European Federation Of Periodontology Research Articles

Treatment of stage I-III periodontitis-The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline.

BackgroundThe recently introduced 2017 World Workshop on the classification of periodontitis, incorporating stages and grades of disease, aims to link disease classification with approaches to prevention and treatment, as it describes not only disease severity and extent but also the degree of complexity and an individual's risk. There is, therefore, a need for evidence‐based clinical guidelines providing recommendations to treat periodontitis.AimThe objective of the current project was to develop a S3 Level Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the treatment of Stage I–III periodontitis.Material and MethodsThis S3 CPG was developed under the auspices of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), following the methodological guidance of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). The rigorous and transparent process included synthesis of relevant research in 15 specifically commissioned systematic reviews, evaluation of the quality and strength of evidence, the formulation of specific recommendations and consensus, on those recommendations, by leading experts and a broad base of stakeholders.ResultsThe S3 CPG approaches the treatment of periodontitis (stages I, II and III) using a pre‐established stepwise approach to therapy that, depending on the disease stage, should be incremental, each including different interventions. Consensus was achieved on recommendations covering different interventions, aimed at (a) behavioural changes, supragingival biofilm, gingival inflammation and risk factor control; (b) supra‐ and sub‐gingival instrumentation, with and without adjunctive therapies; (c) different types of periodontal surgical interventions; and (d) the necessary supportive periodontal care to extend benefits over time.ConclusionThis S3 guideline informs clinical practice, health systems, policymakers and, indirectly, the public on the available and most effective modalities to treat periodontitis and to maintain a healthy dentition for a lifetime, according to the available evidence at the time of publication.

Remarkable Improvement of Periodontal Diseases (PD)and Diabetic State with Weight Reduction by Super Low Carbohydrate Diet (LCD)

The case was 57-year-old male with the past history of post-operation of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) at 11 years old. For dental problems, he visited a dentist and was diagnosed as periodontal diseases (PD) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with 7.8% of HbA1c. His teeth showed moderate to severe PD and chronic periapical periodontitis due to carious teeth. He was treated for PD and T2DM in dental and internal medicine departments of the hospital. As our formula meal, super low carbohydrate diet (LCD) with 12% of carbohydrate ratio was started. Then, his weight decreased from 100kg to 90 kg in 3 months and HbA1c decreased from 7.8% to 5.4% in 4 months with normalized C-reactive protein (CRP) value. His clinical progress was satisfactory with effective results of dental treatment and LCD. Recent consensus guidelines by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) recommend the both treatments of PD and diabetes by dentist and internist together. Authors have continued clinical practice and research for years concerning LCD through Japan LCD promotion association (JLCDPA). This case would become some reference from PD and diabetic points of view.

A new classif ication in Periodontology (Chicago 2017). Impact in Orthodontics

In 2018, a new « Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions » was adopted by the American Academy of Periodontology and the European Federation of Periodontology. Numerous studies in recent years have improved the understanding of periodontal diseases and their risk factors, leading to an update of the 1999 classification. Among the major changes is the development of a classification of periodontitis into different stages and grades and the notion of periodontal health, an essential prerequisite for orthodontic treatment. Based on the analysis of the 24 published articles, this work provides explanations regarding the main changes that orthodontists may face. The classification of Chicago precisely defines periodontal health and proposes a new system for characterizing periodontitis in stages and grades. It then becomes a valuable aid for the orthodontist in risk detection and periodontal screening. The knowledge of this new classification is essential for reliable communication between dentists, periodontists and orthodontists, in order to guarantee the success of orthodontic treatment.

Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis: An update 2012-2017.

Rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis are both chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory reaction that leads to destruction of bone and other connective tissue. Owing to these similarities, the relationship between these two diseases has been investigated for over two decades. In the 2013 proceedings from a workshop jointly held by the European Federation of Periodontology and American Academy of Periodontology in 2012 it was concluded that there was at least minimal evidence of an association between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this review, we consider publications in the field over the past 5years and determine whether the evidence for this relationship has increased.

