Vincent A. Segreto, D.D.S., was involved in dental research that affects millions of people.
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Vincent A. Segreto, D.D.S., professor emeritus and former division head of research in the Department of Dental Diagnostic Science, passed away Aug. 19, 2007 in San Antonio. He was 85. Dr. Segreto is remembered by his peers as an exceptional professional and humanitarian who changed the face of dentistry in the United States and Central America.

“Dr. Segreto was a pioneer in testing oral health care products both in the U.S. Air Force and at the Health Science Center,” said Spencer Redding, D.D.S., chair of the Department of Dental Diagnostic Science at the Health Science Center. “The results from the studies he conducted to evaluate these products impact millions of people daily. The dental profession and the general public owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.”

50-year career in dentistry
Dr. Segreto joined the Health Science Center faculty in 1975. Throughout his 50-year career in dentistry, he published approximately 43 professional articles and conducted research studies that benefited thousands of patients throughout the world. His studies led to the following achievements in dentistry:

• An experimental stannous fluoride dental paste that proved to be an excellent agent in reducing dental decay
  
• Toxicity studies on stannous fluoride to ensure safety for patients
  
• Development of a stain resistant, less-soluble, dental restorative material for anterior teeth
  
• And initiation of studies on mercury fillings -- the research resulted in warnings to the dental profession about the hazards of mercury.

Helped Guatemalan villagers
In 1986, Dr. Segreto was appointed an adjunct faculty member with the Universidad Mariano Galvez in Guatemala City. He networked with the health care system there and formed a research group that consisted of Guatemalan dentists, physicians and other health care professionals. The group traveled together through the country’s remote areas to bring health care to the villagers, including physicals, extractions and other basic medical and dental care. Dr. Segreto’s passion for helping the underserved motivated him to conduct research studies there to gain an understanding of dental diseases that plagued the Guatemalan villagers. When discussing his experience in Guatemala, Dr. Segreto was once quoted, “I was not satisfied with some of our clinical findings, so if I live long enough, I will return to repeat this study.”

Research was his priority
His dreams of organizing and educating local dentists in Guatemala were realized when the Health Science Center established an institutional review board in Guatemala so that Guatemalan researchers could conduct their own studies. The Health Science Center provided equipment and supplies and building modifications in both rural and urban clinics in Guatemala. The city now operates several fully functioning research clinics. In August 2006, the Vincent A. Segreto Research and Education Center opened in Guatemala City.

Served as chief of dental research in the U.S. Air Force
Dr. Segreto served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949 to 1975 where he was appointed chief of dental research. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Recognition of Outstanding Qualifications in General Dentistry, the highest level of professional achievement given by the Air Force. He earned his D.D.S. from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo.

Survivors
Dr. Segreto is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carmela “Millie” Segreto; three daughters, Linda Mesa and Deborah McAdams, both of San Antonio, and Kathleen Segreto of Spicewood; a sister, Frances Catanazaro of Tucson, Ariz; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.