Greetings!
Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD
I am both thrilled and humbled to serve as a Guest Editor for Inside Dental Hygiene. For those of you who do not already know me, I would like to share a little about myself. First thing's first-I'm just like you. I am a dental hygienist and a practicing prosthodontist. This year, I celebrated the 20-year anniversary of graduation from a dental hygiene program. I am forever grateful for my dental hygiene education, as it was my introduction to this profession, and I believe that my patients are healthier because prevention is a top priority in my practice. My interests in the dental field are vast, and as a result my career has evolved into the perfect combination of patient care and education. Although I spend most of my time treating patients, I have always enjoyed teaching, lecturing, and writing.
From this dual perspective, I am keenly aware of the impact the hygiene department can have on a dental practice. Dental hygiene is integral for the maintenance of oral health and for the promotion of long-term restorative outcomes. In addition, dental hygiene has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life of a substantial number of people through education and individualized preventive therapies.
Inside Dental Hygiene tackles important topics that impact our practices, patients, and professions. The current issue covers the full spectrum of oral healthcare, including xerostomia, caries management, access to care, and trends that affect the delivery of dental hygiene treatment. For example, the first continuing education article addresses a topic that has ignited notable interest in prevention: the incorporation of silver diammine fluoride (SDF) into clinical practice. Stabilizing or remineralizing caries lesions is advantageous for many patient populations, especially for pediatric patients with limited access to care. Scientific literature and educational institutions support its use in arresting dental caries and minimizing dentinal hypersensitivity, yet many clinicians are hesitant to incorporate SDF into clinical practice.
The second continuing education article describes how successful identification and management of xerostomia can improve a patient's comfort, oral function, immunity, and longevity of teeth and restorations. In addition to education on clinical treatments, this issue extends its coverage to hygiene topics outside the operatory, such as access to dental and dental hygiene services and major trends in the profession, including technological advancements and innovation.
Finally, I'm pleased to announce that this issue marks a new chapter for Inside Dental Hygiene, as a pivotal component of Inside Dentistry, CDEWorld, and AEGIS Dental Network. The Aegis platform is growing, and building new bridges to connect the general practitioner and the hygienist in professional practice, research, and education. These dental platforms together offer resources, contributors, and educational portals that will help expand and promote the role of preventive care in healthcare. My goal is to help us all work together to advance our patients' oral care and healthy lifestyles. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to your feedback as we move ahead.
