M. Lendini DDS

Smile, a project in progress.

It is my opinion that dentistry today is undergoing a highly important transition phase, in which past, present and future are inextricably entwined, and at the same time are often in a state of conflict.

On one hand, the rapid technological evolution - in some sectors it is a head-long rush - forces the dentist to continually revise his ways of working and the technologies he uses. And on the other hand he must at the same time try to incorporate the massive inflow of new materials and instrumental technologies, these operative innovations, as painlessly as possible into that reassuringly familiar landscape that is the consolidated body of knowledge and experience.

The need is increasingly being expressed for us to place new emphasis on the medical components of our profession, to pay increasing attention to the patient’s overall health, and thus help to redress the balance that has been tipped by the recent highly technical and super-specialised approach. Meanwhile, though, we must also remember that this approach has had the considerable merit of rapidly raising the average level of dentistry by enhancing the professionalism, not only of the dentist, but also of the entire equipe that comprises a modern operative dental team: dental nurse, hygienist, secretarial and management staff and, of course, dental technician.

This journal aims to start a discussion on the evolution of Dentistry, understood not only as an evaluation of technical and technological innovations, but also as an analysis of all those more general aspects that, while not being directly linked to the practical world of the profession, are or will shortly become a fundamental part of it.

Initially, the technical and professional discussion will mainly revolve around tree fundamental chapters of Dentistry: Endodontics, Restorative Dentistry and Periodontics. However, I hope to be able to stimulate the interest of expert colleagues in other specialised fields, so as to be able to enlarge this virtual agora (agorà) as much as possible.

Thank you all, and welcome to Smile!