editorial _ cosmetic dentistry I Dear Reader, _The end of 2009 is already drawing near, which is an opportune time to look back and evaluate what we have achieved as dental professionals: What accomplishments and changes have we been able to make thus far? How are we doing overall and what can we improve in the coming year? A survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) revealed that cosmetic-related income climbed to an average of US$495,000 per practice in 2007, representing a 15 per cent increase over the previous year. In August, the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry hosted the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry Las Vegas meeting with the theme Passion, Esthetics and New Technology: The Future of Dentistry. Leading lecturers from all over the world con-tributed to an exchange of invaluable information. The meeting confirmed that the future of dentistry is geared towards aesthetic dentistry with an emphasis on evidencebased dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is a field of recognisable growth globally and this trend is likely to continue. I was invited to present at the annual scientific meeting of the AACD in Hawaii and received much positive feedback on cosmetic dentistry. It is thus with great excitement and pleasure that I introduce this year’s final edition. With the above-mentioned developments in mind, we bring you the latest on the most significant international developments and experiences. I am confident that this edition of cosmetic dentistry will satisfy your current needs by providing you with guidelines, instructions and visions for your future cosmetic dentistry procedures. Please feel free to contact us with your valuable feedback, questions, concerns or suggestions. Sincerely yours, Dr So-Ran Kwon Co-Editor-in-Chief Dr So-Ran Kwon Co-Editor-in-Chief President of the Korean Bleaching Society Seoul, Korea cosmetic dentistry 4 _ 2009 I 03