Fixed prosthodontics—The turn of the century

Abstract

F rom the earliest times, soothsayers and prophets have attempted to prognosticate or see into the future. These individuals were highly regarded and, on occasion, were presumed to possess supernatural powers. As civilizations progressed and knowledge increased, the prophet gradually was replaced by attempts to employ scientific methodology and, much later, computer science to project future conditions based upon past performances with such calculated modification as might have seemed relevant. In many instances, this has been accomplished with remarkable accuracy. Much, however, is still in the realm of guesswork. Population trends, general weather cycles, economic conditions, and the like can be predicted with comparative accuracy. Factors concerned with the performance of individual people, on the other hand, may be more difficult to estimate because of the complexity and variation of individual situations and behavior patterns. In dentistry, and more specifically prosthodontics, a prediction of the future can be extremely complex. Certain factors, such as projection of the numbers of people to be cared for in this country or the total dental need of the American populace, can probably be predicted with reasonable accuracy. The number of dentists available to treat this potential need can also be calculated. Other factors, such as the number of people actually availing themselves of dental services and the degree of severity of the conditions to be treated, may be more difficult to ascertain with accuracy. The authors of this series of compendiums have been assigned the task of preparing a projection of the knowledge and skills which will be required by the specialist in prosthodontics and of the needs for his education some 25 years hence. It should be emphasized that these authors do not have supernatural powers attributed to the prophets nor have they made use of sophisticated computer technology in the preparation of their reports. It is hoped, therefore, that they may be regarded as normal human beings and members of the dental profession who, in humility, are attempting to present some basic facts and a few hypotheses from which meaningful discussions can develop.