Quick Answer: The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry is the essential pocket reference for UK dental students and practitioners — comprehensive, concise, and used daily on clinical placements at every UK dental school. It is the dental equivalent of the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine.
Yes — the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry is essential for all UK BDS students. It is used at clinical placements at every UK dental school and provides quick-reference guidance on everything from examination technique to treatment planning. Buy the current 7th edition (2020) or a used 6th edition to save money.
📋 In This Review
What Is the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry?
The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry (OHCD) is the standard pocket reference for UK dental students and practitioners. First published in 1991 and now in its 7th edition (2020), it is the go-to quick reference for clinical dentistry — covering examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, materials, emergencies, and the full breadth of dental specialties in a compact format designed for daily clinical use.
The 7th edition is edited by Bethany Rushworth and Anastasios Kanatas, with a specialist contributor team from across UK dental schools. It has been completely updated to reflect current guidelines, the new classification for periodontal disease, and includes a new chapter on dental implants — a significant omission in previous editions.
| Editors: | Rushworth & Kanatas (7th ed) |
| Current Edition: | 7th Edition (2020) |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
| Used at: | All UK dental schools — Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, King’s, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Plymouth, QMU, Sheffield |
| Best for: | Clinical placements (Years 3–5), OSCEs, quick reference in practice |
| ISBN: | 978-0-19-883217-1 |
What’s Inside the 7th Edition
History, Examination, and Diagnosis — comprehensive guidance on patient history taking, clinical examination, and the investigation of dental disease. Includes radiographic interpretation, charting, and diagnosis of common conditions. This section is used extensively in OSCE preparation.
Paediatric Dentistry — covers the full range of paediatric dental conditions, treatment planning for children, and behaviour management. Includes the latest guidance on caries prevention and management of dental trauma in children.
Restorative Dentistry — operative dentistry, crown and bridge, endodontics, and periodontics are all covered concisely with current clinical guidelines. The section on periodontal disease has been completely updated to reflect the new 2018 classification.
Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine — extractions, surgical procedures, oral pathology, oral medicine, and the management of medically compromised patients. Includes prescribing guidance and emergency drug management.
Orthodontics and Dental Public Health — orthodontic assessment, treatment planning, and dental public health including prevention, epidemiology, and population-level interventions.
NEW — Dental Implants (7th edition): A completely new chapter covering implant assessment, planning, surgical and prosthetic considerations, and maintenance. This was a significant gap in the 6th edition.
Ethics, Law, and Practice Management — professional practice, GDC standards, patient consent, and NHS dentistry. Updated throughout to reflect current UK legislation and guidance.
“The OHCD goes everywhere with me on placement. I have it in my clinic coat pocket every session. There’s nothing more reassuring than knowing you can check an extraction technique or prescribing decision in 30 seconds.”
— Priya, Year 4 BDS, King’s College London Dental Institute
7th vs 6th Edition — What’s Changed
| Area | 6th Edition (2014) | 7th Edition (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Implants | Not covered | Full new chapter |
| Periodontal Classification | Older classification system | Updated 2018 classification |
| Digital Dentistry | Limited coverage | Expanded section |
| Prescribing guidance | 2014 guidelines | Current UK guidelines |
| Editors | Mitchell & Mitchell | Rushworth & Kanatas |
Should you buy the 7th over the 6th? Yes, if you are entering clinical years — the implant chapter and updated periodontal classification alone justify the difference. The 6th edition remains useful for pre-clinical years where the guidelines differences matter less.
Where to Buy It Cheapest
Prices updated: 2026-08-11
Our Verdict
Essential — non-negotiable for UK dental students on clinical placements
The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry is not optional for BDS students entering clinical years. It is the most comprehensive and portable quick reference in UK dentistry, and its regular updates ensure it reflects current guidelines and practice. Buy the 7th edition new for clinical years, or a used 6th edition for pre-clinical study.
Is the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry essential for BDS students?
Yes — it is the standard pocket reference at every UK dental school and is used daily on clinical placements. Most dental students carry it throughout years 3–5. It is the dental equivalent of the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine for medical students.
Is the 7th edition worth buying over the 6th edition?
Yes, for clinical years — the 7th edition (2020) includes a completely new chapter on dental implants and the updated 2018 periodontal disease classification. For pre-clinical years, a cheaper used 6th edition is sufficient. If you are entering Year 3 or beyond, buy the 7th edition.
Do I need other dentistry textbooks as well?
Yes — the OHCD is a quick reference, not a textbook. You will need subject-specific textbooks for anatomy (Berkovitz & Moxham), oral medicine, oral surgery, and restorative dentistry for your pre-clinical years. The OHCD complements these rather than replacing them.
How does the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry compare to similar books?
The OHCD is the most comprehensive single-volume dental reference. Alternatives include Roper-Hall’s Textbook of Ophthalmology (Mosby Dental Handbook) and Dental Pocketbook series, but none matches the OHCD’s breadth, currency, or acceptance across UK dental schools. It is essentially the standard.
Last Updated: Last Updated: July 2026 | Author: Textbooks.co.uk Editorial Team
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