THE WORLD’S FIRST DENTAL HYGIENIST
Where Did It All Begin?
By 1910, the Ohio College of Dental Surgery began offering a course for dental hygienists. Unfortunately, many of the existing dentists in the state strongly opposed the formal training school, so even though they had completed their coursework, hygienists struggled to find clinics where they could practice. While the school did eventually close a couple years later, Fones continued training on his own. In the end, he trained 97 dental hygiene students, all of whom were finally licensed and allowed to practice. Fast-forward a century, and today’s hygienists can offer patients more treatment than the first “dental nurses” probably ever thought possible. They carry out their own minor procedures, including polishing and stain and tartar removal, and they can also conduct inspections to update the dentist on any upcoming issues. Many of them can also carry out the preliminary work for fitting braces or take molds of teeth before reconstructive surgery is performed. All in all, both dentists and patients are fortunate that dental hygienists have taken such huge strides in their field over the last 100 years. Next time you see your hygienist, be sure to give them a big thanks for all they do!
While many dental offices are named after the dentist, most will tell you that their hygienists are an essential part of their practice. In fact, patients often build the best relationships with their hygienists due to the frequency of their cleanings. Despite the significant role they play in modern practices, a lot of people might be surprised to learn that, compared to the overall origin of dentistry, the induction of hygienists into the industry is relatively recent.
“Dental nurses,” as they were known at the time, began to provide prophylaxis treatment as a means to prevent disease in the late 1880s. Then, in 1906, an Ohio dentist named Alfred C. Fones trained his assistant, Irene Newman, to act as an apprentice so she could scale and polish his patients’ teeth. Interestingly, Fones openly despised the title “dental nurse,” so he dubbed Newman the world’s first “dental hygienist.”
Have a Laugh!
Grilled Beef Ribs
Inspired by Saveur magazine
• 1 5-lb. rack of beef ribs • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste Ingredients
Directions
1. Heat a charcoal, wood-burning, or gas grill to medium high. Once heated, move heat source to one side or turn off half of the burners to create an indirect heat zone. 2. Season ribs with salt and pepper and char on the hotter side of the grill, turning occasionally, for 12–15 minutes. Once charred, transfer to the other side of grill and cook until the thickest part of the rib reaches 130 F, about 2 1/2–3 hours.
3. Let meat rest for 15 minutes. If desired, serve alongside grilled veggies.
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