The 2018 periodontitis case definition improves accuracy performance of full-mouth partial diagnostic protocols

We aimed to compare the accuracy performance of the new 2018 periodontitis case definition by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP)/ American Association of Periodontology (AAP) with Centers for Disease Control (CDC)/AAP 2012 in full-mouth partial recording protocols (PRP). Retrospective data from NHANES 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 were analyzed. For each case definition, full-mouth diagnostic was defined as the reference standard. Patients were diagnosed for the presence of periodontitis and staging for each PRP. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and precision, through several indicators, were determined. Performance measurement was assessed through binary and multiclass ROC/AUC analyses. Our performance analysis shows that the new 2018 classification outperforms the 2012 classification regarding the diagnosis and staging of periodontitis on full-mouth PRPs. This recent case definition has strengthened the utility of PRPs and its improvements certainly explain the observed findings. Also, our findings contribute to the reliability of PRPs and its use in future worldwide epidemiological surveys.

Introducing the Oral-B iO electric toothbrush: next generation oscillating-rotating technology

A novel oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush (Oral-B iO) has been developed with a linear magnetic drive, resulting in oscillation-rotations with micro-vibrations. The mechanism directs motor energy directly to the bristle tips. The brush also has a redesigned round brush head and smart pressure sensor to enhance plaque removal and encourage proper brushing technique. The plaque removal and gingival health effects of this new electric toothbrush technology were evaluated in three randomized controlled studies summarized in this supplement, including an 8-week trial versus a manual toothbrush, an 8-week trial versus a premium sonic toothbrush, and a single-brushing, repetitive-use study versus a manual toothbrush. Outcomes from these studies demonstrate statistically significantly greater plaque removal and gingival health improvements for the Oral-B iO toothbrush technology versus manual and sonic toothbrush controls. Plaque removal advantages demonstrated in the replicate-use single-brushing trial resulted in significant gingival health benefits as evidenced in the longer-term trials. In addition, gingivitis case status assessments based on the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) guidelines show that over 80% of subjects using the Oral-B iO transitioned from 'gingivitis' (≥10% bleeding sites) at baseline to 'generally healthy' (<10% bleeding sites) at week 8 in both longer-term clinical trials, versus 24% in the manual toothbrush group and 53% in the sonic toothbrush group. This uniquely designed oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush with a linear magnetic drive delivers significantly greater plaque removal and gingival health benefits with additional features to improve brushing experience and clinical outcomes.

Ultrasonography for diagnosis of peri-implant diseases and conditions: a detailed scanning protocol and case demonstration.

Ultrasonography has shown its promising diagnostic value in dental implant imaging research in the three treatment phases, namely, planning, intraoperative, and postoperative phase. With increasing awareness of peri-implant diseases and a lack of an efficient diagnostic method, the aim is to propose ultrasound imaging as a potential solution by providing a detailed scanning protocol and case demonstration. Ultrasound device specification and the setup for optimizing peri-implant tissue imaging was described. Two useful imaging modes, viz. B-mode and color flow, were introduced. Important anatomical structures for accurate diagnosis of peri-implant diseases were illustrated. Finally, a detailed scanning sequence was proposed. Ultrasound images were acquired on live humans to exemplify the four peri-implant diseases and conditions, endorsed by the 2017 World Workshop organized by the American Academy of Periodontology and the European Federation of Periodontology. Ultrasound can provide not only cross-sectional anatomical images but also functional images (color flow images) that may be useful for evaluating the degree of peri-implant tissue inflammation. High-frequency ultrasonography could be another cross-sectional imaging modality in adjunct to radiographs for diagnosing imminent peri-implant diseases and conditions that negatively influence quality of life of millions of patients with implants. This case study provides a framework for future related research work and clinical scanning guidelines.

Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Diseases. Consensus Report.

Background:In Europe cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 3.9 million deaths (45% of deaths), being ischaemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension (leading to heart failure) the major cause of these CVD related deaths. Periodontitis is also a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) with a high prevalence, being severe periodontitis, affecting 11.2% of the world’s population, the sixth most common human disease.Material and Methods:There is now a significant body of evidence to support independent associations between severe periodontitis and several NCDs, in particular CVD. In 2012 a joint workshop was held between the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the American Academy of Periodontology to review the literature relating periodontitis and systemic diseases, including CVD. In the last five years important new scientific information has emerged providing important emerging evidence to support these associations.Results and Conclusions:The present review reports the proceedings of the workshop jointly organised by the EFP and the World Heart Federation (WHF), which has updated the existing epidemiological evidence for significant associations between periodontitis and CVD, the mechanistic links and the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular and surrogate outcomes. This review has also focused on the potential risk and complications of periodontal therapy in patients on anti thrombotic therapy and has made recommendations for dentists, physicians and for patients visiting both the dental and medical practices.

Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report.

BackgroundIn Europe cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 3.9 million deaths (45% of deaths), being ischaemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension (leading to heart failure) the major cause of these CVD related deaths. Periodontitis is also a chronic non‐communicable disease (NCD) with a high prevalence, being severe periodontitis, affecting 11.2% of the world's population, the sixth most common human disease.Material and MethodsThere is now a significant body of evidence to support independent associations between severe periodontitis and several NCDs, in particular CVD. In 2012 a joint workshop was held between the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the American Academy of Periodontology to review the literature relating periodontitis and systemic diseases, including CVD. In the last five years important new scientific information has emerged providing important emerging evidence to support these associationsResults and ConclusionsThe present review reports the proceedings of the workshop jointly organised by the EFP and the World Heart Federation (WHF), which has updated the existing epidemiological evidence for significant associations between periodontitis and CVD, the mechanistic links and the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular and surrogate outcomes. This review has also focused on the potential risk and complications of periodontal therapy in patients on anti thrombotic therapy and has made recommendations for dentists, physicians and for patients visiting both the dental and medical practices.

Awareness, practices, training, and confidence of Paediatric Diabetes Care Teams in relation to periodontitis.

Diabetes and periodontal disease are non-communicable chronic diseases that have a bi-directional relationship. The European Federation of Periodontology and International Diabetes Federation recommend patients with diabetes should be screened for periodontal disease and referred to a dental professional where appropriate. This study investigated the awareness among Paediatric Diabetes Care Teams across England and Wales of diabetes as a risk factor for periodontal disease. The study enquired to the practices, training, and confidence of health care professionals in relation to periodontal disease. A semi-structured online questionnaire was sent to all health care professionals working within Paediatric Diabetes Care Teams across England and Wales. Findings showed that 76.2% of participants were aware that periodontitis is a possible complication of diabetes. Only 5.2% screened for periodontal issues, while 27% of respondents stated that oral advice is not typically given to patients at their clinics and 92.3% said that there is no access to a periodontal service within their clinics. There were 76.4% participants who stated that patients are rarely or never referred to an external dental service for their periodontal health. Only 4.8% of respondents said they have received training for recognizing patients who require dental care for their periodontal health, while 23.2% feel confident identifying children who require referral and 85.4% of participants feel they would benefit from further training in periodontal health. In conclusion, patients are not routinely being informed of the risk of periodontitis or being screened or referred for it. Further training would be perceived as beneficial.

Assessment and management of endo-periodontal lesions

Endo-periodontal lesions present a number of challenges for clinicians. These include understanding their underlying aetiology, forming an accurate diagnosis and suitable prognosis and subsequently formulating an effective treatment strategy. This article aims to provide a summary of the literature available in the areas highlighted above, with particular reference to the recent joint American Academy of Periodontology and European Federation of Periodontology (AAP/EFP) world workshop for classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper outlines important aspects a clinician must consider, including anatomy, a systematic methodology for assessment and introduction of the new classification of periodontal diseases in diagnosis. Prognosis and formulation of appropriate management strategies are explored.

Methodological evaluation of reviews that support recommendations from three consensus workshops in periodontology

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate comprehensiveness and reproducibility of reviews that support consensus guidelines in periodontology. MethodsWe included the reviews that support consensus guidelines from three workshops in periodontology, which were overseen by likely the two most important organisations in the field: the European Federation of Periodontology and the American Academy of Periodontology. We independently evaluated the comprehensiveness of literature searches by determining whether authors had searched reference lists, journals, registries and grey literature and whether the searches were limited to only one or a few languages. We evaluated whether review authors reported the eligibility criteria, the search strategies, and the list of included/excluded articles. We tested whether the search and selection of articles in one major database was reproducible. ResultsTwenty-nine reviews were evaluated. Two (7%) reviews reported grey literature searches, and more than two-thirds of the reviews did not report hand-searching. Almost half of the reviews did not report whether there was language restriction for the literature searches. Two-thirds of the reviews reported the use of keywords only (without Boolean operators). One-fourth of the reviews reported the presence of a list of excluded articles after the full-text assessment. None of the reviews reported a detailed list of excluded articles after screening of titles/abstracts. None of the reviews reported enough information to allow reproduction of the findings of the PubMed search. ConclusionsThere is room to improve the reporting of the methodologies that are used in reviews that support periodontology consensus guidelines, although heterogeneity in reporting was found across all the reviews.

