Book excerpt: Essential Dental Therapeutics is a practical guide to drugs and their effects on dental care. Covering both medical and dental prescribing, all major categories of prescription drugs, their possible side effects, and potential drug interactions are discussed. The medical section is succinct and easily understandable, providing busy dentists with the information they need about medical conditions and the drugs used to treat them. The dental section offers practical, straightforward information that is relevant to everyday dental prescribing. All clinical contributing authors are medically and dentally trained, and both strands are fully integrated throughout the text. Readers can test their knowledge by using the key topics and learning objectives at the start of each chapter, and by accessing the companion website featuring self-assessment questions. Essential Dental Therapeutics is a practical reference for dental students and practitioners, ensuring they are safe and informed in everyday practice.