Using Teeth Bleaching for God’s Glory

Van B. Haywood, DMD, is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Restorative Sciences, Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. In 1989, he co-authored the first publication in the world on Nightguard vital bleaching (at-home tray bleaching) and in 1997 co-authored the first article on extended treatment (six months) of tetracycline-stained teeth using this technique. He has completed further research and over 145 publications on the tray bleaching technique and the topic of bleaching and esthetics, including first papers on treating bleaching sensitivity with potassium nitrate, direct thermoplastic tray fabrication, bleaching primary teeth and caries control with bleaching materials. After over 29 years at the Dental College of Georgia (DCG), he retired from full-time teaching in December 2022. The DCG Class of 1997 initiated a scholarship in his name for clinical excellence and compassionate care. In 2023, he was named among the top 2 percent most-cited scientists in the world.