Biography and Education
- Willoughby D. Miller was born in Alexandria, Ohio.
- He studied mathematics and physics at the University of Michigan.
- He traveled to Edinburgh to continue his studies.
- Financial problems led him to move to Berlin.
- Miller trained as a dentist at the Pennsylvania Dental College.
- The college merged with the University of Pennsylvania Department of Dentistry.
- Miller graduated in 1879, one of the members of the first graduating class.
- He worked in Abbot's dental office in Berlin.
Career and Contributions to Microbiology
- Miller became appointed Professor of Operative Dentistry at the University of Berlin.
- He worked in the microbiological laboratory of Robert Koch in Berlin.
- He developed numerous research projects that introduced modern biological principles to dentistry.
- In 1890, Miller formulated the chemo-parasitic theory of caries (tooth decay).
- Miller's theory held that caries is caused by acids produced by oral bacteria following fermentation of sugars.
- He also proposed the focal infection theory, suggesting a role for oral microorganisms in the development of diseases in other parts of the body.
Impact on Dentistry
- Miller's chemo-parasitic theory of caries was later supported by the discovery of Streptococcus mutans as a primary pathogen in caries.
- He advocated treating and filling root canals instead of removing teeth.
- The concept of oral focal infection lost credibility over time.
- However, in the 1980s, associations between periodontal disease and other systemic conditions were discovered.
- It is now accepted that oral bacteria can cause disease at remote sites or perturb the immune system.
References and External Links
- Shklar and Carranza's book 'Carranza's Clinical Periodontology' provides historical background on periodontology.
- A journal article by Resan and Hammond discusses the history of microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
- The website 'um2017.org' provides a history of dentistry.
- The British Medical Journal published an obituary for Miller.
- 'Oral Microbiology at a Glance' by Lamont and Jenkinson is a recommended resource.
Willoughby Dayton Miller (1853–1907) was an American dentist and the first oral microbiologist.
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