Irving Glickman (January 17, 1914 – October 2, 1972) was an American clinical researcher described as "the father of periodontology"[1] and an author.

He was one of the first to classify furcation defects and the role of occlusal trauma on periodontal disease.

[2] In 1941, Glickman joined the Tufts University faculty[1] and became chair of the Department of Periodontology in 1948.

[1] In the 1950s, Glickman developed the bone factor concept about the factors that determine the severity of periodontal destruction,[3] and developed a classification system for furcation involvement[4] In 1965, Glickman proposed a theory involving the relation of occlusal trauma to periodontal disease which led to further research in animal models.

[6] In January 2012, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine dedicated the periodontology library to Glickman, naming it in his honor.