Eager to Get Going

Things are still being sorted out on the COVID-19 pandemic front, and there remains considerable uncertainty among the dental community and the patients it serves. Practitioners have many questions regarding the reopening of their offices, and federal, state, and local healthcare and oral care organizations are striving to keep dental providers up to date with guidance. In the meantime, one thing is certain: Many dentists are eager to get back to work.

As practices gradually reopen, patient and practitioner safety is paramount, and improved efficiencies and technology will play important roles. Our "Online Only" section this month (see p.306) features a discussion of strategies for aerosol containment, personal safety, and effective dental hygiene provision in a post COVID-19 environment.

A range of articles in this issue are aimed at giving clinicians better control over procedures. Our first continuing education (CE) article reviews laser usage for the harvesting of soft-tissue biopsies. The authors describe the different types of dental lasers that may be used for this purpose and offer advice for enhancing technique to allow successful histopathologic analysis. We also report on a case series in which a unique atraumatic approach to internal sinus lifting was used; the motorized expansion drill technique for maxillary sinus elevation and placement of posterior implants enabled improved surgical control and a reduction in patient trauma.

Other practical articles for improving clinical outcomes include a case report that tracks the healing of an immediately placed implant in a molar site without the use of bone graft material, a review of a new implant impression coping design, and a report on the state-of-the-art on orthodontic clear aligners.

Finally, Compendium would like to acknowledge the achievement of one of its esteemed Advisory Board Section Editors. Donald S. Clem, III, DDS, has been named the recipient of the 2020 Gold Medal Award from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Dr. Clem has for more than three decades helped advance the field of regenerative periodontics and dental implants, lecturing worldwide, conducting research, and teaching at dental institutions throughout the United States. The AAP recognized Dr. Clem with its highest honor for his outstanding service to the Academy and contributions to the understanding of periodontology. We offer a hearty "congratulations" to our friend and colleague, Dr. Clem!

Sincerely,

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