Biodontics, an innovative concept introd
uced by Dr. Edward Rossomando, represents a visionary shift in oral healthcare. While dentists have traditionally treated post-natal diseases, Dr. Rossomando envisions a future where specialized dental professionals, known as biodontists, will focus on diagnosing and treating prenatal dental diseases. This radical concept challenges the current boundaries of dental science and opens new possibilities for the future of craniofacial health. Biodontics aims to leverage advancements in molecular biology, genetics, and emerging technologies to intervene in utero and potentially prevent oral health issues before birth.
Dr. Rossomando’s journey towards founding Biodontics began with an intellectual curiosity that spanned both the realms of molecular biology and clinical dentistry. In the 1960s and 70s, when dentistry was often perceived as a mechanical profession, Dr. Rossomando sought to introduce a more cerebral and future-oriented approach. He was influenced by mentors at the University of Pennsylvania, including Dr. Charles Wilde and Dr. Richard Crawford, who encouraged him to think beyond the conventional curriculum. As a result, his academic pursuits took him to graduate school in molecular biology, where his interest in genetics and developmental biology would eventually form the foundation for his groundbreaking ideas on prenatal dentistry.
Prenatal dental diseases are conditions that affect the development of teeth and craniofacial structures before birth. These issues are influenced by genetics and environmental factors during early pregnancy.
Key Prenatal Dental Diseases:
Genetic and Environmental Influences:
Genes direct the formation of teeth and jaw structures, while factors like maternal nutrition and toxins can disrupt development, leading to these conditions.
Introducing a new specialty within an established field is never an easy task, and Dr. Rossomando faced significant challenges when introducing Biodontics to the dental world. Dentistry, as a profession, is deeply rooted in tradition, and the concept of prenatal dental care seemed far-fetched to many. One of the greatest obstacles was overcoming the skepticism of those who viewed dentistry solely as a post-natal, reactive practice. Additionally, Dr. Rossomando had to navigate the disconnect between clinical dental education and the cutting-edge research in molecular biology. Despite these challenges, his determination, innovative thinking, and ability to secure funding allowed him to lay the groundwork for a future where dentists could treat diseases before birth.
Dr. Rossomando was instrumental in founding the Dental Hypotheses journal, providing a platform for dental professionals to hypothesize and explore the future of oral health. Through this initiative, he began the broader conversation on Biodontics, encouraging others to think creatively about the future of the profession. By co-founding CRET (Center for Research in Experimental Technologies), he provided a space where emerging technologies could be tested and integrated into dental education and practice. These efforts helped bring attention to Biodontics and sparked interest in developing the necessary tools for in-utero dental care.
Dr. Rossomando’s advice for dental students and practitioners looking to embrace innovation in their careers:
Q: How can dental students cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset?
A: Don’t just follow the textbook. Look at the gaps in the current system and think about what the future could look like. Be curious and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Q: What challenges should students anticipate when pursuing groundbreaking ideas in dentistry?
A: You will face resistance. Many in the field are set in their ways, but persistence is key. Align yourself with people who share your vision and look for opportunities to collaborate.
Q: What role does the dentist of the future play in society?
A: Dentists will evolve from mere caretakers of teeth to strategists and futurists who will guide healthcare in ways we can only begin to imagine.
"Can we move dentistry from a postnatal specialty to prenatal?"
— Dr. Edward Rossomando
Dr. Rossomando's exploration of prenatal dentistry began as a theoretical exercise, rooted in his academic background in molecular biology and genetics. The seeds of Biodontics were planted when he realized that dental health begins long before birth—during the development of craniofacial structures in utero. While technology today doesn't yet allow for prenatal interventions, Rossomando’s pioneering work challenges dental professionals to think beyond the present and imagine a future where genetic modifications could prevent dental diseases before they even manifest. This concept was further articulated through his creation of the term "Biodontics," setting the stage for a new specialty in dentistry that transcends traditional postnatal care.
| Aspect | Traditional Dentistry | Biodontics |
| Focus Area | Post-natal dentition and diseases | Prenatal dentition and genetic predispositions to diseases |
| Specialists | General dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, etc. | Biodontists (specializing in prenatal dental health) |
| Technology | X-rays, dental implants, fillings, crowns | CRISPR, genetic editing, in utero intervention |
| Philosophy | Reactive (treats after birth) | Proactive (prevents dental issues before birth) |
| Research | Focus on post-birth oral health studies | Research on genetic foundations of dental structures |
In Dr. Rossomando’s vision for the future of dentistry is not just limited to dental care but also how it's delivered. He surmises that the traditional dental office will evolve into something resembling an assembly line—but with a high-tech twist. Imagine a “smart” dental chair that tracks vital signs and anxiety levels as patients move seamlessly from one provider to the next. The dentist, stationed in a central control room, oversees the process while trained technicians and robots handle specific tasks, all under careful supervision.
This model would significantly increase efficiency, allowing for more patients to be seen in less time. It would also reduce costs and increase accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities who may find it difficult to move between different areas of a traditional office.
The accompanying video from The Jetsons gives us a peek into this futuristic world, where technology and innovation streamline daily tasks. Just as we see Jetson’s "getting ready for work" scene, the dental office of tomorrow will harness automation, AI, and robotics to create a faster, more efficient experience for both patients and providers. The future is already in motion—just a few years away from transforming the way we think about dental care.
“The dental profession is more than just drilling, more than just mechanical. The dentist is not just a molar mechanic.”
- Dr. Edward Rossomando
In a future where dental care expands beyond the traditional scope, Dr. Rossomando’s vision of Biodontics invites the next generation of dental professionals to think not only as clinicians but as pioneers in a new frontier. The dentist of tomorrow will be a strategist, a futurist, and a creative thinker, transforming the way we perceive oral health and its relationship to overall well-being. This vision isn't just about preventing tooth decay—it’s about reshaping how we understand and treat the very building blocks of life.
