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

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Faculty

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Vith a deep sense of personal loss, the class of 1950 respectfully dedicates this volume to the memory of two men claimed by sudden death within a few weeks of each other; one an internationally famous member of the faculty, the other a true friend and classmate ; each a credit to humanity and dentistiy. Dr. Moses Diamond. D.D.S. 1894-1949 Associate Professor of Anatomy. Fellow of the International College of Dentistry, a member of Sigma Xi. The Academy of Science, and the International Associ- ation for Dental Research, and recipient of the Lord-Chaim Prize for 1941. Dr. Diamond was one of the true pioneers in modern dentistry, respected by his col- leagues, revered by his students. Dana Ellsworth Cook 1925-1949 Possessor of no degrees or honors, met by death before a successful career could begin to blossom, he was. however, en- riched with a brilliantly warm, soft-spoken sense of humor and a truly sincere faith in goodness and right that penetrated and humbled all who came in contact with

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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