“Is Woman Adapted to the Dental Profession?”: the Debate Over Women Dentists

“Is Woman Adapted to the Dental Profession?”: The Debate over Women Dentists

Grades 6-12 Purpose: As women dentists like Emeline Roberts Jones, Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor, and Henriette Hirschfeld entered the male-dominated dental field in the late-nineteenth century, controversy erupted over whether women should be allowed to become dentists or were even capable of being dentists. That debate is the focus of this lesson. As a part of this lesson, students will define gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination, analyze historic examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination in dentistry through primary sources from the late-nineteenth century, and discuss how they can counter gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination in their own lives.

Program Link: This lesson is designed to further the discussion on gender stereotypes, gender bias, and gender discrimination in the dental profession introduced during the Agents of Change: Pioneering Women Dentists program.

Learning Objectives: During this lesson, students will…

• Review information learned from the Agents of Change: Pioneering Women Dentists program • Define gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination • Generate current examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination from a variety of sources including movies, TV shows, and literature • Analyze primary source documents to discover the historical arguments given for and against women in dentistry as well as historical examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination in dentistry • Connect historic examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination in dentistry to current examples • Compile a list of actions that can be taken to counter gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination in school and the local community Materials:

• Primary Sources on the Debate over Women in Dentistry (3 Con and 3 Pro sources) • Primary Source Analysis Worksheet Procedure: 1. Warm-Up: • Have students answer the following questions: o Who were some of the pioneering women dentists discussed during the Agents of Change: Pioneering Women Dentists program? o What were their accomplishments? What obstacles did they face? o What examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination did they encounter? • The purpose of these questions is to activate students’ prior knowledge related to their experience during the Agents of Change: Pioneering Women Dentists program and prepare them to further discuss historic examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination in the dental field using primary sources from the late- nineteenth century.

• Alternative Warm-Up: o If students have not completed the Agents of Change: Pioneering Women Dentists program, then have them do the following activity: ▪ What percentage of dentists do you think were female in 1870, 1900, 1930, and 1970? ▪ After reviewing students’ answers, provide them with the following statistics: * 1870: 0.3% * 1900: 2.7% * 1930: 1.8% * 1970: 3.4% ▪ It might be helpful to write these percentages down where all students can see the answers as they are given. This allows students to clearly visualize the differences in the percentage of female dentists over the decades. ▪ If students are curious about the fluctuations in percentages, feel free to explain to them that the percentage of women dentists likely declined from the 1920s to the 1960s due to the development of dental hygiene programs beginning in 1914. Today, dental hygienists are still overwhelmingly (~98%) female. In contrast, the feminist movement of the 1960s and the 1970s helped spark an increase in the number of female dentists. ▪ More statistics can be found at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c59afe1ca525b1aa6c9eaee/t/5 d0ce1398a95f10001db9d46/1561125177722/Number+and+Percentage +of+Dentists+by+Sex+1870-2010.pdf ▪ Tell students that while women represented a small number of dentists in the United States until relatively recently, women’s entry into the dental profession in the late-nineteenth century sparked a debate among dentists about women’s place in the dental field, including the question of whether women were even capable of performing dentistry. Today, they are going to be examining arguments from both sides of the debate by looking at primary sources from the late-nineteenth century. Many of these primary sources contain examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination, so before they can begin looking at the primary sources, they must first understand what these terms mean. • Again, the section in italics should only be completed if students have not already done the Agents of Change: Pioneering Women Dentists program 2. Reviewing Gender Bias/Gender Stereotypes/Gender Discrimination: • Explain to students that as pioneering women dentists like Emeline Roberts Jones, Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor, and Henriette Hirschfeld entered the male-dominated dental field in the late-nineteenth century, a debate erupted over whether women should be allowed to become dentists or were even capable of being dentists. Today, they will

examine arguments from both sides of the debate by looking at primary sources from the late-nineteenth century. Many of these primary sources contain examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination, so before they can begin looking at the primary sources, it is important for them to review what these terms mean. There is no need to repeat this information to students if it has already been covered with students in the warm-up because they did not complete the Agents of Change: Pioneering Women Dentists program. • Work with students to define gender bias, gender discrimination, and gender stereotypes. If students have completed the Defining Gender Stereotypes/Bias/Discrimination activity and/or the Agents of Change: Pioneering Women Dentists program, encourage students to remember the definitions for gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination that were discussed during both activities. For more information about how to define gender stereotypes, gender bias, and gender discrimination, see the Defining Gender Stereotypes/Bias/Discrimination lesson. • Ask students to brainstorm examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination • Prompt them to give examples from multiple sources like TV shows, movies, literature, and their own personal lives • Have students think about and answer the following questions: o What is your initial response to these examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination? o Are there any common trends in these examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination? o Is there anything that surprises you about these examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination, or about where these examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination originate? o How is gender discrimination connected to gender bias and gender stereotypes? o What are some of the negative effects of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination? o Why do you think that gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination can be hard to combat? • Remind students that as they read their primary sources regarding the debate over women in dentistry, they will encounter historic examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination in the dental field 3. Debate over Women in Dentistry: • While the historical debate over women in dentistry has already been introduced at this point, students will likely find it helpful to learn more about this debate before starting the primary source activity. o See John M. Hyson’s article “Women Dentists: The Origins” for information on the debate over women in dentistry. • This activity can be completed individually or in groups • Each individual/group should be given two primary source documents. One primary source document should express negative views about women in dentistry while the other should

3 express positive views about women in dentistry. Available primary sources to choose from are included in the lesson plan Materials. • Each individual/group should complete the Primary Source Analysis Worksheet for both of the documents assigned. This means that by the end of the activity, students will have completed a total of two Primary Source Analysis Worksheets—one for each of the primary sources. • The activity will culminate with a whole group discussion on what has been learned. This is a time to focus collectively on the arguments made for and against women in dentistry, how these arguments relate to current examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination, and how gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination can be overcome. • Possible Questions to pose during the discussion: o How did the author’s background (gender, age, career, etc.) impact his/her perspective? o What arguments are given for women being dentists? o What arguments are given against women in the dental profession? o What examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination did you find in the primary source documents? o Did only the authors against women dentists show gender bias, gender stereotypes, and/or gender discrimination? If not, how did the authors who supported women in the dental field still show gender bias, gender stereotypes, and/or gender discrimination? o Are similar arguments made today? If so, what are those arguments? o What is your initial response (feelings, thoughts, etc.) after reading the primary sources? o How might some of the information learned today about pioneering women dentists and the gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination they faced in the dental field help us to overcome gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination in our own lives? 4. Wrap-Up: • As a class, revisit the current examples of gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination discussed earlier. Collectively, brainstorm and write down ways the students can tackle gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination in their own school/local community. If students have already completed the Agents of Change: Pioneering Women Dentists program, remind students about the characteristics the pioneering women dentists showed as change agents in their profession, and prompt students to see that they too can be change agents in their own school and local community. For more information about change agents see the What is a Change Agent? lesson. 5. Extension Activity Ideas: • To extend the above activity further, have students choose a small number of the tangible actions already brainstormed that they would specifically like to implement. These actions could be chosen individually or collectively. If chosen individually, have the students write down the actions that they have personally chosen to try to tackle gender bias, gender

stereotypes, and gender discrimination in their own lives. If chosen collectively, as a class, write down the selected actions on a poster that can be hung somewhere visible in the room. With either option, opportunity should be given regularly to revisit these actions and discuss students’ progress. • Gender Bias/Gender Stereotypes/Gender Discrimination Role Play: o Have students select some of the actions to combat gender bias, gender stereotypes, and gender discrimination that were brainstormed earlier o Based on the actions chosen, students should role play scenarios in which these actions might need to be used. These role plays can be created by the students themselves or by the teacher.

Curriculum Connections

National Social Studies Education Standards 6-12 NSSES II a. Demonstrate an understanding that different people may describe the same event or situation in diverse ways, citing reasons for the differences in views. e. Demonstrate an understanding that people in different times and places view the world differently. f. Use knowledge of facts and concepts drawn from history, along with elements of historical inquiry, to inform decision-making about and action-taking on public issues. d. Identify and use various sources for reconstructing the past, such as documents, letters, diaries, maps, textbooks, photos, and others. NSSES IV h. Work independently and cooperatively to accomplish goals. NSSES V d. Identify and describe examples of tensions between and among individuals, groups, or institutions, and how belonging to more than one group can cause internal conflicts.

Common History/Social Studies Writing Speaking & Listening Core 6 RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.6 W.6.10 SL.6.1.C, SL.6.4 7 RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.6 W.7.10 SL.7.1.C, SL.7.1.D, SL.7.4 8 RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.6 W.8.10 SL.8.1.C, SL.8.1.D, SL.8.4 9-10 RH.9-10.2, RH.9-10.6, W.9-10.10 SL.9-10.1.C, SL.9-10.1.D, SL.9-10.4 RH.9-10.9 11-12 RH.11-12.2, RH.11-12.6, W.11-12.10 SL.11-12.1.C, SL.11-12.1.D, SL.11-12.4 RH.11-12.9

Bibliography:

Hyson, John M. “Women Dentists: The Origins.” Journal of the California Dental Association 30, no. 6 (June 2002): 444-451. https://www.cda.org/Portals/0/journal/journal_062002.pdf.

Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry. “Why Women Choose Dentistry.” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry. Online exhibition. https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/women-dentists.

*For more information about this activity or the National Museum of Dentistry please email Patrick Cutter at [email protected] or call 410-706-0600.

Primary Sources for the Debate over Women in Dentistry

Notes:

• While the other primary sources can be mixed and matched, the “Women Dentists” and the “Women in the Dental Profession” sources should be given together as the “Women in the Dental Profession” is a direct response to “Women Dentists.” • A link to the original version of each primary source has been provided. If students are curious about how the modified versions are different than the original, feel free to share this link with them. The Primary Source-Lightly Modified version consists of excerpts from the original primary source with an added word bank. The Primary Source-Modified version consists of excerpts from the original primary source whose phrasing and/or language have been adapted to make it easier for students to read and understand. The Primary Source-Lightly Modified and Condensed and the Primary Source-Modified and Condensed are shorter versions of the Primary Source-Lightly Modified and the Primary Source-Modified documents.

“Dental Surgery-Should Females Practice It?”-Con

• Primary Source-Original-Barker, George T. “Dental Surgery-Should Females Practice It?” The Dental Times 3, no. 4 (April 1866): 152-155. • Primary Source-Lightly Modified • Primary Source-Modified “About Woman-She should not Be a Doctor (or Dentist)”-Con

• Primary Source-Original- “About Woman-She Should Not be a Doctor (or Dentist).” Western Dental Journal. Quoted in The Dental Advertiser 22, no. 3 (July 1891): 130. • Primary Source-Lightly Modified • Primary Source-Modified “Women Dentists”-Con

• Primary Source-Original-Spencer, W.R. “Women Dentists.” Items of Interest 11, no. 12 (December 1889): 541. • Primary Source-Lightly Modified • Primary Source-Modified

“Women in the Dental Profession”-Pro

• Primary Source-Original-Hilton, Jennie. “Women in the Dental Profession.” Items of Interest 12, no. 4 (April 1890): 145-146. • Primary Source-Lightly Modified • Primary Source-Lightly Modified and Condensed • Primary Source-Modified • Primary Source-Modified and Condensed “Woman in Dentistry”-Pro

• Primary Source-Original-Hilton, Jennie Kollock. “Woman in Dentistry.” The Dental Register 41, no. 11 (November 1887): 525-528. • Primary Source-Lightly Modified • Primary Source-Lightly Modified and Condensed • Primary Source-Modified • Primary Source-Modified and Condensed “Dr. James Truman, And Lady Dentists”-Pro

• Primary Source-Original- “Dr. James Truman, and Lady Dentists.” Items of Interest 11, no. 11 (November 1889): 530-532. • Primary Source-Lightly Modified • Primary Source-Lightly Modified and Condensed • Primary Source-Modified • Primary Source-Modified and Condensed

152 THE DENTAL TIMES. the students' fees for support, have been established in close proximity to each other, where they have not re-acted upon each other, and ibe standard has been reduced in one or both ? Now this is the point I started upon, and this question has not, nor cannot be answered but by admitting that such has been so, and must continue to be so.

DENTAL SUKGEKY-SHOULD FEMALES PEAOTICE IT? BT GEO. T. BARKER, D. D. S.

Before considering the latter portion of the title of this paper, I pro pose briefly to call attention to certain requirements which I consider imperatively necessary for persons to possess to enable them to success fully practice dental surgery. The two most prominent requisitions, which in my judgment are the most important, are that the person about to enter the profession should possess a mental and physical consti tution of a high order ; if he be deficient in either he is unfitted for dental praotice, and should be advised to abandon it. The practice of dentistry is calculated to undermine the very best balanced constitutions, which is attested by undeniable facts, and which can be explained on truly physio logical principles. The cause of this is due to the double demand which is made simultaneously both upon the mental and physical powers. Let us, for example, take the ordinary routine of daily practice : two or three cases of exposed pulp, or obscure toothache present, difficult cavities to excavate and prepare for filling, treating periostitis or alveolar abscess, successfully welding piece after piece of gold to its proper situation, the application of strong hand pressure, until, perhaps, the very hands are blistered, with the necessity of taking frequent positions which interfere with respiration, circulation and digestion ; when this work is gone through with day after day, is it surprising that dentists do not enjoy good health and long life ! Let me ask any one whose labor is strictly physical, or purely mental, and I believe that either would state that their task is easy, or burden light in comparison with the practitioner of dentistry. It is a law of nature that if we make mental exertion the blood is directed, in increased quan tity, to the brain ; so, also, if we make physical effort the blood is diverted to the extremities and the surface of the body. If an author desires to write a book, he selects some place where all is quiet about him, he sits in his study and engages in nothing but mental labor, and yet on every side this is admitted to be exhausting and, if long continued, the health is destroyed. The artizan or laborer who puts forth only animal strength whistles or sings at his work, as it is with him but a mechanical opera tion ; his mind is not studying the every movement of his fingers, but they continue in their work requiring but an occasional thought or exami DENTAL SURGERY. 153 nation. This I have repeatedly remarked when watching jewelers, watch makers, engravers, shoemakers, and indeed I might add all mechanics and laborers in the field. I would not be understood as giving forth the idea that these occupations do not require close study to reach perfection. But what I desire to state is this, that a man may plough a field well, and yet not devote much thought to the very occupation, but his mind may be engaged in other and more congenial fields of thought, and this very occupation of mind acts as a restorative to the physical energies. In dentistry, as previously remarked, the demands are made upon the mind and strength at one and the same time. The simplest operation in operative dentistry is not mechanical, for it must always be performed differently and under unlike circumstances, and demands the active use of the mind and strength; this double call upon the blood for vital force and energy, often leaves us, when a long and /protracted operation, in a tedious position, has been gone through with, weak, tired and spiritless, in other words, utterly exhausted. This feeliDg I have frequently expe rienced, and am one who has enjoyed through life more than ordinary good health, never having been ill, except slightly, until I had been seven years a dentist. Let auy one who visits our Conventions, or Association meetings, remark how few old practitioners, say of twenty-five or thirty years' practice, are present ; and if there are, how many of them complain of loss of eyesight, or dyspepsia and indigestion. The cause of this in my mind is plain ; after eating, the stomach being distended with food, nature requires that there should be a period of repose from mental and physical labor, the blood vessels and capillaries in the region of the stomach become engorged with blood ; the gastric juice is from this blood secreted, and, if normal in quantity and quality, preparation of the food1 in the stomach for the continuation of the digestive process takes place. But, on the other hand, the dentist no sooner partakes of his breakfast than a call is madi which requires immediate attention ; he obeys that call, as it is one of suffering, it takes longer than he expects, and others crowd in upon him until he is fairly launohed into the day's practice. Now let me ask what opportunity has the stomach been allowed for the performance of its duty 1 None. The blood has been directed to the brain and the surface, and the demands of nature have not been met; for years, per haps, no thought is taken of the matter, but ere long these outraged laws are found to have entailed a penalty, and dyspepsia, with its long train of evils and disagreeable sensations, presents itself. Aware of this, I have, fas ar as in my power lay, endeavored to persuade the gentlemen who have been present at my lectures to adopt the plan of eating but two meals daily, taking in the middle of the day a light nutritious lunch, the last hearty meal being enjoyed after the close of the labors of the day, when 154 THE DENTAL TIMES. it can be followed by a sufficient season of mental and physical repose. I know there are some who will keep a patient in agony while they enjoy a rest after each meal, but the practice is an evidence of heartlessness and want'of feeling on the part of the practitioner to the patient, and is so understood by the latter. It may be urged by some that a certain num ber of hours each day should be devoted to out of door exercise ; this I grant, but who can obtain it? The one whose practice is not extensive

does not need it, and he must needs stay at home to receive and extend

his practice, it being a universal rule that the largest fish usually come to it is the net when there is no one to catch them, and only the patient, never-wearying fisherman that derives the advantages of the smallest nibbles which usually come from the largest fish. To succeed in dentistry

a practitioner must be always at hand, with services ever ready at the

command of the public. The dentist, on the other hand, whose practice is extensive, even with the greatest caution, cannot leave time enough for pleasure and recreation, as so many cases present themselves which require

immediate attention. 1 have been repeatedly urged by patients, to whom those views have been stated, to join some base ball club, or spend a cer tain number of hours riding on horseback or boating, but always ask for a if plain answer to the following question, viz : would you, you were

suffering and needed dental attention, consider that 1 was, or was not I neglecting my practice, if you asked for me at my office and was told

was playing base ball ? They have invariably answered in the affirmative. I it is do not state that this would be a just conclusion, but, nevertheless,

a natural one.

