INTRODUCTION

Oral health is an integral component of general health. There is clear evidence that oral diseases, and particularly moderate and advanced periodontal diseases, can have a significant effect on systemic diseases and general health.  US Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health, states that tooth decay, although preventable, is a chronic disease impacting children’s ability to learn, speech development, eating habits, activities and self-esteem; and whereas, among adults, diet, nutrition, sleep, psychological status, social interaction and career achievement are affected by impaired oral health. 

With my clinical experience, I realized that  there is under utilization of oral health services and of the very few people that seek professional intervention for their oral disease, they usually come into the clinic at the late stage of the disease progression after trying all manners of unethical approach to relieve the dental pain.

With proper awareness, increasing dental visits and early intervention programs, there will be no or reduced pain, troubles, and consequences associated with oral, dental, and periodontal diseases, as well as aesthetic consequences that may negatively affect the quality of life of affected individuals; furthermore, reducing the burden of costly oral, dental, and periodontal treatments.