Dental group's history deeply rooted in state - OKC, OK - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

A statue in OKC celebrates the Centennial of both the state of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Dental Association. Dr. Pierre Fauchard is the subject of this sculpture that was sculpted by a dentist himself!

Article text:

The state's first dental office was opened in 1885 by Dr. J.E. Wright in the Choctaw nation hamlet of Savanna near what now is McAlester, but several years would pass before the Oklahoma Dental Association was formed.

A handful of dentists in the 1890s had portable dental equipment carried by horse and buggy from one small town to another.

They often found working conditions less than ideal, according to association historians.

Dr. Theresa Hunt's 1901 practice in Watonga was sandwiched between two saloons, and her patients often showed up inebriated. Once a patient drew a gun on Hunt, demanding she hand over the false teeth she had made for him without being paid.

The Oklahoma Territorial Dental Association was formed in 1891, and the Indian Territory Association in 1903. With the advent of statehood, one inclusive association was believed to be in order. So during a joint session of the two groups in June 1907, the Oklahoma Dental Association was formed.

‘Time to celebrate'

Now with 1,500 members, the Oklahoma Dental Association is celebrating its centennial milestone.

Association leaders are paying tribute to 100 years of representing members of the dental profession in Oklahoma and the patients they serve, and to 100 years of advancing the art and science of dentistry.

"When an organization reaches 100 years of service, it's a time to celebrate,” said Dr. William Beasley of Oklahoma City.

To commemorate its centennial, the association commissioned a life-size sculpture of French physician Dr. Pierre Fauchard, who is universally recognized as the "father of modern dentistry.”

Dr. Gary Gardner, a past state association president, sculpted a statue of Fauchard that was placed at association headquarters, 317 NE 13.

"The 100 years are significant because it's an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, reflect on history and struggles, and it's also a vision into the future — the next 100 years,” said Dr. Krista Jones, association president from Edmond.

Type of publication: Internet Only When was the article reported?: 09/16/2007 Publication: News OK Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: local News Category: Health/Medicine

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