University of Maryland Baltimore Dental School - Mirror Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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RAYMOND ALLEX PEARSOX, M.S.. LL.D. President of the L ' nhrrsitv 15

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ALBERT C. RITCHIE, z .B,, LL.B., LL.D. Governor of the Free State of Mar land 14

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DR. HORACE H. HAYDEN AXD His Influence on Dental Education By Dean J. Ben Robinson The chartering of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1840 was not an extein])oraneous expression of a desire to provide dental educational opportuni- ties to those about to begin the practice of dentistry, but the ultimate fulfillment of an absorbing purpose to elevate dentistry through improved educational stand- ards and greater scientific attainments of those engaged in its practice. It was more than a casual purpose ; it was an ideal which served for more than forty years to actuate Dr. Horace H. Hayden, one of the most profound characters among the great in the annals of dentistry. This ideal was expressed in the thought that dentistry is a worthy branch of he healing art. equal in importance and entitled to the same consideration as any other medical specialty : and for one to qualify as a practitioner of oral surgery his scientific attainments should compare favorably with the educated physician. In harmony with this ideal Dr. Hayden devoted himself to a mastery of the medical sciences, applied his energies, conformed his practice and directed his great purpose toward improving the science and art of dentistry. He personified the attributes of a learned scientific profession and laid the foundation upon which the superstructure of independent dentistry has been erected. There is a false impression per -ading the atmosphere of dental histor - insinu- ating that Dr. Hayden lacked a background of medical training which would qualify him to begin the practice of dentistry with a full appreciation of its medical signifi- cance. This misconception finds excuse in a statement made by Dr. Chapin A. Harris, which has been carelessly and thoughtlessly handled because of its romantic appeal. The reference alluded to follows : While in New York he had occasion to call on Mr. Greenwood, a dentist, for his professional aid. While under treat- ment, the thought suddenl} ' struck him that he would like to be a dentist. He, therefore, immediately procured the few books which were then accessible and not apprehending any deficiency in mechanical skill, he directed his course south- ward in quest of a location arriving in Baltimore, 1804. Suddenly and immediately appearing in this text have caused readers to conclude that Hayden ' s entry into the profession was precipitate. Anyone with a knowledge of Dr. Hay- den ' s profound belief in education can regard the loose construction placed on this statement only as ridiculous fancy. There are no recorded facts which accurately portray his scientific accomplishments at the time of his arrival in Baltimore. It is therefore necessary for us to take fragmentary evidence and deduce conditions which could reasonably have existed to provide the scientific attainments which Dr. Hayden possessed. The date of Hayden ' s visit to Mr. Greenwood was fixed by Chapin Harris as 1792, while the time of his arrival in Baltimore is referred to as 1804. The latter date is known to be incorrect. Evidence points to 1800 as the probable year of his arrival. If Hayden arrived in Baltimore as early as 1800 where and how had he spent his time from the year 1792 when The thought suddenly struck him that he would like to be a dentist, Harris goes on to sav, To this end he commenced 16