Before the days of retraction cord, polyethers and polyvinyl siloxanes — and way, way before the days of CAD/CAM systems — the preferred technique for taking crown and bridge impressions was copper bands and compound. The Bakelite box here — the proverbial Forrest Gump–style box of... CONTINUE READING
By Kelsi Matylewicz / Benco Dental Social Media Intern One factor that did not contribute to the fall of the Roman Empire: gum disease. At least that's what we might infer from a study of skulls at the Natural History Museum led by a King’s College London periodontist. Experts say... CONTINUE READING
Due to my advanced age and my semi-retired state, I am not that up to date on what’s happening lately in dentistry and/or dental distribution; however, I do believe, I am well versed on the history of both. And with that thought in mind, I ask you young and eager readers - - -... CONTINUE READING
“A good gulp of hot whiskey at bedtime—it’s not very scientific, but it helps.” Known for his contribution of penicillin, Scottish inventor Sir Alexander Fleming also offered to the world this whiskey-related musing. It surely sums up the benefits of a 1950s invention by Don... CONTINUE READING
[caption id="attachment_273" align="alignright" width="300"] This set of blue wax teeth, created by students as part of their graduation requirements, can be found at the Historical Dental Museum at the Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. According to... CONTINUE READING
Though Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor was not alive 100+ years ago to witness American women win full voting rights with the ratification of the 19th Amendment, she definitely forged a path to equality for her gender. By the time she had turned 28 (on her birthday, March 14, 1861) Dr. Lucy Hobbs... CONTINUE READING
When the Taylor Band Stretcher, shown at top, first appeared, it was mentioned by name in a paper by Dr. Herbert A. Pullen, who traveled all the way from Buffalo to San Francisco to present it on February 18, 1932. Other things that happened in 1932: Ford debuted the V8 engine and Radio City Music... CONTINUE READING
Leonie von Meusebach–Zesch survived the horrors of the 1906 San Franscisco earthquake, set up her dental practice in the Presidio Army base during the aftermath and tended refugees in the makeshift camp. She became the first (and only) female dentist in the U.S. Army until 1951. To begin... CONTINUE READING
The blog is part of a series paying tribute to pioneers in dentistry. Celebrate changemaking women in dentistry at the 7th annual Lucy Hobbs Project Celebration, set for October 3-5 at The Blackstone in Chicago. I am writing this post on August 26, #WomensEqualityDay. It's the 99th anniversary... CONTINUE READING
Think about this statistic: in 1900, Americans consumed 90 pounds of sugar per year. By 2008, that number had doubled to 180 pounds per year. The US ranks as having the highest average daily sugar consumption per person. What has happened to our eating habits since 1900? Hop in the Wayback... CONTINUE READING