A Season for Reflection

by Les Rykiss, DMD, FASDA, FIADFE

Spring is in the air! Especially after attending the Pacific Dental Conference in Vancouver with all the beautiful weather. The benefit of the esthetic issue coming out in April every year is that it allows me the ability to look outside as I write this editorial, as things start to bloom, and reflect. What a year it has been. How lucky am I to be in the position I am where I get to work with amazing clinicians from all over the world! The chance to learn cutting edge techniques drives me. The result of many months of work are on these pages. If anyone has the desire to share information, new techniques or share a case or two with our profession, please feel free to contact Oral Health.

Unfortunately, reflection may include a time for remembering our mentors, our colleagues and our friends who may have passed since my last editorial.

This year, I attended the annual ASDA meeting in Austin, Texas, with my mentors, friends and colleagues from all over the world, and we honored Dr. Paul Belvedere. We all applauded as he was introduced, and were reminded of his many achievements over his long career. Little did we know at that time, Paul gave what would be his last podium speech. Again, we stood and applauded, and I had the pleasure of speaking with him after the event and we shared a couple of wonderful memories. Paul passed away just a few short days later.

Paul C. Belvedere, DDS was born October 28th, 1930 in Hobart, IN, and died peacefully November 1st, 2017, in Minneapolis, MN, surrounded by family, faith & love to the end. Paul was full of life and vigor. Born to Catherine & Pasqual Belvedere in his uncle’s dental office. He was destined. Paul studied dentistry at Loyola Dental School, Chicago, graduating in 1955. Paul became internationally renowned dentist, innovator, teacher, lecturer, author and inventor of cosmetic and composite dentistry. A true pioneer, Paul was known as the “father of posterior composites.” He held academic positions from Adjunct Professor to Co-Director of the Postgraduates at UofM and State University of New York. A brilliant mind he held 22 patents, served three editorial boards, published numerous papers, presented 700 lectures worldwide to dentists and universities for 30 years. Paul retired from active patient care in December 2010 after 56 years. Paul is survived by Gail Ellen (Heinemann), his wife of 44 years. He leaves his son Paul J. (Gwen), son William (Jeni), daughter Grayce (Dan), daughter Josephine and eight grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen, and brother-in-law Luke.

In this issue, some of the best clinical aesthetic dentistry is highlighted. One article that sticks out in my mind is Dr. Holger Meiser’s – Case Report: The Margin Perfect Matrix–A Predictable Technique for The Fabrication of Direct Composite Veneers, simply because he has written on the use of Dr. Belvedere’s contour strip. His article is a fitting tribute to a wonderful man and legend in dentistry.

Please take the time to enjoy the spectacular dentistry throughout this issue, including Dr. Ross Nash’s beauty queen makeover. OH


About the Editor
Les Rykiss, DMD, FASDA, FIADFE maintains his private practice in Winnipeg, MB. He is a graduate of the University of Manitoba as well as a graduate and Mentor at the Nash Institute for Dental Learning in Charlotte, N.C. He has his Fellowship with the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics, an associate Fellowship from the World Clinical Laser Institute, and is a member of the ASDA and CAED. He teaches, lectures, and writes articles on restorative, cosmetic dentistry, and hard and soft tissue laser use.

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