing Techniques for Dentine Hypersensitivity.- From Concept to Production: An Overview of the Development of Desensitizing Agents.- The Relevance of In Vivo Evaluation of Desensitizing Agents for Managing Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Novel Clinical Approaches for the Treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity.- The Impact of Dentine Hypersensitivity on the Quality of Life.- Advances in the Management of the Patient with Dentine Hypersensitivity: Motivation and Prevention.- Future Strategies for the Development of Desensitising Products.