The University of Queensland will honour a modern dentistry pioneer with a new portrait which will be displayed from next week at the Dentistry Library, Turbot Street, Brisbane.
University Librarian Ms Janine Schmidt said that thanks to generous donations made to the University, a portrait had been commissioned of Pierre Fauchard (1678-1761), often called the Father of Modern Dentistry.
The portrait will be unveiled at a ceremony on Wednesday, January 19 at 10am.
Fauchard wrote the first encyclopedia of dentistry and helped transform the trade into a profession.
In a long career as a dental expert, and then master-surgeon, Pierre Fauchard used a scientific approach, comprehensive care, high ethical standards and technical innovation. He advocated the sharing of dental knowledge and the eradication of charlatans.
Fauchard developed many techniques still in use, including filling decayed teeth, replanting knocked out teeth, enamelling false teeth to match existing, and straightening crooked teeth. He also started the practice of seating patients in a comfortable chair.
Yenda Carson from the Fine Arts Department at Griffith University has created the sculptural piece for UQ. Ms Carson is renowned for her fine work in glass.
She said the image of Fauchard was borrowed from an etching found on the inside cover of his encyclopedia.
“With modern processes and glass materials, it has been translated and reconfigured to create a contemporary portrait of the founder,” Ms Carson said.
“The layering of the glass reflects the layering of information as in a book, one page on another.
“The placement of the image in the Library acts as a reminder to students of the origins of Dentistry and the pioneering achievements of the past, making possible the endeavours of the future.”
Mrs Schmidt said the University was “honoured to have such a tribute to Pierre Fauchard. He was an innovative pioneer in every sense of the word.”
More information on Pierre Fauchard can be found at http://www.fauchard.org/publications/remembrance.htm
For more information please contact Mrs Lisa Kruesi, Health Sciences Librarian on l.kruesi@llibrary.uq.edu.au or (07) 3365 5354
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