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Dental caries disease remains one of the most
prevalent diseases in the world, and we continue to explore the
demineralization or remineralization equilibrium in both enamel and root
tissue.
History: In 1975, The University
of Iowa was the first university in the United States to develop a Cariology Division. Dr.
Leon M. Silverstone became the head, and joining him in 1976 were Drs. James
Wefel and Brian Clarkson. This Center was multidisciplinary in nature - -
integrating immunology, histopathology and epidemiology - - with an emphasis
on root caries. This Division was significant for the entire dental school,
because the dental curriculum changed to include Cariology.
A decade later, the Cariology Division
received a five-year Specialized Cariology Centers grant from NIDCR. In 1985, The University of Iowa
was designated by NIDCR as one of three specialized dental cariology
centers for five years.
From 1994 to 1999, the Cariology Division
was again awarded the Specialized Cariology Centers grant from NIDCR,
directed by Dr. James Wefel, and co-directed by Dr. David
Drake.
This grant allowed the Cariology Center to expand the knowledge base on root caries.
The University of Iowa remains a
leader in cariology research and continues to seek answers for a disease
process that affects people world-wide.
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