But to the latter portion of this ebsay. Should females be encouraged ' it is to entef the dental profession I contend they should not, and with

no disrespect that the assertion is made. The same reason holds good

against females practicing dentistry that it does against a feeble male, for the reasons as previously stated. The very form and structure

of woman unfit her for its duties. Again, I contend that its performance would, under certain circumstances, be attended with great danger. One

of these circumstances may be cited ; as, for instance, in pregnancy

Who would encourage a female to perform a trying and difficult operation a at such time, and must not a woman neglect her family for the perform

ance of dental practice 1 Have we not, as dentists, sufficient evidence of the great injury that mothers are inflicting on their offspring by not fur nishing them with nutritious breast milk, but, on the contrary, bringing

" a them up by hand :" the child, as consequence, being deprived of the phosphates and carbonates of lime, magnesia, &c., grows with teeth

carious and defective in structure. That the splere of woman's useful is I, ness should be extended for one, justly urge ; that she now debarred PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF DENTAL SURGERY. 155 from entering many occupations for which she is fitted, I allow ; but to me it seems dentistry is not one of the class of occupations for which she is fitted physically, though she is mentally, and it is with regret that the statement is made ; for were we only to have some of the mental energy of women infused in our profession, it would stimulate some of its members doubtless to increased activity, partioulary in the science of dentistry. It may be urged by some that woman is capable of great physical exertion, and I may be instanced to the German women, who work in the field, or the Indian squaw, who performs the out-door labor while her husband peacefully reposes. This is admitted as an argument of what women can do ; but I would answer, that from such classes, and from such occupations, mental culture of a high order cannot be expected. I will admit that women can, by cultivation, develope either the mental or physical energies to a degree equal to man ; but that she was, by an all- wise Providence, fitted or designed for great physical labor I deny, or, for what is more trying, a development to a great degree of both simul taneously. My views on this subject have been called forth by the election to membership of females in some of our Western Dental Associations, and by the views promulgated by certain prominent practitioners and writers. Impressed with the truth of this position, I propose to offer an amend ment to the Constitution of the American Dental Association, at its next meeting in Boston, to allow none but males to be eligible as delegates from local Societies.

TENTH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT OP THE PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF DENTAL SUEGEEY. The Tenth Annual Commencement of this Institution was held on the evening of March 1st, 1866. The evening being propitious, an unusually large and appreciative audience was present to witness the interesting ceremonies that close the course of instruction ; an encouraging evidence that the public are beginning to appreciate fully the necessity of thorough education in this important branch of scientific attainment. It will be seen, by reference to the following list, that the numbers of the class, and the graduates, far exceed those of previous years ; this is gratifying, inasmuch as it evidences an increasing determination on the part of the profession toward a higher standard of qualification for admis sion to its ranks. When we remember that the class is composed of persons who represent very many sections of the country, in connection with the fact that all our dental colleges have had, the past winter, largely increased numbers, is abundant and gratifying proof that the time is fast approaching, if it has not already arrived, when the diploma of a dental Dental Surgery-Should Females Practice It? [lightly modified] By George T. Barker, D.D.S. (April 1866)

Headnote: Below is the last section of an essay written by Dr. George T. Barker, an early opponent of women dentists. In the first part of his essay, Dr. Barker argues that dentistry requires dentists to be both mentally and physically fit. Dr. Barker further claims that women do not have both the mental and physical qualities necessary to be a dentist. Dr. Barker’s remarks were possibly written in response to Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor’s acceptance into the Iowa State Dental Society as Dr. Barker expresses his opposition to women being admitted into dental societies in his article. The essay was originally published in The Dental Times, which was a dental journal. Dr. Barker served as one of the editors of The Dental Times at the time that his article was published in the dental journal.

Should females be encouraged to enter the dental profession? I contend they should not, and it is with no disrespect that the assertion is made. . . . The very form and structure of woman unfit her for its [dentistry’s] duties. Again, I contend that its [dentistry’s] performance would, under certain circumstances, be attended with great danger. One of these circumstances may be cited; as, for instance, in pregnancy. Who would encourage a female to perform a trying and difficult operation at such a time, and must not a woman neglect her family for the performance of dental practice? . . . That the sphere of woman's usefulness should be extended I, for one, justly urge; that she is now debarred from entering many occupations for which she is fitted . . . but to me it seems dentistry is not one of the class of occupations for which she is fitted physically, though she is mentally, and it is with regret that the statement is made; for were we only to have some of the mental energy of women infused in our profession, it would stimulate some of its members doubtless to increased activity, particularly in the science of dentistry. . . . I will admit that women can, by cultivation, develop either the mental or physical energies to a degree equal to man; but that she was, by an all-wise Providence, fitted or designed for great physical labor I deny, or, for what is more trying, a development to a great degree of both [physical and mental abilities equal to men] simultaneously. My views on this subject have been called forth by the election to membership of females in some of our Western Dental Associations, and by the views promulgated by certain prominent practitioners and writers. Impressed with the truth of this position, I propose to offer an amendment to the Constitution of the American Dental Association, at its next meeting in Boston, to allow none but males to be eligible as delegates from local Societies.

Source: George T. Barker, “Dental Surgery-Should Females Practice It?” The Dental Times 3, no. 4 (April 1866): 154-155, https://play.google.com/books /reader?id=tAQbAQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.RA2-PA152.

Headnote Source: John M. Hyson, “Women Dentists: The Origins,” Journal of the California Dental Association 30, no. 6 (June 2002): 446, https://www.cda.org/Portals/0/journal/journal_062002.pdf. Word Bank: Contend: Argue Fitted: Suited; Cultivation: Training; qualified; equipped trying to develop a Assertion: Statement; new skill declaration Infused: Brought into; filled Simultaneously: At the Debarred: Excluded same time Stimulate: Inspire Occupations: Jobs Promulgated: Promoted

Dental Surgery-Should Females Practice It? [modified]

By George T. Barker, D.D.S. (April 1866)

Should females be encouraged to enter the dental profession? I contend that they should not, and it is with no disrespect that the assertion is made. . . . The very form and structure of woman make her unsuited for its [dentistry’s] duties. Again, I contend that its [dentistry’s] performance would, under certain circumstances, come with great danger. One of these circumstances is pregnancy. Who would encourage a female to perform a trying and difficult operation at such a time, and must not a woman neglect her family to practice dentistry? . . . That the sphere of woman's usefulness should be extended I, for one, justly urge; that she is now debarred from entering many occupations for which she is fitted . . . but to me it seems dentistry is not one of the occupations for which she is fitted physically, though she is mentally, and it is with regret that the statement is made; for were we only to have some of women’s mental energy infused in our profession, it would stimulate some of its members to increased activity, particularly in the science of dentistry. . . . I will admit that women can, by cultivation, develop either the mental or physical energies equal to man; but I deny that she was, by an all-wise Providence, designed for great physical labor, or, that she can develop to a great degree both [physical and mental abilities equal to men] simultaneously. My views on this subject have been called forth by females being elected to membership in some of our Western Dental Associations, and by the views promulgated by certain prominent practitioners and writers. Impressed with the truth of this position, I propose to offer an amendment to the Constitution of the American Dental Association, at its next meeting in Boston, to allow only males to be eligible as delegates from local Societies.

Headnote Source: John M. Hyson, “Women Dentists: The Origins,” Journal of the California Dental Association 30, no. 6 (June 2002): 446, https://www.cda.org/Portals/0/journal/journal_062002.pdf.

Word Bank:

Contend: Argue Fitted: Suited; Cultivation: Training; qualified; equipped trying to develop a Assertion: Statement; new skill declaration Infused: Brought into; filled Simultaneously: At the Debarred: Excluded same time Stimulate: Inspire Occupations: Jobs Promulgated: Promoted

130 THE DENTAL ADVERTISER . assistance of Professor H . A . Hare , Dr. Joseph Leidy , Jr., and especially ,

the kind labors of Dr . J . Melvin Lamb of the Library of the Surgeon , ,

General ' s Office U . S . A . at Washington . Every facility has also been by afforded us the lady librarian of the College of Physicians of Phila , delphia and to all of these we return our thanks .

ABOUT WOMAN - SHE SHOULD NOT BE A DOCTOR ) . OR( DENTIST , , Dr . F . in ' A woman physician says George Shrady the Ladies Home , Journal is handicapped in many ways simply because she is a woman . , While we are ready to grant that intellectually she is man ' s equal and , , possibly his superior and that in gentleness of disposition in force of , , sympathy and in delicate tact she may in the long run excel the old ,

time masculine doctor we are conceding everything which the courtesy

of the occasion will allow . In the majority of cases she is physically

unable to endure the hardships and privations of medical practice . She , , , by is incapable also her natural sympathies sensitive disposition and , feminine prejudices of fitting herself easily and profitably to her work .

Her instincts are not in accord with her surroundings and requirements .

She is forced to cultivate the sterner qualities of her nature at the expense

of her better womanly feelings — something always hard to do with one

who may not be accustomed to the discipline of emergencies . There are , now female physicians in all the large cities who have not only won for

themselves position and money , but have gained enviable reputations be , sides . But these exceptional few have succeeded not because they were , , women but in spite of their being women . In fact it is hard to resist , the conclusion that even these · few would not have done still better if

they had only been men . - Western Dental Journal .

DENTISTRY IN FRANCE .

The French government has for some time been engaged in restrict , ing the practice of medicine and especially dentistry . The Chamber of

Deputies has adopted the following clauses in the proposed law : - The practice of the profession of dentistry is forbidden to everybody , ,

not possessing the diploma of doctor of medicine officer of health or of dentist granted by the French government after examinations conducted , by a board of higher state medical education and after a course of studies by laid down the higher Council of Public Instruction . About Woman-She Should Not be a Doctor (or Dentist) [lightly modified] Headnote: This article quotes a male physician who argues that women should not be doctors, and by extension, dentists. The article was originally published in the Western Dental Journal and then reprinted in The Dental Advertiser. Both of these publications are dental journals. A woman physician, says Dr. George F. Shrady, in the Ladies’ Home Journal, is handicapped in many ways simply because she is a woman. While we are ready to grant that intellectually she is man’s equal, and possibly his superior, and that in gentleness of disposition, in force of sympathy and in delicate tact she may, in the long run, excel the old time masculine doctor, we are conceding everything which the courtesy of the occasion will allow. In the majority of cases she is physically unable to endure the hardships and privations of medical practice. She is incapable, also, by her natural sympathies, sensitive disposition and feminine prejudices, of ﬁtting herself easily and proﬁtably to her work. Her instincts are not in accord with her surroundings and requirements. She is forced to cultivate the sterner qualities of her nature at the expense of her better womanly feelings. . . . There are now female physicians in all the large cities, who have not only won for themselves position and money, but have gained enviable reputations besides. But these exceptional few have succeeded, not because they were women, but in spite of their being women. In fact, it is hard to resist the conclusion, that even these few would not have done still better if they had only been men. — Western Dental Journal.

Source: “About Woman-She Should Not be a Doctor (or Dentist),” Western Dental Journal, quoted in The Dental Advertiser 22, no. 3 (July 1891): 130, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=XZg1AQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover &pg=GBS.PA130. Word Bank: Disposition: Conceding: Admitting; Cultivate: Develop Personality allowing Enviable: Desirable; Tact: Sensitivity Courtesy: Politeness excellent Excel: Outshine; be Privations: Difficulties better than About Woman-She Should Not be a Doctor (or Dentist) [modified] Headnote: This article quotes a male physician who argues that women should not be doctors, and by extension, dentists. The article was originally published in the Western Dental Journal and then reprinted in The Dental Advertiser. Both of these publications are dental journals. Some of the original language and phrasing in this document have been modified.

A woman physician, says Dr. George F. Shrady, in the Ladies’ Home Journal, is handicapped in many ways simply because she is a woman. While we are ready to admit that intellectually she is man’s equal, and possibly his superior, and that in gentleness of disposition, in force of sympathy and in delicate tact she may, in the long run, excel the old time masculine doctor, we are admitting everything that can be admitted under the circumstances. In the majority of cases she is physically unable to endure the hardships and privations of medical practice. She is incapable, also, by her natural sympathies, sensitive disposition and feminine prejudices, of ﬁtting herself easily and proﬁtably to her work. Her instincts are not in agreement with her surroundings and requirements. She is forced to cultivate the sterner qualities of her nature at the expense of her better womanly feelings. . . . There are now female physicians in all the large cities, who have not only won for themselves position and money, but have gained enviable reputations besides. But these exceptional few have succeeded, not because they were women, but in spite of their being women. In fact, it is hard to resist the conclusion, that even these few would not have done still better if they had only been men. — Western Dental Journal. Word Bank: Disposition: Excel: Outshine; be Cultivate: Develop Personality better than Enviable: Desirable; Tact: Sensitivity Privations: Difficulties excellent

ITEMS OF INTEREST. 541

WOMEN DENTISTS.

