Dr. Perry Brickman, 1932-2025: A Life With Lessons for the Dental Profession
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By
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Howard A Israel
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February 1, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Dr. Perry Brickman, 1932-2025: A Life With Lessons for the Dental Profession
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Antisemitism in Dental Education |
| Key Mechanisms | Discrimination and prejudice in dental school admissions and education |
| Target Population | Dental students and professionals, particularly Jewish individuals |
| Care Setting | Dental education institutions |
Key Highlights
- Dr. Perry Brickman's experience highlights systemic antisemitism in dental education.
- Quotas in dental school admissions were based on race and ethnicity rather than qualifications.
- The history of dental professionals during the Nazi regime is beginning to be documented.
- Dr. Brickman's memoir reveals the impact of discrimination on his career and personal life.
- The failure rate for Jewish students at Emory University dental school was significantly higher than for non-Jewish students. [Source needed]
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Recognize the historical context of discrimination in dental education.
Management
- Implement policies to ensure equitable admissions processes in dental schools.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly assess the diversity and inclusivity of dental education programs using specific metrics.
Risks
- Failure to address systemic discrimination may perpetuate inequities in dental education.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Dental students and professionals affected by discrimination
Understanding the historical impact of discrimination can inform current practices.
Clinical Best Practices
- Promote diversity and inclusion in dental education through targeted recruitment.
- Educate faculty and students about the history of discrimination in the profession.
- Encourage open discussions about past injustices to foster a more inclusive environment.
References
