Situated prominently on North University Avenue, the School of Dentistry is a beacon of excellence in dental education, patient care, and scientific research. Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the school has a storied tradition of being among the top dental schools globally since its foundation in 1875. This milestone highlights the school’s longstanding commitment to innovation and leadership in the field of dentistry.
From its inception, the school prioritized producing well-rounded dentists with a strong scientific foundation. During the early years of organized dentistry, the lack of textbooks led University of Michigan professors and graduates to create them, developing innovative treatment techniques and exploring the science of oral health and its connection to overall well-being. This tradition of leadership and innovation continues to be integral to the School of Dentistry’s identity.
Dean Jacques Nör remarked on the significance of the anniversary: “Anniversaries like this are important because they prompt us to take time amid our busy schedules to pause and reflect about where we started, how far we’ve come and where we want to go moving forward.” Dental advancements such as digital imaging and advanced materials would astonish the school’s early faculty and students.
Historically, students initially attended the School of Dentistry without electricity, relying on natural light for procedures. Early dental chairs were positioned near windows to maximize available sunlight, a stark contrast to today’s advanced dental technologies. Current students benefit from modern conveniences such as electric drills and safe X-ray machines.
The School of Dentistry has been recognized for its leadership across various dental specialties, including prosthodontics, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Its research is frequently funded by federal grants and contributes significantly to oral health sciences. Annually, over 222,000 patient procedures are performed by students and faculty, serving patients from nearly all of Michigan’s 83 counties.
Through its Community-Based Collaborative Care and Education program, the school requires students to complete rotations at community clinics statewide, including Victors for Veterans clinics for military veterans. Additionally, the Global Initiatives in Oral and Craniofacial Health program sends students abroad to collaborate with international dental providers.
Over the years, the school has conferred 12,062 Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees since 1876 and 3,460 Dental Hygiene degrees and certificates since 1921. As Dean Nör notes, predicting the future of dentistry is challenging, yet the school’s legacy ensures its leadership continues into the future, solidifying its role in advancing the profession.
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