Greene

Greene Vardiman Black (1836–1915), commonly known as G.V. Black, is known as one of the founders of modern dentistry in the United States. He is also known as the father of operative dentistry. Hewas born near Winchester, Illinois on August 3, 1836 to William and Mary Black. He spent his early life on a farm and quickly developed an interest in the natural world. By the age of 17, Black beganstudying medicine with the help of his brother, Dr. Thomas G. Black. In 1857, he met Dr. J.C. Speer, who taught him the practice of dentistry. After the Civil War, in which he served as a union scout,he relocated to Jacksonville, Illinois. It was here that he began an active career and research in the underdeveloped field of dentistry.
He researched many important topics to dentistry, includingthe best composition for dental amalgams and the cause of dental fluorosis. One of his many inventions was a foot-driven dental drill. He is also known for his principles of tooth preparations, in whichhe outlines the proper methods to prepare teeth for fillings. The phrase, "extension for prevention," is still famous in the dental community today and represents Black's idea that dentists shouldincorporate more grooves and pits than those currently exhibiting decay as a preventive measure against those grooves and pits developing tooth decay in the future.
Further, he organized 'Black'sClassification of Caries Lesions' which is still in use today. Since that time, only one more category has been added to his classification system.


GV Black Statue in Lincoln Park
Black'sClassification of Caries Lesions:
Class I Caries affecting occlusal third of molars and premolars, occlusal two thirds of molars and premolars, and Lingual part of anterior teeth.
Class II Caries affectingproximal surfaces of molars and premolars.
Class III Caries affecting proximal surfaces of central incisors, lateral incisors, and cuspids.
Class IV Caries affecting proximal including incisal edges...