Biologically guided implant therapy: A diagnostic and therapeutic strategy of conservation and preservation based on periodontal staging and grading.

Biologically guided implant therapy is based on the new periodontitis classification system recently released by the American Academy of Periodontology and the European Federation of Periodontology that uses staging and grading for the diagnosis of periodontitis. This paper proposes that periodontitis staging and grading should be used in dental implant therapy as a means to ensure maximum conservation of teeth and maximum preservation of alveolar bone. These biologic principles should guide the treatment planning process and supersede a mechanically based, restoratively driven rationale that should be secondary to the biologic principles of conservation and preservation but part of the collaborative treatment planning process. And treatment alternatives throughout the patient's lifetime should be provided for in case of prosthesis loss due to peri-implantitis. The use of grading will help with recognition of systemic aspects that can have a negative impact.

A new classification scheme for periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions - Introduction and key changes from the 1999 classification.

A classification scheme for periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions is necessary for clinicians to properly diagnose and treat patients as well as for scientists to investigate etiology, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of the diseases and conditions. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions. The workshop was co-sponsored by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and included expert participants from all over the world. Planning for the conference, which was held in Chicago on November 9 to 11, 2017, began in early 2015. An organizing committee from the AAP and EFP commissioned 19 review papers and four consensus reports covering relevant areas in periodontology and implant dentistry. The authors were charged with updating the 1999 classification of periodontal diseases and conditions and developing a similar scheme for peri-implant diseases and conditions. Reviewers and workgroups were also asked to establish pertinent case definitions and to provide diagnostic criteria to aid clinicians in the use of the new classification. All findings and recommendations of the workshop were agreed to by consensus. This introductory paper presents an overview for the new classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions, along with a condensed scheme for each of four workgroup sections, but readers are directed to the pertinent consensus reports and review papers for a thorough discussion of the rationale, criteria, and interpretation of the proposed classification. Changes to the 1999 classification are highlighted and discussed. Although the intent of the workshop was to base classification on the strongest available scientific evidence, lower level evidence and expert opinion were inevitably used whenever sufficient research data were unavailable. The scope of this workshop was to align and update the classification scheme to the current understanding of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. This introductory overview presents the schematic tables for the new classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions and briefly highlights changes made to the 1999 classification. It cannot present the wealth of information included in the reviews, case definition papers, and consensus reports that has guided the development of the new classification, and reference to the consensus and case definition papers is necessary to provide a thorough understanding of its use for either case management or scientific investigation. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the reader use this overview as an introduction to these subjects. Accessing this publication online will allow the reader to use the links in this overview and the tables to view the source papers (Table1).

A new classification scheme for periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions - Introduction and key changes from the 1999 classification.

A classification scheme for periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions is necessary for clinicians to properly diagnose and treat patients as well as for scientists to investigate etiology, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of the diseases and conditions. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions. The workshop was co-sponsored by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and included expert participants from all over the world. Planning for the conference, which was held in Chicago on November 9 to 11, 2017, began in early 2015. An organizing committee from the AAP and EFP commissioned 19 review papers and four consensus reports covering relevant areas in periodontology and implant dentistry. The authors were charged with updating the 1999 classification of periodontal diseases and conditions and developing a similar scheme for peri-implant diseases and conditions. Reviewers and workgroups were also asked to establish pertinent case definitions and to provide diagnostic criteria to aid clinicians in the use of the new classification. All findings and recommendations of the workshop were agreed to by consensus. This introductory paper presents an overview for the new classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions, along with a condensed scheme for each of four workgroup sections, but readers are directed to the pertinent consensus reports and review papers for a thorough discussion of the rationale, criteria, and interpretation of the proposed classification. Changes to the 1999 classification are highlighted and discussed. Although the intent of the workshop was to base classification on the strongest available scientific evidence, lower level evidence and expert opinion were inevitably used whenever sufficient research data were unavailable. The scope of this workshop was to align and update the classification scheme to the current understanding of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. This introductory overview presents the schematic tables for the new classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions and briefly highlights changes made to the 1999 classification. It cannot present the wealth of information included in the reviews, case definition papers, and consensus reports that has guided the development of the new classification, and reference to the consensus and case definition papers is necessary to provide a thorough understanding of its use for either case management or scientific investigation. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the reader use this overview as an introduction to these subjects. Accessing this publication online will allow the reader to use the links in this overview and the tables to view the source papers (Table).

