2024; Rethink Press; £23.99 (paperback); pp. 270; ISBN: 978-1-7813-3886-5

This is a neat, monochromatic, bag-sized book that offers no-nonsense periodontal facts and practical tips, backed up by current evidence and which offers a broad view of current periodontology in compact form.

This concise textbook is clearly and methodically laid out like a well-thought-out, considered and evidence-based treatment plan, and to that end makes it an easy and structured resource to follow for the engaged clinician. And to that end, I would say that this textbook is a fantastic foundation resource for both the discerning undergraduate, entry-level postgraduate student, hygienists, dental therapists, early speciality trainees in restorative mono-specialties and restorative dentistry, the general practitioner with an interest in periodontics, and those who refer, wanting improved communication with their patients. I also think trainees in allied disciplines would benefit from this foundational text.

I say to patients and students alike that ‘you cannot build castles on sand', and this textbook offers accessible foundations to methodical thought processes from an experienced clinician with an approachable style and blend of evidence base with practical hints and tips.

From a whistle-stop tour of aetiology and epidemiology, which although comprehensive must be considered ‘light touch' in terms of evidence base, it covers the most common factors. It is particularly helpful in some punchline evidence-based facts on the most common clinical issues and helpful resources, such as letter templates, to liaise with other health professionals. There is a practical guide to a thorough history and identification of risk factors, covering all the essential aspects and written in such a personable tone, as if one was having a chat with the author on the topic, and this makes for engaging reading.

The assessment and diagnosis sections are methodical and an excellent recap of good undergraduate teaching with clear parameters for health and disease based on classic evidence, brought up to date with current practice, terminology and guidelines, and again nuggets of helpful, practical advice punctuate this section, including helpful prognostic definitions to aid communication.

The management section is a well-thought-out, pragmatic and practical section of the book offering clear guidance through initial treatment protocols within current guidelines and clear guidance on when to refer for more specialist treatment. This will undoubtedly aid in communication with patients. To this end, the section on educating and empowering patients offers insight to patients' perspectives and useful anecdotes and concepts to bridge the gap between clinicians' and patients' knowledge, alongside practical tips to help inform and empower patients.

There is beautiful detail in the practical handling of periodontal instruments and patient management throughout the text, punctuated by monochromatic and simplistic diagrams, which may not appeal to the more visual learner, but are easy for everyone to take from, including those who struggle with usual colour diagrams. There is exploration of commonly clinically challenging situations and empathetic and practical solutions. There are sections on implants and care of multidisciplinary patients, such as orthodontic patients, before concluding by exploring advanced periodontal techniques, which would empower the clinician to communicate authentically and effectively with the patient, even if not providing this care themselves. To do so improves patient rapport, consent, decreases medico-legal issues and undoubtedly increases the self-awareness and confidence of the clinician in the fundamentals of periodontal clinical practice.

An accessible, well-structured, evidenced-based and practical entry guide to periodontics which will enhance communication with patients.