Vital to Dentistry

When I was in dental school, the study of dental materials was perhaps my least favorite subject. I viewed these classes as something that I just had to "get through," and it's doubtful that I was alone in this sentiment. How could understanding the composition of composites or the different phases of zirconia possibly be relevant? I could not have been more wrong. The reality is that having an in-depth understanding of materials is vital to the practice of dentistry.

There are so many adhesives, cements, ceramics, resins, and other materials available on the market that it can become daunting to select the ones that are best for your practice. Furthermore, the materials are always evolving. It wasn't until after dental school when I was in my first residency program that I began to appreciate that a firm foundation in materials could be empowering. I became invested in learning about the properties and intricacies of dental materials, and as a consequence, dentistry suddenly became a lot more fun. I was now in the driver's seat because I knew more about what I was using and how best to use it.

Inside Dentistry's 2023 special issue on materials was compiled with this goal in mind. The articles address relevant, timely topics, including universal composites, composite wear properties, additively and subtractively manufactured materials, dental curing lights, and much more. The contributors selected for this issue were chosen not only because they're world-class educators but also because they're incredibly passionate about what they do. While reading, I hope that you catch their enthusiasm. I'd like to thank these dear friends, mentors, and colleagues for making this special issue top notch. Without the expertise of Taiseer Sulaiman, DDS, PhD; Dennis Fasbinder, DDS; Richard Price, BDS, DDS, MS, PhD; Jack Ferracane, PhD; Neil Griseto, BDentSc, MS; and Marcos Vargas, BDS, DDS, MS, it wouldn't be what it is. Most notably, I'd like to thank Bob Margeas, DDS, educator extraordinaire, for this opportunity to be a guest editor. He is an amazing mentor who is always looking to cultivate the next generation of dentists. For most of us, dental school is over. But if you're reading this issue, it's because you've chosen to be a lifelong learner, and that's when the real fun begins!

Melissa Seibert, DMD, MS
Guest Editor
Inside Dentistry
Creator and Host
Dental Digest Podcast
US Air Force Dentist
Lackland Air Force Base
San Antonio, Texas

Robert C. Margeas, DDS
Editor-in-Chief, Inside Dentistry
Private Practice
Des Moines, Iowa
Adjunct Professor
Department of Operative Dentistry
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
robert.margeas@broadcastmed.com