Inherently interdisciplinary, the field of oral medicine continues to incorporate and apply new knowledge and techniques to the care of patients. For nearly 70 years, Burket's Oral Medicine has been the principal text for all major aspects of oral medicine, from the basic science to clinical practice. This 12th edition continuous to serve as the authoritative source of information for students, residents, and clinicians interested in the field of oral medicine.

Through the addition of new chapters and substantial new material, the 12th edition of the book significantly advances the understanding of today's practice of oral medicine. Research findings are produced at a rapid pace and are readily accessible from a variety of sources. A chapter on clinical research has been added to the book to help readers interpret how scientific findings reported in the literature impact their practice. Awareness of the unique aspects of oral health needs for the elderly, infants, and young children prompted the inclusion of two new chapters introducing the fields of geriatric and paediatric oral medicine. Two other original chapters on radiologic interpretations and complications of nonsurgical cancer therapy complement in more detail other broader topics addressed in the book.

The 12th edition of Burket's Oral Medicine continues the tradition of this text in providing students, residents, and experienced practitioners with access to the expertise and experience of an international group of clinical scholars who are recognised experts in the increasingly complex field of diagnosis and medical management of maxillofacial disease and dental treatment of medically complex patients.