Proactive, Not Reactive

Implementing an oral health/systemic health wellness plan for patients can be a vital part of a dental practice’s proactive approach to healthcare. Such a plan emphasizes early detection and treatment of disease, not the least of which is oral cancer. As noted in this issue’s cover story, early detection of oral cancer increases the patient’s chance of survival considerably. The authors, who conducted a PRoBE-type study of 170 patients, discuss the use of salivary diagnostics as a potential means of noninvasively identifying lesions at risk for cancer. The promise that advanced salivary molecular diagnostics holds in the identification of patients with oral squamous cell cancer could put dentists in a prime position to improve early detection and reduce mortality.

In our CE curriculum this month, we feature a predictable technique to register retruded contact position using a disposable jaw relation recording device. The article describes several clinical situations using the jaw recorder. The authors’ technique is aimed at enabling clinicians to quickly and accurately record RCP, balance dentures, and orthopedically reposition the mandible.

The other CE describes a newer, diagnostically driven All-on-4 treatment concept. The protocol is intended to offer several advantages over earlier All-on-4 methods, including reduced surgical and restorative chairtime, restoration-driven surgery, and simplified restorative procedures. The protocol results in improved strength, durability, and esthetics of the provisional restoration.

Also featured in this issue is an insightful review of collagen, which is a vital resource for regeneration in periodontics, along with a clinical technique review that discusses the positive influence crown contours can have on soft-tissue esthetics. Additionally, our Kois Center case report demonstrates 6-year outcomes using a method to assess treatment options based on the expected long-term results.

Being proactive, rather than just reactive, benefits everyone—especially your patients. For more educational resources to help you incorporate proactive interventions into your practice, please visit Compendium online at www.compendiumlive.com.

Sincerely,

Louis F. Rose, DDS, MD
Editor-In-Chief
lrose@aegiscomm.com