Since 1976, when Ebola hemorrhagic fever was first identified, 1,511 human deaths have been reported. At the end of January, 8,829 reported deaths have been attributed to the latest Ebola outbreak. When we think about it, it is a tragedy beyond imagination, with so many people having to suffer. It is Oral Cancer Awareness month and, once again, we have an obligation to point out some of the grim statistics associated with this disease. In 2014 alone, of the more than 43,000 cases of oral or pharyngeal cancer diagnosed in the United States alone, more than 8,000 will die. Many more will be destined to live a life that has been dramatically changed, crippled and mentally devastated by a disease that has no boundaries related to our concept of human dignity. Do we understand the responsibility that we have in the dental profession? That should make us think, but does it make us act?
In addition to a proper clinical examination, we have a variety of technologies (screening lights, brush biopsies, new and amazingly accurate salivary biomarkers) that can increase the chances for an earlier diagnosis. Do we employ all means necessary to be extra vigilant for cancer as we would like to have done with ourselves and loved ones? Think how anxious we all became over the latest Ebola outbreak, but note how unchanging the grim statistics on oral and pharyngeal cancer have been, numbing us all to a litany of the same bad news year after year after year. Then ask yourself this: “Have we made progress in the fight against oral and pharyngeal cancer?” You be the judge!
We have some excellent articles in this issue. Dr. Mike Malone, in our cover-featured interview, candidly discusses aesthetic dentistry and continuing education opportunities; Drs. William Giannobile and Pamela McClain focus on AAP-issued guidelines for perio regeneration and tissue engineering; Dr. Jack Griffin deals with bulk-fill placement techniques; Dr. Douglas Mahn demonstrates the use of a tunnel connective tissue-grafting technique to restore teeth in the aesthetic zone; Dr. Ara Nazarian shares up-to-date ways to ensure proper form and function; Dr. John Nosti demonstrates how to achieve natural aesthetics with dentures; Dr. August de Oliveira outlines CAD/CAM design and fabrication steps for success in the aesthetic zone; Drs. Charles Nicholson and William Nordquist outline a technique for restoring the severely atrophic jaw; Dr. Arnold Rosen combines traditional and modern technologies for efficiency and predictable outcomes; and, in our peer-reviewed CE article this month (4 FAGD/MAGD CEUs), Drs. George Mandelaris and Mei Lu discuss the importance of extraction socket preservation in implant dentistry.
Please enjoy this issue of Dentistry Today!