W. R. SPENCER, WEST POINT, VA.

Among the items in the October Items of Interest I notice one entitled "Woman Dentist." There seems to be a growing tendency among the women of the preseDt day to undertake what may be called man's work. We have women doctors of medicine, law and theology, lecturers, telegraph operators, clerks and accountants without number, and now our own profession has been invaded, and we have women dentists. Now it does seem to me the line ought to be drawn somewhere, and as a dentist I protest against this invasion of our right. I am a young man, doing fairly well in my profession, and hoping someday to be able to have a home of my own, with a wife to reign over it, but the Lord deliver me from one of these professional women ! and I am sure this will find an echo in the heart of every true man. It is only when a woman has made up her mind to relinquish all hope of home, and I am tempted to say of Heaven —all dtsire to lean on an arm which her Creator has made stronger than her own, that it may support her in health, shield her from want and protect her in danger, that she seeks man's work. It is only when she despises to be a help meet for man, a joy to the household; only when she has lost all maternal instincts, and determined to destroy all that tends to make her lovely and lovable to man —only when she has become a man hater — should she turn to the vocation of man for a support, and become a competitor with him in the great struggle for existence. There is also another reason why wcmen should not be encouraged to undertake man's work, which is intensely practical, and threatens to be serious, viz., women place too low an estimate on their labor. Man, expecting a family to support, places such value on his labor as will enable him to do so; but in nearly every instance where woman is brought into competition with man she performs the work for about one-half, or we may say just enough to keep herself in food and rai ment, with no thought for the future and no provision for a family. This competition thus forcing the price of labor down to just enough to support one person, will necessarily compel men and women to live " separately. None but the "born rich will dare to marry. Now some may think this is strairing the point a little, but the tendency is in this direction, and everything which weakens the recip rocal love and respect of a noble man and a pure woman, which finds expression in the family relation, is contrary to the will of the great Creator, and must result in moral depravity. Therefore, I would keep women out of our noble professions. Women Dentists [lightly modified] W.R. Spencer, West Point, VA (December 1889) Headnote: Below is part of a letter written to the editor of the Items of Interest, a dental journal, by W.R. Spencer, a male dentist. Not supportive of women dentists, W.R. Spencer complains that women are increasingly entering professions that had previously been only open to men, and he explains why he does not support women dentists. Spencer’s opinions prompted several rebuttals from other dentists that were also published in Items of Interest.

Among the items in the October Items of Interest I notice one entitled “Woman Dentist." There seems to be a growing tendency among the women of the present day to undertake what may be called man’s work. We have women doctors of medicine, law and theology, lecturers, telegraph operators, clerks and accountants without number, and now our own profession has been invaded, and we have women dentists. Now it does seem to me the line ought to be drawn somewhere, and as a dentist I protest against this invasion of our right. I am a young man, doing fairly well in my profession, and hoping someday to be able to have a home of my own, with a wife to reign over it, but the Lord deliver me from one of these professional women! and I am sure this will find an echo in the heart of every true man. It is only when a woman has made up her mind to relinquish all hope of home, and I am tempted to say of Heaven-all desire to lean on an arm [a man’s arm] which her Creator has made stronger than her own, that it may support her in health, shield her from want and protect her in danger, that she seeks man’s work. It is only when she despises to be a help meet for man, a joy to the household; only when she has lost all maternal instincts, and determined to destroy all that tends to make her lovely and lovable to man-only when she has become a man hater should she turn to the vocation of man for a support, and become a competitor with him in the great struggle for existence. There is also another reason why women should not be encouraged to undertake man’s work, which is intensely practical, and threatens to be serious, viz., women place too low an estimate on their labor. Man, expecting a family to support, places such value on his labor as will enable him to do so; but in nearly every instance where woman is brought into competition with man she performs the work for about one-half, or we may say just enough to keep herself in food and raiment, with no thought for the future and no provision for a family. This competition thus forcing the price of labor down to just enough to support one person, will necessarily compel men and women to live separately. None but the “born rich” will dare to marry. Now some may think this is straining the point a little, but the tendency is in this direction, and everything which weakens the reciprocal love and respect of a noble man and a pure woman, which finds expression in the family relation, is contrary to the will of the great Creator, and must result in moral depravity. Therefore, I would keep women out of our noble professions.

Source: W.R. Spencer, “Women Dentists,” Items of Interest 11, no. 12 (December 1889): 541, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=ISK1AAAAIAAJ&printsec= frontcover&pg=GBS.PA541.

Headnote Source: John M. Hyson, “Women Dentists: The Origins,” Journal of the California Dental Association 30, no. 6 (June 2002): 448-449, https://www.cda.org/Portals/0/journal/journal_062002.pdf. Word Bank: Tendency: Trend Vocation: Job Compel: Force; require Relinquish: Give up Raiment: Clothing Reciprocal: Shared Help meet: Partner Provision: Providing; Moral Depravity: support Wickedness Maternal: Motherly

Women Dentists [modified]

W.R. Spencer, West Point, VA (December 1889) Headnote: Below is part of a letter written to the editor of the Items of Interest, a dental journal, by W.R. Spencer, a male dentist. Not supportive of women dentists, W.R. Spencer complains that women are increasingly entering professions that had previously been only open to men, and he explains why he does not support women dentists. Spencer’s opinions prompted several rebuttals from other dentists that were also published in Items of Interest. Some of the original language and phrasing in this document have been modified.

Among the items in the October Items of Interest I notice one called “Woman Dentist." There seems to be a growing tendency among the women of the present day to do what may be called man’s work. We have women doctors of medicine, law and theology, lecturers, telegraph operators, clerks and accountants without number, and now our own profession has been invaded, and we have women dentists. Now it seems to me the line should be drawn somewhere, and as a dentist I protest against this invasion of our right. I am a young man, doing fairly well in my profession, and hoping someday to be able to have a home of my own, with a wife to reign over it, but the Lord deliver me from one of these professional women! and I am sure this will find an echo in the heart of every true man. It is only when a woman has made up her mind to relinquish all hope of home, and I am tempted to say of Heaven-all desire to lean on an arm [a man’s arm] which her Creator has made stronger than her own, that it may support her in health, shield her from want and protect her in danger, that she seeks man’s work. It is only when she despises to be a help meet for man, a joy to the household; only when she has lost all maternal instincts, and determined to destroy all that tends to make her lovely and lovable to man-only when she has become a man hater should she take on a man’s profession for support, and become a competitor with him in the great struggle for existence. There is also another reason why women should not be encouraged to do man’s work, which is intensely practical, and threatens to be serious, viz., women place too low an estimate [price] on their labor. A man, expecting that he will have a family to support, places a value [price] on his labor that will allow him to support his family; but in nearly every instance where woman competes with man she performs the work for about one-half [the price], or we may say just enough to keep herself in food and raiment, with no thought for the future and no provision for a family. This competition forcing the price of labor down to just enough to support one person, will force men and women to live separately. None but the “born rich” will dare to marry. Now some may think this is exaggerating a little, but the tendency is in this direction, and everything which weakens the reciprocal love and respect of a noble man and a pure woman, which finds expression in the family relation, is contrary to the will of the great Creator, and must result in moral depravity. Therefore, I would keep women out of our noble professions.

Source: W.R. Spencer, “Women Dentists,” Items of Interest 11, no. 12 (December 1889): 541, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=ISK1AAAAIAAJ&printsec= frontcover&pg=GBS.PA541.

Headnote Source: John M. Hyson, “Women Dentists: The Origins,” Journal of the California Dental Association 30, no. 6 (June 2002): 448-449, https://www.cda.org/Portals/0/journal/journal_062002.pdf. Word Bank: Tendency: Trend Profession: Job Reciprocal: Shared Relinquish: Give up Raiment: Clothing Moral Depravity: Wickedness Help meet: Partner Provision: Providing; support Maternal: Motherly

COLLEGELIBRARYOF UNIVERSOS DENTISTRY

ITEMS OF INTEREST: CAL AY CALIFORNIA , , . . VOL XII PHILADELPHIA APRIL 1890 . FRANCES

Frots from the Profession

Women in the Dental Profession .

DR . JENNIE HILTON . , , | BEING a woman dentist wish to enter my protest against the unjust unkind and , , , 1

put W . R . in

by Spener in untrue statements forth December ITEMS regard to , women in the dental profession . Had all dentists held such antedeluvian ideas , , women would never have been admitted to the ranks . But thank heaven there is , , , a - whole host of large minded big - souled men who have opened the way for us and , , ,

“ up higher have said Come the profession is not ours by any divine right but yours , by as well if you are able to fulfil its requirements . " This has been said to us such , , grand men as Dr . T . W . Brophy of Chicago a dentist who is one of the leading men ; , ,

by . J . of his times Dr Taft that grand old man Dean of Ann Arbor Dental Col , , ; by lege whom the students all so venerate and love Dr . Watling Professor of , , , ,

Operative Dentistry of gives also Ann Arbor who every student man or women the , hearty right hand of fellowship . There is a whole host of others among which I , wish to note the names of those who have so gallantly come to our rescue in the , two last numbers of ITEMS . When all these are for us what care we who are against , , us ? After reading all their complimentary words Mr . Spener will feel like saying

“ Lord deliver me from professional men also . " Woman dentists have not relin , ; ; quished their hope of home . Oh no that is not at all necessary for any woman who , , has the ability and energy to be a dentist is able by these same qualities to see well I in of -

of . kept to the ways her household Some the best homes was ever have been , ; those of professional women for who better than they who understand the laws , , of chemistry and can apply them to cooking the laws of hygiene and apply them , , , ; to cleanliness ventilation etc . can have more comfortable homes and the same

artistic genius that enables a woman to contour a tooth with gold or construct a set , of artificial teeth enables her to arrange in an artistic manner the paraphernalia of . It is necessary a do her household not that woman all the drudgery and details of

home making . , up Neither have we women dentists given hope of heaven . On the contrary , , it grows stronger and brighter each year when we remember the many poor nerv , ous invalid women whom we have soothed and relieved ; and the many little suffer , by ing ones whom we have met at the office door and taken in our arms and kind ; of

us quiet an aching words and sympathy induced to let tooth and when we think , , , , “ " the many times the parents have said “ God bless you and sometimes added Oh

ready , loving sympathy gentle I to a I am so glad ever came woman whose tact and , touch has so quickly quieted my nervous child and eased its pain ” - when I remem

ber all these kindly offices which we women dentists are being constantly called to , , “ of . perform I think we are truly blest We are reminded what He has said Inas , ye ” it . of it much as ye have done unto the least these have done unto me Unless

, using each one of us is exercising our higher and nobler faculties we are not the . talents which we are commanded not to hide up It will be a good thing for the world when women give the idea of leaning , , on some one . Let us be the independent self - sustaining womanly women God 145 146 ITEMS OF INTEREST . intended us to be. The old idea that women must lean and twine and vine on and around some man , who may prove altogether unworthy of her, and wholly incapable of supporting her , is terribly revolting to me. I have a better opinion of most men than to think that a woman 's high intellectual attainments and profes sional skill, which enable her to make an honest living outside the old beaten paths , will make her appear less lovely or lovable . The estimate of every noble man must be enhanced to find us skilful, useful and self -supporting . Few men want mere dolls , tho they may be pretty . Lots of people can be " just perfectly lovely " that can 't be anything else . . The idea that because a woman tries to think and act and earn for herself —that this shows she despises to be a help meet for man ! I would like to inquire , what woman is most helpful to her husband : she who does the details and drudgery of house work that represents three dollars a week or she who , working side by side with him in the office , earns ten times that amount ? And in which case (in the eyes of a sensible man ) would she be the greater “ joy to the household ?" As being man haters , I deny the accusation . Men have been our best friends , because , being in higher places , they have the best opportunity to befriend us. Had it not been for their sympathy , help and encouragement , we could never have reached the heights which we have now attained . Step by step they have paved the way for us through the forests dense with ignorauce , superstition and prejudice against woman . The better class of men have realized for many years that there could be no real progress in the world , no great advance in civilization if one -half of man kind were to be kept in a subordinate state . Why , then , should we hate our fellou 's of the masculine sex ? We do not ; we honor , respect and revere them . And what shall we say of womau haters ? Haters of women , unless they , forsooth , are pretty dolls , or, at best , such neutral , negative , pliant creatures , as to want only to sit at his feet , to gratify and obey him as her lord and master ? We only occasionally hear from such a one. Do we now ? Let us cover him with a mantle of charity ; a very small one will suffice . We will extend to him our heartfelt sympathy in his dis tress ; and if his effort to belittle woman should prove his death , our earnest prayer shall be that when he is “ filling his last cavity, ” it may be written on his tombstone , “ Here lies the last obstructionist to woman dentists . "

Sad Death of Dr. Stiles of Mt. Ayr , la . The work of a Drunken Fellow , and a Blundering Doctor. Mr. Ayr , Iowa, February 11th , 1890. Dr . J . F . Frantz : Dear Sir : -- Your letter of February 3d to hand ; the case, as follows : On the evening of November 28th , 1889, Mr. Vint Reed entered our house and , after eating supper , we noticed he was intoxicated . On leaving the dining -room , he went , up stairs to the dentist ' s office , and there being a bed in the room , he went to bed and left the lamp burning . He knocked the lamp over , and fell from the bed to the floor . We heard the noise and running up stairs we saw the house was afire. Miss Etta Ellis was the first to give the alarm . When Dr. Stiles heard of it, he imme diately rushed into the room and began to fight the fire . The news spread and the fire was soon extinguished . In the meantime , Dr. Stiles had severely burned his hand while carrying out a burning mattress . A doctor came, and , being excited , sprinkled morphine ou the raw and bleeding hand to alleviate the pain . The mor phine soon circulated through his blood and he became stupid . It was almost impossible to arouse him . He continued in this state four hours , when the people were startled by hearing another fire alarm . Six buildings were destroyed , the loss amounting to $35,000 . The people rushed to the fire , leaving no one but a boy and Ettie Ellis , and myself, with Dr . Stiles . We worked with him till 12 o'clock , , when someone came in , from Dr. Baily saying , “ let him sleep ." We did so as , he seemed to be breathing naturally . About 1 o'clock , Dr. Bailey came and said Women in the Dental Profession [lightly modified] Dr. Jennie Hilton (April 1890) Headnote: Below is a part of a letter written by Dr. Jennie Hilton, the first American female graduate from the University of Michigan’s dental department, in response to W.R. Spencer’s earlier, negative remarks about women dentists. Dr. Hilton shows her support for women dentists by directly refuting W.R. Spencer’s arguments against women in dentistry.

office door and taken in our arms, and by kind words and sympathy induced to let us quiet an aching tooth; and when we think of the many times the parents have said, “God bless you," and sometimes added, “Oh, I am so glad I ever came to a woman whose ready tact, loving sympathy and gentle touch has so quickly quieted my nervous child and eased its pain,” - when I remember all these kindly offices which we women dentists are being constantly called to perform, I think we are truly blest. It will be a good thing for the world when women give up the idea of leaning on some one. . . . I have a better opinion of most men than to think that a woman's high intellectual attainments and professional skill, which enable her to make an honest living outside the old beaten paths, will make her appear less lovely or lovable. The estimate of every noble man must be enhanced to find us skillful, useful and self- supporting. The idea that because a woman tries to think and act and earn for herself— that this shows she despises to be a help meet for man! I would like to inquire, what woman is most helpful to her husband: she who does the details and drudgery of housework that represents three dollars a week or she who, working side by side with him in the office, earns ten times that amount? And in which case (in the eyes of a sensible man) would she be the greater "joy to the household?" As being man haters, I deny the accusation. Men have been our best friends, because, being in higher places, they have the best opportunity to befriend us. Had it not been for their sympathy, help and encouragement, we could never have reached the heights which we have now attained. . . . The better class of men have realized for many years that there could be no real progress in the world, no great advance in civilization if one-half of mankind were to be kept in a

subordinate state. Why, then, should we hate our fellows of the masculine sex? We do not; we honor, respect and revere them. And what shall we say of woman haters? . . . Let us cover him [W.R. Spencer] with a mantle of charity; a very small one will suffice. We will extend to him our heartfelt sympathy in his distress; and if his effort to belittle woman should prove his death, our earnest prayer shall be that when He is "filling his last cavity," it may be written on his tombstone, "Here lies the last obstructionist to woman dentists."

Source: Jennie Hilton, “Women in the Dental Profession,” Items of Interest 12, no. 4 (April 1890): 145-146, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id= Wyy1AAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.PA145.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Jennie Kollock Hilton,” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/jennie-kollock-hilton.

