Future role of biomaterials in dentistry and dental education

It is possible to make predictions on materials research and on its impact if one understands the background of materials science and appraises the constraints on research and practice. In the past ten years some significant advances have been implemented in dental practice. On the basis of these advances, some very optimistic predictions can be made for the next ten years. However, in some areas, little progress was made, and there are some reasons to believe that this limited success will continue. Planning in research and dental education must be based on realistic appraisals of research productivity.