Early History — The Lee Institute
Bioesthetic Dentistry was founded in the clinical research and practice of Robert L. He originated the word bioesthetics and defined it as: “Bioesthetics is the study or theory of the beauty of living things in their natural forms and functions.”
Dr. Lee graduated from Loma Linda School of Dentistry in 1959. in Biology and an M.S. in Bacteriology and Public Heal
th. Dr. Lee held memberships in many professional societies, to name a few: O.K.U., American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, International Academy of Gnathology, and American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics. Lee, DDS
He was also a Fellow in the International College of Dentists and was an Associate Professor of Restorative Dentistry at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Dr. and Mrs. Lee founded the Lee Institute for Oral Bioesthetics and Functions, and helped Dr. Charles Wold with the formation of Orognathic Bioesthetics, Inc., the Institute for Comprehensive Oral Diagnosis and Rehabilitation. OBI remains the exclusive source for teaching the clinical applications of Bioesthetic Dentistry. The Lee Institute will continue as a library and repository of educational material and articles on Bioesthetic Dentistry, with emphasis on Dr. Lee’s research and teachings. Orognathic Bioesthetics International, Inc. Lee encouraged Charles R. Wold, DMD to form a new institute, sanctioned by Dr. Lee, to be the exclusive source for teaching the clinical applications of Bioesthetic Dentistry. In 1994, Dr. Wold founded Orognathic Bioesthetics, Inc.. After Dr. Lee’s death, Mrs. Lee gave OBI access to Dr. Lee’s archives, writings, and publications. Dr. Wold defined Orognathic Bioesthetics as: ”a process that accepts biologic form as the basis for comprehensive functional diagnosis and rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system.”
A faculty of experienced dentists and lab technicians was formed, primarily with Lee Institute graduates. Charles R. Wold, DMD
