Irving Glickman (January 17, 1914 – October 2, 1972) was an American clinical researcher described as "the father of periodontology" and an author. He was one of the first to classify furcation defects and the role of occlusal trauma on periodontal disease.

Career

In 1941, Glickman joined the Tufts University faculty and became chair of the Department of Periodontology in 1948. In the 1950s, Glickman developed the bone factor concept about the factors that determine the severity of periodontal destruction, and developed a classification system for furcation involvement In 1965, Glickman proposed a theory involving the relation of occlusal trauma to periodontal disease which led to further research in animal models.

Personal life and death

In 1954, Glickman married his student, Violeta Arboleda. Violeta had five sisters including Esmeralda, and Mireya. Glickman and Arboleda had a son, Alan, and a daughter, Denise.

Legacy

In January 2012, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine dedicated the periodontology library to Glickman, naming it in his honor.

Selected works