Dr. Charles Bass and the Bass Method

About the Book

Dr. Charles C. Bass made one of the most important discoveries in the fight against malaria and served as dean of Tulane’s renowned School of Medicine. But his greatest accomplishments occurred after he had “retired” and in a field in which he had no formal education — dentistry. Bass believed that virtually everyone can enjoy a lifetime of perfect dental health. Through painstaking research he demonstrated the microscopic processes that cause tooth decay and created a simple method to overcome those processes: Brush and floss correctly with his “Right Kind” toothbrush and dental floss once a day before retiring to bed. Dentists across the country made pilgrimages to his New Orleans office to be taught his method of preventive dentistry. Unfortunately, he was more effective as a researcher than as a marketer. Hampered by stubbornness — his own as well as the dental profession’s — he did not achieve his goal of redefining dentistry. But he did influence thousands of dentists to focus on prevention rather than restoration, and many of his ideas, such as the importance of flossing, are now considered mainstream. After his death The Journal of the American Dental Association, which had repeatedly rejected his writings, called him the father of preventive dentistry. Dr. Charles Bass and the Bass Method tells the story of this country doctor who excelled in four professions: as a physician, a researcher, an educator, and a dental pioneer. Followers, detractors, and anyone interested in their own dental health will enjoy reading his story and learning about his method. Even with all of his accomplishments, Bass hoped he would be remembered chiefly for designing and promoting an effective method of personal oral hygiene. Written by one of his most ardent disciples, this book helps honor that wish.

About the Author

Dr. Wayne Lott practiced dentistry 31 years in Jacksonville, Arkansas. He was president of the Society for the Preservation of Oral Health and has been a member of the American Dental Association, Arkansas Dental Association, and Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity. He graduated dental school at Loyola of the South in 1950. He served two years as a Marine Corps dentist in the Korean War and retired as a commander in the Naval Reserves. Steve Brawner has authored or co-authored 24 books on commission. He was editor of two newspapers and now is Arkansas Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller’s communications director.