Revisiting Our History

Copyright 2003 Journal of the California Dental Association

There was a time when the history of the dental profession was front and center. Sadly, in a world in which the technology and practice of dentistry have been advancing forward at a rapid speed, particularly in the past decade, it seems that our history has become less visible, and seemingly less important, to many in the profession.

However, revisiting some of the history of the dental profession can show us just how remarkable dentistry’s development has been. A review of the accomplishments of our predecessors reminds us of how they shared their findings and techniques with their colleagues. In a fast-paced world of progress, sharing too often comes with a price tag affixed or comes as a result of commercial or corporate support.

A review of our history provides a unique snapshot of the advances in dental practice that we can offer our patients today when compared to the state of the art of 10, 20, 30, or more years ago. Or, if we go back to 1840, when the first dental school was founded in Baltimore and the organized profession was emerging in this country, one would probably find little to compare with the comfort, safety, and technology that is possible in contemporary dentistry.

This becomes important to our task of educating the public about the quality of oral health care we can offer to them. Despite the contributions and sacrifices of our predecessors that have advanced the art and science of dentistry up to and including the present day, dentistry has not always enjoyed a reputation as a pleasant oral health experience. Like it or not, some of our patients still would much prefer spending time and resources on almost any other need (or want) than their oral health.

Our ability to educate our patients and the public with an emphasis on the value, comfort, and safety of contemporary dentistry can be enhanced if we occasionally rely upon history to emphasize the advancements the profession now can offer. We speak not only about capabilities in technology. The Code of Ethics, which is the conscience of the profession, and the numerous contributions of many dentists during the past 150 years to preventive and charitable programs such as fluoridation and Give Kids a Smile, to name just a few, are all part of the heritage that has made it possible for dentistry to develop a respected position in society. We need to remind ourselves of this heritage from time to time.

For all of these reasons, we believe that it is important to revisit our past occasionally. That can be accomplished by perusing the work of gifted writers and historians such as dental colleagues Clifton Dummett and Malvin Ring. However, there is another method open to those who wish to refresh their knowledge of their profession. While we had been aware of its existence for some time, only recently did we discover firsthand the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry. Located in Baltimore at the site of the first college of dentistry in the United States, this museum is a treasure trove of the past with historic artifacts and historical notes that should have appeal and importance to dental colleagues. It is also a magnificent educational resource on oral health for the public with some exhibits geared particularly to children. The museum is probably on a regular visitation schedule for tours of school groups in the area. The current generation of children in Baltimore and adjacent areas are extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to benefit from a close-up education in good oral health.

The museum is a first-class presentation that opened in 1996 with funding from Dr. Samuel Harris, the American Dental Association Foundation, and individuals, groups, and organizations within the organized profession and dental industry. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Harris, a pioneer in the development of pediatric dental organizations, was a generous philanthropist who passed away earlier this year just a few weeks short of his 100th birthday.

Based upon impressions from our recent visit, while the museum provides obvious value to the public, and particularly to the children that make up our future generations, we believe that it is a must-see for practicing professionals. As we know, it is important that dentists become familiar with the educational information about dentistry and oral health to which the general public is exposed through communication in the media. Similarly, it is essential that the dental community become aware of and conversant with the educational information available in this superb venue. But most importantly, we can renew our respect for the efforts of our professional predecessors who did so much to develop the profession to which we belong.

The National Museum of Dentistry provides a unique opportunity to revisit our history. A visit can also rekindle our pride in the accomplishments of those who have contributed to our stature as a profession while providing an opportunity to experience some first-class oral health educational exhibits. We should express our gratitude to Dr. Harris and the other dental colleagues and friends who supported and helped develop this remarkable tribute to the profession, an achievement in which we all can take immense pride.