Word Bank: Antediluvian: Old- Tact: Sensitivity Subordinate: Lower fashioned Blest: Blessed Revere: Admire; Relinquished: Given respect; look up to Attainments: up Accomplishments Suffice: Do Invalid: Unwell; sick Help meet: Partner Belittle: Put down Soothed: Calmed; Inquire: Ask Obstructionist: comforted Someone who Attained: Reached; Induced: Persuaded; intentionally prevents achieved convinced progress

Women in the Dental Profession [lightly modified and condensed] Dr. Jennie Hilton (April 1890) Headnote: Below is a part of a letter written by Dr. Jennie Hilton, the first American female graduate from the University of Michigan’s dental department, in response to W.R. Spencer’s earlier, negative remarks about women dentists. Dr. Hilton shows her support for women dentists by directly refuting W.R. Spencer’s arguments against women in dentistry.

kindly offices which we women dentists are being constantly called to perform, I think we are truly blest. It will be a good thing for the world when women give up the idea of leaning on some one. . . . I have a better opinion of most men than to think that a woman's high intellectual attainments and professional skill, which enable her to make an honest living outside the old beaten paths, will make her appear less lovely or lovable. The estimate of every noble man must be enhanced to find us skillful, useful and self- supporting. The idea that because a woman tries to think and act and earn for herself— that this shows she despises to be a help meet for man! I would like to inquire, what woman is most helpful to her husband: she who does the details and drudgery of housework that represents three dollars a week or she who, working side by side with him in the office, earns ten times that amount? And in which case (in the eyes of a sensible man) would she be the greater "joy to the household?" As being man haters, I deny the accusation. Men have been our best friends, because, being in higher places, they have the best opportunity to befriend us. Had it not been for their sympathy, help and encouragement, we could never have reached the heights which we have now attained. . . . Why, then, should we hate our fellows of the masculine sex? We do not; we honor, respect and revere them. And what shall we say of woman haters? . . . Let us cover him [W.R. Spencer] with a mantle of charity; a very small one will suffice. We will extend to him our heartfelt sympathy in his distress; and if his effort to belittle woman should prove his death, our earnest prayer shall be that when He is "filling his last cavity," it may be written on his tombstone, "Here lies the last obstructionist to woman dentists."

Source: Jennie Hilton, “Women in the Dental Profession,” Items of Interest 12, no. 4 (April 1890): 145-146, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id= Wyy1AAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.PA145.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Jennie Kollock Hilton,” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/jennie-kollock-hilton.

Word Bank: Antediluvian: Old- Blest: Blessed Revere: Admire; fashioned respect; look up to Attainments: Relinquished: Given Accomplishments Suffice: Do up Help meet: Partner Belittle: Put down Invalid: Unwell; sick Inquire: Ask Obstructionist: Soothed: Calmed; Someone who Attained: Reached; comforted intentionally prevents achieved progress Induced: Persuaded; convinced

Women in the Dental Profession [modified]

Dr. Jennie Hilton (April 1890) Headnote: Below is part of a letter written by Dr. Jennie Hilton, the first American female graduate of the University of Michigan’s dental department, in response to W.R. Spencer’s earlier, negative remarks about women dentists. Dr. Hilton shows her support for women dentists by directly refuting W.R. Spencer’s arguments against women in dentistry. Some of the original language and phrasing in this document have been modified.

relieved; and the many little suffering ones whom we have met at the office door and taken in our arms, and by kind words and sympathy induced to let us quiet an aching tooth; and when we think of the many times the parents have said, “God bless you," and sometimes added, “Oh, I am so glad I ever came to a woman whose ready tact, loving sympathy and gentle touch has so quickly quieted my nervous child and eased its pain,” - when I remember all these kindly services which we women dentists are being constantly called to perform, I think we are truly blest. It will be a good thing for the world when women give up the idea of leaning on some one. . . . I have a better opinion of most men than to think that a woman's high intellectual attainments and professional skill, which enable her to make an honest living outside the old beaten paths, will make her appear less lovely or lovable. Every noble man’s opinion must be enhanced to find us skillful, useful and self-supporting. The idea that because a woman tries to think and act and earn for herself— that this shows she despises to be a help meet for man! I would like to inquire, what woman is most helpful to her husband: she who does the details and drudgery of housework that represents three dollars a week or she who, working side by side with him in the office, earns ten times that amount? And in which case (in the eyes of a sensible man) would she be the greater "joy to the household?" As for being man haters, I deny the accusation. Men have been our best friends, because, being in higher places, they have the best opportunity to befriend us. Had it not been for their sympathy, help and encouragement, we could never have reached the heights which we have now attained. . . . The better class of men have realized for many years that there could be no real progress in the world, no great advance in civilization if one-half of mankind were to be kept in a

Source: Jennie Hilton, “Women in the Dental Profession,” Items of Interest 12, no. 4 (April 1890): 145-146, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id= Wyy1AAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.PA145.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Jennie Kollock Hilton,” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/jennie-kollock-hilton.

Women in the Dental Profession [modified and condensed] Dr. Jennie Hilton (April 1890) Headnote: Below is part of a letter written by Dr. Jennie Hilton, the first American female graduate of the University of Michigan’s dental department, in response to W.R. Spencer’s earlier, negative remarks about women dentists. Dr. Hilton shows her support for women dentists by directly refuting W.R. Spencer’s arguments against women in dentistry. Some of the original language and phrasing in this document have been modified.

I BEING a woman dentist, wish to enter my protest against the unjust, unkind and untrue statements put forth by W. R. Spener [Spencer], in December ITEMS, in regard to women in the dental profession. Had all dentists held such antediluvian ideas, women would never have been admitted to the ranks. But, thank heaven, there is a whole host of large-minded, big-souled men, who have opened the way for us. . . . Woman dentists have not relinquished their hope of home. Oh, no; that is not at all necessary; for any woman who has the ability and energy to be a dentist is able, by these same qualities, to take care of her household. Some of the best-kept homes I was ever in have been those of professional women; for who, better than they who understand the laws of chemistry and can apply them to cooking, the laws of hygiene, and apply them to cleanliness, ventilation, etc., can have more comfortable homes. Neither have we women dentists given up hope of heaven. Instead, it grows stronger and brighter each year, when we remember the many poor, nervous, invalid women whom we have soothed and relieved; and the many little suffering ones whom we have met at the office door and taken in our arms, and by kind words and sympathy induced to let us quiet an aching tooth. . . . When I remember all these kindly offices which we women dentists are being constantly called to perform, I think we are truly blest. It will be a good thing for the world when women give up the idea of leaning on some one. . . . I have a better opinion of most men than to think that a woman's high intellectual attainments and professional skill, which enable her to make an honest living outside the old beaten paths, will make her appear less lovely or lovable. Every noble man’s opinion must be enhanced to find us skillful, useful and self-supporting. The idea that because a woman tries to think and act and earn for herself— that this shows she despises to be a help meet for man! I would like to inquire, what woman is most helpful to her husband: she who does the details and drudgery of housework that represents three dollars a week or she who, working side by side with him in the office, earns ten times that amount? And in which case (in the eyes of a sensible man) would she be the greater "joy to the household?" As for being man haters, I deny the accusation. Men have been our best friends, because, being in higher places, they have the best opportunity to befriend us. Had it not been for their sympathy, help and encouragement, we could never have reached the heights which we have now attained. . . . Why, then, should we hate our fellows of the masculine sex? We do not; we honor, respect and revere them. And what shall we say of woman haters? . . . Let us cover him [W.R. Spencer] with a mantle of charity; a very small one will suffice. We will extend to him our heartfelt sympathy in his distress; and if his effort to belittle woman should prove his death, our earnest prayer shall be that when He is "filling his last cavity," it may be written on his tombstone, "Here lies the last obstructionist to woman dentists."

Source: Jennie Hilton, “Women in the Dental Profession,” Items of Interest 12, no. 4 (April 1890): 145-146, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id= Wyy1AAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.PA145.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Jennie Kollock Hilton,” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/jennie-kollock-hilton.

Word Bank: Antediluvian: Old- Blest: Blessed Revere: Admire; fashioned respect; look up to Attainments: Relinquished: Given Accomplishments; Suffice: Do up achievements Belittle: Put down Invalid: Unwell; sick Help meet: Partner Obstructionist: Soothed: Calmed; Inquire: Ask Someone who comforted intentionally prevents Attained: Reached; progress Induced: Persuaded; achieved convinced THE DENTAL REGISTER .

VOL . XLI.] NOVEMBER , 1887 . [ No. 11.

COMMUNICATIONS

Woman in Dentistry.

BY JENNIE KOLLOCK HILTON , D.D.S., FT. ATKINSON , WIS .

Prominent among the many new occupations opened to women

during the past few years is the profession of dental surgery . In , keeping with the enlightened spirit of the age the question of sex , in labor is being lost sight of in the vastly more important consid , eration of the quality of the labor . It is the work per se not , the work per sex that is commanding the attention of an educated question and discriminating public . The therefore naturally , arises is woman fitted for this new field of labor ? Is she en , , dowed by nature with those qualities physical and intellectual

that will enable her to take a place in one of the most honorable

and useful avocations to which the laborer can be called ? ,

The successful operator in this field of work must bring to it , ,

as to all other professional labor a good degree of strength , is to . In vitality and powers of endurance addition this there as required such proficiency in mechanical skill will enable the

precision . practitioner to operate with mathematical

The intellectual qualifications demanded are of a high order . of The curriculum the dental colleges prescribes a thorough course ,

of study including the fundamental principles upon which the . is practice of dentistry founded , , by Now not all women no more than all men are qualified , by , for of a diploma be nature or can qualified virtue the work , . in a of practitioner this field But that some women like some men , are thus qualified none can question who are conversant with ) 525( 526 DENTAL REGISTER .

the record of those who have attained a professional standing by virtue of the large measure of success that has attended their efforts . With the time -worn charge - physical disqualification - urged against women entering this and other professions and arenas of employment formerly filled by men only , we will simply pause to

say that for the physically disqualified and( they are legion ) their ;

entrance upon this profession is simply a physical impossibility to , As the second hence all fears may be quieted on this score . , , ,

essential qualification namely inventive genius the hundreds of , is to

of lighten patents granted to women the object which and , ,

facilitate labor especially those relating to household labor are gift sufficient guarantee of the fact that this creative has not been

wholly withheld from womankind .

A prospective student of the Michigan Dental College was by asked one of the distinguished members of the profession : , ,

“ Can you run a sewing machine adjust a new needle thread a , , , , yes bobbin ” etc. “ Ob " was the rejoiner " for that is a , , ,

woman's work you know . ” “ Well " continued the professor , understanding is being a woman and what called woman's ,

work is a good assurance that you are not lacking in that kind

of inventive genius that is essential to the practice of dental sur

gery . " ,

Third as to woman's intellectual grasp of the profession and , mental qualifications as to the duties of the office the questioning

world can safely trust the verdict to the dental college which takes , her training in charge and which grants or refuses its diploma not . of on sex of on the question but the merits the student

But aside from these there are other qualifications which are as

essential to the highest success of a dentist as are those already , , enumerated qualities which pertain almost exclusively to woman by to and which entitle her claims a consideration every thought , ful fair minded- person . Prominent among these is that untiring

patience that never ceases in the effort to overcome the ignorant

prejudices and much needless fright of those who come under her

professional care . The quick sympathy that soothes and quiets and reassures the nervous and suffering patient , the delicate and COMMUNICATIONS . 527

magnetic touch of woman's hand , that lessens rather than in

tensifies the pain consequent upon the manipulation of the re ,

possessed by lentless instruments are essential qualities women .

Qualities such as these are not the actual requirements of the , curriculum but contribute largely to that quality of success char

acteristic of women only . In this connection we can overlook the

universally conceded intuitional power which is peculiar to the , , feminine mind quickly meeting emergencies in dental practice

and rapidly arriving at a correct diagnosis of obscure and perplex

ing conditions . A of of careful examination the dental ledgers some of the leading

practitioners shows that a vast majority of the patients who visit . the dental rooms are women and children What more proper or

more fitting than that they should pass into the hands of a skill , , It is ful sympathetic and conscientious woman . now understood by dentists that the care and preservation of the deciduous or

baby teeth is of equal importance with that of the second or per manent set , because their preservation not only saves the little , ones much needless pain but contributes greatly to the health of , the child and also gives us the best assurance of the regular ar

In this rangement and perfect structure of the permanent set .

department of dental surgery there is not only room for the , woman practitioner but there is an imperative demand for the , , peculiar skill tact and sympathy that pertain to the woman , by is dentist which she enabled to successfully cope with this spe of cial class cases . ,

In a letter recently received from Dr. J. Taft of the Ann Arbor , , “ College The practice for especially he Dental says : ladies and ,

for children is just the field for lady practitioners in dentistry . ,

In it they can do much better than men and it ought in the by main to be done women . There have been fifteen ladies grad , uated in our dental college and I am proud of them all . ”

In the preparation of this paper I entered into a correspondence

with the deans of the leading dental colleges throughout the

United States in respect to their attitude toward women in this

profession . The replies were of the most gratifying character .

The institutions that had admitted them are enthusiastic in their 528 DENTAL REGISTER .

reports , the universal verdict being they are faithful students ,

they make skillful operators , and as a rule are eminently success

ful . One writes regretfully that their school is not open to , , women but adds “ I wish that ten or twenty would make appli at cation once . ”

The Ohio College of Dental Surgery reports that this college

was the first to receive in its classes and graduate a woman dent , ist and since that time it has had women among its students in , nearly every session and it is not an unusual thing for the highest to be to honors accorded the lady graduate .

One of the objections strongly urged against women dentists ,

is that their lack of muscular power disqualifies them for the

work of extracting teeth . In reply I would state that in these a extracting of days of progressive dentistry the teeth forms small ;

part of the work of an educated and conscientious dentist in ,

greater of stead of extracting the number the diseased and ach ing teeth are properly treated and filled . But in those cases

where extracting becomes a necessity themembers of the profes of sion will agree with me in saying that the successful use the ,

forceps depends largely upon the skill of the operator and not , ,

wholly as is generally supposed on one's physical strength . In I for of proof of the fitness women this work will cite the two

convincing proofs . ,

First there are now in the United States five dental colleges

in which women receive equal opportunities for instruction as , those offered to men and further that this number is gradually increasing , Second that there are nearly one hundred women practicing in , fit this country while many have come here from Europe to them , selves for this purpose and have returned to their own country to ; practice their professional calling and the practice of these dent to ten ists amount to sums varying from one thousand dollars

annually . Woman in Dentistry [lightly modified] By Jennie Kollock Hilton, D.D.S., FT. Atkinson, WIS. (November 1887) Headnote: Below are portions of a paper written by Jennie Kollock Hilton, the first American woman graduate from the University of Michigan’s dental department. While Dr. Hilton acknowledges that not all men and women are qualified to become dentists, she provides several reasons for why women are capable dentists. The article was originally published in The Dental Register, which was a monthly dental journal.

