The evolution of America's scientific advancements in dentistry in the past 150 years.

BACKGROUND

During the last 150 years, dentistry in the United States faced many challenges as it developed its scientific foundation. In the latter part of the 19th century, clinical practice was driven by empirical evidence, and the first few decades of the 20th century set the stage for America's scientific evolution of dentistry.

CONCLUSIONS

Seminal developments in America's contribution to science in dentistry and oral health included the 1926 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching report and the vision of William J. Gies; the development of scientific dental journals; the role of immigrant dental scientists from Europe and oral biology as a discipline; and the establishment of the National Institute of Dental Research in 1948.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Due in large part to America's contribution to dental science and practice, we are at the brink of a transformation that may expand the role of the dental profession dramatically and improve the oral health of people throughout the world.