David Mahler was born and raised in Yonkers, NY. He studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Michigan prior to WWII. During the war he served in aircraft maintenance. Postwar he returned to U.M. for his Masters and Doctorate. An assumed future with Boeing was derailed by temporary job with University of Oregon Dental School, which steered him into the field of Dental Biomaterials. He built his department from scratch and became an internationally honored expert on dental amalgam. He discusses relations with University and School of Dentistry administrations; shares much technical information; and laments that fluoridation became such a political football.
Disclaimer
Oral histories are considered historical materials. They are the personal recollections and opinions of the individuals involved and, therefore, may contain offensive language, ideas or negative stereotypes reflecting the culture or language of a person, period or place. Oral histories should not serve as the sole source of information about an institution or particular historical events. These narratives should in no way be interpreted as the official history of Oregon Health & Science University, nor do they necessarily represent the views of the institution.
