History of the Research Department

[From the 1958-1959 Hya Yaka/Yearbook]

Research at the Faculty of Dentistry

"Research is ahigh-hat word that scares a lot of people. It needn't. It's is [sic] rather simple. Essentially, it is nothing but a state of mind—a friendly, welcoming attitude toward change. Going out to look for a change instead of waiting for it to come. Research, for practical men, is an effort to do things better and not ot be caught asleep at the switch. The research state of mind can apply to anything; personal affairs or any kind of business, big or little. It is the problem solving mind as contrasted with the let-well-enough-alone mind. It is the composer mind instead of the fiddler mind. It is the "tomorrow" mind instead of the "yesterday" mind."

These words by a great professional-amateur, Charles F. Kettering, are one of the simplest yet most profound philosophies expounded on research. This picture of research represents nothing more thna the natural activities of an active and critical mind. With the above statement as a background, I wish, in this brief report, to tell the readers of Hya Yaka something about the Division of Dental Research at the University of Toronto and to comment upon the role of research in the teaching and practice of dentistry.

THE DIVISION OF DENTAL RESERACH, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

Through the efforts of the University, the dental profession, industry, and private individuals, the Division of Dental Research was established in 1952 by the President of the University upon the request of the Council of the Faculty of Dentistry. The broad objectives of the Division were set up as follows:

1. The development of new knowledge concerning oral structures and their environment in health an ddisease through research in the basic sciences.

2. The training of personnel in the sciences basic to the pursuit of careers in teaching and science.

3. The stimulation of the interest of undergraduates and graduates in dentistry, and of the public, in an effective programme of research in dentistry.

FINDINGS AT THE DIVISION OF DENTAL RESEARCH

Let us now turn to a consideration of the findings at the Division of Dental Research. Most of the work appears in the 64 articles published since 1952 in scientific journals. It is not possible to assess the long-range influence of some of the work. Often the practical rewards of research come many years after the basic investigations have been made. But at the risk of oversimplification, I would like to synthesize and state the highlights of the research findings in this Faculty:

1. Tooth morphology may be altered by nutritional means.

2. Micro-operative techniques have been developed using the rat molar for investigation of general problems relating to filling materials and pulpal reactions.

3. A silicone varnish has been developed which will protect pulp tissue from the effects of silicate filling materials.

4. Epidemiological studies have esablished primary differences in caries of occlusal surgaces as contrasted with smooth surface caries.

5. Previously unreported carbohydrate components have been identified in dental tissues by paper chromatography techniques.

6. Natural radioactivity has been detected in dental tissues by the use of autoradiography.

7. Decalcification of hard tissues has been accomplished without the use of acide by employing chelating agents.

8. The serial study at Burlington isyielding absic data regarding malocclusions adn the value of interceptive measures. the data compiled promises to be one of the best collectons anywhere in the world.

Apart from the new knowledge that these findings provide, they have done much to stimulate mutual interest in basic sciences, the clinical and didactic phases of dentistry.

RESEARCH AND THE TEACHING AND PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY

The relationship between dental research and teaching is an area of utmost importance. This is in part due to the recent and unprecedented adaptation of the techniques of the physical sciences to biology, medicine and dentistry. This has brought about a dynamic state in both the teaching and practice of dentistry.

Since we have all been front seat spectators to the drama and dilemma of fluoridation, let us consider the impact of fluoridation on dental public health and ultimately on dental practice. Fluoridation is evidence that a single preventive measure "may ultimately prevent as much dental disease as the total number of dentists now in Canada are able to treat." Changes in teaching and the practice of dentistry are axiomatic as new methods of preventing dental disease are discovered.

Consider also the changes in the practice and teaching of dentistry brought about by findings in the physical sciences. The metallurgist and the organice and physical chemist have improved the physical properties of many materials and have by synthetic processes produced many new materials used in dentistry. It is not necessary to belabor the significance to dentistry of carbide burs, the high-speed cutting instruments, the numerous synthetic polymers as the acrylic compounds, or the versatile family of silicones. It has been noted by a representative of the Dental Trades Association that 50 to 80 per cent of the materials used by dentists are in products unknown five years ago. These few examples indicate the important influence of research on teaching and practice of Dentistry.

If the developments over the past few years are an index of the rate of new discoveries, then there is little doubt that future developments will occur even faster. We must not fail or delay in making the fullest use of new knowledge derived from research. We must be alert to change our methods of practice and even change the untouchable tenets that have governed the practice of dentistry in the past.

In conclusion, I would like to return to Kettering's statement that "research is a state of mind—a friendly, welcoming attitude towards desirable change." For this type of research, we need but the right men, adequate basic training, a quiety place and time to work and think. I am happy that in the new Faculty of Dentistry building ample provision has been made for this kind of activity. This is the best assurance for vigorous professional growth in the future.

Gordon Nikiforuk

Chairman, Division of Dental Research

April 10, 1959.