Prominent among the many new occupations opened to women during the past few years is the profession of dental surgery. . . . The question therefore naturally arises, is woman fitted for this new field of labor? Is she endowed by nature with those qualities, physical and intellectual, that will enable her to take a place in one of the most honorable and useful avocations to which the laborer can be called? Now not all women, no more than all men, are qualified by nature, or can be qualified by virtue of a diploma, for the work of a practitioner in this field. But that some women, like some men, are thus qualified none can question who are conversant with the record of those who have attained a professional standing by virtue of the large measure of success that has attended their efforts. With the time-worn charge—physical disqualification—urged against women entering this and other professions and arenas of employment formerly filled by men only, we will simply pause to say that for the physically disqualified . . . their entrance upon this profession is simply a physical impossibility; hence, all fears may be quieted on this score. As to woman's intellectual grasp of the profession and mental qualifications as to the duties of the office, the questioning world can safely trust the verdict to the dental college which takes her training in charge, and which grants or refuses its diploma not on the question of sex but on the merits of the student. But aside from these there are other qualifications which are as essential to the highest success of a dentist as are those already enumerated, qualities which pertain almost exclusively to woman. . . . Prominent among these is that untiring patience that never ceases in the effort to overcome the ignorant prejudices and much needless fright of those who come under her professional care. The quick sympathy that soothes and quiets and reassures the nervous and suffering patient . . . are essential qualities possessed by women. A careful examination of the dental ledgers of some of the leading practitioners shows that a vast majority of the patients who visit the dental rooms are women and children. What [is] more proper or more fitting than that they should pass into the hands of a skillful, sympathetic, and conscientious woman. It is now understood by dentists that the care and preservation of the deciduous or baby teeth is of equal importance with that of the second or permanent set. . . . In this department of dental surgery there is not only room for the woman practitioner, but there is an imperative demand for the peculiar skill, tact, and sympathy that pertain to the woman dentist, by which she is enabled to successfully cope with this special class of cases. One of the objections strongly urged against women dentists is, that their lack of muscular power disqualifies them for the work of extracting teeth. In reply I would state that in these days of progressive dentistry the extracting of teeth forms a small part of the work of an educated and conscientious dentist; instead of extracting, the greater number of the diseased and aching teeth are properly treated and filled. But in those cases where extracting becomes a necessity the members of the profession will agree with me in saying that the successful use of the forceps depends largely upon the skill of the operator, and not wholly, as is generally supposed, on one's physical strength.

Source: Jennie Kollock Hilton, “Woman in Dentistry,” The Dental Register 41, no. 11 (November 1887): 525-528, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id= 3W4xAQAAMAAJ&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA525.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Jennie Kollock Hilton,” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/jennie-kollock-hilton.

Word Bank: Prominent: Common Time-Worn: Worn out; Ledgers: Records old Fitted: Suited; Conscientious: qualified Merits: Talent Reliable Endowed: Equipped Enumerated: Given Imperative: Urgent Avocations: Jobs; Pertain: Relate Peculiar: Specific professions Prejudices: Tact: Sensitivity Conversant: Preconceived opinion, Cope: Deal with Knowledgeable often negative, that is not based on Extracting: Pulling Attained: Achieved knowledge, reason, or Wholly: Completely Attended: experience; bias Accompanied

Woman in Dentistry [lightly modified and condensed] By Jennie Kollock Hilton, D.D.S., FT. Atkinson, WIS. (November 1887) Headnote: Below are portions of a paper written by Jennie Kollock Hilton, the first American woman graduate from the University of Michigan’s dental department. While Dr. Hilton acknowledges that not all men and women are qualified to become dentists, she provides several reasons for why women are capable dentists. The article was originally published in The Dental Register, which was a monthly dental journal.

Prominent among the many new occupations opened to women during the past few years is the profession of dental surgery. . . . The question therefore naturally arises, is woman fitted for this new field of labor? Is she endowed by nature with those qualities, physical and intellectual, that will enable her to take a place in one of the most honorable and useful avocations to which the laborer can be called? As to woman's intellectual grasp of the profession and mental qualifications as to the duties of the office, the questioning world can safely trust the verdict to the dental college which takes her training in charge, and which grants or refuses its diploma not on the question of sex but on the merits of the student. But aside from these there are other qualifications which are as essential to the highest success of a dentist as are those already enumerated, qualities which pertain almost exclusively to woman. . . . Prominent among these is that untiring patience that never ceases in the effort to overcome the ignorant prejudices and much needless fright of those who come under her professional care. The quick sympathy that soothes and quiets and reassures the nervous and suffering patient . . . are essential qualities possessed by women. A careful examination of the dental ledgers of some of the leading practitioners shows that a vast majority of the patients who visit the dental rooms are women and children. What [is] more proper or more fitting than that they should pass into the hands of a skillful, sympathetic, and conscientious woman. It is now understood by dentists that the care and preservation of the deciduous or baby teeth is of equal importance with that of the second or permanent set. . . . In this department of dental surgery there is not only room for the woman practitioner, but there is an imperative demand for the peculiar skill, tact, and sympathy that pertain to the woman dentist, by which she is enabled to successfully cope with this special class of cases. One of the objections strongly urged against women dentists is, that their lack of muscular power disqualifies them for the work of extracting teeth. In reply I would state that in these days of progressive dentistry the extracting of teeth forms a small part of the work of an educated and conscientious dentist; instead of extracting, the greater number of the diseased and aching teeth are properly treated and filled. But in those cases where extracting becomes a necessity the members of the profession will agree with me in saying that the successful use of the forceps depends largely upon the skill of the operator, and not wholly, as is generally supposed, on one's physical strength.

Source: Jennie Kollock Hilton, “Woman in Dentistry,” The Dental Register 41, no. 11 (November 1887): 525-528, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id= 3W4xAQAAMAAJ&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA525.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Jennie Kollock Hilton,” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/jennie-kollock-hilton. Word Bank: Prominent: Common Pertain: Relate Conscientious: Reliable Fitted: Suited; Prejudices: qualified Preconceived opinion, Imperative: Urgent often negative, that is Endowed: Equipped Peculiar: Specific not based on Avocations: Jobs; knowledge, reason, or Tact: Sensitivity professions experience; bias Cope: Deal with Merits: Talent Ledgers: Records Extracting: Pulling Enumerated: Given Wholly: Completely

Woman in Dentistry [modified]

By Jennie Kollock Hilton, D.D.S., FT. Atkinson, WIS. (November 1887) Headnote: Below are portions of a paper written by Jennie Kollock Hilton, the first American woman graduate from the University of Michigan’s dental department. While Dr. Hilton acknowledges that not all men and women are qualified to become dentists, she provides several reasons for why women are capable dentists. The article was originally published in The Dental Register, which was a monthly dental journal. Some of the original language and phrasing in this document have been modified. Prominent among the many new occupations opened to women during the past few years is the profession of dental surgery. . . . The question therefore naturally arises, is woman fitted for this new field of labor? Is she endowed by nature with the physical and intellectual qualities that will enable her to participate in one of the most honorable and useful avocations to which the laborer can be called? Now not all women, no more than all men, are qualified by nature, or can be qualified by a diploma, for the work of a practitioner in this field. But that some women, like some men, are qualified none can question who are conversant with the record of those who have attained a professional standing due to the great success that has accompanied their efforts. With the worn out charge—physical disqualification—used against women entering this and other professions formerly filled by men only, we will simply pause to say that for the physically disqualified . . . it is physically impossible for them to enter this profession; hence, all fears may be silenced on this matter. As to woman's intellectual grasp of the profession and mental qualifications, the questioning world can safely trust the decision to the dental college which is in charge of her training, and which grants or refuses its diploma not on the question of sex but on the merits of the student. But aside from these there are other qualifications which are as essential to the highest success of a dentist as are those already enumerated, qualities which pertain almost exclusively to woman. . . . Prominent among these is that untiring patience that never ceases in the effort to overcome the ignorant prejudices and much needless fright of those who come under her professional care. The quick sympathy that soothes and quiets and reassures the nervous and suffering patient . . . are essential qualities possessed by women. A careful examination of the dental ledgers of some of the leading practitioners shows that a vast majority of the patients who visit the dental rooms are women and children. What could be more proper or more fitting than that they should pass into the hands of a skillful, sympathetic, and conscientious woman. It is now understood by dentists that the care and preservation of the deciduous or baby teeth is of equal importance with that of the second or permanent set. . . . In this department of dental surgery [Children’s Dentistry] there is not only room for the woman practitioner, but there is an imperative demand for the peculiar skill, tact, and sympathy that pertain to the woman dentist, by which she is able to successfully cope with this special class of cases. One of the objections strongly used against women dentists is, that their lack of muscular power disqualifies them from extracting teeth. In reply I would state that in these days of progressive dentistry the extracting of teeth forms a small part of the work of an educated and conscientious dentist; instead of extracting, most of the diseased and aching teeth are properly treated and filled. But in those cases where extracting becomes necessary other dentists will agree with me in saying that the successful use of the forceps depends largely upon the skill of the operator, and not wholly, as is generally supposed, on one's physical strength.

Source: Jennie Kollock Hilton, “Woman in Dentistry,” The Dental Register 41, no. 11 (November 1887): 525-528, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id= 3W4xAQAAMAAJ&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA525.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Jennie Kollock Hilton,” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/jennie-kollock-hilton.

Word Bank: Prominent: Common Merits: Talent Conscientious: Reliable Fitted: Suited; Enumerated: Given qualified Imperative: Urgent Pertain: Relate Endowed: Equipped Peculiar: Specific Prejudices: Avocations: Jobs; Preconceived opinion, Tact: Sensitivity professions often negative, that is Cope: Deal with not based on Conversant: knowledge, reason, or Extracting: Pulling Knowledgeable experience; bias Wholly: Completely Attained: Achieved Ledgers: Records

Woman in Dentistry [modified and condensed] By Jennie Kollock Hilton, D.D.S., FT. Atkinson, WIS. (November 1887) Headnote: Below are portions of a paper written by Jennie Kollock Hilton, the first American woman graduate from the University of Michigan’s dental department. While Dr. Hilton acknowledges that not all men and women are qualified to become dentists, she provides several reasons for why women are capable dentists. The article was originally published in The Dental Register, which was a monthly dental journal. Some of the original language and phrasing in this document have been modified. Prominent among the many new occupations opened to women during the past few years is the profession of dental surgery. . . . The question therefore naturally arises, is woman fitted for this new field of labor? Is she endowed by nature with the physical and intellectual qualities that will enable her to participate in one of the most honorable and useful avocations to which the laborer can be called? As to woman's intellectual grasp of the profession and mental qualifications, the questioning world can safely trust the decision to the dental college which is in charge of her training, and which grants or refuses its diploma not on the question of sex but on the merits of the student. But aside from these there are other qualifications which are as essential to the highest success of a dentist as are those already enumerated, qualities which pertain almost exclusively to woman. . . . Prominent among these is that untiring patience that never ceases in the effort to overcome the ignorant prejudices and much needless fright of those who come under her professional care. The quick sympathy that soothes and quiets and reassures the nervous and suffering patient . . . are essential qualities possessed by women. A careful examination of the dental ledgers of some of the leading practitioners shows that a vast majority of the patients who visit the dental rooms are women and children. What could be more proper or more fitting than that they should pass into the hands of a skillful, sympathetic, and conscientious woman. It is now understood by dentists that the care and preservation of the deciduous or baby teeth is of equal importance with that of the second or permanent set. . . . In this department of dental surgery [Children’s Dentistry] there is not only room for the woman practitioner, but there is an imperative demand for the peculiar skill, tact, and sympathy that pertain to the woman dentist, by which she is able to successfully cope with this special class of cases. One of the objections strongly used against women dentists is, that their lack of muscular power disqualifies them from extracting teeth. In reply I would state that in these days of progressive dentistry the extracting of teeth forms a small part of the work of an educated and conscientious dentist; instead of extracting, most of the diseased and aching teeth are properly treated and filled. But in those cases where extracting becomes necessary other dentists will agree with me in saying that the successful use of the forceps depends largely upon the skill of the operator, and not wholly, as is generally supposed, on one's physical strength.

Source: Jennie Kollock Hilton, “Woman in Dentistry,” The Dental Register 41, no. 11 (November 1887): 525-527, https://play.google.com/books/reader?id= 3W4xAQAAMAAJ&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA525.

530 ITEMS OF INTEREST.

DR. JAMES TRUMAN, AND LADY DENTISTS. Dr. Truman was one of the first to begin the contest for the admis sion of women to the dentistry. Dr. Truman had long felt the impor tance of endeavoring to open up new avenues for the labor of women ; and in his view, dentistry was one peculiarly fitted for her to engage in. Regarding it in this light, he felt it his duty to urge her claims on the profession, and began this educational work by briefly giving his sentiments in the valedictory delivered before a crowded audience March i, 1866. This utterance was regarded as a bold innovation on established usages and brought down on his devoted head the severe condemnation of his colleagues. As a matter of history the following extracts from the valedictory are subjoined : " When the professions cease to be objects of interest to the human intellect, that intellect may be said to be in its decadence, if it has not already lapsed into barbarism. The professions lead the civilizations of the world, as they advance the nations advance to higher intellectual attainments. I, therefore, welcome, all (who feel they have something to do therein) to the profession to which I belong, and gladly would I welcome still more than the world generally concedes have a right to be there. " The recognition of the right of every human being to an equal share in the privilege we enjoy, has not yet become a principle of faith and practice as I think it should. We say to one-half of the human family stitch, stitch, darn stockings, make shoes for a shilling, stand behind counters for two or three dollars a week, do anything, but don't enter the sacred precinct that we have marked out for our peculiar benefit. Every human soul has certain qualities these should mark its pathway through life. Talent is of no sex, color or clime; but is an inheritance from the Creator, given to be fully cultivated in the direction it leads. Hence, in my judgment, any attempt to cripple the aspiration of a God implanted intelligence is unworthy the age in which we live and is but little short of blasphemy against the Creator himself. As we keep any number of the human race in a condition lower than our selves, just in that proportion will the degradation be a mill stone around our necks. The reverse of the proposition is also true ; as we advance the masses in intelligence and the means of acquiring informa tion and pecuniary reward for labor, will the civilization of all be increased. Hence, as an individual, I welcome all classes to the profes sion of which I am a member and would make but one requirement : Do you believe you are qualified for it and can do better in it than in any other position in life ! " Entertaining these views, I rejoice that dentistry, tho the youngest of the professions, has welcomed women to two of our ITEMS OF INTEREST. 53 1

State organizations to full membership and have recognised her as a co-laborer in a field full of interest, and one in my judgment, to which she is well adapted. * * * Have not all parents who fail to give their daughter a profession or trade neglected one of the plainest requirements of life? Certainly. The world is full of misery on that account. I am sick of that cant and hypocrisy that would pre vent women doing anything to earn her daily bread, and then call it a dispensation of Providence when she is left to support a family by spending her days and nights over the needle. Let your daughters enter the professions or anything they can earn a livelihood at, and regard it as a dispensation of Providence that he has in His wisdom given your daughters brains enough to take a position in life superior to that you, possibly, have ever been able to fill." Two years after this address was delivered, (in 1868) a Mrs. Hen rietta Hirschfeld presented herself as a candidate at this College. She came from Berlin, Germany, and had been instructed that women were admitted to all our colleges. She had had great difficulty in getting the consent of her Government to study and would hardly have succeeded in this, but for the aid of high officials. It was then no wonder she was nearly crushed by the vote of the faculty, rejecting her. To the honor of Professor Buckingham be it said, that he subsequently changed his vote, and she was finally matriculated, but even then was obliged to take her anatomy in the Women's Medi cal College, as Professor Forbes refused to have her in his class. This decision he changed in the second year, and allowed her to attend. It is needless to say that she graduated with honor and with the entire respect of her class, and is yet in large practice in Berlin. She was at that time supposed to be the first woman graduate, but at the same year a lady graduated at the Ohio, and is still, it is believed, in practice in Lawrence, Kansas. These two led the advance guard that has since so largely increased that at the present time all the large towns in Germany have women dentists, and many of our own cities. The College closed its doors for some time to women but finally permitted three, Misses Jacoby and Wilkie, of Germantown, and Miss Anna D. Rambuger, of Philadelphia, to matriculate. At the close of the first year they refused to continue them as students. Dr. Truman appealed from this decision to the Board of Trustees of the College, and personally advocated their cause before that body. This repetition created a great sensation in the city— the Press taking up the matter and ventilating it thoroughly. It was finally left to the decision of a Committee of the Board of Trustees, of which the late Judge Peirce was chairman. He made a very full report, and one that had all the force of a judicial decision. It was his belief that the faculty must 532 ITEMS OF INTEREST. reinstate the women and graduate them. This was very reluctantly ac ceded to, and two of them eventually received their degree at this insti tution, the other at Baltimore. This practically ended, for the time, the education of women in Eastern colleges, and it was not renewed till the subject of the sketch wrote from Hanover Seminary to the Penn sylvania College Dental Surgery, making application for two ladies. Prof. Peirig, then and now Dean, at once accepted them ; and from that day to this, this College has the honor of being the leading dental school, in this or any other country, in the training of women dentists. Dr. Truman tried to impress his views in this important matter wbenever it was possible to do so, and at one of the meetings of the American Dental Association, held at Saratoga, introduced and advo cated the importance of recognizing women in the profession. This was respectfully received, and, no doubt, had its influence.

