Journal of Dental Research, Vol 75, 529-534, Copyright © 1996 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Michael Buonocore and the Eastman Dental Center: a historic perspective on sealants
S. L. Handelman and Z. Shey
Dr. Michael Buonocore is known for his innovative research on the
preparation of the enamel surface with a weak acid to enhance adhesion of
an organic plastic chemical sealant and the polymerization in situ of a
sealant with ultraviolet light. His co-workers at Eastman Dental Center
aided and extended his research findings. The purpose of his original
research was the development of a sealant to prevent occlusal caries on
posterior teeth. However, the major impact of his work has been the
development of adhesive restorative techniques. Although it has been
demonstrated that (i) bacteria tend to die out and caries does not progress
if early caries lesions are inadvertently sealed, (ii) sealant retention
rates are favorable, and (iii) sealants are cost-effective, the use of
sealants by the profession is still far short of early expectations.
