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

Page 13 text:

It would be rash to attempt to foretell the future but wise indeed to evaluate the past. Modern dental technology has progressed to such a degree that today we can render adequate dental service to a substantial segment of the popu- lation, but not to all. Although there are over 100,000 dentists in our country today, only about one third of the needs of the total population is cared for. Many communities are without dentists and many families are dentally indigent. It would take all the dentists we have to- day most of their life to care for the present back-log of dental defects. We need more dentists to render a total health service to all. Most of the developed countries of the world have government supported health treatment plans in operation today. These vary from aid to veterans and less fortunate citizens to full compre- hensive plans for the total population, including dental care. It should be noted that in all countries these movements are progressive and not retrogres- sive — first one group is added and then another. The nature of these movements points up the need for constructive action by organized dentistry in our country so that we may find a solution to the prob- lem of making dental care available on an accept- able basis to all — the population and the profession. This is just one aspect of the problem that faces us. We are on the threshold of change and we must meet it together — as a profession, not as individuals — with proper leadership and sound ideas; for no man is an island unto himself. However, prevention has to be looked at as the most sensible, long range solution to dental health and basic science offers a hopeful approach. In re- search today we are trying to discover the basic biological factors in dental health and disease. We are using innumerable technics of the modern bio- logical laboratory, exploring new vistas disclosed by the electron microscope and the secrets revealed by radio-isotopes in tooth and bone. We are trying to find out how the teeth and bones develop, how saliva affects the teeth, how the soft tissues give clues to bodily health and biological aging, and how certain food elements affect oral conditions. For many, restorative dentistry will solve a need — but for the rest of the population and the new gen- eration it will not. Prevention is, however, a rational solution and research a hopeful approach. To the Class of 1967, the teachers of Operative Dentistry wish to extend their best wishes for every success. Edward A. Cain, Jr., D.D.S. V Stanislow H. Brzustowicz, D.D.S Aa ' l. Clin. Prof. Kenneth C. Deesen, D.D.S. Ass ' t. Clin. Prof. Joseph E. Fiasconaro, D.D.S. Ass ' t. Clin. Pro . Herbert P. Fritz. D.D.S. Ass ' l. Clin. Prof. 9 i i Frank L, Mellana, D.D.S, Assist art Joseph A. Pianpiano, D.D.S. Assistant George Rudensky, D.D.S. Assistant

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OPERATIVE DENTISTRY EDWARD A. CAIN, JR., D.D.S. Professor Director, Division of Operative Dentistry Thomas W. Portway, D.D.S. Associate Professor Irvin L. Hunt, D.D.S. Assoc. Clin. Prof. William H.Silverslein, D.D.S. Assoc. Clin. Prof. James W. Benfield, D.D.S. Ass ' t. Clin. Prof. Steven Scrivani, D.D.S. Ass ' t. Clin. Prof. Harold Sherman, D.D.S. Ass ' t. Clin. Prof. Roy Boelstler, D.D.S. Instructor

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PROSTHODONTICS JOHN J. LUCCA, D.D.S. Professor Director, Division of Prosihodontics Ennio L. Uccelloni, D.D.S. Associate Professor Victor S. Caronia, D.D.S. Assistant Professor Joseph A. DeJulia, D.D.S. Instructor Joseph J. Scancarello, D.D.S. Assistant Frank J. Cacciola, D.D.S. Ass ' t. Clin. Prof. Joseph C. DeLisi, D.D.S. Ass ' t. Clin, Prof. Edward P. Kesseler, D.D.S. Ass ' t. Cl ' m. Prof. Harry Shpuntoff, D.D.S. Ass ' t. Clin. Prof. William Raebeck, D.D.S. Instructor