From the Co-Editor

Louis F. Rose, DDS, MD

Dear Readers,
As oral healthcare practitioners, it is not our place to counsel patients on medical problems, such as diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, it is undoubtedly our responsibility to work with our patients’ physicians and be cognizant of their overall health at all times. Dental care does not end in the mouth. As you have been seeing in Compendium, the preponderance of evidence has been emerging steadily, making it imperative that you stay abreast of the latest information.

One of Compendium’s articles this month analyzes end-stage renal disease and its relationship with periodontal status. Patients receiving renal hemodialysis are medically complex, making it critical that the dental practitioner perceive the challenges in managing these patients’ periodontal health.

In our first Continuing Education (CE) article in this issue, we examine oral cancer, which should be part of a complete oral evaluation, particularly when a patient uses tobacco. Heightened vigilance is of the utmost importance because early detection and treatment can help save a significant number of lives.

Our second CE article explores the changing algorithm of when to save periodontally involved teeth and when to extract and place dental implants. To date, the dental literature does not provide a consensus directive. This article offers a discussion of the five main factors to consider during treatment planning and provides guidelines for choosing between extraction and implant placement and tooth preservation.

These Compendium articles mark a pivotal time in our profession. I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact me at lrose@aegiscomm.com. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Louis F. Rose, DDS, MD