One can really feel the nostalgia when visiting St. Louis this year, because it is the city's centennial celebration of the 1904 World's Fair. An area called Forest Park was transformed into 1,300 acres of exhibitions and amusement. There were almost daily celebrations, parades, and special events. Education was the keynote of the fair. The fair offered its students an opportunity to learn firsthand about the wonders and the cultures far removed from their everyday lives. Most importantly, there existed an extraordinary optimism about the future.
Among the World's Fair firsts were many scientific and culinary advancements: bread kneader, baby incubator, electric typewriter, ice cream cone, hot dog on a bun, iced tea, and peanut butter.
Another study in time: Of those 20 million people attending the fair, four out of five people died by age 50 and retained approximately 12 teeth. The main causes of death were pneumonia, TB, and influenza. By comparison in today's standards, we can expect to live 70 to 72 years and dentally, to preserve and maintain 22 teeth. Heart disease and cancer are the current leading causes of death.
Times have changed, and for dentistry the future is optimistic! Without a doubt, women dentists are practicing in the most exciting of times. Products and material choices are incredible. They continually improve to meet the demands of function and life expectancy.
This issue focuses on a variety of restorative options. You will learn about a nanoparticled composite, in-office milled indirect restorations, and esthetics in relation to implants and periodontal health. In addition, we showcase a journey of motherhood and another that focuses on working with your father. Finally, Dr. Nancy Arbree graciously shares her prominent role and lends leadership advice.
Now is the time! It's time to get excited about what is out there in dentistry and what is coming. Furthermore, there are some tremendous continuing-education avenues available for women dentists to excel in their restorative techniques and offerings to patients.
Take this opportunity to grow your abilities and radiate your passion.
Lori Trost, DMD
Dr. Trost is the managing editor of Woman Dentist Journal. She can be contacted by email at [email protected].
We welcome letters to the editor. Please email your letters to Dr. Trost. Include your name and the city and state where you practice.
