150 Years of Excellence: The School of Dentistry’s Impact on Dental Education and Innovation
Situated prominently on North University Avenue, the School of Dentistry has consistently pushed the boundaries of dental education and clinical practice since its establishment. Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the school takes pride in its rich history of scientific advancement and educational excellence.
In its early days, the school aimed to produce well-rounded dentists with a deep understanding of the scientific principles underpinning dental care. University of Michigan professors and alumni contributed to early dental literature by writing textbooks and developing new treatment methodologies, paving the way for modern dentistry.
This tradition of leadership and innovation is alive and well today, deeply embedded in the school’s culture. Dean Jacques Nör reflects, “It is a thought-provoking exercise to consider our school’s origins in that vastly different era a century and a half ago, and then fast forward to our mission and methods today.” Anniversaries, he adds, are opportunities to reflect on the past and plan for the future.
The technological advances in dentistry today would astonish the early faculty and students of the school. Digital imaging and modern surgical techniques are far removed from the days when students relied on natural light for procedures due to the lack of electricity. Historical photos depict students working by windows, highlighting the challenges faced in the absence of modern conveniences.
Remarkably, the first 21 graduating classes experienced dentistry without electricity, using window light as their primary illumination source. Today’s students and faculty benefit from technology that was unimaginable then, avoiding outdated equipment like foot-powered drills and early X-ray machines.
The School of Dentistry has been at the forefront of dental advancements, from a wide range of specialties like prosthodontics and orthodontics to groundbreaking research funded by federal grants. Annually, the school conducts over 222,000 procedures, serving patients across Michigan’s 83 counties.
Moreover, the Community-Based Collaborative Care and Education program mandates third- and fourth-year students to practice in community clinics statewide, including those serving U.S. veterans. The Global Initiatives in Oral and Craniofacial Health program extends this service internationally, as students collaborate with global dental communities.
Since its inception, the school has awarded 12,062 Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees and 3,460 Dental Hygiene degrees and certificates. With the addition of various specialty and Ph.D. programs, the number of graduates has surged over the decades.
As the field of dentistry continues to evolve, questions about the future remain. Dean Nör states, “That is as difficult to predict today as it was in 1875, but the historical legacy of the dental school is that our faculty, students and staff have led the way in advancing the profession of dentistry from the very start.” The school remains steadfast in its commitment to lead dental innovation into the future.
