Gourt Home::Gourt :: Greene Vardiman Black
Dr. Greene Vardiman Black (1836 - 1915), commonly known as G.V. Black, is known as the father of modern dentistry. He was born near Winchester, Illinois on August 3, 1836 to William and Mary Black. He spent his early life on a farm and quickly developed an interest in the natural world. By the age of 17, Black began studying medicine with the help of his brother, Dr. Thomas G. Black. In 1857, he met Dr. J.C. Speer, who taught him the practice of dentistry.
He researched many important topics to dentistry, including the best composition for dental amalgams and the cause of dental fluorosis. One of his many inventions was a foot-driven dental drill. He is also known for his principles of tooth preparations, in which he outlines the proper methods to prepare teeth for fillings. The phrase, "extension for prevention," is still famous in the dental community today and represents Black's idea that dentists should follow preventive measures to aid patients from developing tooth decay.
Further, he organized a classification system with five categories for different patterns of tooth decay which is still in use today. Since that time, only one more category has been added to his classification system.
References
- Dr. Greene Vardiman Black, Father of Modern Dentistry. Contributed by the Jacksonville public library in Illinois.
- Greene Vardiman Black: The Man, and His Work. From the Dental Archives.
- PFA International Hall of Fame of Dentistry.
"Greene Vardiman Black"