The XXIV National Hides Congress, to be held October 19-21 in the Palacio de Congresos de Gijón, will offer an extensive scientific programme and the participation of both national and international lecturers. The event will deal with educational issues ranging from periodontal and systemic diseases to managing diabetic dental patients.

“Periodontal Diseases and Systemic Diseases: Why Are They Associated?” 
Dr. David Herrera 

Periodontal diseases are among the most prevalent diseases in humans. They are caused by pathogenic bacteria that lead to inflammation in periodontal tissues, which eventually leads to their destruction and the loss of tooth support tissues. 

In 1996, Steven Offenbacher proposed the term “periodontal medicine” to define the science that studies the association between periodontal infections, systemic diseases and its biological plausibility. The systemic diseases studied include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, adverse pregnancy outcomes, pulmonary diseases, and even the increase in mortality by any cause. 

This presentation will review the arguments referring to the biological plausibility of this association, in other words, the explanations of why periodontal diseases and some systemic diseases are associated. 

“Managing diabetic dental patients” 
Dr. Ignacio del Corral 

The number of people living with diabetes will increase significantly in the future. Together, the World Dental Federation (FDI) and the International Diabetes Federation organised a symposium on oral health and diabetes in October 2007, where an urgent need was already expressed of informing professionals, diabetics, politicians and the general public about the impact diabetes has on oral health and vice versa. 

Complications associated with diabetes are directly related to levels of glycaemia control. Medical and dental professionals should work together for the best results in diabetic patients. A joint effort is needed.