Gordon J. Christensen shares decades of insights on unbiased research and dentistry’s evolution. In Episode 30 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke welcomes Dr. Gordon J. Christensen, founder/CEO of Practical Clinical Courses (PCC), former CEO of Clinicians Report Foundation (CR), practicing prosthodontist, and global educator.
Key Insights:
- Origin Story: Blue-collar roots → dentistry sparked in junior high → USC DDS → MSD (Washington) → PhD (Denver). Helped launch UK/Colorado dental schools; Dean of Scottsdale Center; adjunct at Utah.
- Clinicians Report (CR): Co-founded with Dr. Rella Christensen (1976) as a non-profit for unbiased, real-world product evaluation. In vitro + 450 global evaluators → identifies 4/5 products fail claims. Focus: faster, easier, better, less expensive.
- Research Philosophy: Experience-based learning; four criteria for new tech (faster/easier/better/cheaper). Warns against capital-driven big companies reducing R&D; praises small innovators.
- Current Focus: Oral-systemic links; bioactive cements; caries as microbiome disease (beyond Streptococcus mutans). Advocates glass ionomer cements for chemical bonding/static properties.
- Future Outlook: Shift to microbiology-driven care; independent research vital amid funding challenges.
Dr. Christensen’s takeaway: Dentistry demands lifelong learning, honest evaluation, and passion — not retirement.
Visit pccdental.com or cliniciansreport.org.
