23AAP-GS1: Opening General Session: Projecting the Future of Periodontics

Speakers: William V. Giannobile, Effie Ioannidou, Niklaus P. Lang, Panos N. Papapanou, Mariano Sanz, and Maurizio Tonetti

The Opening General Session will feature an armchair discussion with a panel of periodontal luminaries and current/former editors of impactful dental journals who will offer their insights on the future of periodontics. The moderator will coordinate a lively discussion by posing provoking questions such as:
• Periodontitis in 2023 and beyond: Are we treating the same disease our predecessors did?
• What are the challenges and opportunities in treating an aging population?
• Are we currently performing more implant surgery than periodontal treatment?
• How do we “put the mouth back into the body?”

Educational Objectives:
• Examine the changing state of periodontitis and its treatment over the years.
• Forecast the future of periodontics and consider whether the specialty is moving towards a personalized medicine approach.
• Discuss the impact of systemic and environmental factors on the extent and severity of periodontitis and the effect of periodontitis on certain systemic conditions.
• Evaluate the impact of implant surgery in periodontal practice and what this means for the future of the specialty.
• Learn how periodontists can bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application.