The dental profession increasingly impresses upon the public and policymakers the significance of access to quality, affordable dental care, with children being a special consideration.

As we discover in this month’s cover feature, there are interesting trends guiding the practice of orthodontics in both specialist and general dental practices.

This month, we raise the question about how much we—as a profession—actually know about the link between oral disease and systemic health.

This month’s cover feature about endodontics in the general practice is a good example of how specialized dental knowledge is and should be incorporated into the general practice in order to provide patients with quality care.

This month, Inside Dentistry differentiates the various types of research undertaken to evaluate the multitude of products and techniques available for use in clinical practice.

The active exchange of information about our cases, the relevant local issues, and even the global trends and solutions can give us great insights and perspectives on improving our practice and our professional careers.

As a profession, we need to reevaluate how we approach oral cancer screening in our practices. If we become more vigilant, we can make a difference both individually and collectively.

As we kick off 2008, we begin with an in-depth look at a relevant and timely topic—dental insurance. As healthcare providers, it is imperative that we each stop to examine this issue as well as the associated issues surrounding it.

Part of the problem that clinicians face when choosing among dental products is determining which is really better, newer, safer, and proven.

Digital technology is changing the way clinicians practice dentistry and the manner in which patients participate in their own treatment equation.