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Inside Dentistry
Jul/Aug 2010
Volume 6, Issue 7

From the Editor

Gerard Kugel, DMD, MS, PhD

Dear Readers,
This month, Inside Dentistry continues its annual tradition of covering the technological developments that are changing the way dentistry is practiced. Our profession is in its Digital Age, and the incorporation of technological innovations into dental practices has the potential to enhance treatments and professional productivity. This year, we welcome the insights of six key opinion leaders, each of whom offer their perspectives about a particular area of technology.

Visualize the Problem. The way we look at and analyze the oral structures has changed, and technology is enabling dentists to see the oral environment in ways far beyond mere radiographs. The advent of 3-D imaging specifically for dentistry has enhanced our understanding of oral processes, as well as increased our accuracy and precision when performing various types of hard and soft tissue oral surgery. When used by properly trained clinicians, such technologies lend themselves to improving treatment outcomes.

Diagnose the Problem. Today, dental practitioners have more information available about their patients’ oral and overall health then ever before. This is made possible largely through digital imaging and other oral tissue/fluid based diagnostic tools that have advanced and enhanced our abilities to identify disease states. However, these technological tools are just that—adjunctive aids intended to supplement our own visual assessment and clinical diagnostic aptitude. No technology or equipment can replace the dentist’s judgment or evaluative skill set.

Treat the Problem. Dentistry is moving from being a surgical and reparative profession to one that focuses on healing its patients and managing their overall health. Today’s new and emerging dental technologies enable dentists to approach treatments in ways that are significantly more minimally invasive—and longer lasting—than in years past. However, the need for proper training in their use—whether lasers for soft tissue surgery or CAD/CAM restorations for decayed teeth, as well as education regarding when such use is indicated—must be emphasized.

We hope you enjoy this issue and find that it delivers relevant and trustworthy information you can use as you consider the impact that incorporating new and advanced technologies could have on the level of care you provide your patients. We encourage you to send us your feedback to letters@insidedentistry.net. Thank you for reading and, most of all, thank you for your continued support.

With warm regards,

Gerard Kugel, DMD, MS, PhD
Associate Dean for Research
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Boston, MA
gkugel@aegiscomm.com

P.S. Remember to enter this month’s iPad contest … look for the four unique chances to win throughout the issue. Good luck!

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