Celebrating a Century of Discovery

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF DISCOVERY

Travel through 100 years of innovation, progress and pioneering research.

  • 1910s
  • Nineteen-tens

    The launch of the Journal of Dental Research lays the foundation for the recording of monumental findings in the field of oral health.

  • 1920s
  • Nineteen-twenties

    It’s a series of firsts for the newly formed International Association for Dental Research — from new chapters and leaders to the inaugural general meeting — as well as for standards in the overall field of dental science.

  • 1930s
  • Nineteen-thirties

    Researchers focus their attention on the role water and nutrition play in oral health, while toothbrush bristles get a makeover and IADR goes international.

  • 1940s
  • Nineteen-forties

    In a decade of major dental advancements, fluoride makes its debut in drinking water, the precursor to dental sealants is developed and a U.S. president signs a dental research act into law.

  • 1950s
  • Nineteen-Fifties

    A series of milestones are achieved in the areas of materials and equipment, improving dental processes and the patient experience.

  • 1960s
  • Nineteen-sixties

    The use of dental crowns becomes more widespread. Gingivitis takes center stage.

  • 1970s
  • Nineteen-seventies

    The importance of the six-month dental examination is debunked. Sealants continue to improve.

  • 1980s
  • Nineteen-eighties

    Innovation continues with the introduction of intraoral scanning technology.

  • 1990s
  • Nineteen-nineties

    Lighting innovations and computerized medical records make their way into the dental world, while restorative care and dental research also see advancements.

  • 2000s
  • Two-thousands

    The United States Surgeon General emphasizes the importance of oral care to overall health. Metal braces of yesteryear get a plasticized makeover.

  • 2010s
  • Twenty-tens

    Water once again comes into focus with a worldwide commitment to reduce mercury pollution. A century of dental research is celebrated.