University of Maryland School of Pharmacy - Terra Mariae Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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J. Ben Robinson, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. Dean of the School of Dentistry 4 25 -

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The first dental Instruction ever ofTered in a medical school was given by Dr. Hayden to the medical students of the University of Maryland in 1838. At that time a very strong plea was made for the creation of a chair of dentistry in the University of Maryland, Medical School. This request was denied by the Faculty of the Medical School and in that act dent- istry was ordained to become a separate and independent specialty of medicine. Hayden and Harris immediately undertook the task of organizing an independent school. This effort resulted in the Maryland Legislature chartering the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, the first dental school in the world. The charter was issued February 1, 1840; the first lec- tures were given November 5, 1840, and the first class graduated in March, 1841, The first faculty was composed of Dr. Hayden, President; Dr. Harris, Dean; Dr. Thomas E. Bond and Dr. H. Willis Baxley. The first diploma was issued to Dr. Robert Arthur of Baltimore. The College has graduated a class every year to the present. 3,608 graduates having received diplomas during the period. One of the most valuable resources of any profession is its literature. Up to the Nine- teenth Century little had been written on subjects of dentistry, and what was in print was mainly in the French or German languages. It is claimed the first work published in this country was by a New York dentist. The second contribution was by B. T. Longbottom of Baltimore, published in 1802. We are unable to find any record of Longbottom as a prac- ticing dentist, other than the text referred to. The first original text published in this country for the use of the profession exclusively was that written by Chapin A. Harris, of Baltimore, in 18 ' 38, the title of which was The Dental Art, a Practical Treatise on Dental Surgery. This text passed through many editions and is today a valuable reference work in all libraries. There are two copies of this text, autographed by the author in the library of the School of Dentistry. As early as 18P Dr. Hayden urged the organization of American dentists into an asso- ciation. While he failed at the time to create sufficient interest among dentists to accomplish his purpose, he maintained his faith in the need for such an organization. He lived to see his hopes realized, but not until 1840. The preliminary work necessary to the first meeting was completed by Hayden and Harris. The first meeting was held in New York in 1840, which resulted in a permanent organization, with Dr. Havden as President, and Dr. Harris, Sec- retary. An eminent American, writing of Hayden about the time of his death, said When he (Hayden), shall have been forgotten as a dental practitioner and physiologist, he will be remembered by his professional successors as the Father of the American Society of Dental Surgeons. As a man of science and an eminent practitioner none stands higher either in this or any other country. Dr. Hayden continued as President of the American Society until his death, in 1844. What is the contribution? Hayden was the first dentist ever licensed to practice his profession. Harris wrote the first textbook on dentistr ' and edited the first dental journal. Hayden proposed the first dental society, was its first president, while Hams was its first secretary. Hayden delivered the first dental lectures in a medical school, and with Harris, organized the first dental school in the world. America is looked upon as the home of modern Oral Surgery and today leads the world in the progre,ss of the art and science of dentistry. Of the many distinguished Americans who have unselfishly contributed most to its improvements, the names of Hayden and Harris stand first. J. BtN Robinson. D.D.S., F.A.C.D. ■■• 24 } •

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Dental School Faculty -4 26 )=►-