A tribute to the late Dr. Richard J. Blankenau, DDS by his friend and colleague, G. Lynn Powell, DDS
✍ Scribed by Powell, G. Lynn
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1999
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 20 KB
- Volume
- 25
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0196-8092
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
While never losing his zeal for scientific research and his wonderful optimistic attitude, my good friend and fellow colleague, Dr. Richard J. Blankenau, lost his battle with abdominal cancer on June 14, 1999. Some of his last words to me were, "Do you have the manuscript done on the clinical pilot study for (laser) decay prevention? Please send it to me so I can see it".
Dick was first introduced to lasers in 1988 when I invited him to participate in a new study to explore the use of the argon laser to initiate rapid polymerization of dental composites. That project was soon followed by others leading to the adoption of lasers and other light devices for curing of composites in 10 seconds or less. We explored many other projects together including, but not limited to, laser initiated polymerization, oral soft tissue surgery, root canal therapy, dental decay prevention, bleaching, safety of the pulp, cavity preparation and pain reduction of aphthous ulcers. Some of these led to FDA clearances for several manufacturers and I am confident other clearances will come in the future. His background in operative dentistry and his conservative approach to general dentistry was intertwined with his enthusiastic love for lasers and the potential good they held for patients in dentistry.
Championing lasers before they were accepted by the dental community, Dick traveled, frequently at his own expense, to national and international meetings where he could present research or clinical cases. He pioneered early clinical placement of composites, sealants and bases with lasers; surgical applications for the argon; and most recently, the first clinical pilot study for decay prevention. His early experimental patients were not unknown to him but consisted of personal patients and family members.