NZDREX case studies

NZDREX · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The New Zealand Diploma in Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry (NZDREX) is a professional credential for dentists who want to demonstrate advanced competence in restorative and esthetic dentistry. It is aimed at practitioners who already hold a primary dental qualification and are looking to formalise their skills in direct and indirect restorations, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, and materials science, while also upholding high standards of professionalism and infection control. The NZDREX case studies are 5 cases and about 4,570 words.

A Non-Healing Tongue Ulcer in a Patient About to Travel

A 62-year-old man attends for a routine scale and mentions a sore on the left side of his tongue that he first noticed about 7 weeks ago. Three weeks ago his GP prescribed amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily for 7 days; the ulcer did not change.

905 words, about 5 min 2

Fractured Cusp in a Bruxer: Direct or Indirect Cuspal Coverage

A 38-year-old woman attends with discomfort in the lower right first molar (46) after biting on crusty bread two days ago. 46 has a large MOD amalgam placed 12 years ago.

887 words, about 4 min 3

Failed Root Filling With a Separated File: Retain, Retreat or Replace

A 45-year-old man is referred about his lower left first molar (36). It had root canal treatment nine years ago and now aches on chewing.

981 words, about 5 min 4

Replacing a Missing Molar Next to a Compromised Tooth

A 54-year-old woman wants the gap from her lower right first molar (46) closed; it was extracted 6 years ago and food packs there. The upper opposing molar has over-erupted by about 2 mm.

857 words, about 4 min 5

Needle-Stick Injury, a Late Disclosure, and a Sterilisation Failure

You are the dentist in a two-chair practice. At 4:40 pm, while giving an inferior alveolar nerve block to a 34-year-old man, the patient jerks and you sustain a needle-stick injury to the pad of your left index finger with the 27-gauge needle that had just been in his mouth.

940 words, about 5 min