Pickard’s manual of operative dentistry has been one of the cornerstones of every dental undergraduate’s studies. Whilst the previous edition was a tome, the authors have sharpened and condensed this newest edition. It includes an excellent level of colour illustrations and clinical photographs that provides an easy to follow introduction or refresher to operative dentistry.

There is a welcome section on simple diagnosis and treatment planning, which is sure to be of use for OSCE revision as well as to provide the basis for many ad hoc VDP tutorials.

My only concern with this edition is the limited time given to the handling and placement of amalgam. Training institutes are concerned with ensuring that their graduates are best equipped to go out into the world and treat patients, but some schools have opted to stop teaching the use of amalgam. However, in the NHS where most of us work, this forms the greatest proportion of what we do and its absence from this edition is clearly felt. Through education we achieve change but in an NHS undergoing the biggest budget cuts for at least two generations can we really afford for dental graduates not to be taught amalgam handling?

The most impressive section of this book that will without a doubt prove to be of greatest use to students is the chapter devoted to step-by-step clinical procedures. With thorough regard not only to excellent clinical intra-oral photographs but also well written instruction tips and best material guidelines, Pickard’s manual is always useful for that last minute check before clinic or before an OSCE.