This Glossary is a collection of words and terms and their special connotations in the art and science of prosthodontics. It is in the nature of a progress report in a tremendous effort to standardize the nomenclature used in this field. The advantages to the dental profession of a successful effort in this direction are manifold. The most important of these is that the use of a uniform terminology would permit authors to discuss their concepts and techniques and be sure that these would be understood by those who would read the articles, regardless of the geographic location or the specialty of the reader.
The need for a glossary of terms used in prosthodontics has been recognized for many years. In 1923, Ottofy stated, “It is to be hoped that members of the profession and specialists through their organizations will reach an agreement as to the terms to be given preference or to be used exclusively.” He called particular notice to the confused state of the prosthodontic terminology of that time, and it is even worse now because of the progress in the art and science of prosthodontics. Many new terms and words intended to describe or explain modern philosophies or procedures have been added to the literature. Authors, clinicians, and teachers have ascribed many different interpretations and meanings to the same terms and words. Many “old” terms have been given “new” definitions by contemporary authors. Many “old” terms have been redefined in the light of the increased knowledge of the problems of prosthodontics.
Through the years, individuals, specialty groups, and the Bureau of Library and Indexing of the American Dental Association have made many sincere attempts to develop a standard and acceptable nomenclature in dentistry. The major obstacle has been the difficulty in obtaining universal acceptance of proposed interpretations.
The Academy of Denture Prosthetics has studied the problem throughout its existence and, until recently, has reached unanimous agreement on very few terms. This was in spite of sincere and valiant efforts on the part of the nomenclature committees, and it was due to the wide differences of opinion and background among those who considered the committees' recommendations. This lack of progress was most discouraging, but three years ago it was agreed by the Fellowship of the Academy that this Glossary would be prepared, and that the majority opinion would be adopted. This decision made possible real progress toward the ultimate goal—a universal terminology for prosthodontics.
The “workshop” technique was used in the course of two meetings of the Academy for the study of nearly 1000 words or terms. The Nomenclature Committee of the Academy restudied the results of these “workshop” sessions. At least sixteen outstanding prosthodontists have given serious study to each term included in this Glossary. The definitions represent a composite of their understanding of the terms. The Fellows of the Academy of Denture Prosthetics have combined their efforts to serve as lexicographers.
The chief role of a lexicographer is to record the current usage of words. The chief function of words in science is to convey meaning.
The lexicographer has a duty to lead as well as to follow. Where clearness demands it, he should place such restrictions as are necessary to avoid ambiguity. That is, he must narrow down some definitions so they will not carry too much generality. Where voids exist, he should fill them in. Where more than one term is used to express the same idea or concept, he should indicate the preference on the basis of logic and other considerations.
Many instances could be cited in the Glossary where the Academy and its Nomenclature Committee have performed these various “duties” of the lexicographer. Certain terms were determined to be objectionable for some reason and are marked (Obj.). Some new terms have been added which seem to express the desired idea or meanings more accurately than the corresponding terms in current usage. Where more than one term carries the same connotation was found, the preferred term is listed first. Likewise, when more than one definition was assigned to the same term, the preferred definition is listed first. These decisions were made on the basis of majority opinion. It is hoped that eventually obsolete or objectionable terms and terms which tend to mislead and confuse will be eliminated entirely.
This, the first edition of the Glossary, is offered to the dental profession for its consideration. Since it is recognized that there are some terms that have not been included and that some other terms and definitions that may be objectionable to some authorities have been included, revisions will be necessary from time to time. Constructive suggestions are invited, and these will be given thorough consideration in future editions. In its present form, this Glossary can serve as a good temporary standard.
It is impossible to give due credit here to all that have worked to make this Glossary possible. The Fellows of the Academy of Denture Prosthetics have supplied the fundamental information and have made the necessary decisions. The Editorial Council of THE JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY and The C. V. Mosby Company, its publisher, have provided encouragement and technical assistance in its development. Special acknowledgment is due to Dr. George B. Denton of the Bureau of Library and Indexing of the American Dental Association, for his advice and counsel, and to Mrs. Marice K. Musgrove and Miss Barbara Eichhorn for the tremendous amount of secretarial work which was necessary. Acknowledgment is made, also, to certain dictionaries and textbooks from which the definitions for some of the terms have been taken. These are: Dorland, W. A. Newman, The American Illustrated Medical Dictionary, ed. 22, Philadelphia, 1951, W. B. Saunders Company (Dor.); Dunning, William B., and Davenport, S. Ellsworth, Jr., A Dictionary of Dental Science and Art, Philadelphia, 1936, P. Blakiston's Son & Company, Inc. (D. & D.); Swenson, Merrill G., and Terkla, Louis G., Partial Dentures, St. Louis, 1955, The C. V. Mosby Company (S.); Blakiston's New Gould Medical Dictionary, ed. 1, Philadelphia, 1949, The Blakiston Company (Gould). To all of these, the Nomenclature Committee expresses its gratitude.
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