Volume 2 Issue 10, November 2015

In recent years there has been considerable interest in possible links between periodontal disease and systemic diseases. The general public are increasingly aware that such links may exist and in some cases are concerned about the implications for them as individuals. Nearly half of all adults in the United Kingdom have some form of periodontal disease,¹ and as such present to dental practices every day. It is essential that all members of the dental team are aware of the periodontitis-systemic disease link, and can provide clear evidence-based advice and information to patients. The aim of this article is to summarise the current state of knowledge so that members of the dental team can convey appropriate advice and guidance to patients.

There are many challenges the dental team face on a daily basis. Challenging contracts – internally as well as NHS – always seems to top the list, but improving patient compliance and shifting toward a preventive world remains one of, if not the greatest challenge of modern dentistry. Dental Hygienist and winner of the BSDHT's and WOHP ‘Oral Hygiene by Design’ Award Michelle Coles, gives us her 10 top tips for improving patient compliance.

The nights are drawing in, the temperature is dropping and Christmas is just around the corner bringing with it, and often dreaded by employers, the staff Christmas party!

Newly-elected Robin Mills shares his vision for term in office with the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) in this month's President's Column.