b'MEMBERSHIP MATTERSPerioProgressPeriodontics progresses every day, in moreWellness and mental healthways than one. In this issue, we will turn theAccording to the American Psychological Association, 45% of Gen Z spotlight toward generational differences inreport that their mental health is very good or excellent. Millennials dental academiaspecifically for pre- andrank noticeably higher at 56%, while Gen Xers ranked second lowest postdoctoral students. This information hasat 51%. Baby Boomers rated the highest with 70% reporting excellent been made available from a presentation bymental health. While Generation Z has been called the most depressed the AAP Education Committee.generation, members of this group are more likely than their older peers There are four major ways that the worldto seek out mental health counseling or therapy. What plays a role in has changed for the current generation ofthis? Safety, the pandemic, debt, job availability, politics/polarization, students: technology, and a hyper-connected world. Technology and access to informationExtensive and rapid exposure to an enormous and ever-increasing amount of information has made the current group of students the most informed generation ever. This information is tied to technology, which has been a part of the current generation of students lives since birth. In general, their technological proficiency is higher than any generation who came before them. Financial wellbeingFinancial well-being has changed due to many factors including the skyrocketing cost of education, debt, and inflation. These factors lead many students to take on part time jobs, which in turn diminishes their time for academics.26'