Editorial

Abstract

We express our great honour in publishing the fiftieth edition of the Naval Dental Journal.

The number two of this commemorative edition coincides with a singular moment in the history of Naval Central Dentistry: obtaining the seal of Institution of Science and Technology. As an integral part of this successful and recognized trajectory, the Naval Dental Journal, an electronic scientific journal, constitutes an important scientific dissemination tool, having as one of its main commitments the link between the researcher and the dental surgeon. It is a publication channel for clinical studies and literature reviews, indexed in the most renowned national and international databases, occupying the honorable second position in the ranking of most accessed journals in the Brazilian Navy, with a monthly average of 1800 accesses. In this special edition we bring our readers two original articles, a case report and three literature reviews.

The first article evaluates the surface of tooth enamel using Scanning Electron Microscopy, after removing residual resin following the orthodontic bracket debonding procedure. The second original article is a cross-sectional study that evaluates the general health and oral hygiene profile of elderly patients treated at the Integrated Home Care Service of Hospital Naval Marcílio Dias.

The case report presents the surgical technique for creating a synthetic bone graft using CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing) technology, followed by the installation of osseointegrated implants and prosthetic rehabilitation in a bone defect in the mandible.

Finally, we present three literature review: one regarding the contribution of digital technology to the surgical technique of mini-implants insertion, one about Actinic Cheilitis (“Sailor's Lips”) and the last one discuss the importance of methods for determining skeletal and dental ages in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry.

Monthly, the Naval Central Dentistry provides assistance to around 15,000 users of the Navy Health System, with clinical approaches completely included in the concept of Evidence-Based Dentistry. This applied concept integrates scientific evidence with the vast clinical experience of more than 180 dental surgeons, with the aim of meeting the needs of users of the Navy Health System. Equipped with highly committed and qualified professionals, who have at their disposal the most modern technology in terms of diagnosis and therapy in 11 specialties of Dentistry, the Naval Central Dentistry is established as a highly promising environment for the development of Innovation in the Health area.

Looking forward to reaffirm its historical commitment to excellence in Dentistry, which from now on is also aligned with the firm purpose of promoting Science, Technology and Innovation, the Naval Central Dentistry brings benefits to our valued combatants, their families and Brazilian society.