Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery - Dental Columbian Yearbook (New York, NY)

Page 11 text:

Irvin L. Hunt D.D.S. Assoc. Prof, of Dentistry G.F.Lindig D.D.S. Assist. Clin. Prof, of Dentistry Daniel M. Kollen D.D.S. Assist. Clin. Prof, of Dentistry £a i Wm. Silverstein D.D.S. Assist. Clin. Prof, of Dentistry J. W. Benfield A.B.. D.D.S. Inst, in Dentistry E.A.Cain B.S.. D.D.: Inst, in Dentistry H. P. Fritz B.S., D.D.S. Inst, in Dentistry Wm. Miller B.S.. D.D.S. Inst, in Dentistry H. Sherman B.S.. D.D.S. Inst, in Dentistry J. E. Fiasconaro B.S., D.D.S. Assist, in Dentistry J. D. Hogan B.S., D.D.S. Assist, in Dentistry S. S. Scmani D.D.S Assist, in Dentistry Joseph Leavitt D.D.S. Wm. Raebeck Jr. D.D.S. Vol. Assist, in Dentistry Vol. Assist, in Dentistry

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Operative Dentistry The task confronting the future gen- eration of dentists is the development of pre- ventive measures as an adjunct to and possibly supplanting control methods now practiced and emphasized for the past one hundred years. We are not unmindful of the strides made in preventive dentistry. We look for- ward with hope to the promise of some means of combatting and preventing the development of dental caries. The appli ca- tion of sodium fluoride to the teeth of chil- dren is one procedure which is recognized to be of value and several communities have established long range programs where the teeth of children receive this care. Also fluorine in the concentration of one part to a million has been added to the water supply. The use of other technics, such as the im- pregnation process where an insoluble pre- cipitate is deposited on the surface of the tooth by chemical action, are interesting phases of the fight against dental caries. We must not overlook one of the most important considerations of all — the proper care and maintenance of mouth hygiene. Most dentifrices today are fortified by the addition of dibasic ammonium phosphate and carbamide which act to inhibit the growth of acid producing Lactobacillus Aci- dophilus, thus tending to reduce tooth caries. Behind all of this and perhaps of greater import is the attempt to regulate by means of proper diet and the absorption by the tissues of those elements which help to produce teeth which are resistant to caries. Carl R. Oman, D.D.S. Prof, o Dentistry The practice of preventive dentistry as interpreted by your Operative Division com- prises the teaching of the early recognition of caries, the placing of such restorations as will seal the margins effectively, will restore anatomy and function, and the relation of each tooth with its neighbors. This is a tremendous factor in the prevention of periodontoclasia. The health of the gingival tissue is promoted and maintained when sur- faces are continuous and smooth, where proper embrasures are provided and the con- tact is so placed and tight enough to prevent the wedging of food particles into the inter- proximal areas. The aim of the dentist who is truly con- scientious is to save each tooth in Health throughout life. Frequently, through acci- dent or delayed care, the pulp is involved and endodontia must be resorted to. Here again through fine technic and careful operating the tooth can be retained for many years. The loss of even a single tooth is a major catastrophe and every effort must be made to prevent the natural consequences of such a misfortune. To this end, your opera- tive teachers are giving their best efforts that you, as graduates of this school, shall know and be able to practice those principles which prevent the loss of human teeth and thus contribute to the happiness and well being of mankind. Our best wishes for a happy and suc- cessful future to the members of the grad- uating class of 1950. Carl R. Oman

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Gilbert P. Smith, D.D.S. Prof, of Dentistry The field of Prosthetics in dentistry is by definition the restoration of missing teeth by artificial means and is generally con- sidered primarily restorative rather than preventive. It would seem from this that Prosthetics does not fit in with this year s Dental Columbian s theme of preven- tion. ' ' On first thought the edentulous pa- tient s loss is complete and beyond the possibility of preventive service. The pros- thodontist s aim is to replace the missing teeth with artificial dentures that will give the patient function, comfort and satisfactory appearance. This also implies that oral tissue health be maintained and that degenerative changes in the supporting tissues and struc- tures be retarded. Dentures must be so fashioned as to maintain stresses within the tolerance of those tissues and to function in harmony with the mandibular joint and musculature. Muscle tone and normal facial expression should be preserved. Modern artificial dentures should prevent many of the discomforts and vicissitudes accompany- ing the edentulous state. The role of prevention is even more apparent in the field of partial dentures. boLi fixed and removable. The extraction of a single tooth is of great importance; change:, that may result from its loss snowball into destructive processes of major proportions. Prosthetic Dentistry As the number of teeth lost increases the problem grows progressively more compli- cated. These changes may be prevented to a large degree by an adequate prosthesis. Well planned and carefully executed dental restorations have a definite preventive func- tion. The success of the dental restoration, whether it be the replacement of part of an individual tooth or a complicated mouth re- habilitation, is dependent upon proper observance of established principles and procedures. Intimate knowledge of the struc- ture, form and function of the tissues in- volved is imperative. Familiarity with ma- terials and techniques to be used is essential. The good dental restoration executed with true consideration of tissue tolerance, har- mony of function and precision plays a major role in real preventive dentistry. 1 he hope of the Prosthodonlia Staff is that they have contributed in some part to the training and character of the members of the graduating class so that they will enter practice well equipped to serve the public in their chosen profession and to approach the goal of true preventive dentistry. We all join in wishing the Class of 1950 success and happiness. Gilbert P. Smith