PDM 1923
Dr. Louis I. Grossman
Pioneer of Modern Endodontics
A member of the Penn Dental Medicine faculty from 1927 to 1972, Dr. Louis I. Grossman is widely regarded as the father of modern endodontics. He established the School’s first endodontic program and was a founding force behind the creation of the American Association of Endodontists in 1943.
Dr. Grossman played a key role in discrediting the outdated "focal infection theory", a belief introduced in 1910 that led to unnecessary tooth extractions. In 1940, he authored one of the field’s foundational textbooks, Root Canal Therapy—later renamed Endodontic Practice, now in its 13th edition.
Affectionately known as “Louie the Root,” his impact on dental education and clinical practice remains profound.
Image source: Root Canal Foundation’s PDF of Endodontic Practice
"Dr. Louis Grossman...can truly be described as the father of modern endodontics and without his life and his work, this branch of dentistry would still be viewed by many as slightly disreputable and not be practiced by 'proper' dentists."
- F.J. Harty in Dr. Grossman's 1988 obituary in the International Endodontic Journal
Endodontic Practice
by
