The Schudy Chronicles

Professional Acceptance of New Information

The purpose of this narrative is to point out how slowly new information is absorbed in the orthodontic profession. While it is common knowledge that new information is absorbed slowly in any field of endeavor, still it is difficult to understand why it takes so long to accept and use new and simple concepts in orthodontics.

We would like to list some of our efforts to urge colleagues to consider the value and importance of several sound concepts in the treatment of malocclusion.

Article 1 of The Schudy Chronicles:
"We need top level discussions of the most scientific method of superimposition with a view to reaching consensus. Sixty-five years of cephalometrics should be sufficient to reach a consensus on the most scientific method of measuring growth.

Article 2:
"In conclusion I would say that I feel very humble about what I have been able to contribute to our beloved profession."

Article 3:
"We are not so much concerned with the fact that concepts appear in the literature which are incorrect, but when new concepts come along, which are proven to be correct, that these principles are not logged into our collective data bank as precepts we can depend on and follow. It doesn't have to be that way."

Article 5:
"We have tried to comprehensively study horizontal condylar growth and point out its function in the growth of the jaws. It is hoped that this information will be a valuable contribution to the total body of orthodontic knowledge."

Article 7:
"I hope that others will come forth with their opinions of the accuracy of the interpretation of the implant studies."

Article 8:
"This post treatment study of 72 subjects is probably one of the better studies that has been reported. This research is one of the most important studies for the clinical orthodontist which has ever been reported. It has uncovered more biological truths than any of which I am aware. I say this unabashedly."

Article 9:
"It is hoped that members of our field of endeavor will come forth and give their opinions."

Article 11:
"It is hoped that our profession will readily accept the truth of this report and will soon begin discussion with a view to reaching a consensus."

Article 12:
"This narrative obviously runs counter to a well established, well documented analysis of a system of superimposition. Our profession must decide between the two in future years."

Article 13:
"I would be interested in the reaction of others."

Article 14:
"Through a period of thirty-seven years my published articles have been completely objective - always illustrating any principle or concept which was recommended. I have never discussed generalities. I didn't think. I measured."

Article 15:
"It is hoped that this gentle persuasion will encourage orthodontists everywhere to express their opinions." Article 17:
"This is contrary to conventional opinion but nevertheless true. During treatment, if the ANS to Mn distance is increased as much or more than the depth of the overbite and growth has ceased, then the overbite correction is permanent."
Article 20:
"In 1997 it is surprising that it is not commonly known that underdevelopment of molars is largely responsible for the deep bite. All orthodontists world-wide should be acutely aware of this obvious fact."

Article 21:
It is hoped that others will come forth with their opinions. This is an important concept worthy of our collective attention."

Article 22:
"It is fervently hoped that this short discourse will help clear up some of the confusion regarding non-extraction versus extraction treatment."

Article 23:
"The clinical orthodontist must not let scientific innovations influence him beyond their practical value. Our mission is to enjoy a caring relationship with our patients, while we perform lasting aesthetic, anatomical and functional improvements."

Article 24:
"Again it is hoped that colleagues will comment!!!. It would be considered an act of good will and friendship if a member of the academic world would comment, either for or against."

Article 25:
"Thus, in addition to condylar growth and fossa position, we need (1) vertical position of molar teeth and (2) the possible reduction of the gonion angle, to explain and fully understand the changes in the position of the chin."

Article 27:
"In conclusion, the author realizes that this discussion has not resolved any anatomical problems. It has only pointed out the complexity of the growth of the mandible. Is there someone out there who can better explain this anatomical puzzle?"

Article 29:
"The author hopes that this objective evidence will help to convince orthodontists world-wide that vertical opening created during orthodontic treatment is permanent, unless vertical condylar growth exceeds vertical growth of molar teeth in the post treatment period. Also, the author hopes that colleagues will comment, for or against."

Article 31:
"Thus, it becomes quite clear that the vertical dimension of the human face, caused by the vertical growth of the molar teeth, affects the anteroposterior position of the symphysis."

Article 32:
"The clinical orthodontist (low man on the totem pole) should not feel responsible for such a study; however he is probably most capable of accurately interpreting the results."

Article 33:
"Those who have never measured vertical and horizontal growth increments have a poor understanding of the growth of the jaws."

Article 35:
"In spite of all of the uncertainties of the exact amounts of growth in exact locations, fortunately we can exactly measure the overall vertical and horizontal growth. This is sufficient for the clinical orthodontist to accurately analyze treatment results. After all, this was the final reason for cephalometric studies from the beginning."

Article 37:
"The author has been admonishing colleagues for the last thirty-four years to avoid intrusion of mandibular incisors."

Article 39:
"It is hoped that this simple explanation will be crystal clear to all readers, and will encourage them to use this method of measuring in the analysis of growth and treatment results."

Article 41:
"It is hoped that this discussion will help colleagues to understand mandibular translation and its importance in Class II correction."

Article 42:
"It is my prayer that my colleagues will soon begin to study causative growth increments of the human face."

Article 43:
"It is hoped and expected that there will be a young person or persons of superior intellect who will be divinely inspired to intensely study orthodontics for an entire career and thereby make a noble contribution."

Article 44:
"If the orthodontic world will have the courage and foresight to execute such a plan, then our profession will reap eternal benefits."

Article 45:
"The American orthodontic community readily responds to less important concepts, sometimes merely whims, while completely ignoring forty years of documented scientific discussions pertaining to the heart and soul of the philosophy of service to our fellow man. Again I ask the question, 'Have we forgotten why we are orthodontists?'"

Article 46:
"It would seem that the first thing we should do is to face the facts mentioned above. If there is lack of understanding of these concepts in the academic community, we should get rid of our false pride and set about on some real learning."

Article 47:
"Again this is another attempt to promote sound precepts and principles."

Article 49:
"I have given my life and my best to my profession, so with love and good will toward all and malice toward none, I will leave it there - history will judge!!!"

Article 52:
"It is hoped that this discussion will be accepted in the manner in which it was intended. Even though kindness must sometimes be harsh, these admonitions were expressed in a spirit of love and good will."

Article 54:
"In conclusion, I hereby challenge any colleague anywhere in the world to show me, with objective evidence, that this analysis is not accurate and valid."

The above pages need no further explanation. In these pages I have proudly bared my soul in an effort to try to contribute to a profession which has done so much for me.

All of these pleadings over a period of three years, and yet not a word to counter any of the concepts discussed and recommended - no private correspondence expressing objection to the published concepts and no expressions of agreement. Since all of the Schudy Chronicles are of current interest, several in response to recently published articles, I can only surmise that they are not well understood.

The extent of false pride in human nature is appalling. Education and false pride seem to go together - the more formal education, the greater amount of false pride. Why is it so difficult to admit that one does not understand something? To pretend to understand important knowledge is to remain ignorant!! The accumulated silence has become deafening.

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