Lessons to be learned from Pierre Fauchard.

Pierre Fauchard possessed the following attributes: Curiosity, intelligence, courage, perseverance, honesty, dexterity, and social responsibility. I suspect that these qualities would have assured him success in whatever career he might have followed. He chose surgery, and through his experience as a ship's doctor in the French navy, he specialized in diseases of the mouth and teeth (common among seamen), qualifying as a surgeon-dentist prior to establishing his highly successful private practice in Paris. In his long career he stood for excellence, the scientific approach, comprehensive care, high ethical standards, and technical innovation. Although we know almost nothing of his private life, his book does reveal a good part of his character. Based solely on this source it is possible to conclude that Fauchard was a true son of the enlightenment, who justifiably holds the title of Father of Modern Dentistry. His treatise contains lessons to be emulated even into the 21st century.