Dear History Lover,

      Dating back 63,000 years ago, archeologists discovered fossilized Neanderthal teeth with grooves, suggesting evidence of dental hygiene. While some form of “chew stick" was used, it was not until 1498 that a bristle toothbrush was recorded as having been invented in China.

        Perhaps the evolution of dentistry took time because many people were, and continue to be, afraid of it. A 2013 National Institute of Health study posited that “36% of the United States' population exhibits dental anxiety, while 12% exhibits extreme dental fear," indicating that 1 in 10 people panic at the thought of a dentist. And yet, for all those who avoid the dentist, Lucy Beaman Hobbs did everything in her power to become one. This pearly-white pioneer persisted through prejudice, financial woes, and a ruinous War Between the States to earn the distinction of ‘First Woman Dentist’ in the world.

     Born 14 March 1833, Lucy was raised in Ellenburg, NY (Clinton County). At age 16, Lucy gained employment as an educator, teaching for a decade, and discovering a passion for helping people beyond the classroom. Apprenticing to a physician with hopes of attending the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, Lucy's college application was denied. She was applying a full ten years before programs like Boston Female Medical College (1848) and the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (1850) were established.

      Fortunately, Lucy made an impression on the President of the Eclectic Medical College, who advised that she pursue dentistry. Unfortunately, many dentists were hesitant to mentor her, fearing it ruinous to their careers. However, one fearless physician Dr. Samuel Wardle invited Lucy to his practice, offering a post and an opportunity to apprentice with other students. During the day, Lucy worked for Dr. Wardle, and at night, she worked as a seamstress to support herself. She continued to apply to schools and continued to receive rejections. Dr. Wardle advised her to practice without a medical degree. On his advice, Lucy procured a small office on 4th St., in Downtown Cincinnati, and opened her own practice on 14 March 1861, her 28th birthday. For all her planning and persistence, Lucy was bombarded by poor timing and poorer luck. A month after her practice opened, Confederates fired upon Fort Sumter off Charleston, SC, and a War Between the States commenced. With the emphasis now on war, there was a neglect of dental hygiene. Facing debt, Lucy was forced to close her new practice and moved to McGregor, IA, where it took time before she could finally turn a profit.

“People were amazed when they learned that a young girl had so far forgotten her womanhood as to want to study dentistry.”

- Lucy Hobbs

      With her reputation growing in Iowa, Lucy attracted the attention of Dr. Luman Church Ingersoll; an influential dentist who would become the first Dean of the State University of Iowa College of Dentistry. He extended Lucy an invitation to join the Iowa State Dental Society. Utilizing the professional network, Lucy befriended powerhouses within the industry, which, at that time, saw no other woman in professional practice. A new acquaintance, Dr. Jonathan Taft, used his influence to admit Lucy to dental school. In November 1865, Lucy Hobbs was finally admitted to the Ohio College of Dental Surgery and would graduate as the first woman in the world to earn a degree in Dentistry. 

      After graduating, Lucy relocated to Chicago and met her future husband-- a former patient-- James M. Taylor. A Civil War veteran, James worked as a railroad car painter. It is said that Lucy taught James dentistry, inviting him to apprentice under her. Seeking to escape the harsh Chicago winters, the couple moved to Lawrence, KS, where Lucy practiced dentistry until retiring in 1887. The first female dentist celebrated 26 years in professional practice and retired at the tender age of 54. Each year, the American Association of Women Dentists recognizes an outstanding woman with the Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award and honors female dentists internationally. On this, the final day of "National Oral Health Month" (it's true!), we want to thank our dentists. Make history and don't forget to floss.

Historically yours,