John A. Crawford, a traveling salesman for the meat-packing firm of Blooming, Wolf & Co., of Quincy, 111., while taking a drink of water swallowed his artificial teeth. Crawford was on a freight train at James town, just west of Trenton, Mo., when the accident happened. The train was stopt, and, after an hour's vain endeavor to recover the teeth, the patient was brought to Trenton, where Drs. Madden, Hendricks jn, and Patton made an examination, and pronounced it a very serious case. Crawford's throat and chest were terribly swollen and inflamed, and his case was a critical one. Owing to the swollen condition of the patient's throat, the doctors were unable to locate the plate, and it was feared he would die. Mrs. Crawford was notified, and arrived only in time to see her husband die. — Exchange.

A Health Exhibition of the American Public Health Association will be held at Brooklyn, N. Y., October 22, 23, 24 and 25, 1889. This Association comprises over eight hundred members, all devoted, officially or otherwise, to its declared purpose — the advance ment of sanitary science and the promotion of organizations and measures for the practical application of public hygiene. In the furtherance of this purpose it has met annually, during the last sixteen years, in different cities of the United States and Canada, and has in every instance had the effect of greatly stimulating public effort in the promotion of health and measures for its maintenance. With the hope of still further magnifying this interest and effort, it is the purpose of the Association, through its local committee, at the forthcoming meeting, to provide an exhibition of everything available adapted to the promotion of health. Dr. James Truman, And Lady Dentists [lightly modified] Headnote: Below are parts of a valedictory speech given by Dr. James Truman to the graduating class of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in March 1866. In his speech, Dr. Truman, an early advocate for women in the dental field and dean of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery from 1883 to 1895, expresses his support for women dentists as well as his reasons for supporting women dentists. A short introduction to Dr. Truman and his speech is given before his actual address.

Dr. Truman was one of the first to begin the contest for the admission of women to the dentistry. Dr. Truman had long felt the importance of endeavoring to open up new avenues for the labor of women; and in his view, dentistry was one peculiarly fitted for her to engage in. Regarding it in this light, he felt it his duty to urge her claims on the profession, and began this educational work by briefly giving his sentiments in the valedictory delivered before a crowded audience March 1, 1866. This utterance was regarded as a bold innovation on established usages and brought down on his devoted head the severe condemnation of his colleagues. As a matter of history the following extracts from the valedictory are subjoined: “The recognition of the right of every human being to an equal share in the privilege we enjoy, has not yet become a principle of faith and practice as I think it should. We say to one-half of the human family stitch, stitch, darn stockings, make shoes for a shilling, stand behind counters for two or three dollars a week, do anything, but don’t enter the sacred precinct that we have marked out for our peculiar benefit. . . . Talent is of no sex, color or clime [climate]; but is an inheritance from the Creator, given to be fully cultivated in the direction it leads. . . . As we keep any number of the human race in a condition lower than ourselves, just in that proportion will the degradation be a mill stone around our necks. The reverse of the proposition is also true; as we advance the masses in intelligence and the means of acquiring information and pecuniary reward for labor, will the civilization of all be increased. Hence, as an individual, I welcome all classes to the profession of which I am a member and would make but one requirement: Do you believe you are qualified for it and can do better in it than in any other position in life!” “Entertaining these views, I rejoice that dentistry, tho [though] the youngest of the professions, has welcomed women to two of our State organizations to full membership and have recognized her as a co-laborer in a field full of interest, and one in my judgment, to which she is well adapted. * * * Have not all parents who fail to give their daughter a profession or trade neglected one of the plainest requirements of life? Certainly. The world is full of misery on that account. I am sick of that cant and hypocrisy that would prevent women doing anything to earn her daily bread, and then call it a dispensation of Providence when she is left to support a family by spending her days and nights over the needle. Let your daughters enter the professions or anything they can earn a livelihood at, and regard it as a dispensation of Providence that he has in His wisdom given your daughters brains enough to take a position in life superior to that you, possibly, have ever been able to fill." Source: “Dr. James Truman, and Lady Dentists,” Items of Interest 11, no. 11 (November 1889): 530-531, https://play.google.com/books/ reader?id=ISK1AAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.PA530.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Are Women Fit for Dentistry?” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/women-dentists. Word Bank: Valedictory: A farewell Condemnation: Mill stone: Weight speech; often given Disapproval Pecuniary: Financial during a graduation Subjoined: Added; ceremony Adapted: Suited for attached Endeavoring: Trying Cant: Insincerity, Precinct: Area hypocrisy; dishonesty Peculiarly: Specifically Peculiar: Specific Dispensation: Fitted: Suitable Cultivated: Developed Allotment, award, Sentiments: Thoughts; favor Degradation: opinions Deprivation; Livelihood: Living; Utterance: Speech dispossession income Usages: Practices

Dr. James Truman, And Lady Dentists [lightly modified and condensed] Headnote: Below are parts of a valedictory speech given by Dr. James Truman to the graduating class of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in March 1866. In his speech, Dr. Truman, an early advocate for women in the dental field and dean of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery from 1883 to 1895, expresses his support for women dentists as well as his reasons for supporting women dentists.

“The recognition of the right of every human being to an equal share in the privilege we enjoy, has not yet become a principle of faith and practice as I think it should. We say to one-half of the human family stitch, stitch, darn stockings, make shoes for a shilling, stand behind counters for two or three dollars a week, do anything, but don’t enter the sacred precinct that we have marked out for our peculiar benefit. . . . Talent is of no sex, color or clime [climate]; but is an inheritance from the Creator, given to be fully cultivated in the direction it leads. . . . As we keep any number of the human race in a condition lower than ourselves, just in that proportion will the degradation be a mill stone around our necks. The reverse of the proposition is also true; as we advance the masses in intelligence and the means of acquiring information and pecuniary reward for labor, will the civilization of all be increased. Hence, as an individual, I welcome all classes to the profession of which I am a member and would make but one requirement: Do you believe you are qualified for it and can do better in it than in any other position in life!” “Entertaining these views, I rejoice that dentistry, tho [though] the youngest of the professions, has welcomed women to two of our State organizations to full membership and have recognized her as a co-laborer in a field full of interest, and one in my judgment, to which she is well adapted. * * * Have not all parents who fail to give their daughter a profession or trade neglected one of the plainest requirements of life? Certainly. The world is full of misery on that account. I am sick of that cant and hypocrisy that would prevent women doing anything to earn her daily bread, and then call it a dispensation of Providence when she is left to support a family by spending her days and nights over the needle. Let your daughters enter the professions or anything they can earn a livelihood at, and regard it as a dispensation of Providence that he has in His wisdom given your daughters brains enough to take a position in life superior to that you, possibly, have ever been able to fill."

Source: “Dr. James Truman, and Lady Dentists,” Items of Interest 11, no. 11 (November 1889): 530-531, https://play.google.com/books/ reader?id=ISK1AAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.PA530.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Are Women Fit for Dentistry?” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/women-dentists.

Word Bank: Valedictory: A farewell Degradation: Cant: Insincerity, speech; often given Deprivation; hypocrisy; dishonesty during a graduation dispossession Dispensation: ceremony Mill stone: Weight Allotment, award, Precinct: Area favor Pecuniary: Financial Peculiar: Specific Livelihood: Living; Adapted: Suited for income Cultivated: Developed

Dr. James Truman, And Lady Dentists [modified] Headnote: Below are parts of a valedictory speech given by Dr. James Truman to the graduating class of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in March 1866. In his speech, Dr. Truman, an early advocate for women in the dental field and dean of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery from 1883 to 1895, expresses his support for women dentists as well as his reasons for supporting women dentists. A short introduction to Dr. Truman and his speech is given before his actual address. Some of the original language and phrasing in this document have been modified.

Dr. Truman was one of the first to begin supporting women’s admission to dentistry. Dr. Truman had long felt it important to try to open up new avenues for women’s labor; and in his view, dentistry was one specifically suited for her to engage in. Regarding it in this light, he felt it his duty to support her claims on the profession [dentistry], and began this educational work by briefly giving his thoughts in the valedictory delivered before a crowded audience March 1, 1866. This utterance was regarded as a bold innovation on established practices and brought down on his devoted head the severe condemnation of his colleagues. As a matter of history the following extracts from the valedictory are subjoined: “The recognition of the right of every human being to an equal share in the privilege we enjoy, has not yet become a principle of faith and practice as I think it should. We say to one-half of the human family stitch, stitch, darn stockings, make shoes for a shilling, stand behind counters for two or three dollars a week, do anything, but don’t enter the sacred precinct that we have marked out for our peculiar benefit. . . . Talent is of no sex, color or clime [climate]; but is an inheritance from the Creator, given to be fully cultivated in the direction it leads. . . . When we keep any number of the human race in a condition lower than ourselves, their degradation is a mill stone around our necks. The reverse is also true; as we advance the masses in intelligence and in the means of acquiring information and pecuniary reward for labor, the civilization of all will be increased. Hence, as an individual, I welcome all classes to the profession of which I am a member and would make but one requirement: Do you believe you are qualified for it and can do better in it than in any other position in life!” “Entertaining these views, I rejoice that dentistry, tho [though] the youngest of the professions, has welcomed women to full membership in two of our State organizations and have recognized her as a co-laborer in a field full of interest, and one in my judgment, to which she is well suited. * * * Have not all parents who fail to give their daughter a profession or trade neglected one of the plainest requirements of life? Certainly. The world is full of misery on that account. I am sick of that hypocrisy that would prevent women doing anything to earn her daily bread, and then call it a dispensation of Providence when she is left to support a family by spending her days and nights over the needle. Let your daughters enter the professions or anything they can earn a livelihood at, and regard it as a dispensation of Providence that he has in His wisdom given your daughters brains enough to take a position in life superior to that you, possibly, have ever been able to fill."

Source: “Dr. James Truman, and Lady Dentists,” Items of Interest 11, no. 11 (November 1889): 530-531, https://play.google.com/books/ reader?id=ISK1AAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.PA530.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Are Women Fit for Dentistry?” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/women-dentists. Word Bank: Valedictory: A farewell Subjoined: Added; Mill stone: Weight speech; often given attached Pecuniary: Financial during a graduation Precinct: Area ceremony Dispensation: Peculiar: Specific Allotment; award; Utterance: Speech favor Cultivated: Developed Condemnation: Livelihood: Living; Disapproval Degradation: income Deprivation; dispossession

Dr. James Truman, And Lady Dentists [modified and condensed] Headnote: Below are parts of a valedictory speech given by Dr. James Truman to the graduating class of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in March 1866. In his speech, Dr. Truman, an early advocate for women in the dental field and dean of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery from 1883 to 1895, expresses his support for women dentists as well as his reasons for supporting women dentists. Some of the original language and phrasing in this document have been modified.

“The recognition of the right of every human being to an equal share in the privilege we enjoy, has not yet become a principle of faith and practice as I think it should. We say to one-half of the human family stitch, stitch, darn stockings, make shoes for a shilling, stand behind counters for two or three dollars a week, do anything, but don’t enter the sacred precinct that we have marked out for our peculiar benefit. . . . Talent is of no sex, color or clime [climate]; but is an inheritance from the Creator, given to be fully cultivated in the direction it leads. . . . When we keep any number of the human race in a condition lower than ourselves, their degradation is a mill stone around our necks. The reverse is also true; as we advance the masses in intelligence and in the means of acquiring information and pecuniary reward for labor, the civilization of all will be increased. Hence, as an individual, I welcome all classes to the profession of which I am a member and would make but one requirement: Do you believe you are qualified for it and can do better in it than in any other position in life!” “Entertaining these views , I rejoice that dentistry, tho [though] the youngest of the professions, has welcomed women to full membership in two of our State organizations and have recognized her as a co-laborer in a field full of interest, and one in my judgment, to which she is well suited. * * * Have not all parents who fail to give their daughter a profession or trade neglected one of the plainest requirements of life? Certainly. I am sick of that hypocrisy that would prevent women doing anything to earn her daily bread, and then call it a dispensation of Providence when she is left to support a family by spending her days and nights over the needle. Let your daughters enter the professions or anything they can earn a livelihood at, and regard it as a dispensation of Providence that he has in His wisdom given your daughters brains enough to take a position in life superior to that you, possibly, have ever been able to fill."

Source: “Dr. James Truman, and Lady Dentists,” Items of Interest 11, no. 11 (November 1889): 530-531, https://play.google.com/books/ reader?id=ISK1AAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&pg=GBS.PA530.

Headnote Source: Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, “Are Women Fit for Dentistry?” Women Dentists: Changing the Face of Dentistry, online exhibition, https://www.sindecusemuseum.org/women-dentists.

Word Bank: Valedictory: A farewell Cultivated: Developed Pecuniary: Financial speech; often given Degradation: Dispensation: during a graduation Deprivation; Allotment; award; ceremony dispossession favor Precinct: Area Mill stone: Weight Livelihood: Living; Peculiar: Specific income

Debate Over Women in Dentistry: A Primary Source Investigation

Instructions: Read the primary source carefully before answering the following questions.

Historic Context:

• What year was the document written?

• What was happening in the dental field when the author wrote this document?

• How does knowing the historic context help you better understand the author’s arguments/purpose for writing the document?

Author:

• What is the author’s name?

• What do you know about the author’s background (gender, age, career, etc.)?

• How might the author’s background (gender, age, career, etc.) impact his/her perspective?

Arguments:

• Does the author support or not support women in the dental field?

• What reasons does the author provide for supporting/not supporting women dentists?

• How do these arguments compare to the arguments made in the other primary source (i.e. Do they make similar arguments? Different arguments? Do they address the same argument but take a different approach in doing so?)

• Are similar arguments made today? If so, what are those arguments?

• What examples of gender stereotypes, gender bias, and/or gender discrimination are found in the source? Make sure to label your examples as stereotype, bias, and/or discrimination.

Response:

• What is your initial response (feelings, thoughts, etc.) after reading the primary source?

• What questions do you have after reading the primary source?

Questions used in this worksheet were adapted in part from the Library of Congress “Using Primary Sources,” and the HIPPO method for analyzing primary sources. Both sources can be found at https://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/ and at http://www.brookscollegeprep.org/sites/default/files/pictures/apushhippo.pdf respectively.

