New Frontiers in Dentistry
Overview
After World War II efforts were concentrated in the public health and preventative aspects of dentistry. Communities began to fluoridate their water supplies. Regular dental examinations were encouraged, and dental hygiene efforts were expanded. Over the next half-century, technological improvements had major effects both on preventative services and reconstructive techniques.
Background
In the early twentieth century, most people went to dentists only when they had a toothache. As a result, one out of five World War II military recruits in the United States failed to meet the requirement that they have at least twelve teeth: three pairs of matching incisors and three pairs of chewing teeth. Dental problems were the most common reason for rejecting potential soldiers. Finally, the dental standards had to be eliminated altogether in order to fill the ranks.
After the war, improving the dental health of the population became a priority both in the U.S. and in Europe. Dental schools began devoting time in the curriculum to public health. The American Board of Dental Public Health was established in 1950, and the U.S. became a leader in this field. Scientific and technical advances were fostered by the establishment of the National Institute of Dental Research near Washington, D.C., in 1948.
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