Oral melanoma (OM) occurs from activated or genetically altered epidermal melanocytes. There is no scientific evidence that OM can be linked to physical, chemical and thermal irritation, or to other risk factors of the oral cavity. According to fi gures from various countries, OM accounts for 0.2% to 7.5% ( Japan) of all cases of melanoma of the skin and mucous membrane. The male to female ratio of OM is 2:1. About 80% of OMs are located in the mucosa of the palate and maxillary gingiva. This paper presents two cases of oral mucosal melanoma of the upper and lower lips in women aged 62 and 59 years. Diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapy are reported.

Background/Aim. Dental appearance plays an important role in practically all personal social interactions. The main factors that define the dental appearance are tooth colour, shape and position, quality of restoration, and the general position of the teeth in arch, especially in the anterior region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dental status (tooth shape, fracture, dental and prosthetic restorations and presence of plaque) on patient's satisfaction with the dental appearance, controlling for the age and gender. Methods. A total of 700 Caucasian subjects (439 women) aged 18-86 (median 45 years) participated in the cross-sectional study. Study included clinical examination and self-administrated questionnaire based on self-perceived aesthetics and satisfaction with the appearance of their maxillary anterior teeth. Results. A regression analysis demonstrated that presence of dental plaque, tooth fracture, composite fillings and crowns had significant independent contribution and were negative predictors of satisfaction with teeth appearance. Participants with presence of plaque on upper teeth (p < 0.001), fractures (p = 0.005), composite fillings (p < 0.001) and crowns (p = 0.032) were less satisfied than those without it. Model explains 12% or variance of general satisfaction with the appearance of maxillary frontal teeth (p < 0.001) and the major contributors are composite fillings (5.3%) and plaque (3.2%). Tooth shape, age and gender were not significant predictors of satisfaction. Conclusion. Satisfaction with the teeth appearance is under the influence of many factors with significant negative influence of presence of dental plaque, fractures, composite restorations, and crowns.

INTRODUCTION Working in a healthy work environment is the ultimate goal of every employee. Dentistry is a stressful career, and the reasons for dissatisfaction are numerous. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the factors of work satisfaction in dental professionals of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Federation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 134 dental professionals selected randomly from the Registry of Dental Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina Federation were included in the study. All of them filled out the Demographic Questionnaire and Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS). RESULTS An increase in the influence of work on the quality of life as well as an increase in its frequency results in leaving the job and significantly reducing the overall job satisfaction. General dental practitioners are significantly more satisfied as compared with specialists. Significant predictors of the job satisfaction are employment status, type of the practice, and availability of dental assistants. General dental practitioners with a dental assistant employed at a private practice are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. CONCLUSIONS Employment status, practice type and availability of dental assistants are significant predictors of job satisfaction. General dental practitioners working in a private practice with a dental assistant are most likely to be satisfied.