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. 2023 Sep 1;93(5):497-500.
doi: 10.2319/050423-323.1. Epub 2023 Jul 28.

Robert M. Ricketts and Rudolf Slavicek: dentistry by the rules of nature

Cinzia Fornai  1 , Nelson J Oppermann  2 , Ian Tester  3 , Kim Parlett  3 , Mohammed H Elnagar  4 , Budi Kusnoto  5 , Flavio J C Sanchez  4
Affiliations

Robert M. Ricketts and Rudolf Slavicek: dentistry by the rules of nature

Cinzia Fornai et al. Angle Orthod. .

Abstract

The stomatognathic structures act as a complex and integrated system, thereby accomplishing several essential functions of the body. Aside from participating in food digestion, they are key for respiration and swallowing and play a central role in social interaction and stress management. The lifeworks of Robert M. Ricketts (1920-2003), an American orthodontist, and Rudolf Slavicek (1928-2022), an Austrian prosthodontist, were centered on this understanding. Both were educated in the time of gnathology, functional dentistry, and cephalometry and were ready to challenge conventional knowledge and traditions, leading toward innovation. As untiring clinicians, researchers, and mentors, they were fully invested in the study of the stomatognathic system, considering its morphology, dynamics, growth patterns, evolution, and interactions with the body and mind. Based on their extensive knowledge of the masticatory system, they advanced dentistry both with theoretical notions and by implementing new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts, thus reinforcing the idea of dentistry as a medical discipline requiring interdisciplinary effort. Their heritage is represented by numerous publications, discoveries, and inventions that inspire the dental community to follow their exemplary approach to the individualized care of patients. Their knowledge and passion are further passed on through their students. As part of their legacy, they prepared the ground for new research aimed at fostering advancements in occlusion medicine, hence supporting education in oral health.

Keywords: Interdisciplinary work; Occlusion medicine; Orthodontics; Ricketts; Slavicek; Stomatognathic system.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
In this 2019 photo, Slavicek engaged in discussion in the Summer School, a yearly event by the Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry and the Medical University of Vienna.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Ricketts studying the osteological collections of the Natural History Museum Vienna during his visit to the Austrian capital in September 1997.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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