The
Forsyth Institute was founded by the Forsyth family who had gained their
wealth by pioneering the manufacture of vulcanized rubber products in
the 19th century. Before his death, James Bennett Forsyth, one of the
heirs to the family fortune, had discussed establishing a dental clinic
to serve the children of Boston. In 1910 James' two surviving brothers,
Thomas and John, along with their sister Mary, fulfilled his dream by
founding the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children, a beautifully designed
facility constructed of white Vermont marble. In the eyes of its young
patients, the environment was both comfortable and attractive. Opening
its doors in 1914, the new clinic was charged with providing complete
oral therapy for children, with an emphasis on prevention of dental
caries.
Over
the years, the Forsyth Institute has greatly expanded to become a prominent
institution for clinical and basic science research that embraces a
multidisciplinary approach to research.
While
many Americans erroneously assume that oral disease has been virtually
eradicated, nearly one-third of U.S. children have little or no access
to dental care and suffer from oral diseases that compromise health,
appearance, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Even after its
shift in focus to research, Forsyth has continued its commitment to
children's oral health care. The Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists
maintains active outreach programs in Boston schools, HeadStart programs,
and health centers and continues to operate its onsite clinic. The Forsyth
Institute has extensive experience is operating programs for children.
Under
the direction of Dr. Anne Tanner of the Forsyth Institute, one of CREEDD's
major projects is focused on a better understanding of the microbials
involved in oral disease among underserved populations of children.
Dr. Tanner's project involves a coordinated effort with the Boston University
Goldman School of Dental Medicine and the Chelsea Public School District.