Periodontal education and assessment in the undergraduate dental curriculum-A questionnaire-based survey in European countries.

This survey aimed to evaluate whether periodontal education and assessment in undergraduate dental curricula amongst the member countries of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) follow the competency-based curricular guidelines and recommendations developed by the Association for Dental Education in Europe. A multiple-choice questionnaire was emailed to 244 dental institutes amongst the 24 EFP member countries between November 2014 and July 2015. Data were received from 16 (66.7%) EFP member countries. Out of 117 responding dental institutes, 76 (64.95%) were included as valid responders. In most of the institutes (86.3%), a minimum set of competencies in periodontology was taken into account when constructing their dental education programmes. Out of 76 responders, 98.1% included lecture-based, 74.1% case-based and 57.1% problem-based teaching in their periodontal curricula, whilst a minority (15.9%) also used other methods. A similar pattern was also seen in the time allocation for these four educational methods, that is, the highest proportion (51.8%) was dedicated to lecture-based teaching and only a small proportion (5.7%) to other methods. Periodontal competencies and skills were most frequently assessed by clinical grading on clinic, multiple-choice examination (written examination) and oral examination, whereas competency tests and self-assessment were rarely used. Only in 11 (14.5%) cases, access flap procedures were performed by students. Great diversity in teaching methodology amongst the surveyed schools was demonstrated, and thus, to harmonise undergraduate periodontal education and assessment across Europe, a minimum set of recommendations could be developed and disseminated by the EFP.

Scientific evidence on the links between periodontal diseases and diabetes: Consensus report and guidelines of the joint workshop on periodontal diseases and diabetes by the International diabetes Federation and the European Federation of Periodontology

BackgroundDiabetes and periodontitis are chronic non-communicable diseases independently associated with mortality and have a bidirectional relationship. AimsTo update the evidence for their epidemiological and mechanistic associations and re-examine the impact of effective periodontal therapy upon metabolic control (glycated haemoglobin, HbA1C). EpidemiologyThere is strong evidence that people with periodontitis have elevated risk for dysglycaemia and insulin resistance. Cohort studies among people with diabetes demonstrate significantly higher HbA1C levels in patients with periodontitis (versus periodontally healthy patients), but there are insufficient data among people with type 1 diabetes. Periodontitis is also associated with an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes. MechanismsMechanistic links between periodontitis and diabetes involve elevations in interleukin (IL)-1-β, tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-6, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio, oxidative stress and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/4 expression. InterventionsPeriodontal therapy is safe and effective in people with diabetes, and it is associated with reductions in HbA1C of 0.27–0.48% after 3 months, although studies involving longer-term follow-up are inconclusive. ConclusionsThe European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) report consensus guidelines for physicians, oral healthcare professionals and patients to improve early diagnosis, prevention and comanagement of diabetes and periodontitis.

Impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health, nutrition and wellbeing of mankind: A call for global action.

The global burden of periodontal diseases remains high. Population growth trends, changes in risk factors and improved tooth retention will increase the socio-economic burden of periodontitis that is responsible for 3.5million years lived with disability, 54billion USD/year in lost productivity and a major portion of the 442billion USD/year cost for oral diseases. In the context of the Milan World Exhibition 2015 "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life," a green paper was developed and offered for global consultation by the European Federation of Periodontology. The final draft was endorsed by professional organizations around the world and is presented to stakeholders as a call for global action. Specific actions for the public, policymakers, educators and professional organizations have been identified in the areas of prevention, detection and care. These actions align public interest and knowledge, need for self-care, professional intervention and policies to the best scientific evidence to proactively promote periodontal health and effectively manage the global burden of periodontal diseases, in accordance with WHO/UN priorities and strategies for tackling common non-communicable diseases via the Common Risk Factor Approach. A strong and coherent body of evidence allows identification of actionable preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively promote periodontal health and general wellbeing, and better manage the socio-economic consequences. Action requires consideration of the specific national scenarios.

