Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month and at Krengel Dental we want to shine light on those who have made dentistry a more diverse field. To celebrate, we have put together a list of black pioneers who have made an influential change as dentists.

  • Ida Nelson Rollins 

Born: Clarksville, TN in 1867

Influence: Rollins was the first black woman to become a dentist in the United States. After earning her doctoral degree in dentistry, she began assisting Jonathon Taft, a dentist who advocated for women in the field. She became the first black woman to open a dental practice in Cincinnati and Chicago. 

  • William Thomas Jefferson

Born: Washington D.C. in 1864

Influence: Jefferson finished his studies in dentistry at 22 and joined the army shortly after. As a lieutenant, he was dedicated to overseeing the dental health of soldiers. While in the military, he owned a dental surgery and made efforts with the U.S. government for black men in dental practice. 

  • Robert T. Freeman

Born: Washington D.C. in 1846

Influence: A son of a slave, Freeman was one of the first six people to enter Harvard?s dentist program and was the first African American to receive a doctoral dental degree in 1869. 

  • George F. Grant

Born: Oswego, NY in 1846

Influence: Grant was also a son of slave parents who grew up assisting the resident dentist in his town. He attended Harvard for dentistry and later became the school’s first black professor. Fun fact: he also invented the wooden golf tee.  

These dentists all paved way for minorities who wanted to pursue dentistry at a time when political and cultural change was needed. Thank you for celebrating Black History Month with us at Krengel Dental. If you have any questions or want to set up an appointment, call us at (952) 888-1311.