Volume 2 of a 2-volume set, The Badge of Distinction refers to the way we all hope to be judged by our patients and colleagues who observe our work over the years.
Volume 1 presents a manuscript about everyday dental problems and solutions, with valuable contributions from some world-leading clinicians and researchers.
Volume 2 is a description of the new directions in which our dental profession is moving. The days of drill, fill, and bill are numbered, and our profession is now recognized, at last, as playing a vital role in systemic health.
The book deals with pain with a broad perspective, non-odontogenic oral pain, headaches, orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, myofascial pain and dysfunction, practical splint and orthotic design and use, ankyloglossia and tethered tissue diagnosis and management, myofunctional therapy, airway assessment, management and referral, sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnoea, and the creation of a network of allied health professionals.
We are the sentinels of the airway.
This is my legacy to the dental profession and allied health professionals after over 50 years of practice. I hope it is of use to all levels of professional experience, and it represents my view that professional knowledge and experience needs to spread to the world for the benefit of all, and not taken to the grave.
Dr Robert B Gibbins, an honours graduate from Australia's University of Queensland in 1972, learned from an early age the value of being mentored by the best in any field of pursuit. A professional life that started in the military led on to a fully private-practice-based life in which he has mentored many students and professionals at all levels of experience. This led to a fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an international organization that recognizes distinguished contribution to the profession.
