Guides: Dr. Edward Rossomando: Rebel with a Cause: The Class of '64: A Transitional Group

The Midpoint of the 20th Century

The University of Pennsylvania’s Dental School Class of 1964 holds a unique place in dental history. Positioned at the midpoint of the 20th century, they were part of a profession that was on the cusp of major transformation. As the last class to train in the old clinic with belt-driven handpieces, they also became the first to witness the rapid shift toward modern technology and new approaches in dentistry.

The evolution that unfolded in the decades following their graduation mirrors the broader changes in science, technology, and society during the postwar era. Rossomando and his cohort came of age at a pivotal moment, right at the crossroads between the traditions of the past and the innovations of the future. This was an era when the dental profession, like many others, was in flux, and this class would experience the exciting yet uncertain challenges that came with it.

Living through, learning through, and embracing these challenges and changes was Edward F. Rossomando. Hailing from Long Island, NY with an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont under his belt, Rossomando became heavily involved in leadership roles during his time at Penn and graduated the Dental School in 1964 with his eyes turned toward the future. From his first ever scientific paper, published in the Penn Dental Journal in 1960, to his tenure leading the Journal and the W.D. Miller Student Research Society, Rossomando took every opportunity he could at Penn, and his experiences helped pave the way for his future in dentistry.

Rossomando would go on to earn a Ph.D. degree in Molecular Biology from the Rockefeller University and a MS degree in Management of Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. During his time as a professor at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut, as Coordinator of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) program on New Products and Technologies, and more, he always prioritized and continues to prioritize education and innovation.

The Class of 1964: Dr. Rossomando's Memories

Upon graduation, members of the Class of 1964 faced a variety of career paths, reflecting the uncertainty and excitement of the times. While some students entered military service, others transitioned into private practice, and some even explored academic or research careers. However, despite the possibilities, there was a shared feeling of unease within the class class-of-1964-dental-yearbook-cover-upenn about the future of dentistry.

Many students found themselves questioning the direction of their profession, uncertain about the rapidly changing landscape. There was a sense that the world they were entering was very different from the one they had trained for, and it was unclear how or if their traditional dental training would adapt to future technological advancements. This period of transition was marked by a blend of optimism and anxiety, as the Class of 1964 faced the challenge of defining their careers in a profession on the brink of a major transformation.

One of the most significant changes witnessed by the Class of 1964 was the evolution of dental technology. From the handpieces they used in clinic to the groundbreaking discoveries in biology, their education was influenced by key technological and scientific advan stock-image-of-DNA-double-helix ces.

Handpieces and Equipment: The Class of 1964 was the last cohort to work with the old, belt-driven handpieces—a symbol of a dental world on the brink of modern innovation. The introduction of high-speed handpieces signified a shift toward faster, more efficient dental care, setting the stage for further technological advancements in the field.
The DNA Revolution: The early 1950s saw the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick, a breakthrough that had profound implications not just for biology but for dentistry. The Class of 1964 was the first group to truly ponder the potential implications of this discovery on their profession. Dr. Rossomando himself would go on to explore molecular biology in-depth during his Ph.D. studies, bridging the fields of dental science and molecular genetics.

This era set the stage for what would become the rapid evolution of dental technology and scientific understanding in the following decades.

In the 1960s, the University of Pennsylvania Dental School made a historic decision by officially endorsing Crest toothpaste—the first time a dental product had received the university’s approval. This endorsement marked a new era in the relationship between dental schools and the commercial products that would become staples in the profession. It was a significant moment in the recognition of how consumer dental care products could impact both p three-boxes-of-Crest-toothpaste rofessional practice and public health.

This decision was particularly notable for the Class of 1964, as it reflected a growing acceptance of new technologies and products in dentistry, especially those that bridged the gap between clinical care and consumer-driven health solutions. The endorsement of Crest was not just a product endorsement but a recognition of the changing relationship between dental professionals, commercial products, and patient care—a theme that would continue to evolve throughout the latter half of the 20th century.