Periodontal care is entering a new era of scientific advancement. Clinicians are focusing on prevention, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the patient experience. On the pages that follow, three respected voices share how evolving evidence, empowered teams, and relationship-driven care are reshaping outcomes in periodontics.
Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS, emphasizes prevention, oral dysbiosis, and host modulation in periodontal and peri-implant care. She highlights risk-based planning, early detection, and patient education on oral-systemic links. She discusses how advances in biologics, imaging, and precision are reshaping clinical practice. Interprofessional collaboration, continuous learning, and empowered hygienists are essential, she says, while future progress depends on integrated data and diagnostics.
Katrina M. Sanders, RDH, BSDH, MEd, RF, highlights the evolving role of hygienists in periodontal care, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, early intervention, and patient engagement. She underscores collaboration with dentists, the importance of education and empowerment, and linking oral inflammation to systemic health to improve outcomes and elevate standards of care.
Michael Sonick, DMD, emphasizes relationship-driven care rooted in trust, empathy, and lifelong learning. Treating individuals—not procedures—guides clinical and operational decisions, improving outcomes and case acceptance. Success depends on strong team culture, comprehensive planning, and communication, alongside advances in regeneration, digital workflows, and AI.
Together, these insights highlight a shift toward more personalized, preventive, and collaborative periodontal care. Science, technology, and human connection, these experts explain, work together to improve outcomes and elevate both the patient and provider experience.
