Editorial meets Science

Editorial meets Science—new format bridges expert knowledge and practical application

Participants of the Editorial meets Science meeting (from left): Dr Michael J. Noack, professor emeritus and former head of the department of operative dentistry and periodontics at the University of Cologne in Germany; Dr Bart Gottenbos, researcher at Philips Research in the Netherlands; Dr Iain Chapple, professor of periodontics and head of research at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Clinical Sciences in the UK, as well as consultant in restorative dentistry; Dr Dagmar Else Slot, professor of preventive oral healthcare at the Academic Centre for Dentistry in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Dental Hygiene; Julia Haas, dental hygienist and research assistant at the Europäische Fachhochschule in Cologne in Germany; Dr Virginie Monnet-Corti, professor and head of the periodontics department at Aix-Marseille University and hospital practitioner at Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Marseille in France; Giacomo Oldoini, researcher and co-director of the postgraduate master’s course for dental hygienists at the Istituto Stomatologico Toscano in Camaiore in Italy; Dr Stefanie Jacob, head of clinic at the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology at LMU Munich in Germany; and Sarah Murray, senior lecturer in dental public health at Queen Mary University of London’s Centre for Dental Public Health and Primary Care in the UK. (All images: Philips)

Philips

Thu. 5 June 2025

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BERLIN, Germany: In collaboration with health technology company Philips, the publishing houses of Dental Tribune International and OEMUS MEDIA have launched Editorial meets Science, a new format designed to foster the exchange between science and clinical practice. The initiative aims to make current research findings and clinical knowledge more accessible and to develop practical recommendations for dental professionals.

The series debuted in December last year with a round table organised by Philips that focused on tooth whitening. Experts from various European countries shared insights on the latest studies and clinical experiences. The panel then addressed questions from editors at Dental Tribune International and OEMUS MEDIA.

The meeting concluded with six key takeaways aimed at supporting dentists and other oral healthcare professionals:

Tooth whitening promotes oral health by raising awareness, encouraging better self-care, and supporting personalised preventive care and wellness.
The EU’s 6% hydrogen peroxide concentration limit for tooth whitening maintains treatment efficacy while ensuring patient safety, reducing risks such as sensitivity and damage to hard and soft tissue, including the pulp.
Manufacturers should comply with EU regulations for in-office, light-activated and take-home tooth whitening products to ensure consumer protection.
Professional supervision is essential for all tooth whitening methods. In-office treatments are preferred for safety and efficiency, and at-home systems should be administered by an oral healthcare professional for the first use.
Intense blue light enhances whitening results when used with low-concentration hydrogen peroxide, such as 6%, delivering safe and rapid outcomes.
Manufacturers should support scientific research by publishing data that demonstrates product efficacy and safety.

Speaking at the first Editorial meets Science meeting, Dr Iain Chapple, a renowned professor of periodontics in the UK, highlighted the importance of balancing efficacy with safety: “If combining lower doses of 6% hydrogen peroxide with light activation achieves results comparable to higher concentrations, it will be well received, as it aligns with legal requirements.”

He added, “According to data of the UK Oral Health Foundation from 2020, 48% of people under the age of 35 plan to have their teeth whitened within the next year. Additionally, 32% of Brits desire whiter teeth, while 66% have actively considered it.”