Interview with William F. Liljemark

Abstract

Dr. William Liljemark begins his interview with a reflection on his education and his pursuit of a career in dentistry. He then discusses the following in relation to the progression of his career: his time at the Forsyth Dental Center at Harvard University; his return to the University of Minnesota; and his administrative work. The interview transitions to the broader history of the School of Dentistry, including the following: the increasing emphasis on basic science research within dentistry; the periodontology, oral pathology, and orthodontics programs; research in the School; changes in the School’s curriculum and clinical practice; changes in the Dental Hygiene Program; relations between the School of Dentistry and the Medical School; the School as part of the AHC; differences between dentistry and medicine; the manpower and demographic problems in dentistry; the deanships of Erwin Schaeffer, Richard Oliver, and Richard Elzay; the culture of the school; efforts to admit women and minorities; committees in the Graduate School; and relations with the State Legislature. Dr. Liljemark concludes his interview with comments on the need for evidence-based dentistry and student research.