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Women Dentists: The Origins

John M. Hyson, Jr., DDS, MS, MA

abstract The pioneer women in dentistry are worthy of recognition and admiration. They broke the traditional barriers for their sex and set the standards for those who followed in their path as dental professionals. As medicine has its Elizabeth Blackwell, nursing its Florence Nightingale, so dentistry has its Lucy Taylor Hobbs and Henriette Hirschfeld. In 1884, Lucy Hobbs wrote: “People were amazed when they learned that a young girl had so far forgotten her womanhood as to want to study dentistry.” Today, women represent almost 50 percent of the dental students in some dental schools. It is projected that by the year 2020, 20 percent of all dental practitioners in the United States will be women.1 This article details a timeline of women’s place in dental history by highlighting prominent women dentists and various opinions on women in dentistry.

eportedly, the first dental its beginning. It is only fitting that women Author extraction forceps were made belong to this ancient profession. This for Sen-Hopet, a beautiful paper will present a selective history of John M. Hyson, Jr., DDS, Egyptian society matron, in women in U.S. dental history. MS, MA is the director of curatorial affairs at the Dr. 2000 B.C.2 In the year A.D. 300, Women have made up about 1 percent Samuel D. Harris National RApollonia was canonized by the Church of dental students from the beginning of Museum of Dentistry. of Rome for refusing to renounce her the profession; but in the late 1960s and He is also an associate Christian faith after being tortured by 1970s, a significant number of women and professor of oral health having her teeth extracted one by one. minorities began entering the ranks of care delivery at Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Since then, she has been the saint whose organized dentistry in the United States. Dental School, University intercession has been sought for the relief By contrast, in Europe and South America, of Maryland. of dental pain and suffering.3 As early as women dominate the field. There were two 1523, the earliest known dental engraving, major reasons for this dramatic change by Lucas van Leyden in copper, depicts an in the United States. First, dental schools itinerant dentist and his female assistant. received federal financial incentives While the dentist extracts the tooth, the for each female and minority student assistant extracts the contents of the matriculated. Secondly, the dental schools patient’s pocket.4 Therefore, women have began to actively recruit these students. been associated with dentistry ever since The federal plan was to address the

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imbalances in educational opportunities married a dentist, Daniel Albion Jones, 12, she worked as a seamstress to support for women and minorities. By providing and became “intensely interested” in his herself through school and taught school federal support, it was thought that the work. After watching her husband work, for 10 years before starting her dental barriers of discrimination and lack of she began filling extracted teeth. She career. Teaching was one of the few finances would get across the message filled a two-quart jar with her work and “honorable careers” available to women that dentistry was available as a career then showed her husband what she had in 1849. Originally, she wanted to study to these students. Low-interest loans done. Reluctantly, in May 1855, he agreed medicine at the Electric Medical College in and scholarships were provided by the to allow her to practice with him in his Cincinnati, Ohio, but was informed that Health Professions Educational Assistance Danielsonville office. Finally, in 1859, he “women were not admitted as students.” Program. Also during this period, the took her in as his partner. She enjoyed a Therefore, she turned to dentistry. In women’s movement was becoming an reputation as “a skillful dentist.”8 1859, she unsuccessfully tried to get an active force for change in the role of In 1864, Daniel Jones died, leaving apprenticeship in a Cincinnati dental women in the workplace. Two incomes Emeline with two children, a 3 1/2-year- office before applying to dental college (a were sometimes necessary to maintain old son and a 6-year-old daughter. Bravely, requirement at the time). Fortunately, Dr. the middle-class family lifestyle.5 she carried on independently to support Jonathan Taft, dean of the Ohio College One of the earliest references to the her family. In 1876, she moved to New of Dental Surgery, allowed her to study “lady dentist” occurred in 1821 when Levi Haven, Conn., and established one of and work in his office while she looked for S. Parmly published in London the second the largest and most lucrative practices a preceptor.11 edition of his book, Natural History of the in the state. At the time, “a woman in Finally, Dr. Samuel Wardle, who had Teeth, in which he offers to instruct both business or professional ranks was almost just graduated in February 1859 from the ladies and gentlemen of “liberal education a curiosity.” She continued to work Ohio college, took her on as an apprentice for dental practice.” The ladies who availed until her 78th year. Emeline Jones was in his office. Later, she credited Dr. Wardle themselves of this offer are unknown; recognized by her peers in 1896 as “the with “the honor of making it possible for however, in 1870 the U.S. census lists pioneer woman dentist” of the United women to enter the profession.” She was 24 women as “dentists” and in 1871, 116 States, if not the world. Although there still forced to work at night with needle women were listed in the British census may have been other women who worked and thread in her tiny attic room earning when occupations were classified. Sixty- in dental offices prior to 1855, she was a few pennies for the morning meal. Many three of the English women were younger the first woman to open her own office months later in March 1861, she made than 20.6 independently and offer her services to application to the Ohio College of Dental In 1847, Madame H. of Brussels, the public “as a competent dentist.”9 Surgery but was rejected. Dr. Wardle Belgium, had obtained a diploma to In 1893, Dr. Jones served on the advised her to begin practice without a practice dentistry from the Medical Woman’s Advisory Council of the World’s diploma, since the majority of her male Commission, but was refused permission Columbian Dental Congress. Dr. Jones colleagues were not graduates of a dental to practice. She continued practicing and was elected to an honorary membership college.12 was prosecuted for “illegally exercising the in the Connecticut State Dental Society Dr. Hobbs opened an office in a room art of healing.” The court ruled that she in 1912 and, in 1914, to a complimentary in a little building on Fourth Street in could not be refused registration and that membership in the National Dental Cincinnati and was not left with much she had “complied with the forms required Association. Dr. Jones died in 1916 at age after the rent was paid, “only 25 cents per by law”; therefore, no punishment was 80.10 week at times kept her from starvation.” due her and she was acquitted.7 In April 1861, the Civil War broke out, Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor: 1866 and her meager business was ruined. Emeline Roberts Jones: 1859 Lucy Beaman Hobbs (Figure 2) was the She borrowed some money from a friend The first woman to establish herself first woman in the world to graduate from and moved to Bellevue, Iowa, seeking a in a regular dental practice in the United a recognized dental college. Lucy was born better location. She opened an office and States was Emeline Roberts Jones (Figure in Ellenberg, N.Y., on March 14, 1833, the the first year made enough money to buy 1) of Connecticut. In 1854, at age 17, she seventh of 10 children. Orphaned at age a new dental chair. She then moved to

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McGregor, Iowa, and people were curious article necessary to the successful practice a resolution at the American Dental to see the “woman who pulled teeth.” of the Art, together with all useful Association meeting at Saratoga, N.Y., Dr. Hobbs’ reputation grew throughout modern improvements known to the that, as the “National Delegated Body,” Iowa. In July 1865, the Iowa State Dental profession.”16 the organization should ensure the rights Society invited her to attend their In 1893, Dr. Hobbs served on the of “any woman duly qualified” as full meeting in Dubuque; and she was elected Woman’s Advisory Committee for members of organized dentistry. The to active membership, the first woman the World’s Columbian Congress held resolution was “laid on the table” and to be so honored. Its historian called the in Chicago. She died at her home in not acted on, a major setback for the admission of a woman to the society a Lawrence on Oct. 3, 1910, at age 78. In admission of women to the profession.20 “chivalrous” act.13 1993, the American Association of Women Dr. Truman believed that to say to Dr. Hobbs attended the American Dentists established the Lucy Hobbs “one-half of the human family, stitch, Dental Convention meeting in Chicago Taylor Award to recognize “significant stitch, darn stockings, make shoes for a with the Iowa delegation and met some service to dentistry and contribution to shilling, stand behind counters for two of the dental school faculty professors. society.” In 1998, Dr. Hobbs was honored or three dollars a week, do anything, The Iowa dentists made a formal appeal with a New York State historic marker.17 but don’t enter the sacred precinct that for her admission to dental college and we have marked out for our particular threatened to boycott any college that Dr. George Barker: The Opposition benefit,” was morally wrong and needed refused her admission. Finally, the Ohio Dr. George T. Barker, one of the change. He was the “first to begin the College of Dental Surgery relented and editors of Dental Times, in July 1865, contest” for the admission of women to allowed her to matriculate. She closed perhaps in response to Lucy Hobbs’ dentistry.”21 her office in McGregor; entered the election to active membership in the Iowa college in November 1865; and, because State Dental Society, published an article, Henriette Hirschfeld: 1869 of her practice experience, graduated “Dental Surgery: Should Females Practice Henriette Pagelsen Hirschfeld (Figure on Feb. 21, 1866, after only one session. It, “ in opposition to the emergence of 3) was born in 1836 at Sylt, a small island She was the first woman to receive the women in the dental profession. He wrote on the West Coast of Schleswig-Holstein, DDS degree. Following graduation, Lucy that women did not have the “mental Germany. At 19, she married but was opened an office in Chicago and in April and physical equipment” to practice separated before she was 30 because of 1867 married James M. Taylor, a Civil dentistry. The “very form and structure of her husband’s mental condition. He was War veteran. The same year, the couple woman unfit her for its duties.” He also committed to an asylum and her marriage moved to Lawrence, Kan., where her cited pregnancy and family neglect. In annulled. While in Berlin, she was husband began to study dentistry under rebuttal, the editor of the Dental Register impressed with the great need of German her guidance.14 commented: “Filling a tooth requires less children for dental care. However, there In July 1866, Dr. Hobbs read a paper, effort of mind and body than getting up a were no dental schools in Germany at the “The Use of the Mallet,” before the Iowa dinner; and the whole of dental practice is time, and therefore all dental training was State Dental Society and became the first mere play, both of mind and body, when through preceptorships. This approach did woman to address the members of a state compared with housekeeping.”18 not satisfy her desires. Her only recourse dental society. Her paper was published in was to come to the United States.22 the Dental Register, which was edited by Dr. James Truman: An Advocate Dr. Hirschfeld arrived in Philadelphia her old friend, Dr. Taft.15 On Jan. 7, 1868, Dr. James Truman in his March 1866 in 1867 alone and unknown for the Dr. Hobbs advertised in the Kansas Daily valedictory address to the graduating class purpose of studying dentistry at the Tribune: of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery. “To the Citizens of Lawrence!’ Those Surgery declared:”Talent is of no sex, color However, the dean refused to admit wishing anything done in the Dental line or clime; but it is an inheritance from the her. One anatomy professor stated will find the parlor comfortable and the Creator, given to be fully cultivated in the that he “would not teach anatomy to Operating Room always pure, and well direction that it leads.”19 a woman.” The faculty rejected her by provided with every instrument and On Aug. 6, 1869, Dr. Truman proposed “a majority vote, but two voting in her

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favor.” Fortunately for Dr. Hirschfeld, Emilie Foeking: 1873 Dr. Ramburger stated in 1884, that she Dr. James Truman interceded and Emilie Foeking (Figure 4) of Prussia had not missed a day because of illness in arrangements were made to have her was the first woman to receive a degree her 10 years of practice at her Philadelphia study anatomy at the Woman’s Medical in medicine or dentistry in Baltimore office. She felt that dentistry had given College of Philadelphia. On her first visit when she graduated from the Baltimore her the freedom from the “humiliating to the dental college, she was greeted College of Dental Surgery in 1873, after restraints” that many female occupations “with a storm of hisses” from the male attending two full courses of lectures imposed on women.28 students.23 and demonstrations and passing the Dr. Hirschfeld had received a written final examination. She had forst been Nellie E. Pooler Chapman: 1870s promise from the Prussian government refused admission to the Pennsylvania Nellie E. Pooler Chapman, born in before she left that she would be allowed College of Dental Surgery, but was taken 1847, was the first woman to practice to practice in Germany if she obtained to Baltimore to meet Dr. Ferdinand J.S. dentistry in California. Her husband, a diploma from an accredited American Gorgas, the dean of the Baltimore College Dr. Allen Chapman, trained her as an dental college. She graduated on Feb. 27, of Dental Surgery, by the aforementioned apprentice in his office at Nevada City, 1869, after taking the entire course of Dr. James Truman, who seemed to be Calif., before he left in 1861 to join the instruction (the first woman to do so as the primary advocate for women in the Nevada silver rush. This arrangement Lucy Hobbs had received credit for her dental profession. Dr. Foeking’s thesis was covered his office while he was away on practice time), and returned to Berlin and appropriately titled, “Is Woman adapted trips to the Comstock Lode. She died in opened her office. Society matrons first to the Dental profession?” Her paper was 1906. Their two sons followed them into sent their servants, then their children, published in the American Journal of dentistry.29 and finally themselves as patients. When Dental Science in April 1873. The Missouri the crown princess engaged Dr. Hirschfeld Dental Journal commented on her article Journal Debate: 1873-76 for her nursery, Dr. Hirschfeld’s success that women were “by nature much better From 1873 to 1876, various articles was assured.24 fitted” for “cooking, tailoring, etc.” and appeared in the dental press about Dr. Hirschfeld noted:”I don’t think would be unable to achieve the “highest the merits of women as dentists. The many of my professional brethren like honors as professionals.” After graduation, American Journal of Dental Science it much that the females have crept into Dr. Foeking returned to Berlin, Germany commented in 1873 that at the their privileges, but I can’t help the poor to practice.26 Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, fellows, they will have to get used to it.” “the experiment of receiving female Mothers were delighted to have her treat Annie Ramburger: 1874 students, inaugurated last session, has their children as “they place their little Annie D. Ramburger of Philadelphia proven so successful, and the effect upon ones with confidence under my charge.” was the second American woman and the male students is so beneficial, that In 1872, Henriette remarried and had the first American woman to graduate faculty are perfectly satisfied with their two children. In 1874, she took in Dr. from the Pennsylvania College of Dental action in this respect.” It added that the Louise Jacobi, an 1874 graduate of the Surgery on Feb. 28, 1874. Her thesis male members of the class behaved like Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, as a was titled, “Teeth, their Diseases and gentlemen. At the Pennsylvania College partner in her busy practice. In 1893, she Treatment.” After graduation she opened of Dental Surgery, apparently things returned to the United States to attend her office treating only women and did not run as smoothly in 1873. Three the World’s Columbian Congress as one children. The Dental Register commented female 1872 students had been refused of the 41 women dentists to serve on the that she had some “prejudice” to meet, admission to the 1873 session on the basis Woman’s Advisory Council with Emeline which she overcame. Furthermore, the that they were women and therefore, R. Jones and Lucy B. Hobbs Taylor. After editor surmised, “Three-fourths of all “not desirable students.” A newspaper establishing a woman’s clinic and hospital, operations upon the natural teeth of article, “Woman’s True Rights,” told of Dr. Hirschfeld retired in 1899. She died on ladies and children, could be just as well “a state of great internal commotion” Aug. 24, 1911, at age 77.25 done, and in a great many cases far better, and the “dissatisfaction of the male by lady operators, than by men.”27 students.” It contrasted this experience

