Celebrating Black Pioneers in Dentistry During Black History Month

Dating back to 7000 B.C., dentistry is one of the oldest branches of medicine. Over the years, the profession has evolved and seen many improvements thanks to the discoveries and work of talented dentists and dental professionals. Dentists can change their patents’ lives; however, as rewarding as a dentist’s job is, it is not easy. Being a dentist requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice. This month we take the time to honor and celebrate those who in addition to taking on the challenge of mastering the difficult dental profession also overcame racial prejudice and became trailblazers of the dental field.

Robert Tanner Freeman

Born in 1846 into a family of slaves near Washington, D.C., Freeman’s early life was marked by poverty. Despite the racial and class adversity, as a teen, he worked for a white dentist, Dr. Noble, who also became his mentor. In 1867, Freedman entered Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and upon graduation in 1869, he became the first Black dentist to graduate from the school and the first Black American to obtain a dental degree. Freedman’s success inspired and opened the door for many in the African American community to pursue dentistry. 

George Franklin Grant

A child of former slaves, Grant was born in 1846 in Oswego, New York. As a teen, he worked as an errand boy and lab assistant for dentist, Dr. Smith. Motivated to become a dentist himself, the bright man enrolled in Harvard Dental School. After graduating in 1870, Grant accepted a position at the School of Mechanical Dentistry and became Harvard’s first African American faculty member. He specialized in treating cleft palates and patented a device that helped affected patients speak better, called the oblate palate. Grant’s accomplishments also include being the founder and president of the Harvard Odontological Society, and member and president of the Harvard Dental Association.

Ida Gray Nelson Rollins

Rollins was born in 1867 in Clarksville, Tennessee. Her childhood was filled with adversity. She was born to a teen mother and was raised by her aunt when her parents died. A turning point in her life was when she took a position at a dental office. Rollins’ employer, Dr. Jonathan Taft, advocated for women in the dental field and encouraged her to become a dentist. She enrolled at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and became the first female African American dentist. After graduation, she opened her own practice in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rollins’ impressive accomplishments opened the door for women of color to become dentists.

Dolores Mercedes Franklin

Franklin is a dentist, author, and a business, health policy and academic leader. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Barnard College in 1970 and went on to Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where she graduated from in 1974. Franklin was the first African American woman to earn a degree from Harvard’s renowned dental school. Her extensive list of accomplishments includes becoming the first female and the first African American dean at New York University’s dental school, holding the highest-ranking dentist executive position at a Fortune 500 company, leading the National Dental Program at Job Corps, and serving as president of the Harvard Dental Alumni Association.

We are very thankful for the contributions Black dentists have made over the decades and look forward to witnessing how their legacy continues to inspire current and future dental professionals to change the lives of their patients!