I am privileged to present Dental Perspectives on Biomedicine and Society: Editorial Pages, a compilation that results from a decade of contemplation at the intersection of clinical practice, scholarly publishing, and public health. Throughout my tenure as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Periodontal & Implant Science, I have examined how dentistry transcends the mere mechanical restoration of teeth to encompass ethical stewardship, social responsibility, and the governance of emerging technologies. The essays included in this volume invite readers to reflect on how our daily decisions—whether made in the clinical setting, the corporate environment, or the editorial office—resonate within communities, influence policies, and shape the healthcare landscape.

In recent months, I have faced a significant health challenge that raises uncertainties about the future. Yet, in this period of vulnerability, I have been buoyed by the unswerving support of friends, mentors, colleagues, and patients. Their compassion has served as a guiding light, reminding me of the importance of collective resilience in the face of adversity. Hence, I extend my heartfelt gratitude; it is their staunch faith and solidarity that have made this book a reality.

A Quiet Flame
In the hush of dusk, when light withdraws,
You burn with grace, without applause.
No need for brilliance, bold or bright—
You warm the world in softer light.

Though tempests rise and silence weighs,
You stand, unshaken, through the haze.
A soul composed, a heart serene,
A presence felt but rarely seen.

You are the hush in troubled skies,
The echo where true comfort lies.
And even when the night runs deep,
Your flame endures, your spirit keeps.

This poetic expression encapsulates my belief that even the tiniest ember of determination can dispel uncertainty. The essays curated in this volume transcend traditional boundaries, intertwining discussions of regenerative controversies, health equity, data-sharing ethics, and the legacies of biomaterials innovation, thereby presenting a cohesive vision of dentistry as a discipline grounded in a humanistic paradigm.

I hope that these pages will inspire thoughtful inquiry, engender compassionate action, and foster interdisciplinary collaborations. May each reader discover within these reflections the fortitude to cultivate their own Quiet Flame and to advance dental science in service of society's most pressing needs.