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with the Baltimore College experience and physical aspects of the profession.33 Co., and discoverer of how to produce concluded that the Northern students However, he did believe that there was unfermented grape juice, became involved were not the same “gentlemen” the “a field in dentistry for women.” They were in the controversy toward the end of the Baltimore school had in its student body doing well in school and their record was 19th century. Welch’s opinion, which he since its enrollment was primarily from “equal to the best” male students at his stressed to the point of some readers’ the South. Finally, the Pennsylvania college. In some cases, the clinic patients distraction, was that women had “a situation reached the board of trustees, were requesting to be assigned to “one legitimate place in dentistry.”38 who decided that “a faculty once receiving of the ladies to have their teeth treated Dr. Kate C. Moody, at the banquet a student could not cast said student out or filled.” In his opinion, women should of the Illinois State Dental Society at without due cause, and, done, an action enter the profession through the role of a Quincy, Ill., in May 1889 at the Newcomb in court would be the proper remedy.” dental assistant and then go for a degree House, responded to the toast, “Women Any expulsion because of sex would not if they liked it.34 in Dentistry,” that the men “need not fear be considered. Therefore, the faculty must In England in 1887, the editor of that the ladies will create a monopoly” in “retain the women and fulfil the contract the Dental Record commented that the profession and that there was no need implied on matriculation”30 only the “exceptional woman” would of “legislation against them, crying for In 1874, a courageous Dr. J.S. Lattimer be capable of pursuing the “necessary men’s rights. There will be plenty of room proposed a resolution at the First District curriculum” required for a dental degree. for the stronger sex.”39 Dental Society of New York that dental It was beyond the limit that the “higher In 1889, the Boston Herald reported schools accept students “without regard to education’ of women, taken as a class, that a woman graduated first in her the sex” of the applicant. Some opposed could safely go.” However, the Dentists’ class at the Boston Dental College out of him on the grounds that women could be Act of 1878 did not exclude women from between 30 and 40 students. The same “better taught in separate schools.” The registering.35 year, Dr. Taft said that women were resolution was tabled indefinitely.31 Jennie Kollock Hilton, DDS, of Fort “always above the men in their classes” Atkinson, Wis., stated in 1887 that it was and that women would be “a means Jennie D. Spurrier: 1876 “the work per se, not the work per sex,” of elevating the profession.” A woman Jennie D. Spurrier of Springfield, that was commanding the “attention of an dentist, Dr. C.W. McNaughton, the vice Ohio, opened her office in January 1876. educated and discriminating public.” She president of the Michigan Dental Society, She was the first female dentist in Illinois. pointed out that not all women nor men called the female dentists “pioneers.”40 Her first patient needed an extraction, for were qualified “by nature” or “by virtue of In 1889, the problem for women which she was paid 50 cents. She had it a diploma” to become dental practitioners. in dentistry resurfaced when Dr. W.R. engraved with the date and “My First.”32 Then too, since the majority of dental Spencer of West Point, Va., wrote to the patients were women and children, was editor of Items of Interest that there The Debate Continues: 1883-87 it not fitting that “a skillful, sympathetic, seemed to be “a growing tendency among On Nov. 7, 1883, Dr. Norman Kingsley and conscientious woman” dentist should women of the present day to undertake of New York City, dean of the New York treat them.36 what may be called man’s work.” The College of Dentistry, delivered a speech Mrs. R.B. Ramsay, DDS, of Pittsburgh, dental profession had been “invaded” titled, “What is a woman? And what [are] Pa., in 1887, spoke of women having the by women dentists. “Lord deliver me her characteristics and capabilities?” “legal right to practice” in America mainly from one of these professional women.” before the American Academy of through “the efforts of a few men.” The Spencer claimed that women placed a Dental Science in Boston. He referred dental colleges were “open to them.”37 lower value on their labor and that women to the “exceptional few” women who in the workplace “would compel men and had graduated from dental college. He The 1889 Controversy women to live separately. None but the considered that there was “much in Dr. Thomas B. Welch (1825-1903), born rich’ will dare to marry.”41 Spencer dentistry which is not within the scope of the editor of the dental journals Items could not accept the role of women in the average woman” and that women were of Interest and later the Dental Brief dentistry, thinking them “depraved.” He not adapted “by nature” to the mental and and proprietor of the Welch Dental Mfg. argued that women took “no thought for

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the future” and made “no provision for a Theresa Hunt-Tyler: 1901 Other Accomplishments: 1911 family”; therefore, they did not “charge Dr. Theresa Hunt Tyler, born in 1878, In 1911, Jennie M. Taylor was the first enough,” and they “depress fees.”42 was a 1901 graduate of the Western person to go to a foreign land as a dental In rebuttal, Dr. Jennie Hilton in the Dental College in Kansas City. She became missionary. Dr. Uterpe Manta Thunis 1890 Items hoped that when he was the first resident dentist in the Oklahoma became the royal dentist for the Sultan “filling his last cavity” it would be written Territory. Dr. Tyler earned $18 her first of Turkey and received as a gift the island on his tombstone, “Here lies the last day in practice. She also provided dental of Scio. By 1911, one-half of the dental obstruction to woman dentists.”43 services to the residents of Eagle City, an students in Germany were women. By Dr. George W. Warren of Philadelphia, overnight trip, where she used a barber’s 1911, many women were dental school in an 1892 article in Items of Interest, said chair. Dr. Tyler also treated the Native faculty members, such as Anna M. Thrane, that “Education, social position, business Americans in the area’s reservations. She operative dentistry, Buffalo Dental responsibilities, or even professional retired in 1941 and died in 1972.46 College; Mrs. W.T. Eckley, Northwestern duties do not unsex the woman; they University Dental School; Alice Stevens, rather give self-control and balance and The Women’s Dental Association of the oral surgery, Northwestern University breadth in the practical affairs of life.” United States: 1892 Dental School; Mary J. Metzger, The same year, Dr. J. Holland stated In 1892, Dr. Mary Stillwell-Kuedsel Columbian Dental College, Chicago; and that “it has been proved that a woman founded the Women’s Dental Association Charlotte E. Benton, dental surgeon for can become as good a dentist as a man.” of the United States with 12 charter the New York Institute for the Deaf and He praised the work of Dr. C.G. Turner, members. The secretary listed 32 Dumb.51 the only woman to pass the New Jersey members in her report of March 4, 1893, State Board as “a skilful dentist” and “a which stated, “The women interested in M. Evangeline Jordon: Pioneer in remarkable woman.”44 dentistry in Philadelphia met in March Pediatric Dentistry 1892 to organize a society by which “There is an increasing need and Ida Gray Rollins: 1890 they could strengthen themselves by demand for good dentistry for young Ida Gray Rollins (Figure 5) was the trying to help one another.”47 In 1921, Children; not children in groups in first African American woman to receive the Federation of American Women school clinics, or other public bureaus, a dental degree in the United States. Dentists was founded at the ADA meeting but Children in private practice, where She was born sometime from 1865 to in Milwaukee, Wis. The name changed advantage of every device at hand should 1867 in Tennessee but grew up and to American Association of Women be taken to promote the highest welfare attended school in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dentists. Dr. Evangeline Jordan was of the little children.” -- M. Evangeline graduating from high school in 1887. the AAWD’s first president. By 1988, Jordon, 192752 She matriculated at the University of the roster had grown to 2,000 out of an Dr. M. Evangeline Jordon was born Michigan Dental School in 1887 and estimated 9,000 women dentists in the in Illinois in 1865. In 1885, her family graduated in 1890. She practiced in United States.48 moved to San Bernardino County, Calif., Cincinnati but married James S. Nelson, In 1870, there were 24 female dentists where she taught school. In 1897, after an accountant and attorney, in 1895 in the United States; in 1880, there were working as a dental assistant during her and moved to Chicago. Her husband, 61; in 1890, there were 337; and by 1900, summer vacations, she decided to enter a Spanish-American and World War I there were 807 women dentists practicing the School of Dentistry at the University veteran, died in 1926; and she remarried in the United States.49 As late as 1905, of of California. She graduated in 1898. She in 1929 to become Mrs. William A. 25 dental schools surveyed by Dr. Edwin went into general practice, but soon began Rollins, but was better known as Dr. Ida T. Darby of Philadelphia, 19 replied and to limit her practice to children. She thus N. Rollins. She was still practicing in only 12 of those took women students. became the first pediatric dentist in the the 1930s and died on May 3, 1953. Her Dr. Darby concluded from his study that United States.53 tombstone read: “ Dr. Ida Gray Nelson there was “a place for women in dental In 1900, Dr. Jordon was selected by Rollins, 1st Negro Woman Dentist in practice.”50 the dean of the University of Southern America.”45 California’s dental department to develop

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1868-1910. np, (February 1993). a lecture course on children’s dentistry. Conclusion 17. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in dentistry, pp 1739-40; Obituary, Dr. Lucy B. Taylor. Dent She also started a clinical program for the On July 1, 1975, Dr. Jeanne C. Cosmos 52:1315, 1910; Luz, New York honors Dr. Lucy Hobbs dental students at the Orphan’s Home in Sinkford became the first woman dean of Taylor, p 14. Los Angeles. In 1923, Dr. Jordon began a dental school when she was appointed 18. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in dentistry, pp 1745-47. publishing her book on pediatric dentistry the dean of Howard University, School 19. Ibid, p 1747. as articles in Dental Items of Interest. It of Dentistry.57 In 1991, Dr. Geraldine 20. Ibid, p 1748; Park E, Minutes of the transactions, in Trans was published in 1927. In her introduction, T. Morrow became the first woman Am Dent Assoc, Chicago, Rand, McNally & Co, 1870, p 23. 21. Dr. James Truman, and lady dentists. Items of Interest Dr. Jordon stated: “Dental caries is a president of the American Dental 11:530, 1889. preventable disease of childhood, due to Association.58 In 1997, Dr. Hazel J. 22. Truman J, Henriette Hirschfeld (Henriette Tiburtius) DDS, incorrect diet and lack of hygiene.” She Harper became president of the National and the women dentists of 1866-73. Dent Cosmos 53:1380-1, 1911. predicted that caries could be eradicated Dental Association.59 Despite these 23. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in in a generation.54 achievements, women dentists’ income dentistry, p 1740; Women in dentistry. (Elizabeth Cady Stanton, In 1921, Dr. Jordon was instrumental ranges “from 58 percent to 75 percent of Susan B. Anthony, and Matilda Joslyn Gage, History of Woman Suffrage, vol 3 [New York, Charles Mann, 1886?]), quoted in in the organization of the Federation of male dentists.”60 Therefore, there is still Odontographic J 7:41, 1886. American Women Dentists (renamed room for progress for women in dentistry, 24. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in the Association of Women Dentists in and the future is now. dentistry, p 1741. 1928) and was its first president. She also 25. Ibid, p 1742. References 26. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in encouraged Dr. Samuel D. Harris to form 1. Taylor LH, The early women in dentistry. Dent Register 48:31, dentistry, 1753; Stanton, et al, Women in Dentistry, pp 41-42; a pediatric dental society, the American 1894; Kaplis NA, Women in dentistry: in the forefront. Diamond Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. Dent Cosmos 15:247, Society of Dentistry for Children, in 1927. (Temple Univ. School of Dentistry Alumnae) 1:10, 1992. 1873; Journalistic. Mo Dent J 5:230-1, 1873. 2. First woman who got up her nerve to go to a dentist: dental 27. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in Dr. Jordon retired in 1928 and died in forceps, made 2000 B.C. for beautiful Sen-Hopet and found in dentistry, 1755; Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery. Dent 1952\.55 Egyptian ruins, are being displayed in the Field Museum. Am Cosmos 16:191, 1874; A lady DDS Dent Register 30:410, 1876. Dent J 10:np, (15 November), 1912. 28 Ramburger AD, Women in the dental profession. Dent 3. Taylor JA, History of dentistry:A practical treatise for the Practitioner 2:64, 1884. Helen E. Myers: 1951, The First Woman use of dental students and practitioners. Lea & Febiger, 29. Giangrego E, AAWD: a voice for women in dentistry. JADA Army Dental Officer Philadelphia, 1922, p 28. 117:442, 1988. Helen E. Myers of Lancaster, Pa., 4. A double extraction. Dent Student 46:154, 1967. 30. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in 5. Kaplis, Women in dentistry, pp 9-10. dentistry, pp 1752-3; Truman, Henriette Hirschfeld, pp 1384-85. a 1941 graduate of Temple University, 6. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in 31. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in was commissioned as the Army Dental dentistry: 1855-1880. J Am Dent Assoc 15:1735, 1928. dentistry, pp 1753-54. Corps’ first woman dental officer in 1951. 7. Bebb W, Early record of a woman dentist (Gazette Medical 32. Spurrier JS, Pioneer women in dentistry. Dent Office & Belge.). Quoted in Pacific Dent Gazette 30:664, 1922. Laboratory, 4th ser, 19:130-1, 1905. The exigencies of the Korean War made 8. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in 33. Kingsley NW, Woman: extract from an oration, delivered it necessary for the U.S. government dentistry, p 1736. before the American Academy of Dental Science. Dent to resort to this method of filling up 9. Ibid, 1736-37; Street EA, Emelene Roberts Jones: Pioneer Advertiser 15:44-48, 1884; P, CN, Woman [Norman W. Kingsley]. woman dentist. Dent Cosmos 65:991, 1923. Dent Practitioner 2:28, 1884. the Army’s medical staff to care for its 10. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in 34. P, CN. Woman [Norman W. Kingsley], p 29. casualties and expanded strength. Capt. dentistry, pp 1736-37. 35. Dental education of females. Dent Record 7:517, 1887. Myers reported for duty to Fort Lee, Va., 11. Kinsler MS, The American woman dentist: A brief historical 36. Hilton JK, Woman in dentistry. Dent Register 41:525, 27, review from 1855 through 1968. Bull Hist Dent 17:28-29, 1969; 1887. on March 21, 1951, the first of her sex to Luz C, New York honors Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor. ADA News 37. Ramsay RB, Women in dentistry. (Items of Interest), quoted be so commissioned. She was a member 30:14, 1999. in Br J Dent Sci 30:528, 1887. of the AWD. Her War Department orders 12. Adair WG, Sketch of Lucy Hobbs Taylor, DDS. J Ohio State 38. Howard JW, A small skirmish in the battle of the sexes: T.B. Dent Assoc 23:89, 1949; Federation of American Women Welch and women in dentistry. JADA 90:311-12, 1975. stated: “As officers on active duty, women Dentists, Women in dentistry, p 1737. 39. The Banquet. In Trans Illinois State Dent Soc. HD Justi, dentists appointed in the Reserve will be 13. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in Chicago, 1889, p 161. given the same opportunities for clinical dentistry, 1738; Cooke TF, Iowa State Dental Association, in 40. A woman dentist. (Boston Herald), quoted in Items History of Dental Surgery, edited by Charles R.E. Koch, vol. 2. of Interest11:470, 1889; Robinson, Woman’s work in the practice and advancement now available National Art Publishing Co, Fort Wayne, Ind, 1910, p 905. profession, 578; Progress of women in dentistry. Br J Dent Sci to male officers in comparable grades. The 14. Federation of American Women Dentists, Women in 32:771, 1889. pay, allowances, and retirement benefits dentistry, p 1739; Adair, sketch of Lucy Hobbs Taylor, p 89. 41. Spencer WR, Women dentists. Items of Interest 21:541, 15. Adair, Sketch of Lucy Hobbs Taylor, 89; Hobbs LB, The use 1889. which accrue to male officers also apply to of the mallet. Dent Register 20:483-86, 1866. 42. Howard, Women in dentistry, p 312. women dental reservists.”56 16. Armitage KH, Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor, Lawrence dentist, 43. Ibid, pp 312-13.

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44. Warren GW, Women as Dentists. Items of Interest 14:398, 1892; Holland J, A woman dentist. Items of Interest 14:567, 569, 1892. 45. Kidd F, ed, Profile of the Negro in American Dentistry. Howard University Press, Washington, DC, 1979, pp 47-48. 46. Giangrego, AAWD: a voice for women in dentistry, pp 445. 47. Lee JW, Women impact dentistry. J Mass Dent Soc 40:114- 15, 1991. 48. Ibid, p 115; AAWD: a voice for women in dentistry. JADA 117:441, 1988. 49. Haag FN, Women in dentistry. Dent Cosmos 53:1146, 1148, 1911. 50. Darby ET, A Field for Women in Dental Practice. (Dent Cosmos), quoted in Pacific Dent Gazette 13:690, 694, 1905. 51. Haag, Women in dentistry, p 1143. 52. Jordon ME. Operative Dentistry for Children. Dental Items of Interest, Brooklyn, NY, 1927, p ix. 53. Loevy HT, M. Evangeline Jordon: pioneer in pedodontics. Bull Hist Dent 32:19, 1984. 54. Loevy, M. Evangeline Jordon, pp 20, 21; Jordon ME, Operative Dentistry for Children, pp vii, x. 55. Loevy M. Evangeline Jordon, p 25 56. US Army, First woman dentist in army to report for duty March 21. Press release, Department of Defense, Office of Public Information, Washington, DC, 1951. For a detailed history of the origin of women in the US Army Dental Corps, see Hyson JM, Female dentists in the US Army: The origins. Mil Med 160:57-62, 1995. 57. Kidd, Profile of the Negro in American Dentistry, p 18; Niessen LC, Kleinman DV, and Wilson AA, Practice characteristics of women dentists. JADA 113:883, 1986. 58. Lee JW, Women impact dentistry. J Mass Dent Society, 40:120, 1991. 59. Dummett CO and Dummett LD, NDII: The Story of America’s Second National Dental Association. National Dental Association Foundation, Washington, DC, 2000, pp 274-75. 60. Kaplis, Women in dentistry, p 10 To request a printed copy of this article, please contact John M. Hyson, Jr., DDS, MS, MA, 31 S. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201-1504 or [email protected].

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