Contents - IADR/AADR

the IADR was for many years either totally lacking or very late in coming. That this was true of the American
Dental Association, representing at the time almost exclusively the practitioner, was perhaps not too surprising
in terms of early history, aside from the fact that any early reluctance has certainly been made up for many
times over in recent years. It is less readily understood that groups whose own objectives very specifically
suggested a strong interest in supporting scholarly pursuits were not only very late in understanding the IADR
but actually never did come to recognize the importance, let alone the needs, of the IADR. This was notably
true of the American College of Dentists, although it again has shown some signs of eye-opening interest in
more recent years. But perhaps most surprising of all relationships was the illogical dichotomy between the
dental research group, the IADR, and the principal group of dental educators, represented by the American
Association of Dental Schools. In retrospect this would seem to be a great paradox in the field of dentistry; yet,
over the years, the groups did begin to arrange overlapping meetings, with some overlapping of participants as
well. Also, it is evident that administrators are beginning to look with increasing interest upon young members
of the IADR and their presentations at the annual meetings. Without the existence of the IADR as a focal point
and as a forum for researchers interested in this field, it is doubtful whether dentistry could have been ready for
the postwar research developments. This began in the late 1940's, following the establishment of continuous
research support from the United States Federal Government through the National Institute of Dental Research.
Today, perhaps the greatest need for the International Association for Dental Research is to play an
increasingly important role, not merely in organizing and conducting the annual meetings, but in serving as a
national and international force in seeking greater support and more talent for the evolution of dental research
during the next fifty years.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL RESEARCH (IADR) – THE FIRST FIFTY YEAR HISTORY PAGE 37