Taking on a new leadership role in the area of continuing dental education, Penn Dental Medicine’s Markus Blatz has been named editor-in-chief of the journal Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. His appointment took effect with the May 2021 issue.

Published by AEGIS Communications, the Compendium has become an established leader in globally recognized continuing education, delivering peer-reviewed articles on new techniques, research, and critical issues in oral health. Dr. Blatz is just the third editor-in-chief in the publication’s 42-year history, succeeding Louis F. Rose, who held the post since 2008 and is now the journal’s editor emeritus. The late D. Walter Cohen founded the Compendium during his tenure as Penn Dental Medicine Dean (1972-1983), at the time making the Compendium the first university-affiliated publication to provide journal-based continuing education.

“The Compendium has always held a unique and steadfast place in the ever-evolving dental media world,” said Dr. Blatz, a professor of restorative dentistry and chair of the department of preventive and restorative sciences at Penn Dental Medicine. “It provides highly relevant educational content for the practicing dentist that combines state-of-the-art clinical excellence with scientific rigor. Leading the journal into the future is not just an incredible honor, but a responsibility that I will meet with great enthusiasm.”

Dr. Blatz, who is also Assistant Dean for Digital Innovation and Professional Development at Penn Dental Medicine, has been part of the school’s faculty since 2006. A leader in the field of esthetic dentistry, he founded the Penn Dental Medicine CAD/CAM Ceramic Center and has led the school’s digital innovation initiative.