The landscape of dentistry has been shaped by constant forces of change and continuity. Despite technological advancements a
nd shifts in practice, some foundational aspects of dentistry remain the same: the dental office environment and the core patient-provider relationship. These constants provide the backdrop for the ongoing evolution of the field. However, as Dr. Edward Rossomando suggests, the question we need to ask is not only about what dentistry has been, but also what it will become.
How can we redefine the future of dental care? And, equally importantly, how can we prepare the next generation to be part of that transformation?
Find out Dr. Rossomando's take on the present and future of dentistry.
Throughout the history of dentistry, one element has remained unchanged: the relationship between the patient and provider. This interaction—rooted in trust, care, and personal attention—has always been a cornerstone of dental practice. The way dental care is delivered may evolve, but the human element of the provider-patient bond remains central.
In contrast, other aspects of the dental profession have undergone dramatic change, particularly in the 20th century. Notably, the second half of the century saw a profound shift in our understanding of dental decay, driven by groundbreaking research on bacteria and oral health. These discoveries were significant, yet the public's resistance to potential risks—such as intraoral mistakes—slowed the adoption of new treatments. For many, the stakes were too high, and the problems of dental decay seemed small in comparison to the fear of emerging technologies.
As we’ve seen in history, progress in dentistry has often been constrained by cultural factors. This tension between innovation and caution is an ongoing theme, raising questions about when—or if—dentistry will ever fully transcend the limitations of its past.
"It seems as if the one thing that is constant is the way dentistry is delivered."
- Dr. Rossomando
If the patient-provider relationship remains a constant, then the future of dentistry lies in how we adapt the delivery of care, embrace new technologies, and rethink the role of dental professionals. According to Dr. Rossomando, the future of dentistry holds exciting possibilities, from near-future innovations to far-reaching advancements that we can barely begin to imagine.
The Near Future: Improving What We Already Know
In the near future, advancements will likely improve existing dental care methods, integrating emerging technologies into everyday practice. Dr. Rossomando envisions a world where nanobots, for example, might one day brush our teeth, making dental care more efficient and precise. These improvements will build on current knowledge—enhancing the ways we treat patients and perform procedures. While such innovations will be clinical in nature, they represent a continuation of the incremental progress that dentistry has seen throughout the decades.
The Far Future: Revolutionary Shifts and Basic Science
Beyond the near future, Dr. Rossomando predicts a more profound transformation of the dental profession. The far future, he suggests, will involve advances so radical that they might seem almost science fiction today. One key area is the potential to grow new teeth to repair dental decay or treat diseases that currently challenge our profession. While the knowledge to make this possible exists today, we lack the tools to bring this vision to life.
In addition to regenerating teeth, advances in gene editing may allow for prenatal interventions such as in utero orthodontics, where we could edit genes before birth to correct dental issues before they even appear. These advancements would mark a revolutionary shift in how we approach dental care, combining basic science with cutting-edge technology to prevent issues before they arise.
The key to achieving these futuristic possibilities lies in both continued scientific discovery and the technological infrastructure needed to implement them. As Dr. Rossomando notes, we already possess the knowledge; what we lack are the tools to apply it effectively.
"There is an alternative model for the future, and it's just a question of whether or not some compromise can be reached between how dentistry is handled now."
- Dr. Rossomando
The future of dentistry will also require closer collaboration between the dental profession and the business community. As Dr. Rossomando suggests, one day, we may see joint appointments between dental schools and business schools like Wharton, as the business side of innovation becomes integral to shaping the future of dental care. Turning an idea into a finished, marketable product is an essential skill that is often overlooked in dental education today. Yet, as the profession moves toward a more integrated, tech-driven future, the ability to bring ideas to fruition will be crucial for advancing the field.
Ultimately, the future of dentistry is about embracing new possibilities, from clinical innovations to the fundamental science that will allow us to grow teeth or edit genes. As we stand on the edge of these breakthroughs, we must look ahead with both optimism and a commitment to the education and cultivation of the next generation of dental innovators. The future, as Dr. Rossomando sees it, is not just exciting—it is a testament to the power of constant curiosity, critical thinking, and unrelenting innovation.
"Will there be a tie in to the Wharton school?...Yes, there will be. I don't know what they'll name it. I don't know how they'll do it. But people will have joint appointments, absolutely."
- Dr. Rossomando
As dentistry moves into the future, the way we educate future generations of dental professionals must evolve. Dr. Rossomando believes that fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and deep engagement with research are essential for students to succeed in this changing landscape. In the past, Dr. Rossomando recalls, research and science played a prominent role in dental education. Faculty like Louis Grossman and Lester Burket were highly engaged with students, providing guidance and mentorship. However, in recent years, there has been a shift away from lab-based learning, and dental research is now largely conducted outside of dental schools—often by Ph.D. scientists in other disciplines.
Today’s students are often more motivated by financial incentives than intellectual curiosity. Dr. Rossomando suggests that dental schools must reintegrate hands-on research opportunities, helping students develop a deeper understanding of both science and its application in clinical practice. This requires teaching students not only how to think critically but how to bring ideas from concept to completion—transforming innovations into viable products that can improve patient care.
Dr. Rossomando is optimistic about the future but recognizes that challenges remain. The freedom to experiment, to ask "why is the sky blue?"—as he did as a child—is essential to progress. Without a culture of curiosity and innovation, dentistry risks stagnation. The future of dentistry depends on our ability to continue thinking critically, taking risks, and nurturing the next generation of professionals who will carry this tradition forward.
"You need a culture that is constantly thinking of stuff and trying to get it to happen."
- Dr. Rossomando