AAP President's Address.

Welcome to the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Periodontology. This year marked a period of new beginnings, the start of a fresh vision and a new legacy. In 1914, the American Academy of Oral Prophylaxis and Periodontology was founded by Drs. Gillette Hayden andGrace Rogers Spalding. In 1919, the name of the organization was changed to the American Academyof Periodontology. So, last year, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of our organization’s origins and the 95th year as the AAP. As the Academy’s past presidents leaned in to blow out the candles on our Academy’s centennial birthday cake, we toasted an organization that has directed and defined the legacy of the specialty of periodontics for the past century—the specialty that, number one, saves teeth; number two, regenerates bone and soft tissues, laying the foundation for beautiful and healthy smiles; and number three, reduces the risk of systemic diseases. We are the true deliverers of oral health care. After taking the helm of the presidency for the AAP’s 101st year, I thought of what our legacy could be. This is a time when the hows and the whys in the practice and study of periodontics are constantly shifting. I wondered this: 99 years from now, what will this specialty look like? So the theme for this, our 101st year and guiding us into our next century, has been ‘‘New Beginnings.’’ New beginnings come in many forms, with opportunities to start anew in our personal and professional lives. For our Academy, this is an opportunity to refresh and modernize our mission, vision, and brand. New beginnings may be fraught with uncertainty and fear of the future, but if we commit to the core values that define us—a foundation in science, innovation, and the highest level of patient care—we will succeed. You will succeed if you pretend you are the patient in the chair. So what were our new beginnings in 2015? Invigorating our commitment to science is among the many things that make us unique. In the DNA of every periodontist is an inquisitive scientist and a skilled clinician, so as an Academy, we’ve spent the last 12 months reinvigorating the science that drives our daily work. The AAP has repositioned itself as the go-to source for evidence-based data that drive dentistry forward: world-class research was published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) and Clinical Advances in Periodontics, which is designed to show our colleagues what is possible. The Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry highlighted the Academy’s 2014 Regeneration Workshop in its November 2015 issue. We are poised to continue our push to advance the science in 2016, particularly with the upcoming bestevidence conferences on cone beam computed tomography, lasers, and dental implants. Our plans also include the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions, designed to reassess the existing types of periodontal diseases and conditions. This follow-up to the1999World Workshop will unite thinkers from the AAP, European Federation of Periodontology, and similar groups from Asia, South America, and Canada. The findings from this workshop will make disease classification more applicable to clinical practice, especially for dental students. Students and young, emerging members are groups that the Academy is working to embrace and elevate. These individuals will one day sit at the helm of our board, committees, and task forces. I challenge everyone to reach out, educate, mentor, and serve those who comprise our posterity. For the first time, the AAP has provided educational grants that enable third-year residents to attend the annual meeting festivities, which included yesterday’s symposiumon current regenerative technologies presented by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation and Osteology Foundation. The symposium was held as a part of the young professionals fast track, which is another first for the Academy’s annual meeting and a specially designed series of sessions geared to those who are the faces of our future. As part of an Academy-wide effort to prioritize its engagement with new members, we are currently exploring the opportunity to allow students and emerging members to have a stand-alone meeting. This would allow each yearly class of attendees to establish its own identity while learning among peers and solidifying a relationship with the Academy. To our periodontal residents and those who have been in practice for 10 years and under: you are our future. Stickwith us. You are important to ourAcademy, and we will stand by you in your careers. At tomorrownight’s general assemblymeeting, voting members will have the opportunity to chime in on two critical votes affecting students and emerging members. One will grant students the benefits of full-fledged AAP membership upon graduation, with a tiered pricing

Diabetes and periodontal disease: What should we learn next?

Diabetes and periodontal disease: What should we learn next?