Until the 1960s, calculus was considered a primary etiologic factor in periodontal disease. The writings of Waerhaug and others emphasized the complete removal of supragingival and subgingival deposits as an important tenant of treatment.

Pandemics come and go, but aerosols are forever.

As to the pandemic’s impact on oral and systemic health, clearly, patients must take responsibility for their own care.

Within a few months of isolating the original COVID-19 virus, several successful vaccines had been developed that were granted emergency use authorization for distribution in the United States.

Recent published data indicate the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States has dropped in many areas.

To borrow a phrase used by the Queen of England in 1992, last year was an annus horribilis for our patients and our practice.

A patient recently asked, “Why do drugs cost so much?”

Vaccines with proven short–term efficacy against COVID-19 are now available.

America is strong, our people are good, and our economic base is solid. We will weather this storm.

As of this writing, various vaccines are in production to fight SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.