Another issue of Oral Health devoted entirely to esthetic dentistry. The year’s largest issue of Oral Health featuring 12 original articles by an international group of clinicians. How could it be? A Canadian Journal!
This would have been anyone’s thought just several years ago but to quote Bob Dylan, “The times they are a changing.” In the 1920s, the goals of dentistry were described to be mastication, digestion and health. In the 1970s, when I attended dental school, the steps to restoring a patient’s dentition were listed as stable oral health, function, occlusal stability and lastly esthetics.
Today, the public’s recognition, desire and demand for esthetic dentistry has brought a new appreciation for our profession. There are numerous dental publications and advanced continuing dental education devoted to esthetic dentistry.
Esthetic dentistry is no longer merely a buzz word. It has become today’s standard of care. Our patient’s have become more demanding and are no longer satisfied with results that are just acceptable. They are often able to visualize their esthetic desires better than their own dentist. As providers, we must realize that we must continuously improve because “good enough is no longer good enough.” Our patient’s do not want average looking teeth. Their dentistry must be esthetic.
The esthetic revolution has spread to every dental specialty. Periodontists, oral surgeons and orthodontists have modified their techniques and approach and today more than ever work as a team to coordinate a healthy and esthetic result for their patient.
Canada is at the forefront of esthetic dentistry. Canadian dentists are recognized universally for clinical excellence and their contributions to continuing education.
The scope of this esthetic issue of Oral Health is truly international. Our cover story comes all the way from Turkey. Dr. Galip Gurel is the author of the text book, The Science and Art of Porcelain Laminate Veneers and speaks worldwide about esthetic dentistry. Our international reach continues to Italy’s Dr. Gregory Brambilla and Drs Ross Nash, Gary Radz, Bob Margeas and Marc Montgomery from the United States. Each one of these contributors has lectured in Canada and are international members of the Canadian Academy for Esthetic Dentistry. They are true friends of Canadian dentistry.
We are most proud to be publishing five original articles by Canadian dentists who have caught the esthetic fever and wish to share their passion with you; Langley, British Columbia’s Bruce Kleeberger, Winnipeg’s Paresh Shah and Toronto’s Domenic Belcastro. Oral Health is extremely proud to include its first French language articles by Quebec’s Drs Danile Larose and Ibrahim Ghali. The English translations of these articles can be found at www.oralhealthjournal.com. Perhaps you would like to submit an article for future publication? I can be reached at elliot@drmechanic.com.
Oral Health is the voice of Canadian dentistry. We hope you enjoy this issue, get inspired, join an esthetic academy and feel the daily passion as to how your dentistry can change your patient’s life. We are blessed to part of the greatest profession in the world.
