Editorial1 - Saudi Dental Journal

ISSN (Print) 1013-9052
EISSN 1658-3558

The Saudi Dental Journal,
P.O. Box 52500,
Riyadh 11563,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel.	966-1-467-7328
Fax.	933-1-467-7308 / 966-1-467-7534
Email	saudidj@ksu.edu.sa

Editorial

The 7th Saudi Dental Meeting: A Culmination Of Dental Research In Saudi Arabia

It is a privilege for me to welcome all of you to the 7th Saudi Dental Meeting, January 27-30, 1992, on behalf of the College of Dentistry, King Saud University and the Saudi Dental Society.
During the past decade, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has undergone rapid socio- economic development that may be uncomparable to other developing nations. It may be said that one of the vital factors in this progress is theestablishmentof a comprehensive health care program in the King- dom. As has been the case, such developments are associated with the inevitably changing pattern of oral diseases -its incidence, prevalence and mor- tality. This pattern also entails various research on the treatment of oral diseases, as well as its medical andlor dental delivery system.
It isat this phase of development that the role of the College of Dentistry, King Saud University has extensively expanded. Our concern is not only to academically educate our students, but also to keep our community aware of the importance of oral health and hygiene. Various educational prog- rams are being instituted forthis awareness, such as the Saudi Dental Society's series of symposia; and involvement of students and interns in public oral health programs. The publication oftheSaudi Den- tal Journal is also a good moral factor which serves as an educational tool for our dental community in addition to the multinational health programs under the auspices of the Ministry of Health.
Established some years ago, the Saudi Dental Meeting has the purpose of serving as a forum to satisfy our thirst for innovative knowledge in the prevention of dental diseases. At thesametime, the Meeting is the culmination of our research efforts in the progress of dentistry in Saudi Arabia as well as in the Arab world.
The major focus of this Meeting is toenhanceour understanding of the principles and methods both in the clinical and research aspects of dentistry. Our objectives should be to provide patients the best treatment we could and to seek ways in which high quality treatment modes may be guaranteed to the public. Although some of the subject matters may not seem applicable to the current situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the increasing demand for growth on health issues such as this would still be advantageous.
Most of the devices and mechanisms for oral dis- ease prevention are conveniently accessible, how- ever, their acceptance and utilization must be augmented. The knowledge of human factors involved to competently adopt these mechanisms is therefore essential. During this Meeting, we hope to provide our colleagues the additional knowl- edge on the principles and methods of oral disease prevention through various scientific and research presentations.
Iam personally grateful to the speakers and the participants, who will come and share with us in the culmination of their pursuits through research and education. Ihope that our scientific and clini- cal deliberations will be productive.

Abdullah R. Al-Shammery, EDS, MS
Dean, College of Dentistry and
President, Saudi Dental Society &
Chief Administrative Editor
Saudi Dental Journal