The Value of Education

The new year is off and running, and Compendium is excited to embark on its 44th year as the leading publisher in journal-based continuing dental education. As we like to say around here, learning is a lifelong process. We are proud that so many clinicians, both general practitioners and specialists alike, depend on this journal year in and year out to achieve their continuing dental education needs and advance their clinical know-how. Through the decades, Compendium has remained dedicated to this learning process, and 2023 will be no exception.

We start the year off with a CE article that ironically focuses on clinicians not just being the learner, but playing the role of educator. Authored by a distinguished group of expert periodontists, the article describes the "periodontal risk score" and how to implement this report card of sorts into practice. Clinicians can use this evidence-based tool to help determine a patient's long-term periodontal prognosis and develop an individualized treatment plan. Equally as important, the PRS serves as both a teaching instrument and motivator for the patient. In essence, the patient becomes a student. By educating patients in how to "lower their score," clinicians can enable them to improve their periodontal outlook.

Education has certainly proven valuable in combatting COVID. And although the dust seems to be settling regarding the pandemic, and dental practices are at least attempting to get back to normal, the need for dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) to maintain a heightened awareness of infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures will endure. Our second CE article provides instruction to DHCP with regard to IPC best practices. The article familiarizes practitioners with the CDC's Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices, upon which all other IPC protocols are built. In the continued struggle against all infectious disease transmission, education can be a DHCP's best asset.

Be sure to also check out the rest of this month's editorial lineup, featuring a host of clinical techniques, case reports, and practice management tips.

It's been said that people cannot reach their highest heights until they are educated. For dental clinicians, this education process lasts a lifetime. We hope Compendium can play even a small role in that process, both this year and for years to come.

Sincerely,

Markus B. Blatz, DMD, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
mblatz@aegiscomm.com