Robert Murray Ricketts, DDS, MS, NMD (1920-2003)
Dr. Ricketts traveled and spoke on many occasions to teach members of the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists for which he is dearly missed. Young and old members alike looked toward him for inspiration as a teacher, mentor, and role model.
Dr. Ricketts became a graduate with honors from the School of Dentistry at Indiana University in 1945. He earned a Masters Degree in 1950 at the University of Illinois School of Orthodontics. He was given the Merit Award from the American from the American Society of Dentistry for Children. His research won Second Prize in the American Association of Orthodontics Essay Contest in 1950. In 1952, he was awarded First Prize. He was a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Among Dr. Ricketts research and design achievements were: development of the first cephalometric diagnostic system to project treatment plus growth in treatment planning (VTO); utilizing the growth studies of Bjork, Moss, Scott, Petrovic and other to develop a computer generated method of projecting growth to maturity mandibular archial growth (Long Range Forecasting); pioneered the use of "composite tracings" to better understand normal growth patterns in various facial types; development of computer generated cepholometric diagnostics (RMO Data Systems); development of 5-arch forms used to individualize treatment outcomes (Pentamorphic Arches);development of "root ratings" based upon the works of Miura and Brian Lee to quantify the forces necessary to move teeth in any plane of space; developed a hierarchy of anchorage in recognition that growth, the muscle, then cortical anchorage, then traditional tooth-based anchorage prevailed in treatment mechanics; developed with Ruel Bench and Carl Gugino new appliance systems used world wide including quad-helix, utility arches, sectionalization, and orthopedic correction with cervical headgear; and developed with Ruel Bench and Carl Gugino the Bioprogressive Philosophy, a biological approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Ricketts authored over 300 refereed articles, books, chapters and texts on orthodontics, all derived and paid for from his private practice in Pacific Palisades, California. He received the William Cogswell Distinguised Service Award in Oral Surgery; the Albert H. Ketcham Award from the American Board of Orthodontics; the John Mershon lecture honor; the Associated Journals of Europe Award; and the Hinnman Award. In 1990, he was given the Strang Award by the Connecticut State Society of Orthodontists, and won the Waldron lecturer Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
This review of his life is taken with permission from the 2003 Special Edition newsletter report for members of the Foundation for Orthodontic Research.