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

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operative dentistry In considering Operative Dentistry of the future it is necessary to re-evaluate the knowl- edge and progress of the past. What have we learned from the experiences of others who, just as hopefully, just as earnestly and just as thoroughly have carried on their work. In any branch of the healing art, it has been the goal of the scientist, the research worker and the clinical teacher to eliminate the dis- eases which we treat. A thorough study of the nature of the diseases and the injuries has brought to light much knowledge of the causes and etiology of the conditions with which we are concerned. We have learned that by the creation of a favorable environment we have lessened the chance of disease beginning by strengthening nature ' s resistance to the con- dition. As to the treatment of these conditions, we must be able first to diagnose and understand the causes, then to bend every effort to pre- vent the onset of dental caries or the break- down, from whatever cause, of the supporting structures, to preserve the dental pulp in a state of health that the tooth may be retained throughout the life of the patient. Prevention means that the employment of every means at our command should and must be used to guard against the loss of the indi- vidual tooth. Much promise is evidenced by the practice of fluoridation of the water sup- ply in many communities. In fact, the U. S. Public Health Service sponsors this method of aiding nature in her fight against loss of teeth through caries. Frequent examination care- fully done to detect early caries in children Carl R. Oman, D.D.S. Professor of Dentistry l Edward A. Cain Irvin L. Hunt, D.D.S. B.S., D.D.S. Assoc. Prof, of Dentistry Asst. Pro), of Dentistry J. W. BenBeld Herbert P. Fritz A.B., D.D.S. B.S.. D.D.S. Inst, in Dentistry Inst, in Dentistry II George F. Lindig, D.D.S. Wm. Silverstein, D.D.S. Assoc. Clin. Proj. oj Asst. Clin. Prof, of Dentistry Dentistry

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MAURICE J. HICKEY, d.m.d., m.d. Associate Dean of the Faculty of Medicine for Dental and Oral Surgery; Executive Officer, Department of Dentistry; Professor of Oral Surgery

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and young adults is a great help. Careful, thorough and frequent prophylaxis and in- struction to the patient in home care of the teeth is another preventive factor. The matter of diet must also receive consideration; surely an optimum diet for defense against caries is desirable. Too high a carbohydrate intake, such as the frequent eating of candy bars, lozenges, chewing gum and other habits which increase the potency of the attacking forces and weakens nature ' s power to resist decay should be the object of corrective action. The third phase of the functions of the op- erative dentist, and perhaps of most impor- tance at the present time, is the restorative phase. In our attempt to prevent loss of teeth through dental caries we must be prepared through knowledge of the newer techniques and the physical properties of the materials we employ. It is not enough merely to be familiar with these techniques and the be- havior of these materials,- we as students must extend ourselves to acquire the skills which will permit us to use them well. It is the aim of your teachers here to help you and guide you in acquiring knowledge and skill which will enable you to become the leaders of the future. My wish for you is that that promise may be fulfilled. Kenneth C. Deesen D.D.S. Asst. in Dentistry S. S. Scrivani. D.D. Asst. in Dentistry Joseph Leavitt, D.D.: Inst, in Dentistry William Miller Harold Sherman J. E. Fiasconaro B.S.. D.D.S. B.S.. D.D.S. B.S., D.D.S. Asst. Clin. Prof, of Dentistry Asst. Clin. Prof, of Dentistry Inst, in Dentistry John D. Hogan B.S., D.D.S. Inst, in Dentistry Stanley H. Brzustowirz B.S., D.D.S. Inst, in Dentistry