Book excerpt: This balanced text with a straight forward, clear link between theory and practice provides in depth, comprehensive information that is appropriate for an introductory course without overwhelming the student with unessential details. It prepares students for the board and licensing examinations and at the same time gives them the practical knowledge they need with case studies, procedure boxes and suggested lab activities that prepare students to apply theory to clinical practice and patient management. True to its title, this book speaks to both the dental assisting and dental hygiene student.