Ann Arbor, MI — February 16, 2005 — The University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s Sindecuse Museum will present two interesting and entertaining lectures about dentistry…as it was practiced in the past…and how some of those practices have affected dentists practice today, but how consumers have been affected as well.

The lectures will be presented on April 7 and 8 by Dr. Arden G. Christen, DDS, MSD, and professor emeritus at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. During his career, Christen has authored more than 250 scientific articles published in prestigious dental and medical journals and has made presentations at meetings and lectures worldwide. Both lectures at the School of Dentistry are free and open to the public.

Thursday, April 7, 2005
Time: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Room G550, School of Dentistry Building
Topic: What Painless Parker Taught Us: A Study of Ethics and Advertising in America

This lighthearted and informative presentation will examine the life of Dr. Painless Parker (1872-1952). This American dentist was considered by many of his peers to be not only unorthodox, but also an outlaw, a fraud, and a quack because of his blatant use of advertising in the late 19th century. However, some credit him with pioneering promotional care methods that helped the public to embrace dentistry. After the lecture, Christen will give away five copies of his book, Painless Parker, A Dental Renegade’s Fight to Make Advertising Ethical.

Friday, April 8, 2005
Time: Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Room G550, School of Dentistry Building
Topic: Horace Fletcher, “The Great Masticator,” and Influential 20th Century Health and Food Faddist

Remember your parents telling you at dinner when you were young not to hurry when you were eating and to “chew your food 50 to 100 times”? Why and how did that phrase originate? Horace Fletcher (1849-1919) instilled that dogma in the early 20th century when he reminded Americans to eat more deliberately and slowly. “Fletcherizing” one’s meals was also promoted by Michigan’s cereal magnate, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, and other prominent Americans during that time.

Since refreshments will be served prior to both lectures, those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling (734) 763-0767 or sending an e-mail to: dentalmuseum@umich.edu.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation’s leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.